Top Five Books of 2011

So I have read so many new books this year that I have had trouble remembering them all, but as we near the end of the year I wanted to let you guys know the books I loved the most this year. I'm not including books that are in a series unless they are the first as otherwise I'm never going to get this list below about fifty let alone down to five! If you haven't read them yet, they're something to consider buying in the end of year sales and if you have read them then please fan-girl along with me.

5. Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

I saw the cover of this book and even before I read the description or anything about it I was laughing. And the laughter didn't stop the entire way through, despite not being an easy person to make laugh. This book was one of the weirdest I've ever read but it has made this list as it is absolute genius.

4. Wither by Lauren DeStefano

This was one of the first dystopians I read apart from the Hunger Games and it sent me into a bit of a craze for them (which this list totally reflects). While neither hugely action packed nor cheerful, I fell in love with the story and the characters. But for me, one of the highlights of this book is Lauren DeStefano's gorgeous prose. 

3. Anna and the French Kiss AND Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Yes, yes I know it's cheating to put them together which technically means I have six books on this list instead of the promised five. But guys, I couldn't help it! They're both so awesome and possibly some of my most read books as I re-read them whenever

I'm feeling sad.

2. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

This book  is so incredibly unique. Seriously. It pulled me into the story and Juliettes head and as odd a place as that was to be, I didn't want the book to end and for me to have to leave. The writing was poetic and lyrical and beautiful. Not to mention how deeply I fell in love with Adam.

And....

1. Divergent by Veronica Roth

This was my favourite book for the year hands down. I've read and re-read it and then read it again. I've reccomended it and gifted it and scared randoms in bookstores by trying to force them to read it. Full of action as well as romance I could not recommend this book more. With all the layers of secret and mystery in Divergent, it is truly a page turner that I will never be able to forget. I need --need I tell you-- Insurgent NOW! Or as soon as I can get my hands on it at least. 
 

So there you have it, my top five (shut up about the sixth) books of the year. I started to add a list of books that narrowly missed the list but it got too long! I can't wait to read the books of 2012 with all the awesomeness that seems to be coming!

Merry Christmas everyone, I hope you got lots of books and have a Happy New Year!

Laura H

Cast your votes in the 2011 Swoon Awards!

So the nominations are in and voting is now open. It's time to cast your votes!

And just in case you forgot by voting you will be entered in the giveaway to win one of two copies of the book containing the Major Swoon of the Year!  Just vote below for your chance to win! There are just under two weeks for you to vote on the following categories:

Major Swoon

Girl Crush

The Funny Guy

The Bad Boy

The Good Guy

Best Boyfriend Material

Best Kiss

Best Couple

Awww moment

Legend by Marie Lu

Legend by Marie Lu

29 November 2011,

Penguin Razorbill,

295 pages

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

(Taken from Goodreads) 

Legend is the story of a boy who through circumstances and his own choices is the Republics most wanted criminal and the story of a girl who is the top military prodigy. And as different as you'd initially think their stories would have to be, Marie Lu has sewn them seamlessly together into this extremely fast paced and compelling book.

I heard so many good things about this book before I even got my hands on it that I wasn't sure it would even have a chance of living up to my expectations. Then I started reading. It turned out this was the least of my problems. The bigger problem was putting it down again. Seriously, to get me to do anything but read Legend this weekend you would've had to surgically remove it from my hands.

Guiding you through this you have the alternating perspectives of June and Day, which helps give such a unique insight into this dystopian world. June is sheltered and naive about what's going on around her but is sharper than a pin and is one of the smartest, strongest female characters I have read. On the other end of the spectrum is Day who has been toughened by his experiences and circumstances yet still manages to trust and love and hope. These characters are both lovable and infuriating and the way the story is told made me feel as though Marie Lu was the puppeteer jerking the strings on my emotions.

With just enough romance to leave you wanting more and an ending that will have you begging for the second book I can not reccomend this book higher! 

4/5 - I lost a lot of sleep so as to finish reading this book.  

Laura H 

IMM: In My Mailbox (1)

So this is our first In My Mailbox!

In My Mailbox is a weekly feature started by The Story Siren to showcase the books you've received, bought, borrowed or otherwise got that week!

BOUGHT:

1. Legend by Marie Lu

2. Crave by Melissa Darnell

3. Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan

4. Dreamland by Sarah Dessen

I can't wait to get into these! Specifically Legend by Marie Lu which I think I might just go start now...

Don't forget to nominate your picks for the 2011 Swoon Awards! Jo-Anne has posted some of the top contenders here, so make sure your favourites are on the list! Also, by nominating you gain the chance to win the book starring the Major Swoon of the Year winner! Just click here to enter.

Laura H

2011 Swoon Awards

So this year, a fellow Australian blogger has decided to run a 2011 Swoon awards and has asked me to co-host with her! You can find her awesome blog here:  http://cottoncandyreviews.blogspot.com/

We want to know who your favourite boys were this year. The ones who made you sigh, swoon or cry in YA books. You have two weeks for nominations before voting will open up for the top nominations. For your chance to win the featured Major Swoon of 2011 fill in the form below with your Young Adult nominations. The giveaway is international and the book will be shipped by the book depository to the winner.

All nominees must be from books published between 1st Dec 2010 and 31st Dec 2011. And nominations are now open. The nominations will be open from 20/11 to 4/12 and then voting will begin.

So here are the categories:

Major Swoon of 2011

Girl Crush

The funny guy

The bad boy

The good guy

Best boyfriend material

Best kiss

Favourite couple

Awww moment



 

Hello Internet!

... or at least people who may possibly use the internet to read this. And if you have, thank you!

So as this is the first post on our blog I feel I should probably tell you about the two people who are going to be blogging here.

First of all, there is Laura K, sometimes known as LadyKilljoy on twitter. She lives in the US and loves to read, obviously and I'm going to let her tell you more about herself the next time she posts!

And then there is me, Laura H. Yes we're both called Laura. I live in Australia and read way too much for the good of my studies. I'm a high school student who puts off homework that was due a few days ago to read my favourite book that I've already read twenty times again. I specifically love YA books and am a bit of a closet romantic.

We hope to be able to post our thoughts on the books we read her and hear what anyone else has to say in return!

Thanks,
Laura H