StarCrossed
I have been a fan of Bunce's work since A Curse Dark as Gold
Anna and the French Kiss
This book has all of the fixings for the ideal YA romance novel without being dumbed down or too cliché. It's charming, funny, and just so, so perfect. Plus, the Parisian setting is not only totally romantic and magical, but it also manages to be a little educational--despite my French language classes, I even learned a couple of things about Paris. Stephanie Perkins is definitely an author to watch--her next book, Lola and the Boy Next Door
Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters
Every so often a book comes along that is so different and quirky and just plain lovable that you can't help but gush about it, and this is it. The Sullivan family is so wacky and entertaining, and these sisters are so honest and endearing, you can't help but fall in love with them. The unique confession-letter format and Standiford's style will make it impossible for you to put this one down.
Birthmarked
This is probably one of my favorite dystopian novels to release in 2010. The world and the flawed society is very well-drawn, the mystery is so absorbing, the action is tense and suspenseful, and there is one heck of a code to break. I love the surprises O'Brien throws in at the end, and I am eager to see what's up next for her--hopefully something soon in 2011!
Revolution
Oh, what can I say about this book? It's a novel about the French Revolution, and what is so remarkable about it is how flawlessly Donnelly connects the past with the present. There are so many little details and plots with subplots and subplots with subplots, but yet it is never confusing, and everything comes together seamlessly in the end. Donnelly is an extraordinary writer, and this is a beautiful book.
Linger
When it comes to trilogies, I am usually a tiny bit wary of second books. Too often they end up only being stepping stones from a strong beginning to a dramatic ending, but this is definitely not the case with Linger, sequel to Shiver
After the Kiss
I really loved McVoy's first book, Pure
The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May, and June
We found out in Audrey, Wait!
Stolen
Originally published in Australia and the UK, this book made its debut here in the US in May, and it blew me away. Everything about this book is just so fascinating and gripping, from the format (a girl's letter to her kidnapper) to the amazing descriptions of the setting. This book demands to be read in one sitting.
Dash and Lily's Book of Dares
This is my favorite book written by Cohn and Levithan so far, for many reasons. First, Lily is such a lovable character. She's smart but not brilliant, confident, but not really outgoing, and she really doesn't have many friends, but she is so real and honest. Second, it takes place during Christmas, the best time of the year. Third, the opening scene takes place in The Strand, one of the coolest bookstores ever. And then of course there's they fact that this book manages to be light-hearted and funny and meaningful and serious at the same time. I love it.
Rosebush
I love a good mystery, but either I've become a more jaded reader or the quality of YA mysteries has been declining, because I usually am able to figure everything out by page 120. Not so with Rosebush. This is one mystery where I had so many different theories and ideas, yet I never could nail one down because Jaffe kept throwing in another tiny little detail that would make me second-guess everything. Plus, the attempted murder, car accident, and temporary amnesia just make this one even more intriguing--I loved it!
White Cat
You simply cannot top this imaginative plot: an alternate world identical to ours with one exception--some people possess the ability to work curses, and they usually are a part of the mob. Cassel's voice is unique, sharp, and completely entertaining as he maneuvers his way through life as the only non-worker in a family of workers with mob ties. And the major twist? You'll never see it coming.
What were some of your favorite books of 2010? Let me know in the comments, and....Happy New Year!
9 comments:
Love your list! Coincidentally I just bought A curse Dark as Gold without prior knowledge of the author. This makes me happy that I bought a good book! Can't wait to star reading it and afterward I'll read StarCrossed!
Great picks so many of these were my favorites too. I didn't love Rosebush, but I definitely agree that it kept you guessing with a lot of different theories.
Great picks! Good to learn about some titles I haven't read yet...
Birthmarked made my top list as well! Liked White Cat but it didn't make my list. Bunch of those are on my wishlist or I have and need to read. Great selections! :D
~Briana
Great list! I added a few to my TBR. I'm also glad to see Star Crossed and Rosebush on your list. I'm reading SC now (based on your earlier review recommendation) and enjoying it. I have Rosebush on deck. Thanks!
Adding most of these to my list. I agree with you on Linger, I liked it even more than Shiver.
Nice list. I had Birthmarked and Revolution on mine too. And I really must get to Dash and Lily's Book Of dares. So little time for them all...
I've really got to read Birthmarked! And ... Revolution :p
Shanyn, you really do! Revolution first, then Birthmarked. Both are amazing.
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