Check, Please! by Ngozi Ukazu
I have only really been checking out audiobooks lately, because I am have a bunch of ARCs to get through, but I did jump on Check, Please! when I saw it available on the eLibrary last night. It was as adorable as everyone was saying, and it was a delightful distraction from the book I was supposed to be reading.
Even If I Fall by Abigail Johnson
Nobody buys me books. I have no idea why. Like, they don't even give me Amazon gift cards, but I had a nice surprise when I finally checked my Instagram yesterday. I won an ARC of the new Abigail Johnson book! I was really excited, because I never get approved by Harlequin on NG. On EW, yes, but never NG. I really loved Johnson's previous two books, and cannot wait to read this one.
Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective by Donald J. Sobol
So, like, I am one of those thrower-away types. I really don't hold on to things. I think the only book from my childhood, that I actually still own, is the Bible my 2nd grade teacher gave me for my Holy Communion. So, I picked a book series, which I was obsessed with. I really had a thing for mysteries when I was a kid, but Encyclopedia Brown was my favorite. And, I picked this old school cover, because this is what the edition I read looked like.
The Deepest Roots by Miranda Asebedo
I recently read The Deepest Roots, which has a touch of magic. What I loved about the magical elements in this book, is that they were gifted to all the female inhabitants of Cotton Hollow as a way for them to support and protect each other. The talents were quite varied, and some were really intriguing as well.
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
Where do I start! I read so much romance. This one is both steamy and swoony, but I am putting it here, because it really was romantic. I normally enjoy my romantic reads. They usually earn a solid 4-stars, but every once in a while, one comes along, that just blows me away, and that is exactly what happened with this book. The romance between Michael and Stella was everything! It was hot, steamy, sweet, adorable, swoony. I just couldn't get enough of these two. But there was more than just romance in this story, and I loved the way Hoang wove those other plot lines into the story. It was as seamless and organic as how she educated me on things associated with ASD.
Bittersweet by Sarina Bowen
Again, I have read hundreds of book, that fit in this category. I am going with Bittersweet, because it was, like TKQ, both steamy and swoony. I had no idea I would love a book about a farmer this much, but I did. Phenomenal setting, awesome family, fantastic grumpy hero, heartwarming second chance romance -- this book had so many elements I loved, and they were all executed well by one of my favorite romance authors. *This was free last time I checked on Amazon <-- just saying.
1984 by George Orwell
If we were talking about my physical book shelves, this honor would belong to my grandmother's volumes of Goethe, which are in like old-school German, but if we are talking about books I have actually read, it looks like 1984 wins. This is one of the few high school required reading books I actually liked, and I do think Orwell was a man ahead of his time.
Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren
My favorite kinds of books are the ones that make me laugh, make me happy, or make me happy and laugh. I would say Josh & Hazel fit the third scenario. This book had that old-school rom-com feel, with a zany heroine and a the straight laced hero. I laughed, I cried, I swooned, and I wore a huge smile on my face. Loved every second of it!
The History of Jane Doe by Michael Belanger
I just did a whole post about how I am some sort of empath, and I feel too much. I have quite a list of books, that make me emotional in the crying way, but I want to show love to one I have NOT mentioned a million times. You know those books, that are all fun and laughter, until stuff gets real and the author rips your heart out? That's this book. I was devastated, and I remember reading one of the final passages to my co-blogger, and I could hardly get through it, but there was beauty in the pain.
Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han
I have quite a list of disappointing endings, and I am especially tough on series endings. Yes, I have a long list, but I chose this book, because Lara Jean is one of my all-time favorite characters, this book was really tough for me, and I need more closure. I have definitely aired my grievances about this book, and I have lobbied hard for a Kitty spinoff, almost solely for the purpose of getting the closure this book did not deliver. Until then, I will have to live with the ending I wrote in my head.
Wild Beauty by Anna-Marie McLemore
I loved Aimee's answer for this prompt, but I don't want to steal it, so I am going with Wild Beauty. McLemore does an incredible job describing this world in lush detail. Her descriptions are beautifully detailed and quite vivid, but I still would love to see actual illustrations, because I think they would be incredible.
Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett
When I think of a rainy day, I think of something that will warm me up from the inside. One author, who's books have all left me with a severe case of the warm-fuzzies is Jenn Bennett. She is my high-priestess of YA contemporaries, and I know her books will fill my heart with joy, put a smile on my face, and be my sunshine on a rainy day.
You, over there! You like to do book tags? Then tag - you're it!
Are any of these books on your shelf?
Let us know in the comments!
I’m a thrower-away person, too! Clutter stresses me out. That’s why I get rid of the majority of the books I read. I might have to do this tag. I have a lot of books on my shelf.
ReplyDeleteAj @ Read All The Things!
I gave boxes of finished books to the library when I moved. I don't reread, so why keep them, though I do hold on to my signed copies
DeleteI’m thinking I’m going to have to give into peer pressure and read The Kiss Quotient. Sigh! I really liked 1984 too. It was eye opening and heartbreaking but so important.
ReplyDeleteTKQ was so good!!! I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed it.
DeleteI now need to find The Deepest Roots by Miranda Asebedo, cause that looks good!
ReplyDeleteI really liked it. It was female and friendship centric
DeleteI have a copy of Bittersweet (downloaded from Amazon because it was free and that cover...), but haven't had a chance to read it. I had no idea it was about a farmer! I'm glad you mentioned enjoying it despite that, because farmer books make me wary. They're like cowboy books -- I grew up around both, so I don't have a desire to read about them, haha.
ReplyDeleteJenn Bennett is my go-to when I don't know what else to read! I love her YA books, so sweet and perfect, but her adult books are awesome, too. Have you read Bitter Spirits? I think you'd like it!
Josh and Hazel was hilarious! She was happy with herself, despite knowing her personality made people uncomfortable. That's their fault! They have no idea what they were missing out on, because Hazel was a genuinely good person. She has a huge heart, and people are lucky to call her a friend.
The Kiss Quotient was phenomenal! Loved all of it! Perfection!
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear?
Griff is not your farmer in the dell, he's a modern farmer, and his dedication to his family and their farm is wonderful. I am going to start Bennett's adult books soon (I swear). I am curious. And I adore reading all your love for the other books, because they are faves of mine.
DeleteI used to be one who hung onto every book that crossed my path, but in the last couple of years, I've been simplifying since I get more digital books and audio books now through the library.
ReplyDeleteLoved mysteries as a kid, too. I was a Trixie Beldon and Three Investigators fan, but I slipped in Encyclopedia Brown, too. :)
Love several of your picks for the categories. Need to read STarry Eyes after adoring the one released before it.
The library electronic resources are well used by me, and great too, because I struggle with trying to make the hours at my library. OMG! Trixie Beldon was wonderful. I think Nancy Drew was second to Encyclopedia Brown. Brown edged her out, because I liked getting to try and solve the crime, and then flipping to the back to see if I was right.
DeleteI'm only "reading" audiobooks besides ARCs, too, because I'm way behind as well. Loved The Kiss Quotient and Starry Eyes sooo much! I have a physical copy of The Kiss Quotient, which is a rarity for me now. I usually only do e-books and am in the process of cleaning out my physical books (I'm moving next Summer), but I'm keeping TKQ! Great post here! :)
ReplyDeleteI unloaded like 10 boxes of books at the library when I moved, since we downsized. I have won some physical books, but only buy ebooks. I can only really read the physical books when I am home, because I have to wear my glasses, and that's too much of a struggle when I am switching from bus to train to shuttle during my commute, which is where I do the bulk of my reading.
DeleteI love the look of Encyclopedia Brown. And that old school cover is delightful! Also I really want to read Starry eyes.
ReplyDeleteThere have been newer versions of the book, but I intentionally used the old cover, because that's the version of the book I read. Starry Eyes gave me starry eyes. It was wonderful!
DeleteEncyclopedia Brown, Trixie Belden, Alfred Hitchcock's Three Investigators, and Nancy Drew were what led me to a life of (reading) crime.
ReplyDeleteMy bookshelf mainly contains library books and nonfiction, though I do have some favorites still. I may have to steal this tag.
You and Sophia share so many faves. I used to love mysteries as a kid, but it seems I seek more comfort reads as I get older. Please be tagged, go forth, and share.
DeleteOooh I love this tag! I love YA contemporaries, but I haven't ready any Jenn Bennett books yet—they're in my TBR though!
ReplyDeleteBennett books are so good! If you read them, you won't regret it.
DeleteI definitely need to read The Deepest Roots. I'm hoping to read more Magic Realism.
ReplyDeleteThe ending of Always and Forever, Lara Jean was bittersweet for me. After reading it, I must confess I wished the Jenny Han hadn't written it because that ending just... URGH! In my head, Lara Jean and Peter lived happily ever after.
Happy readings! ;)
Tânia @MyLovelySecret
The Deepest Roots was really good. It's classified as magical realism, but probably walks a fine line between that and paranormal. I struggled so much with the last TATBILB. That series became Peter and Lara Jean's love story for me, and that ending killed me. HEY! I wrote the same exact ending in my head. =)
DeleteOMG, Sam I can NOT throw away/donte any of my books. When we moved around a lot my books got lost in translation and so a lot of them went bye bye...Now, I horde them. I have 2 extra large bookcases and 1 smaller one in the middle and I have to expand them as they are getting to full. =) I only donate/get rid of copies.
ReplyDeleteMary
I am not really a keeper. I am so extreme about not keeping stuff, that I am donating my body to science when I die. But if your books bring you joy, it's good that you keep them around.
DeleteStarry Eyes is a perfect choice for a rainy day read!
ReplyDeleteRight? It made me all warm inside.
DeleteWe are definitely opposites because I am a hoarder and own virtually ALL of my childhood books. Like- the entire Baby-Sitters Club series is still in my parents' basement. Among others of course hah. I am sorry that you don't get books as gifts often! I mean, they're the best gift! Totally agree about Check, Please! I didn't actually hate the ending of Lara Jean? Which is shocking because I hate so many endings hahah. But I am still here for the Kitty spinoff, no question!
ReplyDeleteAh, but it's in your parents' basement. My sister tried to do that too, but my father had all her boxes waiting for her, when she came back from her honeymoon. Maybe we can work on convincing Han there's a book she needs to write, together.
DeleteI loved the movie for To All The Boys I've Loved Before, but have yet to read any of the books. Though I like a nice set in stone ending so maybe the books aren't for me :/
ReplyDeleteThe movie wasn't exactly like the book, but they really captured the essence of Lara Jean
DeleteI started feeling a bit weepy when I read that no one gifts you with books. Or even buys you gift cards. Um, don’t they know that books are The Best Gifts Ever? Don’t you have a birthday this week? You need bookish gifts! I remember the Encyclopedia Brown books from when I was a kid. I saw them at the library but I never read them. I think at the time I was reading Judy Blume and Phyllis Reynolds Naylor (The Witch’s Sister series). Oh, The Kiss Quotient... 💕 And Bttersweet... I loved Griff. He took on so much responsibility. I always find that attractive. I still need to read Starry Eyes. Soon. This was such a fun tag! I’ll have to try to do it soon myself. :)
ReplyDeleteI loved all those mysteries as a kid: Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys , Trixie Belden, they were the best. I read Judy Blume more as a teen. Read a Bennett book, you will have no regrets
DeleteFun tag! I don't keep tons of books, but I do have some from when I was younger that I hope to keep. :) I got a lot of books as a kid from the library though so I never really owned them. And people need to start buying you books!!!
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
I would be happy with Amazon gift cards, since ebooks are easier for me to read. Oddly enough, I never get any bookish gifts except from my daughter, who got me my oasis
DeleteOoooh this was a lot of fun. I hadn't seen this tag before, but it was a lot of fun to read your answers. I want to see the illustrations for sure for Wild Beauty for that cover alone! And Starry Eyes is the perfect book for a rainy day. Great picks, Sam! :)
ReplyDeleteWho am I kidding, Starry Eyes is the perfect book any time.
Delete