what i've been reading

this really should have been yesterday's post, but i had to announce my contest winners yesterday! so, today will be what i've been reading THURSDAY.

a couple great books i picked up lately were:

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

my rating: 4.5 stars

this is a great read for young adults (emphasis on adult, though. the content is kind of mature.) there are already some fantastic reviews for this book:
check out Jandy's site or Tahereh's review for more info!


The Forest of Hands and Teeth/The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

amazing. Carrie Ryan is just a genius with words. i really enjoyed The Forest of Hands and Teeth (i'd give it a 4) but The Dead-Tossed Waves was even BETTER. it's definitely a 4.5. i'm actually really surprised i liked these books because i am VERY anti-horror/anythingscaryorcreepy. they are just so good.

US Paperback

THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH

• A New York Times Best Seller
• A Junior Library Guild selection
• An ALA Best Books for Young Adults selection
• Named to the 2010 New York Public Library Stuff for the Teen Age List
• A Borders Original Voices finalist
• #4 on the IndieBound Kids' Indie Next List for Spring 2009

"...elegantly written from title to last line."
—Scott Westerfeld (read Scott's Amazon.com exclusive review here)

** visit Carrie Ryan here for more reviews/nomination info

In Mary's world, there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village. The fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But slowly, Mary's truths are failing her. She's learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power. And, when the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness.


13 to Life by Shannon Delany

my rating: 4.

i thought this was an excellent debut. the main reason it doesn't get higher than a four is that it really doesn't have a satisfactory conclusion--the reader is really left waiting for the next book.

blurb (courtesy of pureimaginationblog.com):

Something strange is stalking the small town of Junction…

When junior Jess Gillmansen gets called out of class by Guidance, she can only presume it’s for one of two reasons. Either they’ve finally figured out who wrote the scathing anti-jock editorial in the school newspaper or they’re hosting yet another intervention for her about her mom. Although far from expecting it, she’s relieved to discover Guidance just wants her to show a new student around—but he comes with issues of his own including a police escort.

The newest member of Junction High, Pietr Rusakova has secrets to hide--secrets that will bring big trouble to the small town of Junction—secrets including dramatic changes he’s undergoing that will surely end his life early.

"A unique tale with a bright heroine and dark secrets.”
- New York Times Bestselling YA author Maria V. Snyder

"You'll devour 13 to Life in greedy, eager gulps. Pitch-perfect and deliciously paced, this book dishes up your next fiction addiction. Shannon is a rising star!"
--Ann Aguirre, national bestselling author of Grimspace and Doubleblind

"A fun, gothic romance of suspense, secrets and the dangerous truth behind the new kid in town."
-Lucienne Diver, author of Vamped and Revamped

i would definitely recommend all these books (seriously, 4's and 4.5's are about as high as i'll give. only my all-time favs get a 5). if you're looking for some good reads, check these out!