YA Books that Make Great Gifts! TTT

Thanks to the lovelies at Broke and Bookish for hosting – I am going a little off topic – these are all books I am thankful for, but I think they should be books YOU make other people thankful for.

Heading out for Black Friday shopping this week? Don’t forget that YA books make great gifts, and not only for those who read all the time. It is a great way to get the reluctant reader hooked.

Here are some that I think make particularly awesome gifts.

First, science fiction and fantasy:

RED RISING series by Pierce Brown

This is technically a crossover Adult/YA but it works. The first two are out and are SO good. You can buy both of them now, and preorder book 3.

Who would like it? Anyone who likes dystopian and science fiction.

ILLUMINAE by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

I have been telling EVERYONE to read this book (I even wrote a review on Amazon) and it also makes a great gift. It is the best book I have read this year and you will love it too. You must buy this one in physical format because the design is so amazing!

Who would like it? Anyone who likes thrillers, science fiction, humor, great characters, and gorgeous design. I think this one is especially good for the person who doesn’t read often. Really though – it is great for anyone.

CARRY ON by Rainbow Rowell

Who would like it? Harry Potter fans!

For non science fiction/fantasy fans:

ALL THE RAGE by Courtney Summers

Probably the second best book I read this year. This is a VERY emotional read, but can start great discussions and give you the feels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who would like it? People who are looking for YA w/ an emotional punch and stunning writing. Do they love John Green books? Then this is probably a safe bet.

SAINT ANYTHING by Sarah Dessen

Who would like it? Anyone who wants a YA book about more than just romantic relationships. Sarah Dessen gets people

EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING by Nicola Yoon

Who would like it? Anyone looking for a good contemporary romance that is a little different

Query Tip: If We Talk on Twitter, Tell Me

Last week, I did a #tenqueries on twitter, which is always interesting.

Right after I finished it, I saw a query from someone who I follow back on twitter. Not only do I follow her back, but we have interacted many times. She didn’t mention it and is VERY lucky I even looked at the name (I usually don’t). Her query was a “maybe” but since I see on twitter that she is so funny and smart, I asked to see pages. When I asked, I mentioned she should have said something and she said she didn’t want to seem creepy.

I tweeted about it (not tagging her of course!) and someone else said they thought that was creepy/weird to mention it.

I don’t think even saying that you follow the agent on twitter even if they don’t follow you back is creepy. I am active on twitter. I talk about agenting (and so much more) there. I want writers to follow me. I want writers to use it as a resource to find out more. If we have interacted or I follow you back, you should really mention it, just like if we met at a conference, you should mention it.

I sometimes get queries that say “I saw x tweet and it made me think of my book because of y” and that is a good thing. Does it guarantee a request? No, it won’t turn a no into a yes, but it can turn a maybe into a yes. It shows that the writer did research and is engaged. Is it necessary? Not at all. But it can be a benefit!