2017 Reading Stats

Thanks so much to Jamie at Perpetual Page Turner for doing this again! She’s the best, you should follow her on all social media.

Statistics:

Number Of Books Read: 108

Adult: 24
YA: 72
MG: 5
Graphic novels: 7

Genre Break down:
YA fantasy: 15
YA Science fiction: 10
YA contemporary: 44
YA historical: 2
Middle Grade contemporary: 1
Middle grade fantasy: 4
Adult fantasy: 4
Adult science fiction: 1
Adult contemporary romance: 6
Adult paranormal romance: 3
Adult historical romance: 1
Women’s fiction: 5
Nonfiction: 5
Books with male authors: 17
Books with female authors: 92
Books by marginalized authors: 54

1. Best Book You Read In 2016?

There were a few that stood out above all the rest

Little & Lion by Brandy Colbert
Like Water by Rebecca Podos
Starfish by Akemi Dawn Bowman
At the Edge of the Universe by Shaun David Hutchinson
Godsgrave by Jay Kristoff
Jane, Unlimited by Kristin Cashore

2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?

The Empress – I loved the first book in the series, but the second was…not for me

 3. Most surprising (in a good way or bad way) book you read?  

Wintersong by S Jae-Jones – it’s based on my least favorite mythology, but it was fnatastic

 4. Book You “Pushed” The Most People To Read (And They Did)?

Little & Lion – I told everyone to read it!

 5. Best series you started in 2016? Best Sequel of 2016? Best Series Ender of 2016?

Sequel: Godsgrave
Series Ender; Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han

 6. Favorite new author you discovered in 2016?

Brandy Colbert (How did I not read her first book???)

7. Best book from a genre you don’t typically read/was out of your comfort zone?

The Dark Days Club by Alison Goodman

 8. Most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book of the year?

A Poison Dark and Deadly by Jessica Clueless

 9. Book You Read In 2016 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year?

None

11. Most memorable character of 2016?

Kiko from Starfish

 12. Most beautifully written book read in 2016?

The Gallery of Unfinished Girls by Lauren Karcz

 14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2016 to finally read? 

Where’d You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple

 17. Book That Shocked You The Most

At the Edge of the Universe

19. Favorite Non-Romantic Relationship Of The Year

Mia and Mr Kindly (GG) and all the lumberjanes

20. Favorite Book You Read in 2016 From An Author You’ve Read Previously

Jane, Unlimited

21. Best Book You Read In 2016 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else/Peer Pressure:

Like Water

23. Best 2016 debut you read?

Starfish

24. Best Worldbuilding/Most Vivid Setting You Read This Year?

The Dark Days Club – I felt like I was there

25. Book That Put A Smile On Your Face/Was The Most FUN To Read?

Looking for Group by Rory Harrison

26. Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2016?

Like Water

27. Hidden Gem Of The Year?

The Gallery of Unfinished Girls

28. Book That Crushed Your Soul?

Godsgrave – so much soul crushing.

1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2017 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2018?

The Hate U Give. I know. I started it a couple days ago!!

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2018 (non-debut)?

The last book in the Nevernight Chronicles

3. 2018 Debut You Are Most Anticipating?

Sanctuary by Caryn Lix

4. Series Ending/A Sequel You Are Most Anticipating in 2018?

Obsidio

6. A 2018 Release You’ve Already Read & Recommend To Everyone:

SANCTUARY!

Also, As You Wish by Chelsea Sedoti

Books I’ve Loved in 2016

Here are just some of the books I absolutely loved this year so far and a couple swoon-y sentences on each. These are only my 10/10 books, excluding the obvious.

THE FIVE STAGES OF ANDREW BRAWLEY by Shaun David Hutchinson

This book has stuck with me literally all year, it really gives you all the feels and is brilliantly written.

SALT OT THE SEA by Ruta Sepetys

I will read every book she ever writes. Stunning writing, stories that need to be told.

WE ARE THE ANTS by Shaun David Hutchinson

The premise of this book is great, the execution is flawless. Would you hit the button?

US by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy

The best romance I’ve read all year and it’s m/m + hockey.

THE SERPENT KING by Jeffrey Zentner

This book will punch you in the gut and is the most realistic portrayal of a small town in the Midwest that I’ve ever read. You will sob.

WHEN WE COLLIDED by Emery Lord

My favorite love story of the year with incredible representation and an ending that is brilliant.

You Know Me Well by David Levithan and Nina LeCour

This book is happy and fun and wonderful in every single way. so much joy.

IF I WAS YOUR GIRL by Meredith Russo

So beautifully written, so emotional, and SO needed. Read it. Put it in classrooms. Love it.

TUMBLING by Caela Carter

I read this before the Olympics, but if you are missing gymnastics, pick this up. Each voice is so distinct and you will feel for all of them.

ROCKS FALL, EVERYONE DIES by Lindsay Ribar

 Came for the awesome title, premise and fascinating character, stayed for the most brilliant look at toxic masculinity.

TTT: Ten Most Anticipated Reads for the Second Half of the Year

I haven’t posted in forever, but today, I need a little joy in my life and talking about books i am excited about brings me a lot of joy! Love the awesome people at Broke and the Bookish for hosting! 

This was a very, very easy topic. I already have most of these preordered!

1. NEVERNIGHT by Jay Kristoff

I’ll buy every book Jay ever writes, but this is probably the book I am most excited about. Just part of Jay’s description of this book includes “And was a school where, instead of learning magic and the true value of friendship, you learn to murder the shit out of people:” And there are smutty bits. *grabby hands* (also if you preorder the US version it will be signed so do that now)

 

2. CROOKED KINGDOM by Leigh Bardugo

SIX OF CROWS was one of my other favorites books of last year. I can’t wait.

3. THE MIDNIGHT STAR by Marie Lu

Marie is an insta-buy author for me and this series is brilliant. I don’t want it to end, but at the same time, I want it to come out now so i can read it.

 

4. GEMINA by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Duh. ILLUMINAE was my favorite book of last year. OF COURSE I am eagerly waiting for October.

5. A WORLD WITHOUT YOU by Beth Revis

I adore Beth’s writing and cannot wait to read her latest.

6. BOUND BY BLOOD AND SAND by Becky Allen

This is a debut and sounds incredible. I was sold by “Though revenge clouds her vision, she agrees to help if the kingdom’s slaves are freed. Then Elan’s father arrives. The ruler’s cruelty knows no limits. He is determined that the class system will not change—and that Jae will remain a slave forever.”

7. BLOOD FOR BLOOD by Ryan Graudin

I read the first book earlier this year and it blew me away!

8. STRANGE THE DREAMER by Laini Taylor

Her writing is just so amazing and this looks absolutely brilliant!

9. THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR by Nicola Yoon

EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING was one of my favorite books of 2015, so of course I need to read this one!

10. SUPERNOVA by C.A Higgins

LIGHTLESS was one of the best SF books I’ve ever read, so I am super excited for book two.

2015 End Of Year Survey

Thanks so much to Jamie at Perpetual Page Turner for doing this again! She’s the best, you should follow her on all social media.

Statistics:

Number Of Books Read: 100
Number of Re-Reads: 1

Genre Break down:
YA fantasy: 15
YA Science fiction: 5
YA contemporary: 14
YA historical: 1
Middle Grade: 4
Adult fantasy: 4
Adult science fiction: 5
Graphic novels: 15
Adult romance: 7
Adult historical: 2
Adult mystery: 5
Adult other: 5
Nonfiction: 8
Books with male authors*: 32
Books with female authors*: 77
Diverse books**: 25
Full manuscripts read***: 22

*Some books counted twice because coauthors
**This means books written by and/or with a main character who is not white, straight, cis gendered, or abled.
***Approximate, each only counted once

1. Best Book You Read In 2015?

That is easy. ILLUMINAE by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff, also known as the book that will be the answer to 1/3 of all these questions.

But I also want to break down by genre and this is where it gets hard because this was my best reading year ever. I have more books I loved this year than every before.

YA fantasy: SIX OF CROWS by Leigh Bardugo
YA Science fiction: BLACK WIDOW: FOREVER RED by Margaret Stohl
YA contemporary:  ALL THE RAGE by Courtney Summers
Middle Grade: GEORGE by Alex Gino
Adult historical: IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT by Judy Blume
Adult fantasy: THE MAGICIAN KING by Lev Grossman
Adult science fiction: GOLDEN SON by Pierce Brown
Adult romance: PLAY by Kylie Scott
Mystery/thriller: THE UNFORTUNATE DECISIONS OF DAHLIA MOSS by Max Wirestone
Memoir: BROWN GIRL DREAMING byJacqueline Woodson
Nonfiction: BEHIND THE BEAUTIFUL FOREVERS by Katherine Boo

2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?

That one is easy. GO SET A WATCHMAN by Harper Lee. blarg

 3. Most surprising (in a good way or bad way) book you read?  

THE BURNING SKY by Sherry Thomas – somehow I missed it when it came out but LOVED it. Need to finish the series

 4. Book You “Pushed” The Most People To Read (And They Did)?

ILLUMINAE by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff- I pushed it on people constantly and actually got dozens to read it. Go me!

 5. Best series you started in 2015? Best Sequel of 2015? Best Series Ender of 2015?

Series started: Duh. ILLUMINAE, but also RED RISING by Pierce Brown and I have to alsos include LIGHTLESS by C A Higgins
Sequel: This one is tied between GOLDEN SON by Pierce Brown and THE ROSE SOCIETY by Marie Lu
Series Ender: THE BLOOD OF OLYMPUS by Rick Riordan – perfect ending to that series.

 6. Favorite new author you discovered in 2015?

I am picking two:

Nicola Yoon. EVERYTHING EVERYTHING was brilliant and I will read everything she writes.

Max Wirestone. I laughed more reading THE UNFORTUNATE DECISIONS OF DAHLIA MOSS than anything else all year.

7. Best book from a genre you don’t typically read/was out of your comfort zone?

I don’t do westerns, but WALK THE EARTH A STRANGER by Rae Carson was phenomenal.

 8. Most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book of the year?

ILLUMINAE. Honorable mention to UNWIND by Neal Shusterman

 9. Book You Read In 2015 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year?

None – no time for rereads.

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2015?

11. Most memorable character of 2015?

AIDAN from ILLUMINAE. Also Verity from CODE NAME VERITY

 12. Most beautifully written book read in 2015?

FIRE by Kristin Cashore

13. Most Thought-Provoking/ Life-Changing Book of 2015?

THE LIFE-CHANGING MAGIC OF TIDYING UP – I mean, it is in the title.

 14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2015 to finally read? 

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. Really.

 15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2015?

“Perhaps bravery is simply the face humanity wraps around its collective madness.” – ILLUMINAE

16.Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2015?

Longest: FALL OF GIANTS by Ken Follet

Shortest: MS MARVEL VOLUME 1: NO NORMAL

 17. Book That Shocked You The Most

ILLUMINAE just all of it.

LIFE AFTER LIFE by Kate Atkinson

18. OTP OF THE YEAR (you will go down with this ship!)

I don’t have one!

19. Favorite Non-Romantic Relationship Of The Year

Kady and AIDAN from ILLUMINAE. Honorable mention: Simon and Penny in CARRY ON by Rainbow Rowell

 20. Favorite Book You Read in 2015 From An Author You’ve Read Previously

THE ROSE SOCIETY by Marie Lu

21. Best Book You Read In 2015 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else/Peer Pressure:

MS MARVEL – all volumes.

22. Best 2015 debut you read?

RED RISING by Pierce Brown

23. Best Worldbuilding/Most Vivid Setting You Read This Year?

ILLUMINAE. Honorable mention: THE BLADE ITSELF by Joe Abercrombie

24. Book That Put A Smile On Your Face/Was The Most FUN To Read?

WE CAN WORK IT OUT by Elizabeth Eulberg

25. Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2015?

ILLUMINAE. Honorable mention: GOLDEN SON by Pierce Brown

26. Hidden Gem Of The Year?

THE SAFEST LIE by Angela Cerrito

27. Book That Crushed Your Soul?

ILLUMINAE. Honorable mention: GOLDEN SON by Pierce Brown

28. Most Unique Book You Read In 2015?

ILLUMINAE. Honorable mention: MODERN ROMANCE by Aziz Ansari

29. Book That Made You The Most Mad (doesn’t necessarily mean you didn’t like it)?

GOLDEN SON by Pierce Brown

30. Best discussion/non-review post you had on your blog?

The one on a day in the life of an agent/assistant!

 

31. Best moment of bookish/blogging life in 2015?

Signing my amazing clients. I can’t wait until you all get to read their books

32. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2015 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2016?

Just one?  SIMON VS THE HOMO SAPIEN AGENDA by Becky Albertalli, SHADOWSHAPER by Daniel Jose Older…I also have this entire list to get to.

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2016 (non-debut)?

I am listing a few:
ANGELS BURNING by Tawni O’Dell
WHAT WE FIND by Robyn Carr
FROM HERE TO HOME by Marie Bostwick

3. 2016 Debut You Are Most Anticipating?

BOUND BY BLOOD AND SAND by Becky Allen
THE COLD BETWEEN by Elizabeth Bonesteel

 4. Series Ending/A Sequel You Are Most Anticipating in 2016?

I have several: MORNING STAR by Pierce Brown, GEMINA by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff, THE YOUNG ELITES #3 by Marie Lu

 

 

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

Top Ten Books On My Spring TBR List

Thanks to the wonderful people over at The Broke and the Bookish for hosting!

It is that time again, time to list the books I plan to read during the next season. I am historically terrible at these, but I read 6 out of the 10 of my winter list!

On to the next season – most of these are for challenges, but some are just books i want to get to.

1. One Wish by Robyn Carr

I love this series and am so excited the read the most recent book!

2. The Fall of Giants by Ken Follett

This is a VERY long book, but I want to read it.

3. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

So many people i trust have recommended this tot me. I need to read it.

4. Stiff by Mary Roach

So I can get some nonfiction into my spring!

5. The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan

I will be so sad when I am done with this series, but I need to finish it

6. Lead by Kylie Scott

This is my favorite romance series and I need to continue it.

7. The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley

I loved the first book in this series – the mix of contemporary and historical makes me so happy.

8. Running the Books: The Adventures of an Accidental Prison Librarian by Avi Steinberg

This just sounds like it is a non-fiction book I will love

9. The Map of Time by Felix J Palma

So many people have told me I have to read this book.

10. Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman

We own it and I want to read it. I should just do it!