While 2013 takes a masterful bow, let's look forward to the books coming out in 2014 that look unmissable...

KRISTAN:

- DREAMS OF GODS AND MONSTERS by Laini Taylor, because holy cow this series is epic, with all the YA tropes twisted into the most lyrical and disturbing versions of themselves. A happy ending seem impossible and yet... I still have hope, which makes its own kind of magic. ;)

- HOUSE OF IVY AND SORROW by Natalie Whipple. I have wanted to read more about Josephine and her witchy family ever since Natalie posted a snippet on her blog as a writing exercise a couple years ago. Plus, I am a sucker for covers with delicious typography.

- RUIN AND RISING by Leigh Bardugo. The Grisha series is one of my favorites, and I've been recommending it to everyone. The second book went in a direction I didn't expect, so I'm curious to see how that plays out in this final installment -- not to mention any new curveballs Leigh might throw at us!

INGRID:

- COMPLICIT by Stephanie Kuehn. As I read the blurb for this book, my heart rate started to increase and then, bam! That last line clinched it. I simply MUST know what’s going on in this story. It hooked me like a fish.

- #SCANDAL by Sarah Ockler. This book sounds really interesting, as much for the relevance of the social media issues as for the plucky plotline. Also, I love Sarah Ockler’s writing style.

- (DON'T YOU) FORGET ABOUT ME by Kate Karyus Quinn. This intrigues me because I love books involving sisters and this novel seems like it will be eerie, suspenseful and emotional. I also adore the characters’ names, which is an added bonus.

SARAH:

- THE UNBOUND by Victoria Schwab. Loved, loved, loved THE ARCHIVED and after hearing so many great reviews for VICIOUS, I know that Victoria's writing keeps gets more and more stellar. So excited for this one.

- WE WERE LIARS by E. Lockhart. One I've heard a lot of buzz about and trusted readers of ARCs can't seem to say enough good things. I'm prepared to be dazzled. The description pulls on every one of my strings.

- MARINA by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Dude wrote THE SHADOW OF THE WIND, which I friggin’ loved. I'm all about escaping to Barcelona for his next mysterious flight of fancy.

STEPHANIE:

- DREAMS OF GODS AND MONSTERS by Laini Taylor. I'm so in love with this series. I am both aching to see where the story goes and dreading to turn the last page. I don't want it to end!

- THE NETHERGRIM by Matthew Jobin. This book is described as being reminiscent of the CHRONICLES OF NARNIA. That was enough to convince me. Knights and wizards, magic and scary monsters. Can't wait to try it.

- MISTWALKER by Saundra Mitchell. This story sounds so haunting and creepy, and I love that it's set in a small town in Maine.


What books are you guys most looking forward to reading in 2014?

One of our favorite things to do at the end of every year is reflect upon the books we've read and highlight a few that really stuck with us. But it's also one of the hardest things to do every year! There are just so many good books, so many stories that hit us in different ways.

SARAH

In a year with some thrilling and satisfying fantasy reads (see Kristan and Steph's picks below), I have to admit -- authors of contemporary fiction, you slayed me!


ELEANOR & PARK by Rainbow Rowell -- It's everything: sad, funny, cringeworthy, joyous passionate, creative, young and wise. If there was one book I wish I'd written, it would be this one.

17 & GONE by Nova Ren Suma -- Okay E&P wasn't everything. It wasn't this: haunting, moody, obsessive, cracked up. I love a good psychological story, especially as told by this author. 

WINGER by Andrew Smith -- How do we (collectively) not talk about this book every day? I loved every beat of this story, laughed out loud and teared up. Can't remember the last book that did that. It was like hanging out with that friend you only communicate with through shrugs and grunts. You get me?


Honorable mentions: THE LUCY VARIATIONS by Sara Zarr and THE LAST KINGS OF SARK Rosa Rankin-Gee.

INGRID

WILD AWAKE by Hilary T. Smith -- Wild Awake is everything I want in a contemporary novel -- an endearing protagonist who has family issues, friend issues, a journey of self discovery, and a steamy yet interesting romantic entanglement. And it's all wrapped up in pretty writing.

FALL FOR ANYTHING by Courtney Summers -- This was one of the first books I read in 2013, way back in January. It's the kind of book that just digs its way into your heart and stays there for a long time. Courtney Summers' writing style is spot-on and her storytelling is stellar. This book tackles some heavy topics with authentic characters and solid prose.

 
Honorable Mentions: IF YOU FIND ME by Emily Murdoch and CHIME by Franny Billingsley.

KRISTAN

Since Sarah and Ingrid are cheating with these "honorable mentions," I'm going to go over our limit of 2-3 books too. My favorites were all over the place year. Contemporary, light fantasy, historical, epic fantasy... I love that YA covers such a wide terrain!


FANGIRL by Rainbow Rowell -- In E&P, Rainbow took me back to those first love feelings; in FANGIRL, she took me back to my college days, which were some of the best years of my life. (Sorry, cliché, but true.)

THE DREAM THIEVES by Maggie Stiefvater -- This sequel is one of those rare beasts that's even better than its predecessor. I had mixed feelings about Ronan in book 1, but after book 2? All the feels. (And you guys, I kind of hate that phrase, but it's too perfect not to use here.)

CODE NAME VERITY by Elizabeth Wein -- Speaking of feels... Kiss me, Hardy! Kiss me quick!

(Aaaannd now I'm crying...)

SHADOW & BONE and SIEGE & STORM by Leigh Bardugo -- Last but not least, the Grisha Trilogy. The world of Ravka is so utterly unique, and the Darkling such a standout character/villain.
STEPHANIE

DAYS OF BLOOD AND STARLIGHT by Laini Taylor -- This came out last year, but I didn't get to it until early this year. There were so many twists and turns I didn't expect. It had me on the edge of my seat from page one. The mounting tension driving everything toward book three was perfect, and I felt every bit of the nostalgia and homesickness that Karou was feeling.

THE BITTER KINGDOM by Rae Carson -- This was my favorite book of the trilogy. I loved all the adventuring through the woods and the mines, loved reuniting with these characters who I've become so invested in, and I loved the way it ended. It was much more complicated than good verses evil, as life always is.

One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is all the stories. Fairytales, coming of age stories, hilarious movies — we unpack them and dust them off every year, and the magic never fades.

Here are a few of the holiday tales we enjoy:

Ingrid

A Christmas Carol — This one is just so timeless I had to include it. I took my kiddos to a staged reading of this last year, a little nervous that they wouldn't quite "get it." But they loved it and really embraced the message, which was wonderful.

The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (classic) — I have loved this story since I was a little girl. The idea of the mean old Grinch doing such atrocious things and then finally realizing the true meaning of Christmas... still gives me chills and makes my heart grow three sizes bigger!

I'm sensing a theme here... I obviously appreciate stories in which characters grow emotionally!

Sarah

Every year I re-read Louisa May Alcott's LITTLE WOMEN (and last year, Steph bought me an awesome purply hardcover edition that thrills me whenever I turn a page).  It's not a holiday story, necessarily, but the beginning chronicles what Christmas might have been like for a middle-class family during the Civil War.  Yes, they are a Northern family--a White family--yet want and poverty touches all walks of life.  These girls were thrilled to have an orange on the breakfast table and what they wouldn't do for a peppermint stick!  Or a new pair of stockings or gloves that were the right size and without holes in.  Puts things in perspective, even from a place of privilege.  And if there's one thing I need in a good book, it's perspective.

Some people enjoy Will Ferrell's sense of humor, others tolerate him.  Still others want to punch him in the face to make him shut up.  I'm in the camp where Will Ferrell grazes in the pastures of my spirit animal.  He is the part of me--the ten-year old boy who laughs at farts--that I keep carefully hidden away (mostly).  ELF is, therefore, a masterpiece of a Christmas story.  It never fails to tickle me.  It's probably my favourite Christmas movie besides RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER because, hello, childhood.

High-brow and Low-brow perfectly sums me up.  Xx

Kristan

One of my all-time favorite holiday stories is the movie Love Actually. I know a lot of people hate it or think it's over-hyped, but I think it's such a great spider web of intersecting lives and stories, loves and lies, hopes and bittersweet realities -- all centered around Christmas! (Hm, but it is a shame that none of the other major holidays/religions are represented...) My favorite storyline is the one with Colin Firth as a stymied writer and his Portuguese maid. But I also adore the little boy in love for the first time (and the little girl's rendition of "All I Want For Christmas," dang!), and the heartbroken wife listening to Joni Mitchell, and the poor woman who can't hookup with the office hottie (Rodrigo Santoro) because she has to take care of her special needs brother. Is it all a bit contrived? Sure. But does it speak to the holiday spirit? To family and giving and love and loss? You bet your gingerbread cookies!

Stephanie

My favorite holiday story is the Nutcracker, specifically the ballet. I remember, when I was growing up, PBS used air my favorite version of the ballet every Christmas Eve at midnight. I would wait until the presents had been set out and my parents had gone to bed, and I would sneak out of my room to watch it. It was my own little tradition, just me sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of the TV with the tree lights twinkling in the background. There was something magical about that.


What are some of your favorite holiday stories?

Sarah:
1. ELEANOR AND PARK by Rainbow Rowell

We’re grateful for good books, the authors who write them, and for readers like you!

Congratulations to our giveaway winners!

The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson — Faith McLaughlin
The Brokenhearted by Amelia Kahaney — Emily Elizabeth
Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis — Bookworm1858

Send us an email to weheartya[at]gmail[dot]com with your mailing information,
and we’ll send your prize your way.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today the spotlight is on Kristan Hoffman. Why? It's her birthday, which means we get to gush with no limits, no excuse. And that's really important because Kristan Hoffman isn't just your average human. She's the "heart" behind We Heart YA. She's the Gansey to our motley crew with the promise of Glendower in our sights. We simply could not do this writing thing without her. And our reads would be less satisfying without her insight, enthusiasm, and good taste.

Yes, we're saying a good book isn't as good until after you've discussed it with Kristan Hoffman.

Luckily, most of you bloggers out there get a little bit of Kristan whenever our avatar shows up in your comments. We're quite happy to take the credit, but are coming clean to let you know that all of those AWESOME, thoughtful comments on your blog are pretty much Kristan Hoffman in disguise. She cares so much about this brilliant community of readers and writers of YA that she takes the time to read and comment on so many posts. Likewise, on twitter and Tumblr, she's manning our feed like a boss.

Kristan Hoffman, we love your guts!! Have the happiest birthday--you babe of long nights and short days, of wet autumn leaves on the path, cups of tea in hand, of first frosts, roast dinners, and warm fires. You are the change in the world, you make it move that much more efficiently. Your mind is the best adventure!
Love,
Sarah, Ingrid, and Stephanie  xx

*cue Beatles music

I have to admit that every time I read about someone trying to define what makes a good read for anyone other than themselves, I slowly back away and think happy thoughts until the coast is clear.  Those people are most dangerous for my reading motto:  Books for all, and all for Books!  Catchy, right?

But as much as I avoid them, I'm equally concerned about those lovely opinionated people who are labelled "nice" or "mean."  I mean, THANK YOU for even having an opinion!  Wouldn't it suck if we all agreed?  Oh, you don't think so?  Okay, robot, have a nice life in robotville.

It concerns me when some of you say on twitter that you find it hard to write positive reviews and hate writing negative reviews.  And some of you are scared to say anything at all in case someone gets offended.  Being a reviewer of books is a rare skill.  When I'm out looking for an opinion on a book--not because I want to be told if something's for me or not--I'm looking for discussion.  I'm looking for like-mindedness and Contrary.  I'm looking for truth.  That's what makes a good review for me. 

For instance, this week I finally got around to reading Shannon Messenger's LET THE SKY FALL.  I enjoyed her Middle Grade, KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES.  I didn't think KotLC was particularly original--it had echoes of another famous read.  (In fact, this review is almost exactly how I felt and I appreciate that someone wrote about it).  So I wasn't surprised to find the same with LET THE SKY FALL. 

The plot, rather than the details, reminded me of other stuff.  I can't tell you if that's "good" or "bad" because it's both.  I think some readers like formulaic (my son is one of those) and some like unique (I'm in that camp), but even more of us like a twist.  And that means having a bit of both.  I will say that LET THE SKY FALL is a twist on a genre...and kept me reading by the promise of a kiss.  (A book must be read until the kissing; the rest is optional). 

But something about that story stayed.  I think my son would really like it, even if I do not.  Books for all, and all for Books!

On the other hand, I just started reading THE LAST KINGS OF SARK by Rosa Rankin-Gee, which hasn't debuted in the US yet.  I knew from the first sentence that this book was written for ME.  Going to go right ahead and be greedy.  It is everything, to be specific.  ;)  And I feel giddy when I find a good reading match.  And isn't it perfectly reasonable that this book might not be for you?  It might not tick all your boxes.  I'm not going to tell you that it will or won't.  But I promise that it might.  I can tell you that I have a good feeling about it, spreading out from my center.  And I feel slightly responsible for telling you so.  But the best thing is that if this book isn't for you, I guarantee another one will be. 

Books for all, yo.

I have to admit sometimes life gets so busy that the only way I get any reading done is by listening to audiobooks. I listen to them while I drive, work, do laundry. They've become one of my favorite forms of entertainment.

Before I got back into audiobooks, my abiding memories of them were of bulky booklets of white cassette tapes, hours worth of dreary monotone voices sure to send you off to slumberland in five minutes or less. But I've found that audiobooks today have a lot of heart. The performances really add something special to the stories.

Here are a few of my favorites:

The Girl of Fire and Thorns series by Rae Carson — The narrator may not quite have the voice I imagined for Elisa, but her performance is so good that her voice seems to fade away and the characters speak through her. I especially love her portrayal of the character Storm.

Graceling by Kristin Cashore — This is a full cast recording, and it has a very dramatized feel. There is a distinct voice for every character, and it plays out like an old fashioned radio show.




The How to Train Your Dragon series by Cressida Cowell — Two words: David. Tennant. I stumbled across these recordings because I'm a Doctor Who fan, and I wasn't disappointed. Each disc is full of his comedic genius.



The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman — In this audiobook, Neil reads the story himself. There's something magical about his voice, and hearing an author read their own book makes it feel like you're getting new insight into the story.



The Daughter of Smoke and Bone Trilogy by Laini Taylor — This is by far my favorite audiobook. To me, the narrator's voice is Karou voice. She captures Karou's wry humor perfectly. And her accents really bring characters like Zuzana, Issa, and Brimstone to life.



Do you enjoy listening to audiobooks? What are some of your favorites?