Thursday, January 3, 2019
We love to close out each year by reflecting on the great books that we've read. We can't name them all, but here are a few of our favorites (in no particular order):
Ingrid
Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley (audio) - The beauty and depth and whimsy of this novel can be summed up in two words: Letter Library. Please, please let me live in the Letter Library!
Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer (audio) - Apparently I have a letter theme going on this year... Oh, how this book gutted me. If you need a good cry, this will do it. It's heartbreaking but also heartwarming.
Far From the Tree by Robin Benway (audio) - The premise hooked me right away: "Three siblings adopted into different families find each other as teens, right when they need each other most." This book did so many things right. The three main characters tell their stories from three points of view, and I was invested in them all. The emotions felt raw, the characters authentic. Plus, solid storytelling.
Someday, Somewhere by Lindsay Champion - Lindsay is a fellow 2018 debut author (and our books shared a launch day!) so I was able to get my hands on a copy of her ARC before publication, and it was all-around gorgeous. The writing is lyrical but the form doesn't overshadow the plot or characterization. It's a bittersweet love story yet so much more. When I finished reading, I felt completely satisfied and thought: That was the perfect ending.
I Am Still Alive by Kate Alice Marshall - Kate is also an Electric 18 debut author, and her novel is a page-turning thriller. A disabled 16-year-old winds up alone in the Canadian wilderness with winter closing in...and that's before things get really dicey. A heart-stopping survival story. (Warning: after page 306, guys, you will never be the same.)
**You may have noticed that three of my five chosen books were consumed on audio. If you're looking for good audio books, these were all wonderful reads by exceptional voice actors.
All Out of Pretty by Ingrid Palmer - Surely it's not a shock that I love this book. I've been in love with Ingrid's writing ever since we met almost 10 years ago. Her lyrical voice, authentic teenage perspective, and gritty but uplifting stories captivated me. I'm so proud of her for this debut novel, and so excited for the books still to come.
Sadie by Courtney Summers - This is such a tough book to talk about, because the subject matter is rather grim, and yet there is so much heart and beauty and grace in the writing. The structure is also very clever and fun, with the main arc of the story framed by a series of podcasts episodes.
Strange the Dreamer and Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor - Have you noticed a trend yet? We are big Laini fans around here, and these books perfectly encompass why. Her imagination, insights, prose... it's all so magical! Dark and deep and delightful.
Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley (audio) - The beauty and depth and whimsy of this novel can be summed up in two words: Letter Library. Please, please let me live in the Letter Library!
Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer (audio) - Apparently I have a letter theme going on this year... Oh, how this book gutted me. If you need a good cry, this will do it. It's heartbreaking but also heartwarming.
Far From the Tree by Robin Benway (audio) - The premise hooked me right away: "Three siblings adopted into different families find each other as teens, right when they need each other most." This book did so many things right. The three main characters tell their stories from three points of view, and I was invested in them all. The emotions felt raw, the characters authentic. Plus, solid storytelling.
Someday, Somewhere by Lindsay Champion - Lindsay is a fellow 2018 debut author (and our books shared a launch day!) so I was able to get my hands on a copy of her ARC before publication, and it was all-around gorgeous. The writing is lyrical but the form doesn't overshadow the plot or characterization. It's a bittersweet love story yet so much more. When I finished reading, I felt completely satisfied and thought: That was the perfect ending.
I Am Still Alive by Kate Alice Marshall - Kate is also an Electric 18 debut author, and her novel is a page-turning thriller. A disabled 16-year-old winds up alone in the Canadian wilderness with winter closing in...and that's before things get really dicey. A heart-stopping survival story. (Warning: after page 306, guys, you will never be the same.)
**You may have noticed that three of my five chosen books were consumed on audio. If you're looking for good audio books, these were all wonderful reads by exceptional voice actors.
Sarah
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
The Bear and the Nightingale and The Girl in the Tower by Katherine Arden
Now I Rise by Kiersten White
Circe by Madeline Miller
Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor
Steph
Confession: I read very little in 2018. I spent most of the year re-listening to the Harry Potter audiobooks while feverishly sewing my own wedding dress. But I did read The Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor, which would have been my favorite this year, no matter how many books I read. I adored it.
Kristan
This Is Really Happening by Erin Chack - I absolutely adored this collection of real life stories about humor writer Erin Chack's teens and twenties, and I wish it were getting more attention. Funny, heartfelt, insightful, and well-written. Get on this!
Here We Are Now by Jasmine Warga - Jasmine is a good friend, and this is a great book. It's about music, striking out on your own, finding family, understanding family, understanding yourself, and love of all kinds.
All Out of Pretty by Ingrid Palmer - Surely it's not a shock that I love this book. I've been in love with Ingrid's writing ever since we met almost 10 years ago. Her lyrical voice, authentic teenage perspective, and gritty but uplifting stories captivated me. I'm so proud of her for this debut novel, and so excited for the books still to come.
Sadie by Courtney Summers - This is such a tough book to talk about, because the subject matter is rather grim, and yet there is so much heart and beauty and grace in the writing. The structure is also very clever and fun, with the main arc of the story framed by a series of podcasts episodes.
Strange the Dreamer and Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor - Have you noticed a trend yet? We are big Laini fans around here, and these books perfectly encompass why. Her imagination, insights, prose... it's all so magical! Dark and deep and delightful.
* * *
What were YOUR favorite reads of 2018?
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Stephanie, Ingrid, Sarah & Kristan — we read, write, discuss and celebrate Young Adult lit.
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