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Tell Me Three Things, by Julie Buxbaum
Before this book, I didn’t really have an all-time favorite book. But this story made me laugh and feel things. Even though the situation wasn’t anything I personally related to, it felt authentic. The combination of light-hearted and touching is so hard to achieve, and this story nailed it. I absolutely loved the voice of Jessie. It felt real, and also I could see myself in her (nerdy, unassuming, unsure of our own worth). This story has all the things I love in a book: friendships, romance, emotions, angst – all of it, without being over the top.
Not Your Sidekick, by C.B. Lee
This story has a unique take on super powers, but even more enjoyable was the budding relationship between two likeable girls. I loved watching their awkward yet charming relationship unfold and grow. There are funny moments, heartfelt moments, and scenes that make me grin nonstop because they’re both! If you get a chance to listen to the audiobook version of this story, definitely do that. The voice acting is masterful.
Essential Maps for the Lost, by Deb Caletti
This one is different. It was the first time I’d encountered a third person present narrative. It was a little strange at first, but somehow it worked. It was the metaphors and the language and the way the perspectives were conveyed. It was SO different from anything I’d ever read. It had a style that vibed with me. The flow, the deep thoughts, even the video game references… they worked magic in this story. I’ve never suffered depression, and yet I still understood these characters perfectly. I felt what they felt, but without being brought down. This one stayed with me longer than most.
Open Road Summer, by Emery Lord
This one also does an excellent job of blending humor with heart. I didn’t think I would like it as much as I did, because I don’t care for country music, and don’t even like concerts. I liked the characters though, and the highs and lows of the friendship outshined even the sweet romance. Reagan is tough and loyal and sassy, just the way I like my main characters to be.
The Running Dream, by Wendelin Van Draanen
The premise of the book drew me in–a runner must deal with the loss of her leg. It was the right amount of angst, and felt very real. I could tell the author did her research very thoroughly, but she doesn’t inundate the reader with too many details. I learned a lot about what amputees have to deal with, while at the same time rooting for the main character. A very enjoyable read.
Eleanor & Park, by Rainbow Rowell
I really enjoyed the alternatinig points of view, and found the characters very endearing. Something about Rowell’s writing style resonates with me (I also enjoyed Fangirl, though that didn’t make it onto this list because of the disruptive fan fiction sprinkled throughout.) I greatly enjoyed reading about these two youngsters slowly getting closer, as well as dealing with their home drama.
I want a free book!!!!
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