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Top Ten Book Cover Faves by Author
Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature from The Broke and the Bookish. Book covers have been a hot button topic lately with Maureen Johnson’s Cover Flip bringing lots of attention to book marketing. I definitely judge books by their covers, especially with debut authors. It was fun looking at covers this week and seeing the consistencies within an author’s body of work, and the changes with a paperback release.
This week I’m looking at book covers by author since generally I’m a fan of these authors, and it makes me wonder if I’d feel differently about any of these books if they had different covers. Hmm…
Top Ten Favorite Covers by Author:
1. Rainbow Rowell - I hate to pick favorites, but I just adore all of Rainbow Rowell’s book covers. I know authors don’t usually get any input into their cover art, but it seems like Rowell does get to collaborate her cover designs with her publisher, and they have all done a fantastic job. I wouldn’t mind owning prints of all these covers.
2. Sara Zarr – Zarr’s books are simple and pretty, with nice typography and the cover matches the tone of the book. Once Was Lost was recently released with a new title/cover. It’s nice, but I think the original is lovely too.
3. Colleen Hoover – Hoover’s books recently had a re-design, and they are striking and colorful and I wouldn’t mind owning this new set. But there is still something charming about the simplicity of the original Slammed and Point of Retreat covers.
4. David Levithan - Levithan’s covers are attractive and creative and match up well to the story within.
5. Jessi Kirby – All of Kirby’s covers appeal to me and really evoke a summer mood. Just realized I own hardcovers of all of these.
6. Robin Benway – I like the pop of color and vibe of all of Benway’s covers. The bright colors are consistent throughout even though stylistically they are so different. AKA is my favorite.
7. Katie Kacvinsky - I like the symbols used in Katie’s covers and how they relate to the books. It’s refreshing to see books with romance in them without kissing or couples used on the covers, so I was glad that the First Comes Love cover was redesigned with the pb release.
8. Gayle Forman – I’ve always been drawn to the original cover of If I Stay, and I’m not a fan of the later covers of If I Stay/Where She Went. I do like the Just One Day/Just One Year covers though and think they fit the book. I prefer the original cover of Just One Day rather than the pb, but it’s not too bad.
9. Ruta Sepetys – Between Shades of Gray is the rare exception that I like both in hardcover and paperback, though both covers are so different. Love the colors in Out of the Easy and how the style fits the theme of the book so well.
10. Jennifer E. Smith – The typography and style of these covers just make me happy, and these are books I definitely buy in hardcover.
What are your favorite book covers?
Top Ten Books Dealing with Tough Subjects
Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature from The Broke and the Bookish. Last week’s subject was light reads and this week we’re going to the dark side. Surprisingly, this week’s topic was easier for me than last weeks! I’ve been gravitating towards lighter books lately, though I’ve certainly read my share of tough subject books.
These books deal with the tough stuff:
1. Miracle by Elizabeth Scott - Miracle takes on the aftermath of a plane crash and PTSD. Living Dead Girl by Scott could also easily be on this list- it still haunts me to this day.
2. Live Through This by Mindy Scott – Live Through This is a gripping novel about abuse.
3. If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch – If You Find Me is a tale about abuse, and survival.
4. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson – Wintergirls is a chilling book about anorexia. Anderson’s Speak should easily be on this list as well.
5. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky – I tend to think of this book being about depression and grief for the most part, but there are other tough issues explored as well.
6. Hold Still by Nina LaCour – This book centers on the aftermath of suicide.
7. Speechless by Hannah Harrington- Speechless is about a bully who becomes bullied herself.
8. Don’t Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala – Takes you inside the life of a runaway trying to survive on the streets.
9. The Survival Kit by Donna Freitas - Loved this book about grieving and healing after losing a mother, but after going through this myself this is the kind of book I avoid now. It’s so interesting how personal experience shapes our book choices.
10. Something Like Normal by Trish Doller – Male POV about a soldier experiencing PTSD on his return home from Afghanistan.
Do you prefer to read lighter books or those dealing with tough subjects? Are there any tough subject matters you avoid?
Top Ten Light and Fun Comfort Reads
Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature from The Broke and the Bookish. I’m so in need of some light and fun recs right now, so I’m happy to see this week’s topic. I like lighter reads in the spring/summer or anytime I need a little cheering up. Not all of these books are non-stop laugh riots but they have a good blend of laughter, depth, and romance.
On the list are some of my favorite comfort reads, and some more recent faves:
1. Anna & The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins - One of my favorite go-to feel good reads. In fact, I may have to re-read Anna and Lola again before Isla’s release. (Review)
2. The Reece Malcolm List by Amy Spalding – Really touching read about a new mother daughter relationship, musical theater, romance, and Los Angeles. I wanted to read it again as soon as I finished. (Review)
3. Also Known As by Robin Benway – Benway’s writing is so witty, and this spy themed novel is a lot of fun. Her novel Audrey, Wait is also a blast. (Review)
4. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick – This is not LOL funny, but there are some heart-warming moments, and I’m in love with the Garrett family. I recently re-read as an audiobook and it is a new favorite comfort read. As far as I know this is a standalone book but it would be cool if Fitzpatrick would write a companion book. (Review)
5. A Midsummer’s Nightmare by Kody Keplinger – This book is about a carefree summer gone wrong, and has great character development, and a realistic story. (Review)
6. This is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith – I’m reading this right now and it’s very cute. Just what the doctor ordered. Great setting, romance and laughs.
7. Losing It by Cora Carmack – A funny, sexy NA novel. If you haven’t clicked with a NA book, don’t give up yet- Carmack has a fresh and witty voice. The companion book Faking it is a treat as well. (Review)
8. Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday – A black comedy type murder mystery that is lots of fun. There are many LOL moments in this one. (Review)
9. How Zoe Made Her Dreams (Mostly) Come True by Sarah Strohmeyer - Just started this one because it looks like the very definition of light and fun. It’s about a girl who works at a Fairyland theme park with a boss from hell.
10. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling – Humorous memoirs are always fun comfort reads for me. I’ve read this book and listened to the audio but haven’t reviewed it yet – oops! If you are a fan of The Mindy Project like I am you need to check this out. Mindy has a great sense of humor.
What are your favorite light and fun comfort reads?
Top Ten Verse Novels On My TBR
Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature from The Broke and the Bookish. This week is a TTT Rewind week. I’m going with the topic Books I’m Dying to Read, with a focus on Novels in Verse.
April is poetry month, and I know verse novels aren’t exactly the same thing, but they are poetic in their own way. I like reading the heavier hitting verse novels like ones that tackle issues/tough topics. The books are often quick reads with fewer words on the page, yet powerful and substantial in other ways.
I want to read more novels in verse, and I even have a verse collection on my kindle. Here are 10 that I’m eager to check out:
1. The Language Inside by Holly Thompson – May 14 Delacorte. A multicultural verse novel about identity and post-tsunami Japan.
2. Out of This Place by Emma Cameron – May 14 Candlewick Press. First released in Australia as Cinnamon Rain.
3. The Weight of Water by Sarah Crossan – July 23 Bloomsbury USA. A MG/YA coming of age about a Polish girl who moves to England and tries to fit in.
4. Canary by Rachel Alpine – August 1 Medallion Press. This contemporary deals with assault, and the premise kind of reminds me of Daisy Whitney’s The Mockingbirds.
5. Smoke by Ellen Hopkins - September 10 Margaret K. McElderry Books. Companion/sequel to Burned.
6. Freakboy by Kristin Elizabeth Clark – October 22 Farrar, Straus & Giroux. A transgender coming of age novel.
7. My Book of Life by Angel by Martine Leavitt – A novel in verse about teen prostitution and addiction.
8. Inside Out and Back Again by Thanha Lai - A verse novel about a girl who has to leave Saigon for America when the Vietnam War hits too close to home.
9. Defy the Stars by Stephanie Parent – An edgy, modern Romeo & Juliet inspired novel in verse.
10. Glimpse by Carol Lynch Williams – A dark, intense story about sisters going through a traumatic event.
Do you like verse novels and have any recommendations? Let me know what made your TTT list today!
Spring Fever: Top Ten Books At The Top Of My TBR
Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature from The Broke and the Bookish. This week we are counting down the books on our Spring TBR! These are (some of) the books I have my eye on, listed in order of publication date:
1. Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare – March 19 Margaret K. McElderry Books. Is this really the end of the Infernal Devices? That was fast!
2. OCD, The Dude, and Me by Lauren Vaughn Roedy – March 21 Dial. I guess I just like quirky books about people that don’t fit in but eventually find their place in the world.
3. If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch – March 26 St. Martin’s Griffin. This contemporary survival story / mystery sounds intense.
4. That Time I Joined the Circus by J.J. Howard – April 1 Scholastic Point. Described as The Night Circus meets Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Circus settings in books are interesting to me, and I like the music tie-in.
5. Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire – April 2 Atria. Can’t help but be curious about Beautiful Disaster from Travis’ perspective.
6. How Zoe Made Her Dreams (Mostly) Come True by Sarah Strohmeyer – April 23 Balzer & Bray. Looks cute- it’s described as The Devil Wears Prada set in Disney World.
7. Game. Set. Match. by Jennifer Iacopelli – May 1 Coliloquy. Looking forward to reading this New Adult tennis romance.
8. The Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr – May 7 Little, Brown. About a musical prodigy whose career ends prematurely. I’m always drawn to music themed books, and eagerly await this one.
9. If I Should Die by Amy Plum – May 7 Harper Teen. Time to wrap up The Revenants trilogy.
10. The Language Inside by Holly Thompson – May 14 Delacorte. A multicultural verse novel about identity and post-tsunami Japan.
What books top your Spring reading list? Let me know in the comments!
Top Ten Authors On My Auto-Buy List
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme that’s all about lists, and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s topic is Auto-Buy authors – those authors whose work you love so much you’d buy any of their books, just on name alone. When I read the topic I immediately thought of a handful of authors that I read no questions asked, and it’s a fun topic to consider.
These authors are Auto-Buy all the way for me:
1. Richelle Mead – Books: Vampire Academy, Bloodlines, and Georgina Kincaid series - I love them all. Can’t wait to spend a little time with my kindle and catch up on Gameboard of the Gods. I’ll happily read anything Mead decides to write- wonder if she’ll 
ever try out Contemporary! Love her characters, and all the angst, action, and romance.
2. Jennifer Echols – Books: My favorites are Such a Rush and Going Too Far, and this year looks to be huge for Echols. I preordered her first romantic comedy for adults Starcrossed, (See? Auto-buy) and it’s out today! Next is the New Adult Levitating Las Vegas, followed by the YA drama Dirty Little Secrets. And yes, I’ll read them all. She writes some of my favorite contemporary romances, with very unique settings.
3. Gayle Forman – Books: If I Stay, Where She Went, Just One Day – these are my kinds of books. If I Stay actually is one of the books that got my into YA in the first place and will always hold a special place in my heart. Just One Day is a gorgeous read, and the wait for Just One Year is a killer. I like that Forman touches on mature topics that appeal to a New Adult audience. I hope she always writes Contemporary YA/NA but would love to see her write an Adult novel as well.
4. Lauren Oliver – Books: Before I Fall, Delirium trilogy, Liesl & Po, The Spindlers. Oliver won me over with Before I Fall and Delirium & I love that she’s unafraid to try her hand at writing every category, such as Middle Grade, and she’s even 
writing her first Adult novel, Rooms, due out in 2014. Lauren Oliver as an auto-buy favorite is a no-brainer.
5. Colleen Hoover – Books: Slammed, Point of Retreat, Hopeless. Last year at this time I’d never heard of this author, but now after reading these three books she’s on the auto-buy list for sure. One of my favorite New Adult authors I’ve read and I’m happy for all her success. Love the emotional connection I feel to her stories and characters. Looking forward to This Girl (Slammed in Will’s POV) in April, and Hopeless #2 (Holder’s POV) in July.
6. Jennifer L. Armentrout – Books: The Lux Series is one of my favorites, and I like that Armentrout also writes New Adult under J. Lynn, like the forthcoming Wait for You and Frigid. Paranormal is not my preferred genre but I will read her paranormal series for the characters, action, drama and romance, and eagerly await her new contemporary books.
7. David Levithan – Books: Every Day, The Lover’s Dictionary, and his co-written books Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares, and Will Grayson. And there’s so many books I still need to check out from Levithan! I admire that he’s always trying something new; he writes strong gay characters, and his books have crossover appeal. Looking forward to this spring’s Invisibility (with Andrea Cremer) and this fall’s Two Boys Kissing.
8. John Green – Books: The Fault in Our Stars, Looking for Alaska, the co-written Will Grayson, and the ones I still have yet to read. Watching the Vlogbrothers also got me interested in Green’s work. I have all of Green’s books to-date on my shelf and just wish he’d put out books a little more often. His writing is smart and I love that he doesn’t talk down to his 
readers. Can’t wait to hear about his next book!
9. Stephanie Perkins – Books: Anna and the French Kiss, Lola and the Boy Next Door, and this fall’s Isla and the Happily Ever After (finally!) I’ve only read her two published books so far, but can’t imagine not trying out anything she chooses to write. Her characters, swoon-filled romance, witty dialogue and city settings all appeal to me. And wasn’t there talk about Perkins writing a horror novel?
10. Auto-Buy Audiobook Narrator – Emma Galvin – About a third of my reading is done via audiobook, and I have some favorite narrators that I’ll follow to any genre. My favorite YA narrator no question is Emma Galvin, and I’ve followed her from YA to Romance, Mystery, and Middle Grade all on the strength of her narration. Some of my top picks are Divergent, Hold Still, and Probability of Miracles, and I’m eager to check out Winter’s Bone sometime soon. I couldn’t bring myself to pick up the Snooki book though, lol.
Those are my Auto-Buy picks, who are your Auto-Buy authors? Do we have any in common?
Top Ten Favorite Book Settings
Top Ten Tuesday is brought to you by The Broke and the Bookish. I was going to skip this week’s topic because honestly I didn’t think setting mattered much in my book selections. But, after musing a little longer I did realize that setting plays a bigger part than I realized in my book enjoyment.
I like reading about these book settings:
1. Workplace – It’s fun to escape the daily grind with fantasy and mystery, but there’s also something interesting about books grounded in reality with an office setting. Attachments is an office romance with a twist- and it’s set in a newspaper office.
2. College – I didn’t really have a typical college experience of living in a dorm, and think books with a college setting bring up a lot of interesting situations. New Adult books are starting to fill that void with more books set in college, such as Easy, Love Story, and Beautiful Disaster.
3. On the Road – Road trip books and other travel adventures illustrate a character’s journey and usually bring quirky characters, music mixes, romance and self-discovery. These are some of my favorite types of books, such as Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour, Saving June, and The Disenchantments.
4. Beachy Keen – I love books set in Exotic or seaside locales that I normally wouldn’t get to visit. The Summer series by Jenny Han wouldn’t be the same without the Cousins Beach setting. On the Island is another one I’d like to try.
5. 24-Hour Stories – There’s something about books that take place in one day that ups the stakes and creates intriguing dramatic tension. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight is a good example and combines a lot of my favorite settings – road trip (airplane), foreign travel, and it’s set in 24 hours. Graffiti Moon is another book that takes place in one day.
6. Holiday, Celebrate – Books set around winter holidays help me get into the holiday spirit. Some of my favorites are Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares and Let it Snow, and there are lots more I want to read.
7. 80s-90s era - This time frame is neglected in favor of other historical time frames, but I think there are a lot of stories to tell about the 80s-90s. Other Words for Love, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and The Future of Us are a few I can think of that reference that time frame, but I’d be 
interested in reading more.
8. Afterlife – I like contemporary books with an Afterlife twist like Before I Fall, If I Stay, or The Catastrophic History of You & Me. Touching the Surface also looks like a good afterlife book.
9. City Life, places I’ve been – I like to see familiar landmarks in books, but also experience new places I hope to someday visit. Cities like London, Paris, Tokyo, New York, and Los Angeles are some of my favorite city settings. Just One Day, Anna and the French Kiss, and Tokyo Heist are a few favorites.
10. Performing Arts world – Books about the performing arts centering on musicians, dancers and other artists are interesting to me. Audition is a good verse novel set in the world of dance, and a couple other dance-oriented novels that look appealing to me are Bunheads and The Cranes Dance.
What are your favorite book settings?
