I've been feeling super apathetic lately. Post-graduation slump? Warm-weather blahs (is that even really a thing)? I don't know. On the plus side, I read a whole slew of books last month, including the last ones I reviewed for my awesome library job. *sniff* I wonder how not having a job where I get paid--partially--to read will affect my reading levels? I guess we shall see. In any case, here are my favs from last month (pictures link to book descriptions):
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart - This was classic middle grade, and I loved it! Super-smart children, both boys and girls, going undercover and outsmarting adults? What's not to love? I thought the characters were really fun and unique, with enough action and danger to make it interesting but not too intense for the intended audience. I know I would have eaten this right up as a kid.
The Loser's Guide to Life and Love by A.E. Cannon - A sweet, simple teen romance. Loosely based on "A Midsummer Night's Dream," it was so refreshing reading a YA book that wasn't brimming with sexual tension. Instead the romance was really sweet, "crushy" if you will, which has always felt much more realistic to me, even for teens. It was also really funny! The voice was authentic, and it was just an overall enjoyable read. Just what I needed!
Delirium by Lauren Oliver - I absolutely loved
Before I Fall, so I was really looking forward to this new book. It was
so good.
Delirium was a lighter dystopian, meaning that the government hasn't entirely taken over everything, but you can see it's heading that way. I thought the characters were interesting, and even though the romance was an important part of the book, it wasn't the
only part of the book, so there's plenty of action and suspense to go around. I can't wait for the sequel!
Supernaturally by Kiersten White - Most of you probably know that I love love
loved Paranormalcy, and this sequel was incredibly good as well! Evie has such a fun voice, it's always fun to spend more time with her. Blessedly,
Supernaturally did not suffer from "terrible two" syndrome. (Isn't the second book in the trilogy often the worst?) Even though there's a whole lot of "oh bleep, all kinds of bad things are happening" moments, there was no pointless drama! And it resolved well, instead of being like "hahaha, you must wait until the third book to see any ends tied." Basically, it was great. And if you haven't read
Paranormalcy yet, go read it! It's awesome!
The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black - I read all five books at once, and they're so short it really could just be one long book (especially middle grade has gotten so
long recently). Very fun fantasy, with illustrations scattered throughout (I love those), and flawed but likeable characters. I can see why the series has been popular! They'd be great for reluctant readers.
Also read in April:
Rampant by Diana Peterfreund
Ascendant by Diana Peterfreund
The Shattering by Karen Healey (ARC)
Janitors by Tyler Whitesides (ARC)
The Bloomswell Diaries by Louis L. Buitendag
What have you been reading?
The Mysterious Benedict Society is definitely one of my favorite young age books. So much fun! :)
ReplyDeleteI recently read Rampant as well! I just finished Water for Elephants - which was beautifully written and captured the main character in the most amazing way, I was captivated by it.
ReplyDelete(And, I am so GLAD you commented, I had lost your blog address and was so sad!).
Now I'm a follower so I can't lose you again :).
ReplyDelete