2013 Book List
2013 Book List
Fiction
This year, a mix of MG, YA, and adult fiction. Some I've read because they are popular and I wanted to see what the fuss was about. Many of these choices are to find books that are suitable for an advanced tween reader. Some are, some aren't. I'll note my impressions.
- The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling
What an amazing character study of a modern day English village. Excellent. (Adult)
Someplace To Be Flying by Charles De Lint
The pacing was too slow for me, and I gave it up. I heard De Lint was a good writer, so maybe it wasn't the right selection for me. (Adult Fantasy)
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Clever, devious, messed up characters in a twisted mind-f*ck. I'd read more by Flynn. (Adult)
The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan
I couldn't miss the latest Percy and Co. action. My daughter warned me I wouldn't like the ending, and she was right. I'm waiting for the next book.(MG Fantasy)
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
A lovely, aching tale of doomed teenagers. A few slight misses with the author 'trying too hard', but thankfully, not too sentimental or morbid. Quirky, awesome characters with some great lines. A must read.(YA) (Not for tweens.)
Eleven Birthdays by Wendy Maass
Cute Groundhog-Day-esque tween fiction. Recommended by my daughter. Great for tween girls! (MG Real world fantasy.)
The Testament of Jessie Lamb by Jane Rogers
This near future or AU sci fi book chronicles a British teen's decision to sacrifice her life to help save humanity. Interesting and decently written. I liked it.(YA SF)
Just One Day by Gayle Forman.
It's about an American girl (Allyson) who meets a Dutch guy in London, goes to Paris for one day with him, and then goes to Boston for her freshman year at college. Although she is clinically depressed because of her parent's expectations and her heartbreak, the writing wasn't too heavy in the 'Debbie Downer mode'. The author handled it lightly, even expertly, and it made for a much better story. The ending was satisfying because Allyson discovers her true self through hard work and self examination, and that is the best kind of resolution. Nice writing style too. (YA) (Oh, and so much better than the college-freshman-in-Boston book I read last year called Penelope by Rebecca Harrington. Both protagonists--Allyson in Just One Day and Penelope--have seemingly flat, compliant personas, but Allyson was interesting on the inside and was ultimately able to bring some of that to the outside because of her experiences. Penelope had very little growth and let life happen to her. I think Penelope was in a daze, while Allyson was playing parts she accepted from others.) (YA)
Uses for Boys by Erica Lorraine Scheidt
Girl, emotionally abandoned by her mother, suffers suburbia and worse. A clear warning for older teen girls only because the themes include sex, abortion, alcohol, drugs, bad decisions, abandonment, bad parenting, lying, and mental illness. One early scene on the school bus leads to the young girl getting a 'bad reputation', but she is a victim of circumstance and doesn't know how to speak up for herself and has no advocates. Later, the girl finally finds some good people who give her the first real encouragement and that helps her on a more positive existence. (YA)
Cinders and Sapphires by Leila Rasheed
Touted as a 'Downton Abbey for teens', I took a chance. It was predictable and used every clichéd plot. (YA)
The Mother Daughter Book Club, TMDBC: Much Ado About Anne, TMDBC: Dear Pen Pal, TMDBC: Pies & Prejudice, TMDBC: Home for the Holidays, TMDBC: Wish You Were Eyre by Heather Vogel Frederick
All six books are must reads for tweens and Moms! The books cover a group of girls in Concord, Massachusetts whose mothers think forming a mother-daughter book club would bring them all closer together. While the idea may sound corny, it really wasn't; in fact, it was a brilliant move by the mothers. The girls (the main characters) are relatable, flawed, multi-faceted, and irresistible. The struggles they face are realistic for the most part, and the books are well written. Very enjoyable. You must read them. (MG/YA)
The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
I gobbled this book up. The writing, especially at the beginning of the story, was stylish and resonating. I was hooked on this intriguing story about aliens infiltrating our society with a wonderful level of creepiness. Better for older teens because of the violence and death. I recommend it.(YA)
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
This novel is highly reviewed, so I thought I'd try it. Very good, worth reading. (Adult)
Homeland by Cory Doctrow
I read Cory Doctrow's Pirate Cinema last year and thought it was unique and well-handled YA targets to teen guys. I enjoyed this one too. The danger feels very real, and the characterizations are brilliant. I also learned to make cold-brew coffee. (YA)
Little Brother by Cory Doctrow
A sequel to Homeland Good!(YA)
All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill
Requiem by Lauren Oliver
Blah. (YA)
Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger
A steam-punk finishing school for spies. Okay for tweens! (YA)
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
This quirky book is about a very poor, very damaged teen girl who finds some joy in her wretched life in the form of comic books and tapes given to her by a nice guy. Very good. Not for tweens, though.(YA)
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
(YA)
How to Be Popular by Meg Cabot
If you like Meg Cabot's open writing, you'll like this one. Not for my tween, though, because of some of the content.(YA)
Belle Epoque by Elizabeth Ross
Interesting concept, but it fell flat in several parts. The drunk artist-as-a-love interest was a poor way to portray him. That made it not okay for tweens.(YA)
King Dork by Frank Portman
Quotes: I suppose I fit the traditional mold of the brainy, freaky oddball kid who reads too much, so bright that his genius is sometimes mistaken for just being retarded.
If a guy can mange to leave the impression that his awkwardness arises from some kind of deep or complicated soul, why not go for it?
This poor kid gets beat up and played. But he lands on his feet. Love the band names. Not for tweens.(YA)
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
I read this, liked it, and then watched the movie (liked that too). Not for tweens.(YA)
10 Miles Past Normal by Frances O'Roark Dowell
(YA, but maybe okay for older tweens reading up)
Hex Hall, Demon Glass, and Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins
(YA)
Pants on Fire by Meg Cabot
(YA)
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
(YA)
This is Me From Now On by Barbara Dee
(YA)
45 Pounds (More or Less) by K.A. Barson
Overweight girl struggles with body image.(YA)
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
(YA)
Mocking Jay by Suzanne Collins
Depressing ending. (YA)
The Dark Winding by Sharon Cameron
Slow going. Opium is used to drug someone. Other than that, might be okay for tweens. (YA)
United We Spy by Ally Carter
The last book in the Gallagher Girls series. Wraps up the series. Better than the previous book. (Read before my daughter reads it.) (YA)
The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater
I’ll read anything Maggie writes. I love her writing style and her imagination. This is a great YA series. A little to mature for a tween, but in a few years, I'll enjoy rereading them beside her. Maggie's books are always keepers. (YA)
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Another quirky novel by Rainbow Rowell. She writes about damaged people who find some joy. This book is about a college freshman is a popular Harry Potter fan fiction author and learns to enjoy real life too. Loved it. (YA)
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
Compelling teen mean girl gets another chance to make things right. A page turner. Drinking, drugs, sex talk, vile behavior.(YA)
The Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White
A modern-day mortal child struggles with her complicated relationship with her Egyptian god parents and finds her first love in San Diego. Mythology too! Delightful. Okay for tweens! (YA)
Allegiant by Veronica Roth
This book could have used 200 less pages. I forced myself to finish it because it's a very popular series (why?) and I wanted to see how the author wrapped it up. Mediocre. (YA)
The House of Hades by Rick Riordan
Another installment in The Heroes of Olympus series. Percy and Annabeth are trapped in Hades, while the rest of the crew make the dangerous journey to meet them on the other side of the doors to hell. (Tween)
Curtsies and Conspiracies by Gail Carriger
The second book in the Finishing School series. The beginning held more promise than the ending delivered. Some questionable character choices. Mentions of drinking, genitals, murder by vampire. (YA, but probably meant for tween readers too.)
Blythewood by Carol Goodman
I stayed up late, finishing this book in a day. I loved it! The writing is sophisticated, the plot executed with a deft hand. This is everything a YA book--well, any book--should be: intriguing plot with rich characterizations and lush settings. The premise is something we've seen before many times--orphaned teen goes to magical school--but this time it's fresh and full of details and subplots that are beautifully rendered. While the book stands on it's own, as any good book should, it does leave the reader wanting more simply because it's so well done. (YA, but okay for tweens with some scary imagery.)
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishigurd (Now reading)
Non-Fiction
- Sticks and Stones by
I tried to read it for a book club.
Quiet by Susan Cain
Another book club choice. I'm skimming.
College Admissions by Robin Manlet and Christine Vandevelde
I'm making myself to read this because it was recommended by our College Advisor. It's a quick read.
Recommendations wanted!
Past book lists, including my writing book list, can be found here.