Summer Literary Recap
Lurkdom, you’re officially reading post 500! *throws confetti and glitter* Because of this and the fact that math has broken my brain*, today’s post will be short.
I read some fantastically awesome published books this summer**. After having such a reading slump at the start of the year, it’s amazing to see how my reading picked up.
Pam raves about Ellen Hopkins and after her and a few other people talked it up enough, I caved. Crank is cleverly written and covers a serious issue without being preachy. It’s understandable why it’s been banned*** in places, but you can’t discount that Hopkins knows what she’s doing. You can read my mini review here.
Everyone who has read Anna and the French Kiss has loved it. At first it made me think that there was Kool Aid in the water. Then I read it. There were both funny and sweet moments. The description was fantastic. Believe you me, I’ll be reading it again. Soon. You can read my review here.
This was my first foray into Jennifer Echols’ books and I loved it. The copy I had included The Boys Next Door and it’s sequel, Endless Summer. It was the perfect kick off to my vacation at Real World Cape Cod. This will be another one I’ll reread.
Toted as my favorite read for August, Shut Out totally exceeded my expectations. The characters were believable. A month later and I’m still thinking about this book. We’ll overlook the fact that I’m dreading throwing it in the mail to Pam and Quita because part of me wants to reread it now. You can read my review here.
Just like I was late to the Jennifer Echols party, I’m late to the Sarah Dessen one as well. Lock and Key handled a lot of subject matter and did it with grace. Ruby’s voice was great and while there were times where I felt like punching her, for the most part she was an enjoyable protagonist. Actually, the entire cast was great.
What was the best thing you read this summer? Head over to Paper Hangover and play along!
* Thank you, day job.
** I also beta read some awesome books, but that’s an entirely different story.
*** Here at The Pie we believe that censorship is ridiculous. Being informed is better than being ignorant.
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Last.fm hit of the day: Sarissas by Blackguard
Hurray 500! I've had Crank on my TBR-list forever and I need to hurry up and arrive at the Jennifer Echols' party b/c I have several of her books on my list, too.
I cannot wait to read SHUT OUT. Huge Kody fan over here. *waves*
And yes, ANNA is really that awesome! Haven't read the other books, but they are already in my TBR pile 🙂
And CONGRATS on 500 posts!!
I really like Sarah Dessen's books. I think they just seem really real. Along for the Ride reminded me of my summers working at an ice cream store on a boardwalk.
I haven't read any of these, but a few of them keep cropping up (I do have Anna and the French Kiss on my e-reader). Going to have to check them out now!
Ellen Hopkins is AWESOME!!! I'm reading Perfect right now. 🙂 And I totally loved Shut Out. Yes, very realistic. And very good.
Congrats on 500! WOW! I don't know that I'll ever hit that!
Yay! I'm so glad you caved in for Crank. I almost cried when I finally got to speak to Ellen Hopkins this past summer, even if it was just for a few seconds. We keep checking our mailbox everyday for Shut Out, too–sorry to make you part with it. 🙁
Yay for a summer of awesome reads. Every year the level of awesome books getting published keeps growing. I think I'm permanently behind at the rate my to be read pile keeps growing.
I've yet to read Ellen Hopkins… terrible, I know. I do adore Stephanie Perkins and Jennifer Echols, though. Have you read FORGET YOU? It's fantastic!
I enjoyed Anna and the French Kiss. And, I just finished the three Forrest of Hands and Teeth books–awesome. I would def. recommend!
I need to read Shut Out and The DUFF for that matter. Sigh. I have to get on that.
Also, I gave you a blog award on my blog today
http://writtled.blogspot.com/2011/09/7-x-7-baby.html
<3
Thanks for sharing your five! I'm in your contemporary campaign group. I'm slow at getting around to everyone. And thanks to your blog title, I want pie. Nice to meet you!