I thought I'd share with you a few of the books that I've read lately that I thought were amazing or that I thought you might enjoy reading. Before I do, though, I'd like to just say a word about who I am recommending these books to: adults. That is not to say they are inappropriate for teenagers to read (two of the books on my list today are teen or young adult books). It is just that I do not choose to decide for you what books are or are not appropriate for your teenager. Okay? Okay.
So now on to teen book no. 1:
Wings by Aprilynne Pike. This recommend is for those of you who loved the Twilight series. You remember that series, right? Teenage girl moves to a new city, feels out of place, starts to make new friends, discovers a whole world of vampires and wolves that she didn't know existed, and has to decide between two incredible guys. In Wings, a teenage girl moves to a new city, feels out of place, starts to make new friends, discovers a whole world of faeries and trolls she didn't know existed, and falls in love with two incredible guys. But you really shouldn't let the similarities discourage you because they really are two distinct stories--Wings is much less edgy and bloody than Twilight--and I did find it to be thoroughly entertaining and simply a joy to read. It is the first of four novels and I'll return for the rest of them. Read a review by Janssen at Everyday Reading here. Also when you do read this book could you please explain the title to me because I don't get it.
Teen book no. 2:
On the Jellicoe Road by Malina Marchetta. Taylor Markham is the new leader of a secret underground community at her boarding school in a small town in Australia that participates in territory wars between the school, the town's teens (townies), and a group of cadets that camp nearby. While negotiating land ownership or the return of captured students her own world begins to fall apart with the disappearance of her guardian Hannah who has been looking after her since her own mother abandoned her. It is through her current relationships with fellow students, townies, and one particular cadet that she discovers the links to her past and the past of her parents. Stunning, stunning book with an ending that had me holding my breath in suspense, gasping (out loud) in surprise, and crying in sadness and happiness. This book now has a place on my all-time favorite books list.
Book no. 3:
Fine Old High Priests by Donald Smurthwaite. In this touching story an LDS man in his 70s, spends the night sitting beside the hospital bed of a long-time friend who is dying of cancer. Throughout the night he recalls the building of their friendship and the many life lessons they have learned with and from each other. Don't think that just because of the title or the fact that it is about a man dying of cancer that this book is sad or dry. This is a beautifully written book that is light and funny while being at the same time wise and insightful. This one is also on my all-time favorite books list.
Book no. 4:
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford. Henry, a Chinese-American, has recently lost his wife to cancer when the discovery of suitcases belonging to Japanese-Americans who were interned during WWII stirs up emotions and memories of when he was a child and of his Japanese-American friend Kieko. The novel moves back and forth between the 1980s and the 1940s to tell the tale of this friendship and of difficult family relationships that are to be overcome, endured, and sometimes enjoyed. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and then handed it to my mom who thoroughly enjoyed it.
So now on to teen book no. 1:
Wings by Aprilynne Pike. This recommend is for those of you who loved the Twilight series. You remember that series, right? Teenage girl moves to a new city, feels out of place, starts to make new friends, discovers a whole world of vampires and wolves that she didn't know existed, and has to decide between two incredible guys. In Wings, a teenage girl moves to a new city, feels out of place, starts to make new friends, discovers a whole world of faeries and trolls she didn't know existed, and falls in love with two incredible guys. But you really shouldn't let the similarities discourage you because they really are two distinct stories--Wings is much less edgy and bloody than Twilight--and I did find it to be thoroughly entertaining and simply a joy to read. It is the first of four novels and I'll return for the rest of them. Read a review by Janssen at Everyday Reading here. Also when you do read this book could you please explain the title to me because I don't get it.
Teen book no. 2:
On the Jellicoe Road by Malina Marchetta. Taylor Markham is the new leader of a secret underground community at her boarding school in a small town in Australia that participates in territory wars between the school, the town's teens (townies), and a group of cadets that camp nearby. While negotiating land ownership or the return of captured students her own world begins to fall apart with the disappearance of her guardian Hannah who has been looking after her since her own mother abandoned her. It is through her current relationships with fellow students, townies, and one particular cadet that she discovers the links to her past and the past of her parents. Stunning, stunning book with an ending that had me holding my breath in suspense, gasping (out loud) in surprise, and crying in sadness and happiness. This book now has a place on my all-time favorite books list.
Book no. 3:
Fine Old High Priests by Donald Smurthwaite. In this touching story an LDS man in his 70s, spends the night sitting beside the hospital bed of a long-time friend who is dying of cancer. Throughout the night he recalls the building of their friendship and the many life lessons they have learned with and from each other. Don't think that just because of the title or the fact that it is about a man dying of cancer that this book is sad or dry. This is a beautifully written book that is light and funny while being at the same time wise and insightful. This one is also on my all-time favorite books list.
Book no. 4:
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford. Henry, a Chinese-American, has recently lost his wife to cancer when the discovery of suitcases belonging to Japanese-Americans who were interned during WWII stirs up emotions and memories of when he was a child and of his Japanese-American friend Kieko. The novel moves back and forth between the 1980s and the 1940s to tell the tale of this friendship and of difficult family relationships that are to be overcome, endured, and sometimes enjoyed. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and then handed it to my mom who thoroughly enjoyed it.
5 comments:
I am SO so glad you liked Jellicoe Road. It is definitely one of my favorite books of the year.
I went to the library (it's like my second bedroom, really) to pick up something for someone else, and saw Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet on the shelf... the title caught my eye, and the cool jacket, which happened to be in yellow, which is my favorite color; well, I just needed it. I HAD to take it home! It looked so good, but I was dutifully working on another selection, so it sat and sat and sat and I renewed and renewed, and finally decided to bring it back. NOW I'm going to have to do the 180 and go back and check it out again! You made me need it again! I'm a sucker for a good book review.
Janssen I LOVED the book!
Jenny yes you must return to the library and get it.
Jellicoe Road is a great one. I was so confused through the first quarter of the book, but it was so satisfying when it started coming together.
MBC--I am so glad you said that. I thought that I maybe had just started reading it when I was too tired to concentrate properly. But, yeah, when it comes together it is a wonderful book and well worth any confusion.
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