Top Ten Picks is a weekly meme here where I would be posting just about that -- my top 10 picks! Every week, there will be a different and specific topic given. I will then choose 10 of my favorites from that given category, create the list, and post them up here! Everyone is welcome to join! To see the list of previous topics, please click here.Since half a year has already passed, for this week, I thought it would just be appropriate to have the topic on our favorite books so far this year. These are the ones you gave 4-5 star ratings to. These are the books that you would love to add to your bookshelf, to re-read, and the ones we recommend to others to check out. Before I start listing, here is the official list of books I've read so far this year. Now, here are my picks. I will be adding a short review for each, but you can read the rest by clicking on the link I'll provide. In no particular order whatsoever.. here are my favorite books SO FAR this year.
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Still Alice by Lisa GenovaThis is a book that had to be told, and one I highly recommend everyone to read. It is a heart wrenching and unforgettable story that is written to call for awareness.
- my review
Perfect Chemistry by Simone ElkelesWest Side Story meets Romeo and Juliet. Perfect Chemistry offers a fresh new take on the classic -- and sometimes overdone -- bad boy and good girl plot line.
- my review
- my review
Fablehaven by Brandon MullThis was a highly entertaining read that was extremely well-written and perfectly told. That being said, I highly recommend this to anyone of any age, who enjoys this kind of read -- mostly to junior readers (10+) and older -- as it truly is captivating. For lack of a better word, this book is just plain awesome.
- my review
- my review
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran FoerWell, this book sure wins the 'Most Innovative Storyline" award. Backed up with Jonathan Safran Foer's wonderful prose and writing, well, it seems like we got quite a winner here. That being said, it's quite clear; I loved this book!Do I recommend it? Yes -- but... in my opinion, it seems as if this is just not a book for everyone. I have read mixed reviews and heard different opinions about this, and I can see both sides pretty clearly. Maybe it's just one of those 'You either love it or hate it' kind of read. For me, personally, I loved it.
- my review
I Am An Emotional Creature by Eve EnslerThis one's an absolute must for me, as it discusses different situations and lives of different women. It's an awesome book full of insights about feminism, female empowerment, our rights, and the power that women have.
East by Edith PattouThis is a wonderful retelling of a classic fairy tale, filled with adventures, lovable characters, and wonderful prose and writing.
- my review
Dark Lover by J.R. WardDark Lover is the first book in this paranormal romance series. I just finished the second one, and I have to say, I think I've found a new addicting series! It's not for everyone, so read with caution. I'm just glad I liked it a lot.
- my review
Before I Fall by Lauren OliverThis is one of those books I highly recommend.; original, haunting, inspiring, and thought-provoking. Hopefully, you'll not only be entertained by reading it, but find it meaningful long after you finish it -- because that's exactly what happened to me.
- my review
The Midnight Disease by Alice W. Flaherty- This one is a non-fiction book. I honestly never thought I would even like it. Fortunately, I loved it. The Midnight Disease is all about the psychology behind writing. It tries to find the connections between writing&brain, and writing&emotion. Truly an eye-opener.
The Lightning Thief series by Rick Riordan - Can I just say how truly addicting these books are? I spent hours and hours, days upon days, devouring these and these alone. My new favorites!
- review for book 1, book 2, book 3, book 4, and book 5.
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If you would like to join in, all you have to do is:
1. Do a post, listing all your answers. You do not have to include pictures, descriptions, or explanations, but if you would like to do so, feel free!
2. Please sign the Mr. Linky box below with the specific URL of your post.
Can't wait to see your own picks for this week and hear what you all have to say!
In the past week I made a post about this. So, I'm just linking to that. I hope you don't mind!
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you really enjoyed JF Foer - he's great!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite book of the year so far is Bloodroot, by Amy Greene. Just a fantastic read.
I actually did a quasi-"best of the year" Top 10 list too - check it out here, if you're interested: http://thenewdorkreviewofbooks.blogspot.com/2010/06/top-10-literary-things-of-2010so-far.html
I have yet to read any of these yet! But I'd really like to read "Before I Fall"
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad you liked Foer. I've run into the people who really can't stand him and it always makes me a little sad. I just linked my post.
ReplyDelete@ham1299: Don't mind at all, please feel free! Thanks for joining :D
ReplyDelete@Greg Z: I have not read Bloodroot -- will have to check out if our library has a copy of it.
@reederreads: I highly recommend it! It's a really unexpected and surprising novel. Loved it.
@Letter4no1: I've also heard a lot of negative reviews and criticisms towards Foer and his works. While I see and understand where they're coming from -- as I think Foer isn't just for everyone -- I personally like his books for the same reasons they don't.
I am going to try and post mine tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteStill Alice is a top 3 of all times for me.
I have East and Before I Fall on my 'possible TBR list'
I could only come up with four books! Oh, well. Guess I need to read faster. LOL
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you like Dark Lover!! The series just keeps getting better and better. Once you get all caught up you should read Covet by JR Ward. It is spin-off - takes place in Caldwell, with many of the same characters but they don't know what the brother's are. It is the first in a series, the next comes out later this year - Crave.
ReplyDeleteWow. I haven't read any of them except for Before I Fall. Guess I need to get going, huh? Lol.
ReplyDeleteJillian ~ Thanks! :-) I meant to add that the Percy Jackson books are on my TBR list, as it Before I Fall.
ReplyDeleteWow! Great list! :) I'll definitely have to post mine! Sorry I've been away for a bit! I'm staging a comeback. Btw...love the new look of your blog! :)
ReplyDelete@Marce: Looking forward to reading your list!
ReplyDelete@La Coccinelle: haha, congratulations again for having your 1st blogoversary!
@Outnumbered Mama: o0ohh I'll get on that one too. I just finished Lover Eternal. I really liked Rhage. However, I did like Beth's character more than Mary Luce's. Beth was a lot tougher, hehe.
@Natalie: Did you like Before I Fall?
@ham1299: Aw, hope you like the Percy Jackson books! I think they're awesome.
@Holly: Thank you! Danny from Twispired designs (her button on the left sidebar) designed it. And missed you around the blogosphere, by the way! :) It's time yet again for our monthly recap. Crazy how time flies.
Oh, Before I Fall is so amazing! I have no words to describe how I felt when I read this and how I feel after that. One of my favorite ever! Also LOVE Percy Jackson. x)
ReplyDelete