Monday, September 12, 2011

It’s Monday, what are you reading? (7)

This meme is hosted at Book Journey.
This was a pretty good reading week for me, especially when it came to YA (+1 adult mystery). Half the books I read were parts of series, both of which contained a slightly disappointing second book unfortunately. This week I'm looking forward to reading those book tour books I never got to. Other than that, I have a few bonus YAs lined up for when I get the craving.

Last week I finished reading:

The Accident by Linwood Barclay
Apparently mystery is not a good genre for audiobook, I really enjoyed the narrator but around halfway in I was just too hooked and curious to keep listening and picked up my paperback instead since I knew it would take me less than the 6 hours I had left to finish the book. Wow, all I can say is that this is an intense read. Although outside my normal genre, I'm starting to think I may have to reconsider that opinion when it comes to suspense thrillers as I really enjoyed this.

Exposed by Kimberly Marcus
An emotional yet powerful novel in verse, I had high expectations for this one and it both surprised and amazed me. Like Ellen Hopkins' books this deals with big issues from the perspective of a teenage girl facing trials far beyond her age, and there was a lyrical poetic nature to the writing as well as enough details to really break the heart of the reader in more than one way.

Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey
I was conflicted before reading this book but it interested me enough that I decided to delve in before my Netgalley expired. It was interesting but definitely had some debut flaws, especially when it came time to wrap up all the loose ends. More of a borrow than buy book I'd say, but you'll have to check you my complete review for the full details.

The Secret Hour by Scott Westerfeld
I needed another audiobook and this science fiction trilogy was calling to me. It was my first time reading Westerfeld and I don't know why I waited so long- his mind is absolutely twisted and brilliant!

Frost by Wendy Delsol
I LOVEDLOVEDLOVED Stork, so it would have been impossible for me to have higher expectations of this sequel than I did. Although there was still a lot I loved, it didn't quite live up to the first novel, mainly because of a few too many subplots and a rushed climax. Still, I'll be first in line for a copy of the third and final book whenever it is released because Delsol's writing remains hilarious and heart-warming.

Touching Darkness by Scott Westerfeld
The second Midnighters book wasn't quite as awe-inspiring as the first for me, I still enjoyed it but having gotten familiar with the world and characters in the first book, this one felt a lot less meaty in comparison. I did like the storyline, but there was more romance in this book than The Secret Hour and I didn't connect with it as well as I hoped. I think it is actually the characters I have issues with, I don't like any of them, except maybe Jessica a bit, and while that didn't bother me in the first book they seemed to get increasingly whiny in this one. That said, where Westerfeld really excels if with the history and myth behind the Midnighters, of which there is plenty. 

What I plan to read this week: 

Blue Noon by Scott Westerfeld
Time for the final book in the Midnighters series. I just started this audio and am looking forward to finding out how things wrap up for the gang of teens.

Swing Low by Miriam Toews
I've already started this one and I'm enjoying it although it is so different from the Toews novel I just read, Irma Voth, that I'm a little bit shocked. It reminds me a bit of Half-Broke Horses in that it's a true story, but Toews, like Walls did, takes on the first person of a family member that has passed on and tells it from their perspective. You really get a look inside Mel's mind, but that's also a very cluttered and sometimes confusing place. Knowing from the beginning things end with him killing himself definitely makes it bittersweet.

The Grief of Others by Leah Hager Cohen
Another emotional book tour novel I didn't get a chance to read last week (again) and am hoping to read soon. This is at least the third time I'm featuring it, which doesn't say anything about the novel's quality but rather a lot about my ability to procrastinate.

Waiting For Robert Capa by Susana Fortes
 
An upcoming book tour novel that recently arrived and is a historical fiction inspired by the life of Robert Capa (obviously). It contains several elements I find really interesting including WW2, Judaism and photography. It's also already scheduled to be made into a film by director Michael Mann. Hopefully it lives up to its potential!

Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick
I don't like this cover at all but I love my dystopia! However this is a nearly 500 page ebook and I tend to avoid ebooks that long, even though I do have an ereader. I guess it depends how well it hooks me, I've been let down recently (I'm looking at you, Possession) and am hoping to have my fate reinstated. Hopefully Ashes sweeps me away!

The Beginning of After by Jennifer Castle
Depending on how things go with Ashes and how much depressing reading I can handle, I also have this soon to expire Netgalley that I was interested by and hope to read in time. The orphan plot has been done many times but the twist- falling in love with the boy who's father was responsible- is definitely unique. And of course, even though it's an ebook, the cover totally hooked me as well.

What are you reading this Monday?

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