Top Ten Books That Take Place Outside The U.S.

When I first read the topic for this week, I thought it was going to be a challenge. I didn't think I'd read that many books that take place in other countries, but I was delightfully surprised to find out that's not entirely true. I was also surprised to find out how many books I've read that take place in England! That said, I limited the amount of England-setting books I could include on this list, but believe me, there are several other lovely novels I could have chosen. I also did not include fantasy settings that aren't real places, because that's cheating.

What's crazy to me is that I have actually been to a couple of these countries, and that in a few days, I'll be headed to even more of them!!!

1) Prince in Disguise by Stephanie Kate Strohm | Scotland | This novel is so fluffy and adorable and completely underrated. We get to meet (fictional) Scottish royalty and explore hidden passages in Scottish castles and learn about traditional Scottish celebrations. If you're looking for a quick, delightful little romance to read, this is the book for you.

2) Love and Luck by Jenna Evans Welch | Ireland | Maybe this is cheating because at the time of writing this post, I'm about halfway through this novel, but I don't care. Ireland is the very first country outside of the U.S. that I had the pleasure of visiting. The first scene in this novel takes place at the Cliffs of Moher, which was my favorite place in Ireland. Already this novel makes me want to go back to the Emerald Isle.

3) Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley | Australia | This book isn't about tourists visiting Australia, so the setting doesn't play a HUGE role, but this is one of my all-time favorite contemporary novels and, again, completely underrated.

4) My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows | England | I don't even know that I need to explain this novel, because we all know that this book was an absolute blast to read. It rewrites a little bit of English history, and has fun doing it.

5) Daytripper by Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon | Brazil | This graphic novel actually visits and beautifully illustrates several countries, but it takes place primarily in Sao Paulo, Brazil. This graphic novel is stunning and thought-provoking and completely worth reading whether you enjoy graphic novels or not.

6) Blood Promise by Richelle Mead | Russia | I couldn't not include a book from my favorite series of all-time. It was so refreshing to get away from St. Vlad's in this installment and roam Russia.

7) Me Before You by Jojo Moyes | England | First and foremost, I understand that this novel is considered problematic by some, but I adore it. The setting kind of plays a big role in this novel and at the same time doesn't, but we also get to visit Mauritius for a little while, which is a beautiful country in East Africa.

8) Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins | France | I think this one was a given. This novel is so cute and allows us to explore the romantic city of Paris (which I will be going to next week!!!!!!!!!!!).

9) And I Darken by Kiersten White | Turkey | This novel takes place in the time of the Ottoman Empire, and it is so dark and lush and a truly fascinating read.

10) Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch | Italy | Italy had always been my #1 desired traveling destination, and this novel completely charmed me when I read it, and made me desperately want to try gelato in Italy. Now I have tried gelato in Italy, and I can confidently say it lived up to the hype. I''ll actually be on my way to Florence when you all are reading this, which is crazy! My friends and I are planning to do a gelato crawl, which is like a pub crawl but better.

Top Ten Books I Hope Santa Brings Me

CHRISTMAS IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

Okay, sorry, I just really love Christmas. I'm calm now.

That said, I present to you the books I wish Santa would bring me (but like prolly not because I never get books for Christmas, as sad as that is).

1) Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley - Crowley's Graffiti Moon is one of my all-time favorite books and so I was pumped as heck when I saw she was releasing this one. It was one of my most anticipated releases for the year. It sounds so cute and yeah I just really wanna read it.

2) There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins - Another one of my most anticipated releases.

3) The Magicians by Lev Grossman - I'm obsessed with the TV series and it doesn't feel right to love it so much without having read the series.

4) Saga, Vol. 6 by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staple - This is the only book I actually asked for for Christmas because I am obsessed with this graphic novel series and graphic novels are v expensive.

5) Now I Rise by Kiersten White - Annnnd another of my most anticipated releases of the year (see a trend here?). I've made no secret of my love for And I Darken, the first book in the series and I cannot believe I haven't picked this one up yet.

6) Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli - I just finished Becky's most recent book and really enjoyed it, and with the movie coming out soon, I need to read this one!! (Plus, NICK ROBINSON my love)

7) Into the Black by Ava Jae - I adored the first book in the series and the sequel's release snuck up on me without me even realizing it.

8) The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee - I have heard nothing but fabulous things about this one! It seems like the kind of fun I've been craving since My Lady Jane.

9) Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire - Another book I've heard a ton of buzz about and it sounds incredibly interesting.

10) Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco - I'm going to be reading the first book in the series very soon so it would be nice to have the sequel on hand the moment I finish.

Top Ten Contemporary Books I've Added To My TBR Recently

So, one of my favorite parts of summer is that a lot of people are in the mood to read contemporary more than usual. If you don't know--I LOVE contemporary books. It's probably my favorite genre, so I love when everyone is talking about all these lovely contemporary books and I have more excuse to talk about all these lovely contemporary books.

That said, here are some lovely contemporary books I've added to my TBR recently.

Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley - I LOVE CATH CROWLEY and also this one sounds so charming and bookish and everything I want from a contemporary book.

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Manon - I've heard wonderful things about this. It also focuses on a culture I'm not well-acquainted with. Plus, it just sounds fun and cute and THERE IS COFFEE ON THE COVER.

I See London, I See France by Sarah Mylnowski - This one not only involves traveling throughout Europe (my wanderlust is off the charts lately) but it also seems like it's going to delve into what it's like to have a loved one with mental illness and loving the wrong person and dealing with toxic friendships and that all just sounds tasty.

Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia - This includes a trope I always adore: when a character is famous online but not really in real life, but then the world collide. So I'm excited. And it has mixed media!! ALSO A FEMALE WEBCOMIC WRITER WHOOOO.

Seven Days of You by Cecilia Vinesse - Again, traveling! But this time to Tokyo, which I haven't seen a lot of in YA novels. The romance also sounds really interesting. I love the whole "old flames reuniting" thing.

One of Us Is Lying by Karen N. McManus - This one just sounds interesting an exciting! It seems kinda soft-core thriller.

Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett - I've heard really great things about this book, and honestly it just sounds SO CUTE. It also brings up something I think is especially relevant for book bloggers: online persona vs. IRL personality.

Girl out of Water by Laura Silverman - This is another one I've heard nothing but positivity about. I feel like it's going to be relatable and different than a lot of other contemporary books I've read.

The Color Project by Sierra Abrams - LOOK AT THAT COVER IT'S GORGEOUS. As an aspiring philanthropist, I think it's really neat that this focuses on a charity organization. It's was pitched for fans of Stephanie Perkins and Morgan Matson--I AM HERE FOR THAT.

Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith - Admittedly, I'm not as excited about this one as I am the other books on this list, but it's a book I've been seeing around the book community lately, and it sounds interesting enough. And I've really never read anything like it before, so I wouldn't be mad about getting my hands on a copy.

Top Ten Anticipated Reads In The Second Half Of 2017

WoWzA I can't believe it's already basically June!!!!!! It's kind of scary to realize that the older I get, the quicker time seems to go. And, of course, the more delicious books I want to read that come out. Here are 10 of the many I'm looking forward to during the latter half of the year (and a few from June because they're my most anticipated releases of the year).

Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley - I am in love with Crowley's Graffiti Moon. It is stunning and wonderful--even the second time I read it. And even if this weren't Cath Crowley, this novel sounds perfect for book lovers!

Warcross by Marie Lu - I've never actually read anything by Marie Lu yet, but I've heard she's great, and this one sounds heckin interesting. I just know it's going to be epic and intense and all sorts of good.

There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins - AHHHHHHH. STEPHANIE PERKINS. HORROR NOVEL. NOR WORDS!!!!

Before She Ignites by Jodi Meadows - I've only read one of Jodi Meadows's books, but I really enjoyed it. Well, two, if you include My Lady Jane which I loooooooooved. She always has some really interesting ideas and OH YEAH DRAGONS!!!!

Renegades by Marissa Meyer - Okay, I am VERY in love with Heartless. I'm a lil but behind on my Marissa Meyer reading, but eventually I will read EVERYTHING she has ever written. I will blindly trust the woman who brought Jest into my life.

Once and for All by Sarah Dessen - I'm so excited for this I could throw up. I might throw up. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell - I absolutely adored Maxwell's Unhooked so I'm 100% hyped for her next release. Also, look at dat cover. Also, New York. Also, magic and thievery.

The Glass Spare by Lauren DeStefano - Again, I've had good experiences with DeStefano in the past, so I'm really looking forward to whatever she's gonna give the world next. I also know she really wanted to incorporate her OCD and anxiety into this book, and I think it's wonderful.

Into the Black by Ava Jae - THIS IS THE SEQUEL TO BEYOND THE RED AND I AM V V V EXCITED. Aliens and steamy romance and princesses oh my!!

Now I Rise by Kiersten White - Well fuck a duck and call it Chuck because I CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS BOOK. If you read my blog/social media this time last year, you'd know I AM ACTUALLY OBSESSED WITH AND I DARKEN and I feel like I've been waiting for this sequel my entire life.

Top Seven Underrated Books I've Read In The Past Year Or So

One of my favorite things to do is push underrated books, so I got really excited about this topic. However, much to my dismay, I could only find seven lesser-known gems taht I've read within the past year to recommend to y'all today.

We Own the Night by Ashley Poston - (my review)
This novel is so sweet. It also has bi representation, and deals with Alzheimer's, body image, and death of a loved one. Very cute and touching. I have been singing this book's praises since the second I finished it, and I wish more people would read it.

Unhooked by Lisa Maxwell - (my review)
This book is good as shit, I tell you what. A peter pan retelling of sorts that is vastly different from the tale you probably heard as a kid. With a dark Neverland, a lush romance, and PIRATESSSS, this is not a book you want to sit out.

Thicker Than Water by Brigid Kemmerer - (my review)
Literally nobody talks about this book, but I thoroughly enjoyed it! The voices of the two protagonists are incredible and funny and HELLO NEW SHIP.

Little Black Dresses, Little White Lies by Laura Stampler - (my review)
This was a fantastic light, fluffy read with a New York City backdrop.

Beyond the Red by Ava Jae - (my review)
THIS BOOK IS FANTASTIC. Please, just...more people read it, please. Aliens and romance and non-stop action!!!! The writing is incredible. This deserves way more attention than it has gotten and I can;t wait for the sequel.

Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman - (my review)
Oh my oh my do I love this book. I am HIGHLY anticipating the sequel because that ending left me in pieces. And I know the next book is going to be full of all the swashbuckling I crave in YA.

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley - (my review)
This was actually a recent re-read but it was SO AMAZING and in the entire time it has been out (since 2010 in Aussie and 2012 in the U.S.) I've rarely heard people talking about it, but IT'S BEAUTIFUL and deserves all the love forever and ever.

Sunday Post #27

• I'm going back to school today, and I DON'T WANNA. I'm excited to see my friends again and have a good time, but I'm not in the mood for responsibility. And, well, I'm going to have a lot of responsibilities this semester. As of Tuesday, I will officially be a senior in college. Oh my gosh. 
• This week was a good one, though. I hung out with my friends a lot. On Thursday a few of us headed to a lake house for the night. We talked and played games, and drank sparkling cider. It was a good time. 
• THIS IS ANOTHER REMINDER THAT IF YOU ARE AT ALL INTERESTED IN GUEST POSTING OR BECOMING A CO-BLOGGER, PLEASE CONTACT ME. YOU CAN COMMENT BELOW, TWEET ME (@LEFTYREADS) OR EMAIL ME (LEFTYREADS21@GMAIL.COM)

Reviews: 
- Heartless by Marissa Meyer
- Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

Memes: 
- Top Ten 2016 Releases I Meant To Read

Features/Misc.: 
- Discussion: Backlist Books
- From the Page to the Stage #1: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Reviews: 
- Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers
- Looking for Alaska by John Green

Memes: 
- Top Ten Underrated Books I've Read In The Past Few Years
- Sunday Post #28

Features/Misc.:
- Reasons Book Lovers Are Masochists
- New To My Wishlist #3

Here are some highlights from my instagram account this week. Give me a follow if you want to see everything I have posted/will post!

A photo posted by The Left-Handed Book Lover (@leftyreads) on Jan 7, 2017 at 9:47am PST

WHAT HAS YOUR WEEK IN BOOKS AND BLOGGING LOOKED LIKE?

Lefty's Lowdown: Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley
(standalone)
Published: February 14, 2012 by Knopf Books for Young Readers (first published in Australia in 2010)
Source: Purchased

Summary from Goodreads: 
Senior year is over, and Lucy has the perfect way to celebrate: tonight, she's going to find Shadow, the mysterious graffiti artist whose work appears all over the city. He's out there somewhere—spraying color, spraying birds and blue sky on the night—and Lucy knows a guy who paints like Shadow is someone she could fall for. Really fall for. Instead, Lucy's stuck at a party with Ed, the guy she's managed to avoid since the most awkward date of her life. But when Ed tells her he knows where to find Shadow, they're suddenly on an all-night search around the city. And what Lucy can't see is the one thing that's right before her eyes.

 I first read this book in 2012 and was abosoLUTELY BLOWN AWAY BY IT. This book made me fall in love with contemporary books, which is saying something since contemporary YA is my favorite genre. At te very end of 2016, I decided to give it another go, afraid that it wouldn't live up to what I remembered it being. Fortunately, my fears were unfounded. BECAUSE THIS BOOK WAS JUST AS AMAZING THE SECOND TIME AROUND. Wowza. A stunning combination of gorgeous writing, interesting characters, and a night of adventure make for an utterly intoxicating contemporary read.

The prose in this novel is exceedingly lovely. Things are described in terms of colors and art. I don't want to guarantee that this it's unlike anything else you've ever read, but I'm fairly confident you've never read a book written quite like Graffiti Moon. It's vivid and fascinating and addictive. And I just ADORE the characters. Lucy and Ed are both interesting narrators, artistic and confused about what they want, though I think I was more into Ed's perspective. Both of these characters experience delightful growth. Their relationship is a hate-to-love type, and I am absolutely here for that, even if I wish there was a lil more kissing. The secondary characters are great, too. Jazz and Leo are so funny and they are actually good examples of friendship in YA, which is always a plus.

This review is kind of short simply because this is my second time reading the book, but don't let that make you think I don't love it BECAUSE I DO. I love this book a lot. It is one of my favorite contemporary books (and I read a lot of contemporary). It is beautiful and romantic. Do not sit this one out.

5/5 

Sunday Post #26

• HAHA HA HAHAHA yeahhhh, this week I was not a particularly stellar blogger, I tell you what. But, to be fair, I spent 3 days in a car on my way back from Florida, and when we settled into our hotel at night, I was too tired for blogging. It's fiiiiiine. 
• I did get some good reading done, though. I've only read 2 books so far this year, but they are both absolute winners! 
• OH OH OHHH, THIS IS IMPORTANT. I'm doing another call for anyone who would be interested in guest posting on my blog or becoming a co-blogger. If you're interested you can comment below, email me at leftyreads21@gmail.com, or tweet me @leftyreads. I'm really looking for a way to keep this blog active while I'm back at college. 

Reviews:
- A Series of Unfortunate Events #1-3 by Lemony Snicket

Other: 
- 2017 Reader Resolutions

Oh my gosh, that's it. That's all I've posted. Next week will be better! 

Reviews: 
- Heartless by Marissa Meyer
- Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

Memes: 
- Top Ten 2016 Releases I Meant To Get To
- Sunday Post #27

Features/Misc.:
- Discussion: Backlist Books
- From the Page to the Stage #1: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

From Netgalley:


- Noteworthy by Riley Redgate - Thanks Amulet Books!
Published: May 2, 2017
This is one of my most anticipated releases of the year!!!

- Mad Miss Mimic by Sarah Henstra - Thanks Penguin Canada!
Published: May 5, 2015

- Geekerella by Ashley Poston - Thanks Quirk Books!
Published: April 4, 2017
Another highly anticipated release!!

Here are some highlights from my instagram account this week. Give me a follow if you want to see everything I have posted/will post!

A photo posted by The Left-Handed Book Lover (@leftyreads) on Jan 5, 2017 at 11:24am PST

What has your week in books and blogging looked like? 

New To My Wishlist #1

Welcome to a new feature at The Left-Handed Book Lover! Basically, this feature is meant to showcase books I really want to read, whether they were released years ago or don't come out for another six months. Enjoy!

Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley
Published: February 1, 2017 by Alfred A.Knopf (already released in Australia)

Summary from Goodreads: 
This is a love story.
It's the story of Howling Books, where readers write letters to strangers, to lovers, to poets.
It's the story of Henry Jones and Rachel Sweetie. They were best friends once, before Rachel moved to the sea.
Now, she's back, working at the bookstore, grieving for her brother Cal and looking for the future in the books people love, and the words they leave behind.

Romance and books and Cath Crowley, oh my! Seriously, I just know I'm going to love this book and I need it in my life right this very second!!

 RoseBlood by A.G. Howard
Published: January 10, 2017 by Amulet Books

Summary from Goodreads: 
In this modern day spin on Leroux’s gothic tale of unrequited love turned to madness, seventeen-year-old Rune Germain has a mysterious affliction linked to her operatic talent, and a horrifying mistake she’s trying to hide. Hoping creative direction will help her, Rune’s mother sends her to a French arts conservatory for her senior year, located in an opera house rumored to have ties to The Phantom of the Opera.


At RoseBlood, Rune secretly befriends the masked Thorn—an elusive violinist who not only guides her musical transformation through dreams that seem more real than reality itself, but somehow knows who she is behind her own masks. As the two discover an otherworldly connection and a soul-deep romance blossoms, Thorn’s dark agenda comes to light and he’s forced to make a deadly choice: lead Rune to her destruction, or face the wrath of the phantom who has haunted the opera house for a century, and is the only father he’s ever known.

IT'S A PHANTOM OF THE OPERA RETELLING OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG THIS IS WHAT I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR 

 Noteworthy by Riley Redgate
Published: May 2, 2017 by Amulet Books

Summary from Goodreads: 
It’s the start of Jordan Sun’s junior year at the Kensington-Blaine Boarding School for the Performing Arts. Unfortunately, she’s an Alto 2, which—in the musical theatre world—is sort of like being a vulture in the wild: She has a spot in the ecosystem, but nobody’s falling over themselves to express their appreciation. So it’s no surprise when she gets shut out of the fall musical for the third year straight. But then the school gets a mass email: A spot has opened up in the Sharpshooters, Kensington’s elite a cappella octet. Worshiped . . . revered . . . all male. Desperate to prove herself, Jordan auditions in her most convincing drag, and it turns out that Jordan Sun, Tenor 1, is exactly what the Sharps are looking for.

Um, hi. My name is Lefty and I am a die-hard choir nerd and THIS BOOK SOUNDS FANTASTIC.  I'm still waiting for the perfect singing book to come along. Is this it? I muST KNOWWW.

I'm very VERY extremely utterly jazzed for all three of these books!!! Do these sound like books you'd want to read? 

Top Ten Books I Want To Re-Read

Today's topic was actually "rewind," as in we pick a topic from previous Top Ten Tuesdays, and since I have been seriously itching to re-read some old favorites, I knew what topic I needed to do!

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry - I love Katie McGarry's writing, and this is one of my favorite contemporary books ever. I miss Noah and Echo <333

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver - I re-read Delirium last month and it was just so incredible and I need to continue the series.

Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen - This is Sarah Dessen's newest, and, in my opinion, one of her best. I read my other favorites from her several times, and I think this one deserves a re-read.

Don't Let Me Go by J.H. Trumble - I fell in love with this novel the first time I read it several years ago, and I think a re-read is long overdue.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han - This is such a cute, fun series, and it is guaranteed to put me in a great mood!

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley - This is one of the first contemporary novels I ever loved. It has been a fairly long time since I read it, and, if I'm being honest, I'm curious to see whether or not I'll love it as much now.

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell - I just read (listened to it on audiobook) a few weeks ago, but I'm having Levi withdrawals and I'm already ready for round 2.

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi - I've really just been wanting to binge-read this series lately. I could use another dose of the stunning writing and stunning Warner in my life. I read this trilogy as the books were released, meaning there was a year in between each book, and I just want to read them all in a row.

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare - I've gone too long without Jace.

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead - I've saved the best for last. This is my ride-or-die series. I've read it several times, and every time it's like returning to old friends.

WHAT BOOKS DO YOU WANT TO RE-READ?

Top Ten Books I Wish I Could Read On The Beach

I grew up in Florida, but I have been living in Arkansas for a few years now. Needless to say, I REALLY miss the beach. Here's what I would love to read if I were on the beach. These books are relatively light-hearted, full of adventure, and brimming with good feelings. And yeah, they're all contemporary novels. 

HAVE ALREADY READ:

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

Golden by Jessi Kirby

Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

WANT TO READ:

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson (Okay, well, skimming reviews of this book tells me it's not so light-hearted, but there's a pretty sun and lake on the cover, so imma keep it on the list)

The Boy Most Likely To by Huntley Fitzpatrick

The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler

Top Ten Books I Picked Up On A Whim

Even though, as bloggers, we most likely read more book reviews than the average bear (I do. I know some bloggers don't like to read reviews of books they haven't read), and we tend to know more about books we haven't read than the average bear. However, sometimes it's fun to pick up a book I don't know much about and just dive in. Coming up with 10, though, was a lot harder than I thought it would be. 

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven - I read this on my blogging break. I needed something to read, and I had an ARC on my Kindle, and I just decided to go for it, even though I didn't actually know much about it. Glad I read it! Such an emotional read.

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson - This one was more recent. It was offered as a free read on the Pulseit website, and I had heard good things about Morgan Matson, so I decided to give it a go, and I LOVED it! I hadn't known anything about it, but now I am a fangirl of all fangirls. Check out my review!

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer - I read this novel YEARS ago, pre-blogging. I saw it at the library and thought the cover was pretty (the original cover, shown above, not the redesign). It turned out to be a fantastic series.

Don't Let Me Go by J.H. Trumble - I am absolutely in love with this book. When I first started blogging, this was going around on an ARC Tour and I was still so enchanted by the idea of ARCs that I signed up even though I had never heard of the book before, and knew nothing about it. It turned out to be a book that was completely out of my comfort zone, and completely amazing. 

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl - Another pre-blogging book I picked up at B&N one day. Still love this series! 

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley - This is one of the first contemp novels I ever loved! Read this when I first started blogging and haven't stopped being obsessed with it since. Check out my Flashback Friday feature for this novel!

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead - My all-time favorite book series, Ever. Of all-time. I saw this at the grocery store when I was in 8th grade, and, in the era of vampire novels, I knew from the title that I needed it. This is more than your average vampire novel, folks. 

The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson - I didn't know what this was about when I saw it sitting on the Walmart shelves, but Morgan Matson wrote it, so I knew I needed it. I was not even a little disappointed. Check out my review!

Pushing the Limits - I remember requesting this from Netgalley before it was released, thinking it sounded decent. HOLY COW. It was far more than decent. Katie McGarry bcame one of my new favorite writers with this novel. 

Thicker than Water by Brigid Kemmerer - Thankful for Netgalley introducing me to this gem. I wasn't sure what I had in store for me when I requested it, but I'm glad I did. A bit different than what I'm used to reading, but I enjoyed it through and through. Check out my review!

I've definitely stumbled upon some jewels on accident! What are the top ten books you've picked up on a whim? 

Would You Rather #2: Contemporary

Hiya! Would You Rather is a pretty self-explanatory new feature here at The Left-Handed Book Lover, and I think it will be a lot of fun. Each WYR post will have a different theme.

In honor of summer vacation being upon me, I figured contemporary books were the way to go. I picked 20 of my favorite contemporary novels, paired them up at random, and then picked one. This was extremely difficult! I love all these books so much, and there were some pairings where I spent way too long deliberating which one to choose. 

What do you think? Any choices you'd make differently? Any books you'd add/take away from this list?