My Favorite Books of 2017

I know, I know. We still have a couple days left of 2017 so I could potentially still discover a new favorite to add to the list, but I don't know how much reading I'm going to be doing, so I figured I'd take my chances. Here are my top ten favorite books of 2017 (in no particular order).

1) What to Say Next by Julie Buxbaum | (MY REVIEW) - This books gave me so many emotions. It was sweet and heartbreaking all at the same time. This is a beautiful contemporary novel and features a character on the autism spectrum. ★★★★½

2) Caraval by Stephanie Garber | (MY REVIEW) - This was an absolute roller coaster of a read. It had my emotions ALL OVER THE PLACE. And it certainly kept me on my toes. It was a wild, all-consuming ride and I loved every single second of it. ★★★★★

3) Noteworthy by Riley Redgate | (MY REVIEW) - A SINGING BOOK!! And a good one at that. This novel was so fun and explorative, a novel that stands out among the trillions of YA contemporary books at our disposal. ★★★★¼

4) Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff - Holy shit this book (and its predecessor) is such an exciting, crazy read. It starts out a little slow, a little confusing and then it picks up speed and flies. I could not turn the pages fast enough. The characters are great and it's told in such an interesting format and I cannot wait until book 3. ★★★★★

5) Aftercare Instructions by Bonnie Pipkin | (MY REVIEW) - This one certainly took me by surprise! It's a bit gritty and complicated and left my feelings all sorts of confused. It alternates between standard formatting and play formatting, between past and present. It was a truly wonderful reading experience. ★★★★★

6) Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson - Morgan Matson is an expert at characterization. I fell in love with all the characters in this novel and cried so many tears. Everything she writes is beautiful and relatable and speaks to my heart. ★★★★

7) Heartless by Marissa Meyer | (MY REVIEW) - I fucking love this book and I will never stop loving this book. It was so fun and interesting and exciting until it broke my heart into five gazillion pieces. Freaking incredible. ★★★★★

8) Once and For All by Sarah Dessen | (MY REVIEW) - Sarah Dessen is the queen of all queens, okay. This book was both lovely and tragic. And very Sarah Dessen. Let's just leave it at that. ★★★★½

9) Saga by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples - I read the first half of this graphic novels series last year, but I re-read it this year and continued on and it's SO GOOD. The art is incredible and the story is addicting and the characters are so bad ass. ★★★★★

10) Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett - This book is very much in the vain of Sarah Dessen and Morgan Matson, so of course I adored it. It's cute and emotional and so real. ★★★★

Those are my favorites of 2017. WHAT ARE YOURS? DO WE HAVE ANY  IN COMMON?

Top Ten Books I've Read In 2017 So Far

I CAN'T BELIEVE WE'RE HALFWAY THROUGH 2017 *PANICS*

Luckily, I've read some truly delightful books this year already, and I have plans to read so many more in the second half of the year. I've done my best to rank my top ten favorite books that I've read so far this year, but ranking books is hard, okay?

Heartless by Marissa Meyer - This was the first book I read in 2017 and it is still first in my heart. I will forever be in love with the characters and the world and everything that this book is. (MY REVIEW)

Caraval by Stephanie Garber - This is a recent read for me, actually, but it wormed its way into my heart reallllll quick. I read all 400 pages on one sitting because I was hardcore hooked from the very beginning. This was an emotional roller coaster and I never knew who to trust or what was real. It was magnificent.

Once and for All by Sarah Dessen - Sarah Dessen never fails to wow me. (MY REVIEW)

Aftercare Instructions by Bonnie Pipkin - This one took me by surprise! But it was complicated and a angsty and stole my heart.

Noteworthy by Riley Redgate - I can't sing this book's praises enough (see what I did there). Hooray for a cappella and questioning gender roles! (MY REVIEW)

The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh - This book left me with a lot of questions, but from the second the romance was introduced I was absolute trash for it. This novel was addicting as heck.

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson - This isn't my favorite Matson novel, but it still had so much emotion and lovely characters!

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz - It took me a hot minute to get into the writing style, but once I did I was absolutely hooked. I really enjoyed getting to know Ari and Dante and watching them find themselves.

Geekerella by Ashley Poston - This novel is incredibly cute, fun, and charming. A great summer read, and perfect if you're looking for a book that will make you flat out happy. (MY REVIEW)

The Selection by Kiera Cass - What can I say? This series is trope-y and addicting and I am not ashamed to say I devoured it, okay?

Top Ten Book Boyfriends of 2016

I love me some swoon-worthy fictional boys. Here are my favorites that I met in 2016. 

Levi from Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell - He is probably my #1 book boyfriend of the year. He is so sweet and nerdy and I'M IN COLLEGE AND HAVEN'T MET ANYONE LIKE HIM THIS IS UNFAIR.

Eros from Beyond the Red by Ava Jae - He is loyalty and bravery and stubborness and flaws and I can't wait for the sequel when I get to see more of himmmmmm.

Jack from Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven - He is misguided, but overall caring and sweet. It was adorable to read his thoughts about Libby and the dates he took her on. Jealous, honestly.

G from My Lady Jane by Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, and Jodi Meadows - OH LORD I LOVE G. He is so freaking funny and clever and when he gets really worried about Jane it is the most precious thing my heart has ever felt.

Frank from Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson - He's such a sweet lil cinnamon roll. He cares about the environment and being a good guy and I never thought I'd find anyone named Frank appealing, that's for sure.

Will Traynor from Me Before You by Jojo Moyes - I CAN'T TALK ABOUT HIM. Except I adore him. As problematic as his story may be, I found Will himself to be utterly charming and, even in his sassiest moment, an absolute delight.

Henry Tilney from Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen - I liked him more than the beloved Mr. Darcy, I think. So do with that information what you will.

Clark from The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson - He's a WRITER!!!! And a precious little bean who never had friends growing up and it's impossible, if you ask me, not to fall in love with him over the course of the novel.

Captain from Unhooked by Lisa Maxwell - Naughty? Nice? Who knows. All I can say is that he is a HANDSOME PIRATE WHO HAS STOLEN MY HEART.

Dimitri Belikov from Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead - Okay, okay, I know this is cheating because this is, like, my trillionth time reading this book, BUT in the 10th anniversary edition we got new stories with him in them, so I'd say it counts. I can't leave out my all-time bae, okay?

Top Ten Books I Read In 2016

I'm pretty sure I read a lot more books this year than I did last year, and some of them were real winners! It was hard for me to decide on my ten favorites, but these really take the cake! Though, the year is not over yet, so hopefully I still have a few winners left to read. These are in no particular order.

Saga by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples - I read the first two volumes of this graphic novel series, and it is so interesting, and so fun!

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson - This was my first Matson book and she quickly became one of my favorite authors! The story was fun and the friendship aspect was incredible. Also, I related to the protagonist, like, A SHIT TON. My review.

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard - This book got me really interested in fantasy! I loved the premise and I found this book to be incredibly addicting! My review.

My Lady Jane by Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, and Jodi Meadows - This is my most recent read, and it is utterly delightful!!!! Cute and magical and SO MUCH FUN.

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness - I read this in anticipation for the movie, and it was AMAZING. It was poignant and beautiful and memorable. I think everyone should read this! My review.

The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson - This is another winner by Matson! Dogs and a hot writer boy and a nice lil father-daughter relationship. This is officially my second favorite Matson novel. My review.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes - This is no doubt in my top three of the year. I loved the movie and I loved the book and I cried the ugliest cry anyone ever done did cry. This story and these characters hold a very special place in my heart. My review.

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell - This is the first audiobook I ever listened to, as I lounged by the pool in summer. So I was bound to love it no matter what. That notwithstanding, though, this book was absolutely lovely. I don't know that I've ever related more to a character than I related with Cath. Now where's my Levi????

Beyond the Red by Ava Jae - This book was such a pleasant surprise! I did not expect to love it as much as I did. It was action-packed and steamy and I NEED MORE PEOPLE TO READ THIS BOOK. My review.

And I Darken by Kiersten White - I AM OBSESSED WITH THIS BOOK omg omg omg omg omg omg!!!! My review

What are your favorite books of 2016?

Christmasing Book Titles

Christmas is tomorrow!!!!! Holy crap!!!!!! In an effort to get you as utterly excited as I am (and if you're already excited, at least fuel the fire a little bit), I've taken the liberty of Christmasifying some book titles (and adjusting the covers accordingly)!

Some of these are better than others, I know.

ME BEFORE YULETIDE BY JOJO MOYES

in which a twenty-something woman transforms from unemployed and overly cautious to unemployed and a little adventurous thanks to Christmas magic. 

AMY AND ROGER'S EGGNOG DETOUR BY MORGAN MATSON

in which two teens on their way to Grandma's house go out of their way to find a grocery store and get some eggnog. 

BEYOND THE RED NOSE REINDEER BY AVA JAE

in which Rudolph struggles to be more than what the media portrays

NORTHANGEL ABBEY BY JANE AUSTEN

in which an English girl is convinced there is an angel lurking the halls of her friend's mansion

A COURT OF TINSEL AND RIBBONS BY SARAH J. MAAS

in which a malicious Christmas elf is very protective of his pretty decorations

LITTLE BLACK DRESSES, LITTLE WHITE LIGHTS BY LAURA STAMPLER

in which a trendy teenager struggles for hours to untangle a strand of Christmas lights

MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PRETTY CAROLS BY RANSOM RIGGS

in which only the best singers are privy to this strange home as they use their angelic voices to defeat grinches everywhere

A MISTLETOE CALLS BY PATRICK NESS

in which a young boy fights the urge to kiss meet his first crush under the mistletoe for his first kiss

ALL THE BRIGHT POINSETTIAS BY JENNIFER NIVEN

in which readers will learn everything there is to know about poinsettias. 

THE FRUITCAKE IN OUR STOCKING BY JOHN GREEN

in which two teenagers receive fruitcake so horrible they both fall ill

WE OWN THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS BY ASHLEY POSTON

in which all through the house, not a creature was stirring...except a group of mischievous teens desperate to find out what presents await for them under the tree. 

Just a note: this post was not meant to be making fun of these books in any way whatsoever. These are all books I really enjoyed reading and I had a lot of fun thinking about what their Christmased version would be. 

I want to hear your Christmased book titles. 
Bonus points if you tell me what the book would be about! 

Top Ten Books I Wouldn't Mind Santa Leaving Under the Tree

(a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish)

Okay, so I 100% cheated on this week's topic, because some of these are series I want to find under my tree but IT'S FINE IT'S MY BLOG I CAN DO WHAT I WANT hahaha.

Vampire Academy (10th Anniversary Edition) by Richelle Mead - My favorite book series in the entire world has a special edition and you can bet your bottom dollar I want it in my hands.

The entire Selection series by Kiera Cass - This is a series I have been wanting to read for a very long time, and I know I'm going to want the entire series at my disposal because apparently this is an addicting series, but I cannot bring myself to buy the complete series.

The rest of A Series of Unfortunate Events (4-13) by Lemony Snicket - I've been majorly enjoying my re-read of this series, and it would be delightfully convenient if Santa left me the rest of the series so I can finish in time for the Netflix series.

Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo - These books are so beautiful and everyone raves about them, so I'd really love to get these under the tree and gaze lovingly at them and then devour the words.

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson  - I love Morgan Matson. If you've read my blog at all this year, you probably knew that already. If you're new, you know now: I adore her books, and this is the only one I haven't read yet.

The rest of the Saga series that is available (3-6) by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples - I am so into these graphic novels right now, and I want the rest of them in possession stat!

The rest of the Harry Potter series (2-7; 15th Anniversary Edition) by J.K. Rowling  - I have finally decided to give this series a go again. I read the first book and a half a while ago and wasn't particularly impressed, but I just think it wasn't what I was looking for at the time/expected. Now I think I will be able to appreciate this series for what it is, and I'll be reading book #1 within the next month, so I wouldn't mind the rest of the series falling into my lap (or under my tree).

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (original hardcover) - I have the rest of the series in the original covers, but NOT THE FIRST BOOK. I really want to re-read this series too. But I must have matching covers. I MUST.

Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman - I read this as an eARC and I just adore the crap outta it, and I'd love to have a copy for my shelves. Plus, the sequel is coming out soon and I want to be able to re-read this (or at least skim it).

The entire Winner's trilogy by Marie Rutkoski - I have seen so many people say so many good things about this series, and I've heard this has a lot of political intrigue, which I am very into at the moment. Plus, they are truly gorgeous books.

Well, there are the 10 (that's definitely not 10) books I would just love Santa to leave under my tree this fine holiday season. People don't usually give me books as presents, though, so I guarantee I will not be receiving any of these unless I cough out some cash.

What books do you want Santa to bring you? 

Top Ten Books I'd Keep In My Classroom

It's always so hard for me to choose a topic during these freebie weeks. This week was "School Freebie" since, ya know, school is once again in session. I chose a topic that The Broke and the Bookish actually gave for a suggestion and that's Top Ten Books I'd Keep In My Classroom If I Were A Teacher. I tried to choose a bit of a variety, and I tried to choose books I think would inspire high school kids to read more. For the sake of wider variety, I didn't pick more than one book from the same author.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver - This is such a gorgeous novel, and it reads rather quickly. I adored this book in high school as much as I do now.

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton - I actually read this one my freshman year of college, and, of course, enjoyed it a lot! I'd never even heard of it before that. This is a classic YA novel and I'd want my students to at least have the option to read it and know what it is.

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell - This is the best college-set book I've ever read. I think it does a good job of capturing the uncertainty and discovering-yourself part of college. It would be good for the high school students who are planning to attend college. Also, it's just a really fantastic book.

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead - Of course I'd keep my favorite book of all-time in my library! Hopefully students would be able to escape into this world & these characters the same way I did when I was in high school.

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare - While I actually prefer The Infernal Devices over this series, I think City of Bones would have wider appeal to people who haven't read any Cassandra Clare before. City of Bones is the type of book that gets teens excited about books. And I think of all the books I've selected, this one would attract the biggest male audience.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - I'm fairly certain that this is the first classic novel I truly enjoyed, and so I think it's a good place for teens to start reading classics.

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness - This is a quick and impactful read, and I believe everyone on the planet would gain something from reading this novel.

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry - I don't have a logical explanation for this selection. I just love it and I think other teens will too.

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson - This is an incredible novel that many teens will most likely be able to relate to, about friendship and romance and social anxiety. Also, it's a lot of fun!!

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi - The writing style in this book is so different than pretty much every other YA book on the shelves. Also, it's fun and exciting and addicting, and I think high school students would really love discovering this book.

Book Aesthetics #1: Summer Books

I am definitely not the first person to do book aesthetics. I see it on twitter and tumblr and pretty much everywhere, and I always think they're so interesting, so I figured I'd try my hand.

In honor of my summer break from school being over, I figured I'd do aesthetics for some of my favorite books that take place in summer. This is the first time I've ever done these, so I'm sorry if they're not very good.

I do not own any of these images. I found all of them on Google.

Little Black Dresses, Little White Lies by Laura Stampler

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

We Own the Night by Ashley Poston

My favorite one is definitely the last one! 

Let me know what you think and which one is your favorite. Also, let me know if you think I should do this again!

Playlist Book Tag

I'm so excited that Anna from Adventures With A Book Nerd tagged me to do this! It gives me a chance to talk about MUSIC AND BOOKS AT THE SAME TIME! Originally started on YouTube by Little Red Reader, the rules of this tag are simple: Put your music on shuffle and you pick a book for each song that comes on. I'm pretty sure you get to pick any number of songs that you want? Okay, here we gooooo!

1) All or Nothing - Theory Of A Dead Man

Since I said I loved you in Las Vegas

It's never been the same since then

You've got all that I need

Looking at all or nothing

Babe it's you and I

With you I know

I am good for something

So lets go give it a try

We got our backs against the ocean

It's just us against the world

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

I actually heard this song for the first time in a Vampire Academy fan video about Rose and Adrian and YES. Ever since then, it has always reminded me of their relationship, about how much Adrian wants Rose even though she's still in love with Dimitri. Holy crap I need to re-read this series. 

2) Saying Goodbye - Every Avenue

I know it was wrong of me to try to throw this all away

So if you give it just one more try

I'll give you everything you need

She said

"Just tell me what changed your mind, what brought you back to me?"

And I said

I thought a lot about the summers passed

Your hair in your eyes

And how we spent the whole night saying goodbye

Saying goodbye

We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han

BELLY & CONRAD

That's all I have to say. 

3) Holding On To You - Twenty One Pilots

I'm taking over my body,

Back in control, no more shotty,

I bet a lot of me was lost,

Ts uncrossed and Is undotted,

I fought it a lot

And it seems a lot like flesh is all I got,

Not anymore, flesh out the door...

You are surrounding all my surroundings,

Sounding down the mountain range of my left-side brain,

You are surrounding all my surroundings,

Twisting the kaleidoscope behind both of my eyes.

And I'll be holding on to you

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

This song was actually really tough to fit a book to, but after staring at it a while I realized this reminds me a lot of Augustus and Hazel's fight with their bodies and their desire to make a difference, be remembered. 

4) The Judge - Twenty One Pilots

But I'm not good with directions and I hide behind my mouth,

I'm a pro at imperfections and I'm best friends with my doubt,

And now that my mind's out, and now I hear it clear and loud,

I'm thinking, "Wow, I probably shoulda stayed inside my house."

I found my way,

Right time, wrong place,

As I pled my case.

You're the judge, oh no, set me free,

You're the judge, oh no, set me free,

I know my soul's freezing,

Hell's hot for good reason, so please,

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

This song reminds me a lot of Will's inner turmoil and his struggle to come to terms with his new physical state.

5) Walking in the Wind - One Direction

We had some good times, didn't we?

We wore our hearts out on our sleeve

Goodbyes are bittersweet

But it's not the end

I'll see your face again

You will find me

Yeah you will find me

In places that we've never been

For reasons we don't understand

Walking in the wind

Walking in the wind

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

When trying to match this song to a book, my very first thought was the ending of this book, where Emily and Sloane left their friendship. 

This was a lot harder than I thought it would be, but it was a lot of fun. I'll definitely be thinking of these songs differently every time I listen to them. I might do this again some time. (Let me know if you like this post so I know if I should do it again).

I know this is a tag and I'm supposed to tag people, but I always feel awkward tagging people, so if you want to do this, DO IT. And you can link it down below because I want to see it! 

BBCP: Bookish Yearbook

You've probably heard of/been shown extreme kindness by Nori, the infamous poodle from ReadWriteLove28. Wellll, she is hosting this marvelous event to inspire book bloggers to have fun, work together, and create an original feature.

In honor of the new school year fast approaching, my group decided to do a bookish yearbook, with superlatives and "yearbook quotes." I know some people in the group chose books from the previous academic year, but I just picked books I read within the last year or so.

Here's our schedule:
Monday, August 8th: Bonnie @ A Backwards Story
Tuesday, August 9th: Charleigh @ Charleigh's Book Nook
Wednesday, August 10th: Lefty @ The Left-Handed Book Lover
Thursday, August 11th: Cheyenne @ Once Upon a Time a Review
Friday, August 12th: Nori @ Read Write Love 28
Saturday, August 13th: Karla @ Reads and Thoughts

Follow along to see everyone's answers! 

I'm so proud of myself and my group for coming up with this feature. Collaborating with an eclectic group of people can be problematic and frustrating at times, but I'm extremely pleased with what we've produced! 

goodreads | my review

Although even in the beginning it was obvious Lena did not completely buy into her society's beliefs, she still wanted to. She was scared and she played by the rules, but as the book and the series progresses we get to see her blossom, embrace love and feelings and freedom. The Lena she is in the beginning of the novel is unrecognizable compared to the Lena she becomes. 

goodreads | my review

This was soooo tough, but I made sure to pick a book I've read recently without repeating myself. This book has such pretty colors and a pretty font and this cover is truly underrated. 

goodreads | my review

This book is the very definition of eclectic characters! There are kids who can levitate and be invisible and create fire. If that's not a motley crew, I don't know what is. 

website

Okay, so I took a long break from blogging and when I came back, all of a sudden there was this author named Victoria Aveyard EVERYWHERE. Everyone had read Red Queen and most people loved it. I felt so out of the loop and knew that I needed to get on top of this book PRONTO. 

goodreads | my review

Okay, to say this ending was unexpected would be a lie. I knew things weren't going to end well for our protagonists (it's written in history) but I still had my fingers crossed that it WOULDN'T end the way it did and of course I had my heart broken. 

goodreads

Lara Jean basically epitomizes "the girl next door." She is sweet and innocent. And she's the girl who has always been around but you never think much of but then you get to know her and she's just awesome! 

goodreads | my review

This book was definitely EVERYWHERE when it was released. Even people who don't usually read contemporary or people who had never read anything by Morgan Matson ended up picking this book up because buzz buzz buzzzzzz.

goodreads

I don't care what anyone says, Levi is my book boyfriend of the year so far. He's kind & friendly to everyone and a bit of a nerd and just mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

goodreads | my review

Will I ever stop raving about this book? NO BECAUSE IT'S FRICKLY FRACKLY INCREDIBLE. I'm pretty sure I mention it in at least one post a week and tweet about it EVERY DAY. There's stabbing & kissing & unconventional gender roles whoooooooooooooooooo! I cannot wait to see where this story goes next after dat ending. 

goodreads

This book isn't even out yet and everyone loves it. I have no doubt this book is going to be successful, especially given the love for Marissa Meyer's other series. 

goodreads | my review

I'm straight up obsessed with this book. This is my favorite book by Morgan Matson and one of my favorite books that I've read this year. 

goodreads | my review

Idk why there aren't more people talking about this book. It's fantastic. It's all dark and pirate-y. Who is the good guy, who is the bad guy? Who do you trust in this dark rendition of Neverland??? YOU HAVE TO READ TO FIND OUT.

website

My queen forever and always. Saint Anything, her newest release, was 100% A+ perfect. Like, every time she releases a new book I get nervous because I feel like there is no way she can top the beautiful work she has already done but then she goes and DOES IT. 

goodreads | my review

No explanation required. 

goodreads | my review

Don't get me wrong--I loved this book, but there are some events that transpire toward the end that made me wat to HURL THIS BOOK ACROSS THE ROOM. I was shocked and sad. But I can say no more because spoilers and all that. 

Which of these choices do you agree with/disagree with? What books/authors/characters would you have put in this bookish yearbook?