Best Books of Twenty Twelve!

Happy New Years Eve, guys! I know that you're all probably off readying yourself for a fabulous New Years shindig, so of course I've come to liven up your merriment with my Top Books of Twenty Twelve list. 

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green: I'm sure I'm just one of more than a million other lists with this masterpiece taking the top slot. I've been meaning to re-read this all year, but perhaps I'll make it a yearly thing. There are only a few novels that have truly touched me, and this novel takes it, along with the next novel, which I'll get to in a moment. It is quite simply, one of the best YA novels I've ever read, and my first introduction to John Green.

Rules of Civility by Amor Towles: This novel was such a surprise. It's not a novel that I would normally go for whilst perusing shelves in the book shop, but my friends raved over it. I'm so happy that I took their recommendations to heart. I loved the tone of it, its era, and the things it taught me about life.

Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard: I adored this novel because by the end of it, I wanted to travel to the very ends of the earth, meeting beautiful people, and destroying self imposed boxes that may have kept me away from living.

The Infernal Devices Series by Cassandra Clare: For a while, I felt as if I were the only blogger on the planet who had not jumped into both of Cassandra Clare's awesome series'. I thought about which one I wanted to read first, and I'm so happy I chose The Infernal Devices. It's everything that everyone says it is, and has two beautiful shadowhunters to choose from!

Insurgent by Veronica Roth: I loved Insurgent so much more than Divergent, for some reason. It showed me that this series truly is something to be reckoned with. It's tense, serious, insightful, and romantic...placing it on the list of the best dystopian YA novels out there.

The Birthright Series by Gabrielle Zevin: This was another surprise, as when I started it, I knew it would either be a hit or miss. I still can't classify it, aside from the list of genius awesomeness!

What were your top novels of 2012?

P.S.: There's a Novel Days revamp coming...perhaps with a giveaway (wink, wink). Stay tuned, and I hope you have the most marvelous of New Years!

Because It Is My Blood by Gabrielle Zevin Book Review

Since her release from Liberty Children's Facility, Anya Balanchine is determined to follow the straight and narrow. Unfortunately, her criminal record is making it hard for her to do that. No high school wants her with a gun possession charge on her rap sheet. Plus, all the people in her life have moved on: Natty has skipped two grades at Holy Trinity, Scarlet and Gable seem closer than ever, and even Win is in a new relationship.But when old friends return demanding that certain debts be paid, Anya is thrown right back into the criminal world that she had been determined to escape. It’s a journey that will take her across the ocean and straight into the heart of the birthplace of chocolate where her resolve--and her heart--will be tested as never before. -Amazon

I'm just going to jump right to the chase with this one. Because It Is My Blood ranks in my top ten best reads of 2012. As I may have expressed in my review of the first novel in the Birthright series, All These Things I've Done, this series seems to be one of the most slept on series'. I'm always so surprised that I don't hear more about this series on the blogosphere. 

Because It Is My Blood starts right where ATTID left off. Anya's doing her best to protect her family, and stay out of  trouble, but, as usual, it's not long before her familial ties to contraband chocolate come back to set her world on fire. Zevin definitely raises the stakes with this one. There's more action, more suspense, and an overwhelming certainty that Anya cannot trust anyone. Throughout the entire book, there were moments where I wanted the throw the book into the street, for all of twists, turns, and betrayals. I'm talking 'mouth-wide-open', brow crunching shock. 

I loved everything about this novel. I especially loved the entire section dedicated to chronicling her moments in Mexico, and the new friends she meets. Zevin has a talent for creating intriguing characters with subtle details that I wanted to dig deeper and deeper into. Anya's voice is a wonderful portrayal of what it is to have experienced the horrors of the mafia, and yet also maintain traces of vulnerability that surface all the more in this novel. Natty and Leo carry the same adorableness that they did in the first novel. Scarlet is forced to grow in this novel, but maintains her playful spirit. Yuji...hmm. That man becomes an even more indecipherable enigma than the last novel. I suspect we have not seen the last of this one. Oh the questions I have.

One of my favorite parts of the novel is its emphasis on the beauty of chocolate, or that of its natural form, cacao. In the middle of this action/mystery/mafia saga, it's a welcome break to sit and learn of the importance of chocolate. I also loved Zevin's superb revisioning of New York City, where The Metropolitan Museum of Art is now a nightclub, the former New York Public Library is a club that has been closed down, but Union Square seems comfortingly familiar. 

My only pet peeve lies in the reviews on the back flap of the book jacket (this has nothing to do with the novel). It irks that this novel is continuously placed in the box of a futuristic Romeo and Juliet. Yes, there's love, because without which there would be no reason to read this, or any novel for that matter. Yes, there is some romance, and a relationship that is challenged by Anya's familial ties. But the overall story seems to take precedence over Anya and Win's relationship, and I quite like that. Though it is a big part, it is not the whole. Anya stands more to lose than her boyfriend. I love that Anya is a strong protagonist who can be in love, and yet not allow her relationship to become her entire reason for existing.

Bare in Mind: Because It Is My Blood contains violence, and disturbing scenarios.

The Birthright Series is easily the most peculiarly inviting series in Young Adult fiction. It is a fresh concept pairing chocolate with and old fashioned mob story that is believable and unpredictable. Zevin manages to make chocolate seem this enticing illegal thing that whilst reading you must get your hands on.

I Give Because It Is My Blood by Gabrielle Zevin 5 out of 5 cups of Abuela's Bitter Hot Chocolate (a recipe for which Gabrielle includes in the novel!)

My Top Nine Literary/Classic Novels to Conquer in 2013

Every year I promise myself that I will enrich my reading life inclusions of some classic/literary reads, and every year, for the most part, I cast aside my worn copy of something classically beautiful and head to the Young Adult section. Of course, there's nothing wrong with either, but I do feel a bit deficient in my literary life. I can't help but think the inclusion of these would make me a better writer. Here are a few of my picks:

Tender Is The Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald: I have often tried to read The Great Gatsby, and found that although Fitzgerald is a phenomenal wordsmith, I never quite connect with anyone, and I end up putting it down. But this past month, I've been inspired by my little cousin, Richard, who has found a favorite novel in Gatsby. I'll try to read Gatsby sometime next year, but I thought I might try one of Fitzgerald's other novels to perhaps whet my palette before diving into Gatsby. Tender Is The Night felt like a great start, and I'm intrigued by its moroseness. Perhaps, also because, Fitzgerald believes it's his best work. 

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskill: I so tried to crack into this novel but for some reason, I never dived back in. Watching the BBC serial has made up my mind that it will be a wonderful story. I realllllly want to give it a go.

Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger: Inspired by fellow bluestocking, Casee Marie, I feel I cannot go back in time without reading Salinger. I read Franny and Zooey once whilst in school, and I'm convinced that I just wasn't ready for it. I hope to like at least two of his nine stories.

Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote: I'm not sure if I've mentioned it before, but I must be the only female on the planet who can't stand the film. Audrey is always beautiful and intriguing, but I just could not relate or sympathize with Holly, or her naming her cat, 'Cat', or her 'Go-Lightly' surname. And then one day, during my internship, fellow bluestocking, Dana, spoke so highly of the novel, and its differences from the film that I wanted to settle this for once and for all. 

On The Road by Jack Kerouac: I've been trying to finish this novel for at least four years now. It's been countlessly mentioned on Novel Days, and I find I just can't seem to shake it until I've finished it! I may not fall into every one of Kerouac's works, but I'm in love with him. There you go :-).

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: Two of my little cousins have come to me, and expressed that this novel has changed their outlook on life. The End.

Dreaming In Cuban by Cristina Garcia: I started reading this earlier this year, and fell in love with its' magical realism and lyrical music. Unfortunately, it got lost between a reading rut and a literary surge, and I don't want it to fall in the cracks. I want to introduce all the more Latino writers into my literary world.

Tracks by Louise Erdrich: This novel has spent even more time in my library. I started this in my freshman year of college around 8 years ago, and I walked into my family library thinking...I really should finish that one. I want to read more works by or about Native Americans, as I hold cultural traces to both the Cherokee and Mohawk Native American tribes. Not to mention, of the Native works I have read, they hold some of the most naturally exquisite descriptive abilities. 

Young Hearts Crying by Richard Yates: I've always wanted to read one of his novels, but have been too afraid. I don't necessarily feel like being discouraged from my dream of succeeding, and after watching Revolutionary Road, I felt as hollow as an empty soda can. Nevertheless, this novel has been sitting on my TBR pile for the past year. 

What novels are you looking forward to reading that you would like to conquer?

Eight of My Most Anticipated Books of 2013

Falling For You by Lisa Schroeder: I fell in love with Lisa Schroeder's writing when I discovered Chasing Brooklyn, and was blown away by The Day Before. She writes special novels, and I can't wait to read this one! And she's decided not to write this one in verse, which will be wonderful to experience!

Austensibly Ordinary by Alyssa Goodnight: Although I didn't read Ms. Goodnight's Austentatious, I'm still very excited to delve into a world where us 'ordinary' gals can have chance experiences with Jane Austen. The premise of these novels remind me of Lost in Austen, and nothing else warms my heart like it.

Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger: Over the latter half of this year, I've fallen into a steampunk phase. This series seems an intriguing way to get my steampunk fix, whilst finally experiencing the writing of Gail Carriger.

Requiem by Lauren Oliver: I know I'm not the only one looking forward to seeing how Lena fares through this revolution, and who stands with her in the end: Alex or Julian. This is one series where the right man is hard to choose.

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare: When this releases, I will race to the bookstore on release day to pick up this gorgeous conclusion to a fabulous series! Team Will. Jem is a sweetheart, but...Will all the way.

September Girls by Bennett Madison: I have long wanted to tread into mermaid territory, and there are many awesome titles out at the moment. This one caught my attention because of its' male author. I can't wait to experience this kind of magical romance from a male perspective. Plus, I think the cover is magnifico!

Out of Breath by Rebecca Donovan: This release makes me so happy. Why, you ask? Because I experienced The Breathing Series from the beginning. My very first interview for Novel Days was with the wonderful Rebecca Donovan, and to watch her now step into the big leagues with her first major release makes my heart sing. I, like so many of her fans, cannot wait to see how this stunning conclusion will render us breathless!

Isla and The Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins: This year, I was most surprised at how this series took my heart and ran. And I cannot wait to experience Isla, as we both seem have have like romantic sentiments. I can't wait to see how Lola, Cricket, Anna, and Etienne are faring.


What awesome releases are you looking forward to next year?

Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone Book Review

Anna and Bennett were never supposed to meet: she lives in 1995 Chicago and he lives in 2012 San Francisco. But Bennett’s unique ability to travel through time and space brings him into Anna’s life, and with him, a new world of adventure and possibility. As their relationship deepens, they face the reality that time might knock Bennett back where he belongs, even as a devastating crisis throws everything they believe into question. Against a ticking clock, Anna and Bennett are forced to ask themselves how far they can push the bounds of fate—and what consequences they can bear in order to stay together. Fresh, exciting, and deeply romantic, Time Between Us is a stunning and spellbinding debut from an extraordinary new talent in YA fiction. -Amazon

After experiencing My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares, I ventured to find other novels centered around time travel, and the like. I was not disappointed with Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone. And look at that cover...it's gorgeous!

First off, I found it quite intriguing that Stone would chose to place her story between present day and 1995.  I loved that she chose a year that is not immediately associated with something huge, aside from its obvious musical awesomeness! Anna and Bennett are wonderful to experience. Anna  is a girl who longs to experience life away from her small town, but feels as if it is a long shot. Meanwhile, Bennett, the mysterious new guy in her class, has been gifted with the ability to time travel. They are immediately drawn to each other, though not in an off putting way, and Anna's world opens to new realities she never expects.

I loved that Stone makes Bennett's ability, along with his and Anna's association with each other, unpredictable and intricate. Bennett's ability has constraints that test he and Anna's time together, and I loved  the challenge.

That being said, I was a bit disheartened with the ending. Now, I'm sure that all of you who have read the novel are probably wondering what's wrong with me. There is, by no means, anything truly wrong with the ending. But, one of the things I admired about this novel, was that Stone showed the beauty of choosing your own path in life. As much as I love heartwarming endings, I thought it very refreshing where it seemed to be leading. Even so, the ending does not take away from one of the beauties of this novel, that we should not allow anything, or anyone, to hold us back from truly living life.

Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone is a beautiful love story, with an even more beautiful lesson that nothing should stop us from voraciously living life.

I give Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone 4 out of 5 cups of Irish Breakfast.