Favorite Books of 2008

So it turns out that I read 80 books last year. I’m not sure if that’s indicative of the fact that I don’t really have a life or just that I read really fast… But anyway, don’t be too impressed. 35 of them were either Baby-Sitters Club or Sweet Valley Twins/High books, which take no time at all to read. 😀

But here are some of the books I read in 2008 that stick out in my head (in no particular order):

– Bliss by Lauren Myracle – Can you say creepy? The Manson murder trial as a backdrop just adds to the creepy factor in this story. I read this on my flight back from ALA in June and it made the time fly by as it sent chills down my spine.

– The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins – I wasn’t sure if I’d like this when I read the description of what the Hunger Games were all about, but it really sucked me in. This was one of those books that the characters and plot were still hanging around in my head for days after I’d finished reading.

– Dead is the New Black by Marlene Perez – I was never really a big fan of paranormal books until I started writing YA and meeting other YA authors and then reading their paranormal books. Mar’s book is one of those that is turning me into a real paranormal fan.

– Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen – The Truth About Forever is still my very favorite Dessen book, but I really enjoyed this one too and can’t wait for her next one.

– Tips on Having a Gay (ex) Boyfriend by Carrie Jones – This was a beautifully written portrayal of a girl dealing with a break up–and the fact that her now ex-boyfriend is gay. This was one of my treadmill readings and several times I kept going over my usual 25 minutes because I’d get so absorbed in the story that I didn’t notice how much time had passed.

– A Curse Dark as Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce – From the moment I first heard the premise of this book–a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin–I was intrigued! I LOVE retellings and reimaginings (which you’ll get to see when my second book, Troy High, is released!) and so I had to read this book. LOVED it! The story, the setting, the characters–everything was perfect!

– Samantha Hansen Has Rocks in Her Head by Nancy Viau – Samantha Hansen cracks me up. She is so fun and spunky and I loved reading about her adventures. She makes science fun, something I didn’t figure out until after I was out of school. (Science was always my worst subject, but now I love watching geeky science documentaries.)

– The Big Splash by Jack D. Ferraiolo – I’m not usually into mysteries or noir, but I loved this book! I loved the mobster/detective noir feel twisted into a middle school setting.

– My Life in Pink & Green by Lisa Greenwald – This book isn’t out yet–I snagged an advanced copy while I was at NCTE. I love the cover and the story is so cute and girl empowering. It comes out in a couple months, so keep an eye out for it!

– A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban – This was the last book I completed in 2008. It’s a sweet story about finding perfection in a life and situation that aren’t perfect. This book left me with that warm, feel good happiness at the end and made me smile.

I so wasn’t doing a top ten list, but I just realized I have ten picks up there anyway!