I've realized something recently: when people ask me for book recommendations, my choices are pretty limited. While I read a ton of books (obviously), due to the nature of this blog I tend to limit myself to the most recently published titles. How many amazing YA books have I missed...and don't even realize it?
When I was in high school, I was totally immersed in YA books. Working with Lynn and Cindy as they were on the BBYA committee meant I had access to pretty much any new book I wanted and then some.
And then I went to college and my reading for pleasure dropped like a rock. There were just way too many other things going on. And when I did finally get some time to myself back, the first thing I did was throw myself back into watching TV. I didn't get back onto the YA bandwagon until two years ago, when I started this blog.
So I've decided I'm not joining any official reading challenges next year, but I would like to start one for myself, drawing the reading list from you guys. I want to read at least 12 books next year (roughly one per month) that were published between 2003 and 2008 - my lost YA reading years. However, I hardly know where to begin since there were roughly a million books published in those 5 years. That's where you come in! Please, leave a comment with a book (or two or ten!) published between 2003 and 2008 that you think I must read. And by this time in 2011, I hope to be able to call myself a much more well-rounded YA reader than I am now.
(Edited to add: I knew my blog anniversary was around this time...turns out it was yesterday! So...happy 2nd blogaversary to me!)
7 comments:
I just read The First Part Last by Angela Johnson. Published in 2003. It was AMAZING!! It's so short, but it's the first in a trilogy. I can't remember if you've read it...
I've had Angela Johnson recced a couple of times before, but since I've been focusing so much on the latest titles recently, I haven't gotten to her yet. This is exactly why I'm challenging myself here! Thanks!
You MUST read How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff, if you haven't already. It's devastatingly gorgeous, fabulous voice-y, and one of the best transformation stories for a troubled teenage girl that I've ever read.
If you haven't read M.T. Anderson's Feed, you should also check that out. His writing is stunning, and again, very voice-y.
And finally, I'd recommend Elizabeth C. Bunce's A Curse Dark as Gold for a subtle, captivating story with a very adult young lady lead.
No worries about Feed, Rachel - that one I've definitely read and devoured. I've heard of How I Live Now, but A Curse Dark as Gold is definitely new to me. Thanks for the recs!
A Canadian YA writer is Beverley Brenna -- I love her book Wild Orchid (it has a sequel that came out in 2010, but that doesn't meet your 2003-2008 criteria!)
elizabethanne of elizabethannewrites
I'd highly recommend The Pact of the Wolves by Nina Blazon - Info Here
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