Here I present my list from the last few weeks, in no particular order, because that would require making decisions, and the only thing I hate more than making jello is making decisions:
Chime- by Franny Billingsley. This wonderful book took me by surprise, and a very pleasant surprise it was, even if it meant staying too late for me to divulge. Written in stream-of-consciousness, this book keeps you reading as you try to delve deeper into the speakers confused mind to sort out the plot without giving you the sense of frustration you might get from James Joyce. An added plus, it also does not require you to have an intimate knowledge of Irish politics. *cough*James Joyce*cough*. The characters are absolutely, wonderfully lovable and will make you laugh as well as cry. I found myself becoming particularly fond of Rose, maybe because she reminds me of people I know myself. Here is the blurb quoted on Amazon, because I feel like the Goodreads synopsis gives too much away: Briony has a secret. It is a secret that killed her stepmother, ruined her sister's mind, and will end her life, if anyone were to know. She has powers. Then Eldric comes along with his golden lion eyes and a great mane of tawny hair. He is as natural as the sun, and he treats her as if she is extraordinary. And everything starts to change . . . Chime is a haunting, brilliantly written novel that will stay with you--its magic, its romance, its world like none other.
Vessel- Sarah Beth Durst. This book was wonderfully original. It was one of the sole pleasures of a disappointing library trip, but it more than made up for it. Entirely new cultures with their own unique customs and religion as well as unheard of magics and creatures. This author doesn't entirely rely on pre-created ideas of mythical creatures or religions, but instead creates something new. The landscape and cultures begin as being reminiscent of ancient Bedouin cultures, but evolves into something unique. Vessel on Goodreads.
Mara-Daughter of the Nile- Eloise Jarvis McGraw. Okay, so this isn't a new book, in fact, it has been one of my favorites since I was in middle school at least, but it only gets better with time. It is full of suspense, action, and romance. The clever main character stands on a knife edge for the entire book, and you won't forget it. Your heart will ache with hers, but also laugh with hers- and you will cry when it is over, not because of the ending, but because it was the end. I have never lent this book out and found the reader disappointed If you do not read this and love it, I will be forced to disown you. Mara on Goodreads
The Solitary Envoy- T. Davis Bunn and Isabella Bunn. A nice Christian romance, you will have nothing to worry about as far as cleanliness. This book starts a lovely series about ending the slave trade in England and the Americas. As a historical fiction, it is well researched, and each character becomes endearing, though you may only see through their eyes for one book. The Solitary Envoy on Goodreads.
Cinder- Marissa Meyer. I got this for my birthday at my roommate's suggestion, and was not disappointed. It is a fantastic sci-fi twist on Cinderella. No mopey dreamers for me, this Cinder girl has a strong drive to do what is right, truly knows how to love, and is the perfect balance of dreams and reality. I can't wait to get to the library for the next book in the series. Cinder on Goodreads
The Host- Stephanie Meyers. Yeah, you probably discredited me right there, but this book almost redeems Twilight (though I once despised it, now I can say that it had a lot of potential. However, the editors did Mrs. Meyers a huge disservice by allowing it to be published as it was). My disgust for Twilight was more than apparent when Roma, my darling and now happily married roommate, handed it to me when I had nothing to read and was too tired to march up to the campus library. Though skeptical, I opened it and was blown away. I read it a second time a couple weeks ago to make sure it wasn't my imagination. Nope, it's still good. You will find yourself becoming very attached to the main character and her concerns. I don't think I've ever read a book from quite this perspective before. This book brings up lots of interesting questions about ethics, so it is even better if your friends read it too, because then you can discuss it. The Host on Goodreads.
The Hero and the Crown- Robin McKinley. How could you not love a book by Robin McKinley? Her name should say it all. She is a master artist, creating new and complex worlds for you to dive into and investigate. The main character is strong, and you find yourself rooting for her early on. This is a MUST read. If you (an assumed bookworm like myself) die before reading this, and its even better sequel, The Blue Sword, you will have missed out on an essential part of mortal life, and should rethink some of your priorities. Hero and the Crown on Goodreads
A Lasting Impression- Tamera Alexander. Not as good as the other books on this list in my opinion, but still enjoyable for some light reading. This book is a historical christian romance centering around an aspiring artist with a shady past. A Lasting Impression on Goodreads
These is My Words- Nancy E. Turner. This is another MUST READ. My dear Aunt Stephanie lent it to me after a public plea for new reading material that had passed the Deeper-than-High-School-Musical-test. I was blown away. Once again, I stayed up far too late into the night to see the character through one more moment. This book reminded me of Gone with the Wind, if Scarlett had been more lovable, and Georgia were the Far West. Sarah has the same spirit and drive without Scarlett's stubborn stupidity, plus an extra dose of practicality. I couldn't believe I hadn't heard of this book before, it was so good, surely it must be pouring out of the libraries. READ IT! I said I didn't rank books, but this one definitely goes near the top. These is My Words on Goodreads
I don't know about you, but this perfectly sums up one of my favorite things about books:
