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The Perpetual Page-Turner

The Perpetual Page-Turner

Book Recommendations and Book Lists For Adults And Kids

Home | Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Favorite Books of 2013 So Far

Top Ten Favorite Books of 2013 So Far

June 25, 2013 - Updated May 7, 2019 // 56 Comments

toptentuesssTop Ten Tuesday, as  always, is hosted at my other blog — The Broke & the Bookish

This week’s topic: Top Ten Books I’ve Read So Far In 2013

best of 2013 YA books

Wild Awake by Hilary T. Smith: My full review is coming for this one but you can check out  my Save the Date for it. It  was just beautiful and chaotic and definitely fresh in the contemporary YA genre.
When  You Were Here by Daisy Whitney: This is one of the first books I read in 2013 and it has stuck with me for sure!
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell: I would have never thought I would swoon so hard over some hand holding.
The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler: I haven’t written a review for this one but LOVE LOVE LOVE! I haven’t fallen in love with a fictional guy in a while but LE SWOON.
The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey: I would NOT expecting that a book about an alien apocalypse to make my list but this was AWESOME!

Honorable Mention: Golden by Jessi Kirby

bestbooks2013teen

Something Like Normal by Trish Dollar: She is a new favorite contemporary YA author after only one book. I’m THAT confident.
Code Name  Verity by Elizabeth Wein: One of the best historical fiction books I’ve read in  forever! KISS  ME HARDY!
Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta: It’s as amazing as everyone said it would be!
Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley: SO AMAZING & BEAUTIFUL. Aussie YA is so good.
Cinder by Marissa Meyer: This was a surprise for me for SURE. Cyborgs?? YEP. AMAZING.

Honorable Mention: Unearthly series

 

 

 

 

So tell me…what have been your best reads of this year so far? Have you read any of the books on my list??

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Filed Under: Top Ten Tuesday Tagged With: lists, Top ten list, Top Ten Tuesday

About Jamie

Jamie is a 32 year old married lady (with a new baby!!) who is in denial that she's actually that old to be a married lady and a mom. When she's not reading you can find her doing Pilates followed by eating ice cream, belting out Hamilton (loud and offkey) and having adventures with her husband, daughter and rescue dog.

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Comments

  1. DannyBookworm says

    June 25, 2013 at 12:44 am

    Everyone keeps gushing aver The 5th Wave..maybe I need to read it! Glad you finally read Cinder and LOVED it! I still need to read “Soemthing like Normal” but I read her next book which was awesomesauce!

    Reply
  2. Sara (of the Page Sage) says

    June 25, 2013 at 12:49 am

    Wild Awake, Cinder, and Eleanor and Park are all in my TBR pile. So excited to finally read them!

    My TTT

    Reply
  3. Jessica@Lovin' Los Libros says

    June 25, 2013 at 1:23 am

    Great list Jamie! I STILL need to read The 5th Wave- and I was so excited for it to finally come out! I have Eleanor and Park, now I just need to find the time to read it! And alot of others are on my TBR list!

    My TTT

    Jessica@Lovin’ Los Libros

    Reply
  4. Christianna says

    June 25, 2013 at 1:35 am

    What a cool list! I need to get my hands on a couple of these! I read Wild Awake too and it was weird one for me, but I’m still thinking about it, so that says something. Cinder also made my list!
    My TTT

    Reply
  5. Jen says

    June 25, 2013 at 3:24 am

    GAHH I still have to read all of those 2013 releases, I have a feeling that a lot of people will have Eleanor & Park and The 5th Wave on their top list for 2013. But I do love your “Late to the Game” list! I loved Jellicoe Road, Something Like Normal, and Graffiti Moon. <3 I'm going to have to check out all your favs soon! Lovely list, Jamie. 🙂

    Reply
  6. Kristy F says

    June 25, 2013 at 4:14 am

    Eleanor & Park and The Book of Broken Hearts are both on my list as well! I’m DYING to read The 5th Wave and am excited about Wild Awake, as I heard it’s set in Vancouver.. is that right? Either way, it sounds like an interesting read and I’m anticipating my reaction considering all of the mixed reviews on it. Great list, Jamie!

    Reply
  7. Sam (A Bookish Brit) says

    June 25, 2013 at 6:27 am

    Like you, I didn’t read Cinder until this year. But it certainly one of the best futuristic and fantasy retelling pieces I have ever endured! Definitely one of my favourite best dystopian authors.

    Reply
  8. Lauren @ Love is not a triangle says

    June 25, 2013 at 6:46 am

    I have WILD AWAKE on my list as well! Also enjoyed The 5th Wave, Eleanor and Park and The Book of Broken Hearts. I’ve read and loved all of your “late to the game” books. Basically, the only book on this list that I have yet to read is WHEN YOU WERE HERE. But since I love all of your other choices, I’m hoping that one will be amazing too. Just wait until you get to SCARLET!

    My TTT

    Reply
  9. Sarah @ YA Love says

    June 25, 2013 at 7:03 am

    First of all, I love the graphics you used in this post! I wish I could create something so cute 🙂

    Second, great choices! Eleanor & Park is on my list as well, along with Wild Awake. I read When You Were Here last year, so I know exactly why it’s on your list. And Something Like Normal? I’m SO HAPPY you read it and loved it. It was one of my absolute favorites last year.

    This summer I want to read The 5th Wave and Code Name Verity. I couldn’t get into Scarlet and Jellicoe Road, though.

    Reply
  10. Ginger @ GReads! says

    June 25, 2013 at 8:30 am

    I still need to read Jellicoe Road… I KNOW. I know. I’m embarrassed at this point, ha.

    Reply
  11. Christy says

    June 25, 2013 at 8:39 am

    Great list! I loved Something About Normal & I just started The 5th Wave last night 🙂

    Here’s my Top Ten

    Reply
  12. Brandy says

    June 25, 2013 at 8:42 am

    Very nice list. Eleanor & Park made my list this too. Jellicoe Road, Code Name Verity, and Graffiti Moon have made top reading lists in past years. I love all those books.

    Reply
  13. Ashley says

    June 25, 2013 at 9:04 am

    CODE NAME VERITY is also on my TTT this week. I haven’t read any on the rest of your list, but most are already on my TBR shelf! Adding the last couple right now. 🙂 My TTT: http://ashleythebookjunkie.blogspot.com/2013/06/top-ten-tuesday-2.html

    Reply
  14. Jessica R @ Read My Breath Away says

    June 25, 2013 at 9:36 am

    Haha, I love seeing all the contemporaries that I knew would flood this list 🙂 Mine is almost all historical fiction though, so I really can’t blame you! Speaking of, I love seeing Code Name Verity on there. It was at the top of my list. I’m reading Cinder right now and there are definitely some I need to get to, like Jellicoe Road (I’m even later to the game than you on those two), The 5th Wave, and Eleanor & Park (which I’m hoping I’ll love like everyone else did)!

    Reply
  15. Brittany @ The Book Addict's Guide says

    June 25, 2013 at 9:37 am

    The Book of Broken Hearts!!! That book DID break my heart and YES, major swoons for Emilio!!
    So glad you loved Cinder!! I just finished Scarlet and the series just keeps getting better and better 🙂
    Gosh, I really need to read Wild Awake and The Fifth Wave! Hilary T. Smith is going to be at Anderson’s (I think this Saturday!?) so I will be buying the book! 🙂

    Reply
  16. tabithasbookblog says

    June 25, 2013 at 9:52 am

    Books of Broken Hearts, Cinder and Something Like Normal all made it onto my list as well! I completely get what you’re saying about Book of Broken Hearts main guy – SO SWOON WORTHY!

    Reply
  17. Jacque says

    June 25, 2013 at 10:00 am

    Great List!! I’m definitely going to have to add Something Like Normal and The Book of Broken Hearts to my TBR list. I haven’t heard of either of these books, but you definitely sold me with your descriptions.

    Here is my TTT: http://jacquesbooknook.blogspot.com/2013/06/top-ten-tuesday-top-10-books-ive-read.html

    Reply
  18. Christina (A Reader of Fictions) says

    June 25, 2013 at 10:05 am

    Gah, I wish I had loved Wild Awake and When You Were Here as much as everyone else. 🙁 And The 5th Wave. They were all good, but not what I was hoping. Le sigh.

    HOWEVER, E&P, Cinder, SLN and CNV = hell to the yes!

    Reply
  19. Stormy says

    June 25, 2013 at 10:10 am

    Eleanor & Park and The 5th Wave were both definitely on my TTT list too! I’m glad to see When You Where Here on your list–I won a copy & I HOPE I like it but it’s one of those books I’m incredibly nervous about.

    Reply
  20. DeAnna @ Mommy's Reading Break says

    June 25, 2013 at 10:21 am

    Great list! I actually have The 5th Wave waiting for me at the library. I was late to the game with Cinder as well. I also read it this year, but it just missed my list. I bought a copy of Jellicoe Road but haven’t read it yet. Good to know that you loved it! Here’s my TTT

    Reply
  21. Rachael @ Rachael Turns Pages says

    June 25, 2013 at 10:36 am

    Cinder made my list also. I also really loved Scarlet.

    My TTT: http://rachaelc94.blogspot.com/2013/06/top-ten-books-i-have-read-so-far-this.html

    Reply
  22. Natalie says

    June 25, 2013 at 10:41 am

    The only one on here that I’ve read so far is Wild Awake (and I’m currently reading it!!!) All of these books are ones that I’ve had my eye on for a long time, and I can’t wait to read them! Great list 🙂

    My Top Ten Tuesday

    Reply
  23. Tara says

    June 25, 2013 at 10:43 am

    The Book of Broken Hearts and Eleanor & Park are on SO many lists! I couldn’t agree more with those choices 🙂

    Reply
  24. Sharon @ The Book Barbies says

    June 25, 2013 at 11:05 am

    I love that you broke this list down into the two categories. Great idea!

    LOL, though, I have read NONE of the 2013 books yet. I really need to fix that! I’m so glad to see you loved Jellicoe Road and Something Like Normal so much, though! They’re both so wonderful. ♥

    Reply
  25. Annie says

    June 25, 2013 at 11:19 am

    I just bought The 5th Wave (last copy in stock!) and I’m super excited to read it! It’s received some great reviews! I mean, hey, if it’s on your list, it must be good! 🙂

    Reply
  26. Rachel says

    June 25, 2013 at 11:46 am

    I totally forgot to play my “what did Jamie pick” game this week, but I definitely think your choices scream you. Which I love. I am sosososo excited to read When You Were Here. And maybe I’ll read Grafitti Moon one day because I know you LOVED it (I forgot what it was about, though).

    Reply
  27. Hollie @ Music, Books and Tea says

    June 25, 2013 at 12:17 pm

    So every one of the books on this list, minus Jellicoe Road, are ones on my TBR pile! I can’t wait to read them all, as they all look amazing and the kind of books that I will really enjoy when I get round to reading them. Jellicoe Road was amazing, words can’t express just how much I adore that book!

    Reply
  28. Andi says

    June 25, 2013 at 12:21 pm

    I was late to the Jellicoe Road party just like you. I just read it this year myself and it is fantastic. Also on my list. Trish Doller is on mine too for her book that comes out in September. And trust me your assessment of her is correct. She is amazing!

    My TTT List

    Reply
  29. Abria @ Read. Write. Discuss. says

    June 25, 2013 at 12:36 pm

    I adored “Something Like Normal.” Couldn’t get in to “Eleanor and Park,” though.

    Reply
  30. Renae @ Respiring Thoughts says

    June 25, 2013 at 12:51 pm

    Cath Crowley is one of my favorites! So glad to see you loved Graffiti Moon! You should read A Little Wanting Song, too, because I loved that one even more. The Book of Broken Hearts, Wild Awake, Something Like Normal, and When You Were Here are all on my immediate to read list, so hopefully I have as much luck with them as you did! 🙂

    Reply
  31. Bonnie says

    June 25, 2013 at 1:10 pm

    So glad to see you enjoyed Graffiti Moon… that book is so amazing. I just recently finished 5th wave and LOVED it too. Great picks!!

    Reply
  32. Maggie @ Just a Couple More Pages says

    June 25, 2013 at 1:40 pm

    I think I’ve read/want to read everything on your list except for Cinder. I know lots of people who wouldn’t normally read about cyborgs have loved it, but I just can’t wrap my head around it.

    My TTT

    Reply
  33. Rachel says

    June 25, 2013 at 1:53 pm

    I really, really want to read Code Name Verity, On the Jellicoe Road, When You Were Here, and Wild Awake! And I LOVE Eleanor & Park–so, so good! Great list!

    Rachel @ Beauty and the Bookshelf

    Reply
  34. YA Book Queen says

    June 25, 2013 at 1:56 pm

    Love JELLICOE ROAD, SLN, and CNV! Glad you enjoyed them too 🙂

    Great top ten choices!

    Reply
  35. Jen @ Pop! Goes The Reader says

    June 25, 2013 at 2:00 pm

    I must admit that I was a little surprised to see Wide Awake included on your list this week! All the reviews I’ve read thus far on various blogs have been largely negative and while I was initially intrigued by the book’s premise when I first heard about it, I would be lying if I said all the negative press hasn’t made me wary of reading it. I look forward to reading your review and hearing a different, positive perspective on the novel!

    I was very happy to see a couple of the unread novels on my own TBR list included on your TTT list this week. I own both Eleanor & Park and The 5th Wave but have yet to read either of them, and your enjoyment of them made me all the more excited to read them now! I think I’ve been putting off reading Eleanor & Park because I don’t want the wait until Fangirl to see interminable 🙁

    Something Like Normal was easily one of the best novels I read last year, and I’m so thrilled that you loved it as much as I did! Doller is woefully underrated and I thought wrote with an unflinching honesty that was so beautiful, and unique, in the YA contemporary genre. I’m right there with you in declaring her one of my favourite contemporary authors. I have absolute faith that her next book will be just as magical as the last 😀

    Reply
  36. Leticia (@osoordinary) says

    June 25, 2013 at 2:02 pm

    Six of those on my TBR list! I keep hearing great things about E&P, Code Name Verity, and Cinder. I can’t wait to get my hands on them and dive in. Soon. : )

    Reply
  37. kimberlybuggie says

    June 25, 2013 at 2:30 pm

    I really like your blog and your list.
    Eleanor and Park!! 🙂
    I’ve heard really good things about the 5th wave!

    My Top Ten Tuesday!

    Reply
  38. Sash says

    June 25, 2013 at 3:49 pm

    CODE NAME VERITY. I just finished it last week (so I was late to the game as well!) and OMG, seriously – the feels. That book tore me up. I still can’t talk about it without crying!

    Reply
  39. Andrea Payan (@payanar) says

    June 25, 2013 at 4:16 pm

    I have heard a lot of great things about Eleanor and Park. It is definitely on my TBR list. Code Name Verity made my list today too and was so powerful. I also am looking forward to reading The 5th Wave.

    Reply
  40. Vy says

    June 25, 2013 at 4:19 pm

    I love this list and how you made a “late to the game” one. SO glad to see you loved Code Name Verity, Graffiti Moon, and Something Like Normal! I’ll read anything by Trish Doller now.

    Reply
  41. Jess @ Gone with the Words says

    June 25, 2013 at 6:21 pm

    SOMETHING LIKE NORMAAAAAAAL! MAN, I love that book! Also happy you liked Cinder! I’m late to the game on your other late to the game picks though. I’m actually already late to the game on the 2013 releases too! LOL

    Reply
  42. Cee @ The Novel Hermit says

    June 25, 2013 at 7:28 pm

    I love Jellicoe Road, so I’m happy that you loved it as well!

    I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed Something Like Normal. I hadn’t expected that.

    Reply
  43. Britt says

    June 25, 2013 at 7:58 pm

    How have I still not read Jellicoe Road?! Great list, I’m definitely going to have to check some of these out!

    Reply
  44. Amanda @ Late Nights with Good Books says

    June 25, 2013 at 8:44 pm

    I like how you broke down you list. I love Code Name Verity and Jellicoe Road. The 5th Wave was on my list as well – and also a surprising choice for me. I have every intention of reading The Book of Broken Hearts, Eleanor & Park, and Something Like Normal soon. I hope I love them as much as you do!

    Reply
  45. Jessica @ Books: A true story says

    June 25, 2013 at 8:46 pm

    Oh I like that you divided them into 2013 releases “late to the game on.” 🙂 I’m behind on new releases – I haven’t read any of them. Cinder is so so good!

    My TTT

    Reply
  46. Roselyn says

    June 25, 2013 at 9:24 pm

    I loved Cinder and Code Name Verity as well!! I can’t wait to read The 5th Wave as an alien apocalypse sounds AMAZING lol 🙂

    Reply
  47. Nichole says

    June 25, 2013 at 9:24 pm

    The 5th Wave was AWESOME!

    Nichole
    http://www.yareads.com

    Reply
  48. Lola @ Reading by Lamplight says

    June 25, 2013 at 10:57 pm

    I MUST read E&P and The Book of Broken Hearts! Both of which are at the top of my TBR list! 🙂

    Reply
  49. Alexa Y. says

    June 26, 2013 at 2:06 am

    I pretty much endorse every single choice on the bottom row. I’ve read and loved all of these books, and it makes my heart happy to know that you’ve read and loved them too!

    Reply
  50. Laura @ the Booksmartie says

    June 26, 2013 at 4:28 am

    They’re all on my wishlist. I swear, every single one. Despite Cinder and Code name Varity – and that’s because I read them already! Seriosly, I should just make your TTT my summer TBR list and be done wiht it 😀

    Reply
  51. Andreea says

    June 26, 2013 at 5:15 am

    Nice list.

    Andreea @www.themoonlitbookshelf.blogspot.de

    Reply
  52. Britta says

    June 26, 2013 at 9:18 am

    I loved Eleanor and Park, and Graffiti Moon as well, beautiful spotlights in Ya.

    Reply
  53. bookrockbetty says

    June 26, 2013 at 6:31 pm

    do u own The Book of Broken Hearts??? if yes… i may need to borrow. 🙂 i’ve seen it on EVERYONE’S list except mine. haha

    Reply
  54. kay says

    June 27, 2013 at 4:09 am

    Interestingly, your best of 2013 are pretty much my To-be-read list right now! I’m glad you enjoyed them, makes me look forward to reading them even more!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Summer Reading List | KellyVision says:
    June 25, 2013 at 8:34 pm

    […] (read that here) and then today, Jamie’s Top 10 List was about the best books of the year (see her picks here and Jess’ picks […]

    Reply
  2. Book Review: The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler says:
    August 20, 2013 at 10:42 pm

    […] you saw my top ten books of 2013 so far list, you know that The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler in fact made it on that list! So […]

    Reply

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“Why is it so hard to pick my next read?” — “Why is it so hard to pick my next read?” — she says as she is surrounded by piles on piles of books on the floor and desk and packed on her bookshelf and book cart. (Partner @berkleypub - thanks for the review copy).⁣
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I managed to pick my next read, as chronicled in these photos, but it was not easy with so many options! 

Decided to go with a most anticipated book of 2022 for me from an author who has written books I’ve really enjoyed.
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I am about halfway through and cruising along because I NEED to figure out if Joseph is the worst or what really is going on here in this story that starts with 3 women being stood up by the same guy on Valentine’s Day.  I feel like there is something more to this one but I can’t quite put my finger on it yet! ⁣
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Hoping to finish it this weekend! What are you reading this weekend? And do you have trouble picking your next read? How do you choose amongst all the options?
Sunshine on my face and a mass market fitting perf Sunshine on my face and a mass market fitting perfectly in my hands.⁣…
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Truly felt like there were zero things more joyful than the warm sun on my face after colder, dreary days and remembering how much I love the feel of reading a mass market paperback. It’s probably a very specific little joy of mine and I definitely reveled in it today.⁣
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But the real big joy has been rereading this book and experiencing it all over again before @bridgertonnetflix season 2 — especially the Pall Mall scene. And something to do with a 🐝 😅 iykyk⁣
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With all the joy I’m getting out of this reread it makes me wonder why I don’t prioritize rereading like I used to before I started blogging 10 years ago.⁣
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In my head I just want to experience all the new stories and try to make a dent in my TBR but I forget, until I do it, the genuine pleasure in revisiting old companions and how it’s a different side of reading one can experience — the nostalgia, the person I’ve become since reading the book and the way I approach a book already knowing what happens. Well the general sense of what happens because my memory is 💩!⁣
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Anyways that’s what I’m up to currently. Trying to finish this up so I can pack my books for a short trip I’m going on later this week. My first ✈️ since 2019!⁣
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Whatcha reading? Do you reread often? And tell me a little teeny tiny joy from your day.
If I was a person who made Reels I would somehow m If I was a person who made Reels I would somehow mash up the “screaming, crying”  Blank Space clip with the “emotional damage” refrain to the Bastille’s Pompeii to let you know how I feel after the last few chapters of #TheGildedCage !!⁣
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And if you don’t understand what that means, I’m sorry 😅⁣
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But woo boy do I need the third installment of this series!!! But I also think I’m going to be even more emotional damaged after that one soooo.⁣ 
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Seriously, one of the best simple joys of my life is the feeling of being so wholly and totally invested in a series that you have to remind yourself it’s fiction lest you spend all day in bed crying about the devastated look a character had on their face — a face you didn’t even see with your own two eyes but you are so invested that you feel nauseous and gutted like you sure did.⁣
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Just me orrrrrr?⁣
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No but for real. If you love YA fantasy, go start #theprisonhealer so you can be caught up when The Blood Traitor comes out in June (and be my emotional support person for the duration of reading it). I love these characters and I dying to see what happens next. 

Have you read this series yet? Last book series that had you SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP because of the EMOTIONAL DAMAGE it inflicted?
A real life reading photo because I couldn’t be A real life reading photo because I couldn’t be bothered to make it pretty — mismatching fuzzy sucks, coffee almost gone and Christmas pajama pants that are super old.⁣
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But y’all Black Cake is so good!! I’m almost halfway through and I know it’s A Choice to declare it one of the best books I’ve read all year but I’m feeling bold based on how it’s going.⁣
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I love a good family story (especially one with a family secret!) and this is top notch. The writing is 👌🏻 and I know I’m going to be screaming when the pieces come together!⁣
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In other news, I’m 65% of the way through The Dry by Jane Harper and I’m enjoying it so much that I ended up staying on the treadmill twice this weekend after my allotted time was over just so I could keep listening.⁣
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Will and I FINALLY started Ted Lasso this weekend. It is a damn delight!! For all the hype and praise, it has overdelivered for me which is kind of shocking because normally hype is scary. I told Will that I feel like all the praise hasn’t even come close to how much I could love it. We are only 7 episodes in so no spoilers!⁣
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I’m kinda mad we sat on starting it for so long but at the same time I think the timing is right to help me see my way out of this February funk I have found myself in the past couple weeks.⁣
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Anyways, hope everyone is having a good weekend! Have you read Black Cake or The Dry? Where are my Ted Lasso fans at? I’m happy to join your ranks! Also please tell me your fave character bc I am finding it impossible to pick this far!
No but seriously every year I contemplate organizi No but seriously every year I contemplate organizing a search party for one Katjay Millay who wrote one beautiful and amazing book and then...vanished.

Like for real. She wrote a tweet in 2015 that she was taking a few weeks off and then.... no tweets, no new books. Radio silence.

I hope she’s okay, for real, and that she knows I obsessively stalk Goodreads/Twitter/the internet to make sure I haven’t missed new book news from her at least twice a year. 🥺

Is there any author who you’ve been waiting forever for a new release from??

I’d also like to add YA author Sarah Ockler to this list! Last release was 2015 😭😭
Ahhh some of my absolute OG young adult faves are Ahhh some of my absolute OG young adult faves are becoming movies/tv shows soon! And one of them is out TODAY!⁣
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The Sky is Everywhere — it’s out today on AppleTV+ and I can’t wait to sob my brains out. One of my absolute most favorite books ever by one of my all time favorite authors. It’s gorgeous and heartbreaking in its poignant depiction of grief, first love and healing — all woven together in Jandy’s signature gorgeous, lyrical writing.⁣
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Along For The Ride (out April 22) — one of a handful upcoming @sdessen books being adapted in the near future and I can’t wait! These books are so near and dear to my heart.⁣
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No release dates yet for The Summer I Turned Pretty tv series (the ultimate coming of age summertime story!) or The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight (the cutest meet cute of all meet cutes all set in 24 hours) but I am HYPED and have all my fingers crossed for 2022 🤞🤞

Have you read any of these? Anyone else hyped for these adaptations.

Also, for the past few years, I’ve kept a running list of books becoming movies/tv shows for the year. Head to my bio to check out the list! I try to update it weekly and keep on top of it all but life ya know 😆 but I try!
Is this a book club? I think we just started a boo Is this a book club? I think we just started a book club. Or maybe just a @jenniferesmith appreciation club?? (partner @randomhouse )⁣
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Either way, after loving Jennifer E. Smith's YA books for years, it's been a real treat to also read her debut picture book with Riley (we loved!!) as well as her adult debut out in 3 weeks!⁣
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⁣So let me tell you about that adult debut — The Unsinkable Great James!!

This one just was the perfect warm-hearted read for a cold and gloomy January.

A perfect setting to escape into (Alaska), a tender-hearted meet cute and a poignant look at the shared grieving experience of those left behind.

I was initially drawn, like I always am, to the daughter losing a mother storyline and an exploration of that grief but I was so taken by the father/daughter relationship between two people who were left untethered by losing the person who held their family together.

Greta and her father don't see eye-to-eye on basically anything when they are thrown together on this Alaskan cruise, a trip Greta's father and mother were supposed to take, and you can feel the tension of their long-standing tumultuous and fractured relationship -- a relationship that feels like its hanging in a balance and could not recover.

The two are both hurting so much from this loss  and it took my breath away at times in how true it rang to be in your own grief bubble and feeling like the loss is yours and yours alone while forgetting about the others shouldering their own piece of this loss. I loved watching them very slowly SEE one another.

I can't say enough good things about this one -- great setting, Greta's music, the meet-cute, the messy and imperfect nature of family and love. Definitely recommend!⁣
I was on a hot reading streak and now for the past I was on a hot reading streak and now for the past few days I get all cozy in bed to read at night and am asleep by 4 pages in. Will got a kick out of waking up to me basically spooning my kindle. Ebbs and flows, y’all.⁣
⁣
Let’s do a little reading update with an edition of Last, Current & Next.⁣
⁣
Last - The Girl With the Louding Voice: Adunni is by far one of the most memorable voices I’ve read in a book in a very long time. Her hope and resilience in the face of some awful situations kept me turning the pages and rooting for her. I can’t believe it took me so long to finally read it. Highly recommend!⁣
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Now - Deep in Providence (thank you @fiercereads ): I’m about halfway through after I carved out some time to read early this morning and I’m enjoying this story of grief, love and magic. I’m nervous about these girls trying to resurrect their dead friend though! When I put it down today I was getting a little creeped by some things happening.⁣
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Next - The Kiss of Deception: I’m rereading the first book in this YA fantasy series because it’s been forever and I really wanna finish the trilogy. I’ve been really wanting to go through series I’ve left unfinished for years (not for lack of interest but because I suck at juggling all the series I start) so this is one of them. I remember loving it so I’m excited to dive in and binge. 

Whatcha reading? Have you read any of these? Anyone else on the struggle train with reading at night right now?
Braved the downpour to get my library holds. I hop Braved the downpour to get my library holds. I hope they are worth it! Please tell me they are!⁣
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This is also, before I get to the stack,  an appreciation post for my tiny library and wonderful librarians.⁣
⁣
They normally open at 9am during the week —except Fridays. Did I remember that? Nope. So I was I was SO proud of Riley and I for getting our butts in gear to be for around opening time to drop off a stack and get my new ones.⁣
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And alas, I go to open the door and it’s locked. Now I’m holding Riley’s hand, two tote bags full of books, an umbrella that I’m trying to keep over the both of us, mind you. I’m thoroughly confused until it hits me that it’s Friday.⁣
⁣
So I’m like, welp, guess we are just dropping off in the bin so I try to grab my books out and put them in one-handed while juggling the umbrella and less than enthused Riley.⁣
⁣
Mercifully the door opens and  our children’s librarian takes pity on us and lets us in to drop off and pick up the holds.⁣
⁣
Is this what being a VIP as a celebrity feels like?? Sure feels like it to me 😆 for real though, it pays to be a regular and have a cute kid in tow who is being pelted with rain.⁣
⁣
Anyways excited about this stack but especially Wahala, Daughter of the Moon Goddess and How High We Go In The Dark the most.⁣
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Also have been meaning to snag The World Gives Way after @jordys.book.club recommendation!⁣
⁣
Have you read any of these? Any that you think were definitely worth the rain-soaked journey for??⁣
⁣
Alright now I’m off to curl up and read on this rainy, dreary day which is really what I think a day like this is meant for.
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Jamie is a 32 year old married lady (with a new baby!!) who is in denial that she's actually that old to be a married lady and a mom. When she's not reading you can find her doing Pilates followed by eating ice cream, belting out Hamilton (loud and offkey) and having adventures with her husband, daughter and rescue dog.

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“Why is it so hard to pick my next read?” — “Why is it so hard to pick my next read?” — she says as she is surrounded by piles on piles of books on the floor and desk and packed on her bookshelf and book cart. (Partner @berkleypub - thanks for the review copy).⁣
⁣
I managed to pick my next read, as chronicled in these photos, but it was not easy with so many options! 

Decided to go with a most anticipated book of 2022 for me from an author who has written books I’ve really enjoyed.
⁣
I am about halfway through and cruising along because I NEED to figure out if Joseph is the worst or what really is going on here in this story that starts with 3 women being stood up by the same guy on Valentine’s Day.  I feel like there is something more to this one but I can’t quite put my finger on it yet! ⁣
⁣
Hoping to finish it this weekend! What are you reading this weekend? And do you have trouble picking your next read? How do you choose amongst all the options?
Sunshine on my face and a mass market fitting perf Sunshine on my face and a mass market fitting perfectly in my hands.⁣…
⁣
Truly felt like there were zero things more joyful than the warm sun on my face after colder, dreary days and remembering how much I love the feel of reading a mass market paperback. It’s probably a very specific little joy of mine and I definitely reveled in it today.⁣
⁣
But the real big joy has been rereading this book and experiencing it all over again before @bridgertonnetflix season 2 — especially the Pall Mall scene. And something to do with a 🐝 😅 iykyk⁣
⁣
With all the joy I’m getting out of this reread it makes me wonder why I don’t prioritize rereading like I used to before I started blogging 10 years ago.⁣
⁣
In my head I just want to experience all the new stories and try to make a dent in my TBR but I forget, until I do it, the genuine pleasure in revisiting old companions and how it’s a different side of reading one can experience — the nostalgia, the person I’ve become since reading the book and the way I approach a book already knowing what happens. Well the general sense of what happens because my memory is 💩!⁣
⁣
Anyways that’s what I’m up to currently. Trying to finish this up so I can pack my books for a short trip I’m going on later this week. My first ✈️ since 2019!⁣
⁣
Whatcha reading? Do you reread often? And tell me a little teeny tiny joy from your day.
If I was a person who made Reels I would somehow m If I was a person who made Reels I would somehow mash up the “screaming, crying”  Blank Space clip with the “emotional damage” refrain to the Bastille’s Pompeii to let you know how I feel after the last few chapters of #TheGildedCage !!⁣
⁣
And if you don’t understand what that means, I’m sorry 😅⁣
⁣
But woo boy do I need the third installment of this series!!! But I also think I’m going to be even more emotional damaged after that one soooo.⁣ 
⁣
Seriously, one of the best simple joys of my life is the feeling of being so wholly and totally invested in a series that you have to remind yourself it’s fiction lest you spend all day in bed crying about the devastated look a character had on their face — a face you didn’t even see with your own two eyes but you are so invested that you feel nauseous and gutted like you sure did.⁣
⁣
Just me orrrrrr?⁣
⁣
No but for real. If you love YA fantasy, go start #theprisonhealer so you can be caught up when The Blood Traitor comes out in June (and be my emotional support person for the duration of reading it). I love these characters and I dying to see what happens next. 

Have you read this series yet? Last book series that had you SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP because of the EMOTIONAL DAMAGE it inflicted?
A real life reading photo because I couldn’t be A real life reading photo because I couldn’t be bothered to make it pretty — mismatching fuzzy sucks, coffee almost gone and Christmas pajama pants that are super old.⁣
⁣
But y’all Black Cake is so good!! I’m almost halfway through and I know it’s A Choice to declare it one of the best books I’ve read all year but I’m feeling bold based on how it’s going.⁣
⁣
I love a good family story (especially one with a family secret!) and this is top notch. The writing is 👌🏻 and I know I’m going to be screaming when the pieces come together!⁣
⁣
In other news, I’m 65% of the way through The Dry by Jane Harper and I’m enjoying it so much that I ended up staying on the treadmill twice this weekend after my allotted time was over just so I could keep listening.⁣
⁣
Will and I FINALLY started Ted Lasso this weekend. It is a damn delight!! For all the hype and praise, it has overdelivered for me which is kind of shocking because normally hype is scary. I told Will that I feel like all the praise hasn’t even come close to how much I could love it. We are only 7 episodes in so no spoilers!⁣
⁣
I’m kinda mad we sat on starting it for so long but at the same time I think the timing is right to help me see my way out of this February funk I have found myself in the past couple weeks.⁣
⁣
Anyways, hope everyone is having a good weekend! Have you read Black Cake or The Dry? Where are my Ted Lasso fans at? I’m happy to join your ranks! Also please tell me your fave character bc I am finding it impossible to pick this far!
No but seriously every year I contemplate organizi No but seriously every year I contemplate organizing a search party for one Katjay Millay who wrote one beautiful and amazing book and then...vanished.

Like for real. She wrote a tweet in 2015 that she was taking a few weeks off and then.... no tweets, no new books. Radio silence.

I hope she’s okay, for real, and that she knows I obsessively stalk Goodreads/Twitter/the internet to make sure I haven’t missed new book news from her at least twice a year. 🥺

Is there any author who you’ve been waiting forever for a new release from??

I’d also like to add YA author Sarah Ockler to this list! Last release was 2015 😭😭
Ahhh some of my absolute OG young adult faves are Ahhh some of my absolute OG young adult faves are becoming movies/tv shows soon! And one of them is out TODAY!⁣
⁣
The Sky is Everywhere — it’s out today on AppleTV+ and I can’t wait to sob my brains out. One of my absolute most favorite books ever by one of my all time favorite authors. It’s gorgeous and heartbreaking in its poignant depiction of grief, first love and healing — all woven together in Jandy’s signature gorgeous, lyrical writing.⁣
⁣
Along For The Ride (out April 22) — one of a handful upcoming @sdessen books being adapted in the near future and I can’t wait! These books are so near and dear to my heart.⁣
⁣
No release dates yet for The Summer I Turned Pretty tv series (the ultimate coming of age summertime story!) or The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight (the cutest meet cute of all meet cutes all set in 24 hours) but I am HYPED and have all my fingers crossed for 2022 🤞🤞

Have you read any of these? Anyone else hyped for these adaptations.

Also, for the past few years, I’ve kept a running list of books becoming movies/tv shows for the year. Head to my bio to check out the list! I try to update it weekly and keep on top of it all but life ya know 😆 but I try!
Is this a book club? I think we just started a boo Is this a book club? I think we just started a book club. Or maybe just a @jenniferesmith appreciation club?? (partner @randomhouse )⁣
⁣
Either way, after loving Jennifer E. Smith's YA books for years, it's been a real treat to also read her debut picture book with Riley (we loved!!) as well as her adult debut out in 3 weeks!⁣
⁣
⁣So let me tell you about that adult debut — The Unsinkable Great James!!

This one just was the perfect warm-hearted read for a cold and gloomy January.

A perfect setting to escape into (Alaska), a tender-hearted meet cute and a poignant look at the shared grieving experience of those left behind.

I was initially drawn, like I always am, to the daughter losing a mother storyline and an exploration of that grief but I was so taken by the father/daughter relationship between two people who were left untethered by losing the person who held their family together.

Greta and her father don't see eye-to-eye on basically anything when they are thrown together on this Alaskan cruise, a trip Greta's father and mother were supposed to take, and you can feel the tension of their long-standing tumultuous and fractured relationship -- a relationship that feels like its hanging in a balance and could not recover.

The two are both hurting so much from this loss  and it took my breath away at times in how true it rang to be in your own grief bubble and feeling like the loss is yours and yours alone while forgetting about the others shouldering their own piece of this loss. I loved watching them very slowly SEE one another.

I can't say enough good things about this one -- great setting, Greta's music, the meet-cute, the messy and imperfect nature of family and love. Definitely recommend!⁣

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