Lauren97224's Reading List

First, for those who care, the thread to the 2009 list can be found here: http://www.librarything.com/talktopic.php?topic=65727

Now, as for 2010. First off, last year is was like "I love this book!" for practically every book I read, or at least liked it. This year I am going to try to be much harder on the books, if that makes sense. So...

1. Getting Warmer by Carol Snow

Welcome back, Lauren!

Welcome back!

Welcome back and Happy 2010! :)

Getting Warmer was... nothing special. I enjoyed it, and the narration made me smile, and the storyline was alright. I enjoyed reading it, but I am not amazed with it. I enjoyed, and really liked, Snow's YA books Switch and Snap

2. No Shame, No Fear by Ann Turnbull

Hmm... well I haven't read No Shame, No Fear, although I do have it to read.

2. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Perfect Chemistry wasn't very memorable. It was an okay book, too much cussing for me.

3. No Shame, No Fear by Ann Turnbull Nothing that exciting happened in this book, and even though it was all about Su and Will's relationship there wasn't even much about their romance in it. It was all just random.

4. The Espressologist by Kristina Springer I really liked this book, but the ending got a little too improbable for me. Besides that, it was a quick, nice read.

5. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

The first few pages of The Knife didn't interest me... so I've put it down for a while...

5. Lady MacBeth's Daughter by Lisa Klein

Halfway done with Lady MacBeth's Daughter but put it off to read

6. The Pigman by Paul ZIndel Ya, it sounds really dumb, but it is an extremely good book (sad though).

7. The Pigman's Legacy by Paul Zindel Not as good and The Pigman A lot of it just seemed random to me, and they talk about Pigman like he's awful... I didn't like John and LOraine as much in this book either...
Sounds like I thought it was a bad book, but it wasn't, only when compaired to THe Pigman

9. My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison Entertaining book. Enough to make me want to read more of RAllison. I thought it was a good concept and was well written, and I really liked the narration. Characters were sometimes annoying, but in a realistic way, and not just for no reason. Savannah was easy to relate to.

10. The Indigo Notebook by Laura Resau I'm not sure about this book... I thought it sounded ok, but as I'm sbout to start reading it, I find that I'm not excited.

#9: I will check out The Pigman and My Fair Godmother. Thanks for the recommendations, Lauren.

I read Laura Resau's book What the Moon Saw last year and liked it, so I look forward to your thoughts on The Indigo Notebook if you decide to go ahead and read it.

10. Lady MacBeth's Daughter by Lisa Klein Ugh... I didn't like Albia, her narration wasn't exciting, and I didn't like her character development. I wanted there to be more excitement, and the stuff with the Sight, and the things being like enchanted... I didn't like that with this story... Just not a book I liked.

The Indigo Notebook I have decided to read this, as I am slightly intrigued by the beginning.

Well, I hope The Indigo Notebook turns out better for you than Lady MacBeth's Daughter did.

And the intrigue ended, as did my reading the book.

11. Hannah: Daughters of the Sea by Kathryn Lasky Unlike my previous books, I am liking this book so far.

Hmm.... I didn't like the ending of Hannah at all. It just didnt work for me. I'm guessing there are other books in the Daughters of the Sea, but I don't think I'll read them

12. The Mark by Jan Nadol I really liked this book, again, until the ending. I liked Cassie's character, until the end. The end didn't leave me happy, just down and confused.

Hmm.... I didn't like the ending of Hannah at all. It just didnt work for me. I'm guessing there are other books in the Daughters of the Sea, but I don't think I'll read them

12. The Mark by Jan Nadol I really liked this book, again, until the ending. I liked Cassie's character, until the end. The end didn't leave me happy, just down and confused.

Well, I hope your next read is better for you, Lauren, since you have been disappointed in your recent ones.

I hope you find some good books soon! If you ever want to talk YA just let me know. Always happy to find new people to talk YA with. :)

I'd love to have someone to talk YA to! thanks a lot for the offer.

13. Echo by Kate Morgenroth
14. Gone by Lisa McMann

15. Taken by Edward Bloor Good book. It had lots of surprising twists. I thought the ending moved a little fast, her decision of {SPOILER} go with her dad, and the life after that... And I wish that there had been more information of Dessi after the incident.

16. Heist Society by Ally Carter

#20: I will look for that one. Thanks for the recommendation, Lauren.

I've learned the Beastly, The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner are all becoming movies.

Beastly: Released July 31st. I am of course going to see it, but I honestly feel like they are going to butcher it. Part of this is because of the cast- Vanessa Hudgens as Linda, Mary-Kate Olsen and Kendra... doesn't seem to fit. And the trailer doesn't look that interesting.
I hope that it turns out awesome, but I have my doubts. Guess I'll just wait til July.

The Hunger Games: On March 18th 2009 Lionsgate aquirred movie rights. The producer is Nina jackson/ Color Force, and Suzanne Collins is the screenwriter. The movie is supposed to be released in 2011.
The fact that Collins is writing the script makes me happy, so I have hopes yet for this one. Can't wait for the cast list to come out.

The Maze Runner: A FOX production. I watched the UK trailer on YouTube, and it looks good. Here is another link you can go to so you can see it: http://www.randomhouse.com/teens/mazerunner/news.html

On to books.

Mockingjay is the final installment in The Hunger Games trilogy. It is released August 24th, but you can pre-order it for like 10 dollars on Amazon. The cover is interesting. It definately doesnt have the same, dark feeling the other two books had, but maybe that's for a reason.
Tons of people are saying they think either Peeta or Gale will die. Honestly I hadn't thought of that until now, but I think it makes sense. What I'm thinking is that Peeta will die, even though he's like the Father of the Ressistance. And who says Katniss HAS to get with someone? I know people like the romantic drama the little love triangle brings to the books- I do too- but no one seems to consider that maybe Katniss won't get with Gale or Peeta.
I for one do not think she'll get with Gale. I mean, in the beginning she didn't have romantic feelings for him, they just popped up one page. I don't think she'll get with Peeta either.

The Scorch Trials: Same thing with Mockingjay, the cover seems brighter and happier, which doesn't seem to fit this series yet. The cover is on Amazon, but that is not the final cover- Dashner said the colors will be brighter and "companion" will be changed to "sequel". It is released October 12th, and is available on Pre-Order for about 12 bucks.

Hey guess what other book is being turned into a movie?

If I stay by Gayle Forman
Frankly I am surprised, just because I didn't like the book I guess.

Also, Heist Society has been optioned for a movie. Shauna Cross is the screenwriter for both movies.

Interesting about the books being made into movies these days. I am not much of a movie buff any more, but I will keep my eyes open for news on The Hunger Games since I enjoyed the books so much.

I pre-ordered Mockinjay at least a month ago. I am definitely looking forward to having it in hand.

16. Extras by Scott Westerfield I finally got around to reading this, even though I read the previous three books last summer. I am glad I read it, and I liked it.
:('s:
Aya's character didn't develop a whole lot, and only at the end.
I don't totally remember, but was Tally always such a jerk? Because she was a total jerk in this book, and I really did NOT like her. She totally looked down on everyone just because they didn't totally think like her and agree with her, and wasn't accepting of anyone. Really, I think I hate her.
I didn't get that they lived in Japan, and so when it came up, the whole "her {Tally} English was confusing me" or "Hiro said in rough English confused me.
:)'s:
Frizz. I loved him!
I did like the story line, with the kickers, and the "missiles" and all that.
All the covers for these books have been awesome.

17. The Opposite of Invisible by Liz Gallagher

Finished The Opposite of Invisible and...
:)'s:
I really liked Jewel. He was so sweet and cool and nice.
I did like the ending.
:('s:
I didn't like the Alice/Simon relationship.
Alice I liked in the beginning, but I didn't like who she became when she was with Simon. I didn't think she was the type to let some guy feel her up.
The relationships felt a little... fake. Like I never saw why people were connected.

#26: I stopped after reading the third book in the series because I felt the series went downhill after book one. I think I will not go back and pick up book 4.

I definately agree. Uglies was the best and none of the other books copaired. ANd frankly you don't need to reaad the last book

18. The Luxe by Anna Godbersen now I've seen a lot of these books and had never wanted to read them, but I needed something to read so I decided to pick it up.

I haven't read Extras, but I'm pretty sure Tally was always annoying. Like Stasia, I only read the first three and felt like they got worse as they went along.

And yet, I'm looking forward to reading Leviathan by the same author....

My friends have Peeps by him to read, but it just seems weird...

well theres obviously a reason I never wanted to read Luxe. I never got into it....

18. Waves About half way through and really do like it so far.

well theres obviously a reason I never wanted to read Luxe. I never got into it....

18. Waves About half way through and really do like it so far.

well theres obviously a reason I never wanted to read Luxe. I never got into it....

18. Waves About half way through and really do like it so far.

Well, so Waves. I liked the story line. The ending was bad though. First off you never know what happens with Jackie and Hal, and when

**SPOILER**

Charley dies, its just like... "Every story has an ending."

**END SPOILER**

Then, it was never explained how Charley got into Hal's mind and body. It would have been ok if it was all a science fiction book, but it was supposed it be a realistic fiction, and so that was just...
Throughout the book, I wondered what was wrong with Sara... Nothing was ever mentioned, but really there had to be something.
THen the conversations. They said "Hey!" randomly, and a lot of times the conversations seemed random and kept jumping around. THey didn't make sense, how the people interacted.

When I finished the book, I was just like, ok. I was confused at the end, because it didn't seem like it should end there. Like there should have been more and not have ended so abruptly.

I started to read Lean on Pete by Willy Vlautin. I had been really excited to read it, and finally got it. And then I read it. Lots of cussing. I went on with it for about 60 pages, and then there was one scene with a prostitute, and I'm like NO.Also, nothing had really happened yet so...

I hope your next read pans out for you, Lauren!

19. Anything but Ordinary by Valerie Hobbs. Very good book. Very good.

20. Numbers by Rachel Ward Excited, but a little worried it might me bad.

#38: I am adding the Hobbs book to the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendation!

FInished Numbers. Wow. Lots of cussing. The ending though was just well sad, and confusing too.

**SPOILERS**

So when they dump Spider's ashes into the sea, do they realize that that is illigal? Did the author?
You never know what happens with the London Eye, or Jem- what she gets charged. And so Jem and Spider's kid. Adam I think. So Jem gave the numbers to him, but how exactly is he going to pass it on?

21. A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker Wow. LOVED IT!

#41: Glad you finally found one to love. Seems like you have been having some bad luck with your reads this year.

Ya, I am too. I have good hopes for

(22.) How to Ruin my Teenage Life by Simone Elkeles So, I think there is How to Ruin a Summer Vacation before this book, and so I'm hoping I can pick that up, finish is, then get back to reading Teenage life.

23. How to Ruin your boyfriend's Reputation by Simone Elkeles I liked this better than How to Ruin my Teenage Life, definately.
24. Leaving Paradise by SImone Elkeles In case you haven't noticed, I'm really liking Elkeles

#44: I have seen several good reviews in the group of Elkeles' books, so you are not the only one who likes her.

25. Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles Very good. Liked it more than Perfect Chemistry.
26. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

#46: I already have both of those in the BlackHole. I hope I get my hands on them some time soon, especially the Elkeles books.

They are really good. And Before I Fall was really awesome. You'll have to tell me what you think of them once you read them.

27. Get Well Soon by Julie HAlpern

#48: I just hope my local library gets them in so that I can read them!

28. Test by William Sleator

29. After by Kristin Harmel
I had requested this book, but had totally forgotten what it was even about. And it was really good.

#51: I will have to look for that one. Thanks for the recommendation, Lauren!

I was really happy with it. I loved that it is a new book (2010) and yet it wasn't like most books in the teen area. She went to a few parties, but she didn't drink or mess around- I liked that there are still books that don't revolve around that.

A refreshing change, when so many young adult books do!

Yes, definitely.

30. Nothing but the Truth (and a few White Lies) by Justina Chen Headley

31. The Alchemist by Paul Coelho My sister had to read this for school, and needed help with some homework so I said I would read it and help her with it. I had red the first, 40 pages maybe , but had stopped there. This week I finally decided to pick it back up. NOw, I really liked the story line, and the philosophical aspect of it, but the writing style was bad. And "the boy"'s name was Sebastian. I had totally forgotten about that.

James Dashner is working on the third book of The Maze Runner Trilogy, called The Death Cure

#57: I still have not read the first one yet! I am very behind.

It is in the top 3 for best books I've ever read. It might even be #1. It is really amazing

I must bump it up the stack then!

32. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting Wow, very very good.
33. Genesis by Bernard Beckett

#61: I already have The Body Finder in the BlackHole. I hope the library gets it in soon!

Wow... Genesis was.... Well it was a harder read which took longer to get through, and was sometime hard for me to follow. And it didn't even make sense {SPOILERS}

So they aren't programed to hurt things, so how are they allowed to shut anax off? Did that just apply to humans or what?

{END SPOILER}

Overall,vi don't know if I woukd reccomend this book...v

34. Project 17 by Laurie Faria Stolarz Normally I don't like ghosts and spirits, but I really really liked this book.

#64: I am with you on the ghosts and spirits, but that book looks pretty interesting. I will check it out. Thanks for the recommendation, Lauren!

35. All Unquiet Things by Anna Jarzab

Absolutely LOVED All Unquiet Things. One of my favorites.

36. Sea Change by Aimee Friedman

#67: Good to know you thought so highly of All Unquiet Things. My local library does not have it yet, but when it is available, I will be sure to check it out.

Definitely do.

37. Sea Change by Aimee Friedman

I was pleased with sea change.

37. tomorrow, when the war began by john marsden

#70: I have had the Marsden book in the BlackHole for a while now. I will be interested in seeing what you think of it.

Yes, well, I have stopped reading it. The first few pages just didn't draw me in. Maybe I should have given it more time, but I just stopped.

37. gimme a call by Sarah mlynowski. Great book. The first book in a while that I haven't wanted to put down

#72: Well, you did better than I have, since I have not even started it yet!

38. Gone by Michael Grant

#74: I have that one on the way to me from PBS. What did you think of it?

I'm only about one/fifth of the way through, but I love it so far.

#76: Great! I hope you continue to enjoy it, Lauren.

I did love Gone, but I hated how long it was!

39. Hunger by Michael Grant

I got my copy of Gone the other day, so hopefully I will like it as much as you did.

I hope you will. Tell me how it goes!

I do believe I liked Hunger more than Gone.

40. A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray I've been reluctant to read this book, but about 30/40 pages in I'm intrigued so I'm hoping it'll go ok.

I do believe I liked Hunger more than Gone.

40. A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray I've been reluctant to read this book, but about 30/40 pages in I'm intrigued so I'm hoping it'll go ok.

I will have to look for Hunger after I finish with Gone then.

Stopped A Great and Terrible Beauty wasn't very inderested

40. The Splendor Falls by Rosemary Clement-Moore Oh my goodness I loved it! I'm not big on ghosts and spirits, but this book was amazing!

41. As you Wish by Jackson Pearce Well quick enough read. Like 3 hours. It was enjoyable, but not the deepest.

#84: The Splendor Falls looks like a good one! I will have to see if I can locate a copy. Thanks for the recommendation, Lauren.

42. Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard Good: Those girls are very messed up though! Definately going to read the next one though. (FYI, the TV show follows the book very very well.)

43. Dirty Little Secrets by C.J. Omololu ... the narrator annoyed me some, and she took the easy way out and just made more secrest for herself...

44. The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin by Josh Berk About half way through, but I don't know if I can finish...

Stopped Dark Days; halfway through I still wasn't interested, and I was really trying to finish it too.

44. Return to Paradise by Simone Elkeles Alright, not amazing though.

Things I know about Love by Kate le Vann I enjoyed this book. The whole dealmat the end wasn't very surprising. I liked the narrator though. I am hoping there is a sequel, because it didn't end everything with Adam in a... Good way I guess.

#88: Things I Know About Love looks like a good one. Thanks for the recommendation, Lauren.

89. When It Happens by Susane Colasanti VERY good.

90. Just Listen by Sarah Dessen Alright...

91. Flawless by Sara Shepard

Getting close to 100 for the year, Lauren! Good going.

Thank you

92. Perfect by Sara Shepard My favorite so far! LOVED it!

93. Unbelievable by Sara Shepard

94. Wicked by Sara Shepard

95. Killer by Sara Shepard

Looks like you have found a new favorite author, Lauren!

Trying to finish the series!

96. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins Finally read this! I did like it, besides the last few chapters (Which was just a personal thing). The only thing was that by the time I read this it had been so long since I read the second book that I had forgotten so much of what was happening!

#96: I am planning on re-reading the first one and then reading the second and third immediately thereafter so I do not have to try and remember anything from book to book.

That is definately a good idea; I wish I had done that!

97. Wanted by Sara Shepard
98. Deadly Little Secret by Laurie Faria Stolarez Am really liking this so far!

Did really like Deadly Little Secret- am looking forward to the next book!

99. Wish by Alexandra Bullen

#99: I will have to look for Deadly Little Secret then!

Wish was good. Better then I expected.

100. The Cardturner by Louis Sachar

Congratulations on reaching 100 books for the year, Lauren!

101. Sources of Light by Margaret McMullen No.

102. Lies by Michael Grant GREAT!!!

103. Wish you were Dead by Todd Strasser I reread this because I got the second book. I didn't like it as much as I remember liking it.

104. The Maze Runner by James Dashner I got The Scorch Trials (YAY!), so I'm rereading this one also.

I have got to get to The Maze Runner one of these days!

105. Fake ID by Walter Sorrells Alright. Not amazing, but good.

106. The Scorch Trials by James Dashner Wow. Wow! This book was even better than the first! I absolutely loved it! Definately my all time favorite series.

107. Being by Kevin Brooks

105. Fake ID by Walter Sorrells Alright. Not amazing, but good.

106. The Scorch Trials by James Dashner Wow. Wow! This book was even better than the first! I absolutely loved it! Definately my all time favorite series.

107. Being by Kevin Brooks

I am glad to know that the second book in the series is better than the first. I will have to track down a copy as soon as I read The Maze Runner.

Don't think I'm going to be reading Being....

107. Club Dread by Walter Sorrells

108. Deadly Little Lies by Laurie Faria Stolarez

#108: What is the trouble with Being, Lauren?

I just wasn't getting into it. And there were parts that were just too graphic.

109. Take Me There by Susane Colasanti

#110: Ah, OK. If there are graphic parts to it, I will be skipping it as well.

The 2011 group is up and running! I hope you are planning on joining us again.

Waiting on Take me There

I splurged and actually bought a book, Matched by Ally Condie. And boy am I glad I did! This book is definately one of my favorites, and one of the best I've read in a long while.

#112: Matched looks very good. I have had it in the BlackHole for a while now. I hope my local library gets a copy of it soon.