Monday, July 30, 2012

I can't believe I'll be at the SCBWI conference in Los Angeles by the end of this week. This has been one of my busiest summers ever, with ups and downs more powerful than the Atlantic waves my kids love to ride. I feel excited, nervous, and under-prepared. I can't wait to learn and grow as a writer, to pick up a suitcase full of new books to read, and to meet the smiling faces of this generous writing community in person.

A dear friend of mine came to visit this weekend. She loves to read as much as I do, and she's also one of my beta readers for my current manuscript. As we talked about great books, I gave her a list of the YA titles that she should definitely read when she gets the chance. So many amazing books wait on the bookshelves, ripe and ready to be devoured, and you never know who has found the same treasures as you. Here is my list of gems that my friend hadn't yet discovered:

Bitterblue (Kristin Cashore)
Divergent (Veronica Roth)
Shadow and Bone (Leigh Bardugo)
Daughter of Smoke and Bone (Laini Taylor)
White Cat (Holly Black)
Matched (Ally Condie)

How about you? When you think back over the last year or so, what books would you say are absolutely must reads? And if you happen to be going to SCBWI, let me know so we can chat about it in person!

Music for today: Jigsaw Falling into Place by Radiohead

6 comments:

  1. That's interesting that you skipped Graceling and went straight to Bitterblue--you can tell me why at the conference! And I'd add The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

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    1. Oh, good question! She's already read Graceling and Fire, and she loved them. :) I thought about The Scorpio Races after she left today, but this list was sort of tailor made for her tastes. Can't wait to meet you!

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    2. Ah man, you explained it--now we won't have anything to talk about!

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    3. Lol, I almost mentioned it in the post. I think we'll find something to talk about! :)

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  2. Yes, The Scorpio Races! And Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson. Ooh, and Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. And I know I'm missing some. Oh! Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein. And Enchanted by Alethea Kontis.

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    1. See, you proved my point! I've only read The Scorpio Races and Shatter Me from your list. Thanks for sharing!

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