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My review | Goodreads
YA, Contemporary, 260 pages, Dutton Juvenile
- Pub date: April 5th 2011
- Where to find it: IndieBound | Barnes & Noble
It's been three years since the devastating accident . . . three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever.
Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future - and each other.
Told from Adam's point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.
Why it's the best:
Yes, ye who doubt. I, too, wondered where Gayle Forman could possibly go after the tears-n'-snotfest that was If I Stay, and also how she could possibly turn a blurb like that into a story that didn't feel like it should be a Lifetime movie. Also, I hated the cover, and you all know that my withered cynical little book blogger heart relishes judging books by their covers.
But believe me when I say: Gayle Forman has magical powers, because this book knocked my socks off.
The LONGING. The music. THE LONGING. Musings on the nature of celebrity in today's world. THE MOTHEREFFING LONGING. It's also one of the few YAs that has college-age protagonists, which I loved, and would make it the perfect choice for the YA-haters in your life. Also, have I mentioned the longing? Just read it. If you loved If I Stay. If you hated it. This book is a whole new animal.
Who will love it:
The cynics in your life, because everyone needs a dose of cry-laugh-love now and then, OR the unabashed romantics. Both will come away happy.
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Runner-up: Red Glove by Holly Black
YA, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, 325 pages, Margaret K. McElderry
- Pub date: April 5th 2011
- Where to find it: IndieBound | Barnes & Noble
Curses and cons. Magic and the mob. In Cassel Sharpe's world, they go together. Cassel always thought he was an ordinary guy, until he realized his memories were being manipulated by his brothers. Now he knows the truth—he’s the most powerful curse worker around. A touch of his hand can transform anything—or anyone—into something else.
That was how Lila, the girl he loved, became a white cat. Cassel was tricked into thinking he killed her, when actually he tried to save her. Now that she's human again, he should be overjoyed. Trouble is, Lila's been cursed to love him, a little gift from his emotion worker mom. And if Lila's love is as phony as Cassel's made-up memories, then he can't believe anything she says or does.
When Cassel's oldest brother is murdered, the Feds recruit Cassel to help make sense of the only clue—crime-scene images of a woman in red gloves. But the mob is after Cassel too—they know how valuable he could be to them. Cassel is going to have to stay one step ahead of both sides just to survive. But where can he turn when he can't trust anyone—least of all, himself?
Love is a curse and the con is the only answer in a game too dangerous to lose.
Why it's the best:
I've said it before and I'll say it again: this series is my special YA drug. I was in love from the get-go with White Cat, and Red Glove only cemented my belief in Holly Black's magical powers being on par with Gayle Forman's. It's a film noir teen angst sci-fi mystery social commentary love story, and if that doesn't pique your interest, I don't know what will. It's smart, angsty, and scary. What's not to love?
Also, Cassel and Lila are sexy. Start 'shipping. Natch.
Who will love it:
Aspiring gumshoes, OR anyone with a flair for drama and magic off the beaten path.
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Tomorrow's category: Best sci-fi!
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