WICKED LOVELY and INK EXCHANGE by Melissa Marr

If you’re into romance, action and fairies this is a fantastic books. It’s one of many that I brought to school and it ended up passed around to my friends. It’s about a teenage girl that is able to see fairies, and when the fairy king sets his sights on her she has to fight to keep from being killed by his evil mother. Ink Exchange is the second book in which Leslie, the best friend to the first girl, is living her crappy life, her brother sucks, her dad is… somewhere and her only shining light is the tattoo she’s been saving for. When the power of her tattoo comes back to bite her in the butt she has to choose between her best friend and the two mysterious guys she just can’t stay away from.

Umm… I recommend…

PRETTY LITTLE LIARS by Sara Shepard

A series of books about four ex friends as they’re stalked by the mysterious A through Texts and letters, threatening to rip their worlds apart with the many secrets each girl keeps. This was a book I picked up because the cover looked interesting. When I started reading it though, I couldn’t put it down. I chaulked it up to the fact that I read it at my brother’s football game, but after reading the second book I knew this was an incredible series.

I’m sure I have dozens more (I’m one of those people that spend a good chunk of time hanging around the bookstore, suggesting books to people that don’t really care about my opinion) but I’m at school and I’m not supposed to be online… oops

Also, anything by Terry Pratchett, like, ever. I read the Wee Free Men first and it was ridiculously hilarious. I don’t have words to accurately sum up it’s awesomeness, so I will jut quote a tiny passage (may not be completely accurate, I’m quoting from memory).

So Tiffany, the protag, goes to a teacher and says, “I’d like to to learn about zoology.”

And the teacher answers, “Zoology is a big word, isn’t it?”

Then Tiffany replies (get ready for the awesome), “Actually, patronizing is a big word. Zoology is really quite short.”

I possibly fell in love with her then. I was too busy swooning to notice.

Wow, long comment! Sorry!

Graceling is Cashore’s debut novel. The book is a fantasy which details the coming of age of a King’s niece. Part part Robin Hood tale, part Jack London wilderness adventure; part romance, part political intrigue. This is the little book that could and has something for everyone. Although the main character is female, there is more than enough action, adventure and intrigue (and little mushiness) to make it appealing to young men as well.

Once you’ve read it you will be glad to know that two more novels set in this world are currently works in progress.

Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock. I didn’t mean to read this one till much later, but it sucked me right in. It’s about a girl who is suddenly forced to start learning how to rule a kingdom, and it doesn’t go well. She also secretly learns about magic, and uses it to sneak around. Sneaking-around books are great. (middle grade and up)

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary Pearson. Another “what does it mean to be human” book about a girl who was in a bad accident. She doesn’t remember much about who she was and mysterious things are happening. Also an interesting look at medical ethics. (young adult)

I’m partway through a bunch more really good ones, including Bliss. I WANT MORE READING TIME.

Caitlin: Awww! You guys are the best. I’m really hoping I get sent to Seattle on my next tour.

I agree, J, Little Brother by Cory Doctorow was amazing, and actually much better than I expected it to be. I also loved Paper Towns by John Green

FLORA’S DARE, Ysabeau Wilce: In which Flora grows up, learns new magics and some hard lessons, and pretty much saves the world. Also, there’s a giant squid. (Be sure to read FLORA SEGUNDA first).

NATION, by Terry Pratchett: A tidal wave has washed over Mau’s island, leaving him the only survivor – except for the young pale girl, who washed up in a boat. Together, they must rebuild an entire world. It’s a sort of post-apocalyptic story, but it’s also about love, loss, and how important it is to THINK, instead of just react. Wonderful, wonderful book.

For younger or visual kids, The Way We Work by David Macaulay is very cool. Like what he did for architecture and machine, not for the workings of the human body. Incredible illustrations, and all kinds of info on the miracles of how we work.

Currently I’m reading We, by Yevgeny Zamyatin. The writing is amazing and I enjoy seeing its parallels with 1984.

Also just finished The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. It’s like reading about the Olympics, but twisted. Like bad LSD twisted–not that I’ve ever done LSD *g*. Very well written, great characters, lots of action and fast paced. Even though this isn’t like Skinned, if you like Skinned (and/or post-apocalyptic settings)I’d highly recommend this.

BTW I LOVED SKinned

Just as importantly, the main characters are ACTUALLY BELIEVABLE TEENS. Ones who happen to be incredibly adept at internet usage and, to some degree, coding, but, that’s not too unusual. They face normal teen situations along with their crazy one involving the government. Doctorow’s writing is simply kickass.