GReads Favs of 2010 - #1

The holiday season is upon us & that means 2010 will soon be coming to a close. I read a pile of fantastic books this past year that I would like to mention through out the month of December.

Please feel free to join in this weekly meme hosted by me to showcase your fav books from 2010. If you do, please post a link back in the comments section, thanks!

This week I am showcasing The Host by Stephenie Meyer

The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of their human hosts while leaving their bodies intact, and most of humanity has succumbed. But Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind. Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of the man Melanie loves--Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer yearns for a man she's never met. As outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off to search for the man they both love.

A friend of mine had been recommending this book to me for months & months.  I have never been a fan of reading sci-fi, so I continued to pass on it.  Then finally one day in late spring of 2010, I decided to give this book a chance.  Though the beginning took some time to get in to, after the first few hundred pages.. this story really grabbed me & I found it difficult to put down!  Stephenie Meyer has a way with words.  She can tell a story as though you're watching a movie.  I loved the mixture of suspense, sci-fi, and romance in this novel.  The idea of the story was very different from anything else I had read before.  The Host is definitely on my list of fav reads for 2010.

Have you read The Host? What were your thoughts about it? If you haven't - I suggest you adding it to your TBR list soon!

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Don't forget to vote & sign up for my give-away... BEST YA READ OF 2010!

In My Mailbox

Even though I got the Vampire Academy books (all 5) in the mail this week, I couldn't resist making a few more purchases.  A few book blogger friends have been ranting & raving about the Jessica Darling series, so I decided to pick up books 1 & 2 and find out what all the hype is about!  I also got a surprise in the mail, my copy of Five Flavors of Dumb from Good Golly Miss Holly's ARC tour.  I then ventured out on Black Friday and found The Mockingbirds for HALF OFF! Best deal I found all day =)

Sloppy First (Jessica Darling #1) - by Megan McCafferty
Second Helpings (Jessica Darling #2) - by Megan McCafferty
Five Flavors of Dumb - by Antony John
The Mockingbirds - by Daisy Whitney

What's in YOUR mailbox this week?

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren

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Don't forget to vote & sign up for my give-away... BEST YA READ OF 2010!

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

The Day Before
by Lisa Schroeder (June 28th, 2011)

Sometimes there's no turning back.

Amber's life is spinning out of control. All she wants is to turn up the volume on her iPod until all of the demands of her family and friends fade away. So she sneaks off to the beach to spend a day by herself.

Then Amber meets Cade. Their attraction is instant, and Amber can tell that he's also looking for an escape. Together they decide to share a perfect day: no pasts, no fears, no regrets.

The more time that Amber spends with Cade, the more she's drawn to him. And the more she's troubled by his darkness. Because Cade's not just living in the now--he's living each moment like it's his last.
{taken from goodreads.com}


Even though I was not a huge fan of Lauren Oliver's Before I Fall, this book reminds me of it & I STILL want to read it!  Not sure if it's the cover? or the synopsis about it being "your last day"?  But I definitely want to check this one out.  The idea of being carefree & meeting a dark mysterious boy all in the same day appeals to me.  What about you?

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Don't forget to vote & sign up for my give-away... BEST YA READ OF 2010!

Top Ten Tuesday

This week I am participating in Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week bloggers post a new top ten list.

This Week's List:

Top 10 Things to Get You in the Holiday Spirit!
(in no particular order)

• Dash & Lily's Book of Dares - I read this book by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan last week & it majorly put me in the mood for all things Holiday! The time frame is from Christmas 'til new Years & the setting is in New York City. Uhh hello? if that doesn't scream Christmas - I don't know what does!
• Black Friday - Yes, the "biggest" shopping day of the year gives me the Christmas spirit! Even though a lot of people start their shopping before the day after Thanksgiving, there's just something about this day - it's like the gun firing for the beginning of a race! Watch out people.
• Starbucks Holiday Coffees - Peppermint Mocha? Yes please. Gingerbread Latte? Yes please. And their newest creation: Caramel Brulee Latte? I need to try that!
• Decorating the Tree - I was an over achiever this year & put up my tree BEFORE Thanksgiving! I love to turn on the lights at night, and just relax on the couch in it's glow =) it makes me feel warm & cozy!
• Snow Globes - I decided last year to start collecting these at Christmas time. Since we don't get snow here (very rarely) I thought I'd capture my own in a little glass ball. And the more fun & whimsical, the better!
• Coldplay's "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" - their version is my all-time favorite! I adore Chris Martin on the piano like you wouldn't believe.  He totally rocks this song, in a mellow chilled out sorta way.
• Full on Christmas lights & yard displays! - we have a neighborhood in Houston that specifically decorates for people to come visit. Each street has their own theme (Candy Cane Lane, Santa's Workshop, etc.) and every house participates. This isn't a joke! They are the coolest Christmas decorations ever!
• Donating to a local charity - I hate to admit that I don't do this year-round, but during the Holidays I always try to donate whether it be money, clothing, or my time to a local charity. We must not forget those who are less fortunate than us!
• Christmas Pajamas - my mom used to give my sister's and I new pajamas on Christmas eve when we were little. I still like to find new pajamas & wear them on that special night. It brings me back to being a kid again & the anticipation of Christmas morning.
• Fudge! - my sister has carried on the tradition of making my mom's famous fudge during the holidays. The melt-in-your-mouth gooey chocolate is to die for!! I look forward to this yummy treat every year.

What gets you in the Holiday spirit?! Please share in the comments, or create your own Top 10 post!

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Don't forget to vote & sign up for my give-away... BEST YA READ OF 2010!

In My Mailbox

I decided to not purchase any books this week (I know! gasp!) but eventually this will happen.  I am attempting to chip away at the pile on my kitchen table & decided to hold off on making any purchases (let's see how long that lasts, ha!)  I did however win a very, very awesome giveaway this past week & was told to expect this in my mailbox soon....

Vampire Academy - by Richelle Mead
Frostbite - by Richelle Mead
Shadow Kiss - by Richelle Mead
Blood Promise - by Richelle Mead
Spirit Bound - by Richelle Mead

What's in YOUR mailbox this week?

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren

 

**Don't forget to take the poll in the post below this one about a potential Book Blogger Meet Up!

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares

by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

“I’ve left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the New York Times bestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?
{taken from goodreads.com}

Let me just say, this book was so much FUN to read!!  I started it at work this morning & finished not too long ago (with mild interruptions in between).  I really enjoy a premise that involves a mission at hand.  This book had been on my TBR list since I first heard about it a few months back.  I knew I'd enjoy it & I was correct!

The story begins in the heart of Manhattan with Dash visiting his favorite bookstore The Strand (which btw - is the same bookstore I am dying to visit one day myself!).  He stumbles across a red notebook tucked away in the stacks.  A promising challenge lay before him.  Inside the notebook is a list of instructions, or clues rather, given by the unknown Lily.  And so the fun begins!  The game starts out with Dash answering Lily's dares & following through with her instructions. But then the game is turned on Lily & Dash has left his own set of dares for her to complete as well. 

Amongst the dares the two begin to share a little about themselves in the notebook (which gets passed between them with each new dare, located in a different spot through out the city).  It is Christmas time and we learn that both Dash & Lily have been deserted by their parents for the holiday season.  For Dash, this has become a dream come true.  Not wanting to relish in the Christmas spirit, he preferred spending the Holiday alone.  Lily, on the other hand, is left saddened & feels abandoned by her parents who decided to take a "2nd honeymoon" to Fiji for Christmas.  Lily is the epitome of Christmas.  From caroling, to baking cookies, to visiting Santa at Macy's - she loves all things Christmas. 

As the dares continue, Lily starts to realize that she's been afraid to step out of her comfort zone; always having been sheltered by her family members.  She used to appreciate this, but now felt the need to fly from this nest and break out in to her own person.  Dash, having a hard shell due to his parents divorce when he was younger, is starting to realize that in order to become close to someone - you have to let that guard down sometimes.  The exchange of the notebook continues, yet Dash & Lily have yet to meet.  The anticipation builds, and as the reader you feel yourself rooting for the two of them! 

I liked that their first chance meeting wasn't planned, that it happened by accident, in between dares.  I think that brought humility to the story.  Dash & Lily's fairy tale does not end there though.  Dash realizes that the girl in his head, the one he's been reading about through their red notebook, may not be the same Lily who stands before him.  Lily is afraid she may not live up to the expectations that have been set forth through the spontaneity and bravery that's been written for her in that same notebook.  The innocence shared between the two of them is delightful.  I enjoyed the different take on boy meets girl, girl falls for boy, but does boy fall for girl back?  The words are written very playfully & humorous.  I literally caught myself laughing out loud quite a few times.  But the story gives a hidden message underneath all those laughs.  I closed this book with the notion that life presents us with challenges, and it is up to us if we choose to take that risk.  You can't be afraid of the unknown.  The unknown is what makes life so much fun & exciting!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a fun, easy read this Holiday season.  All of the pop culture & geographical mentions in this book really made me want to visit New York City for Christmas!  Perhaps I too could find a book of dares waiting for me nestled between the rows of books at The Strand =)

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Falling Under - by Gwen Hayes
(March 1, 2011)

In her dreams he’s irresistible—seductive, charming, and undoubtedly dangerous. But when he appears to her when she’s awake—and captivates her just the same—she’s not sure which way is up and which is down.

Theia Alderson has always led a sheltered life, not allowed the same freedoms as the rest of the teenagers in the small California town of Serendipity Falls. But when a devastatingly handsome boy appears in the halls of her school, she feels every urge she’s ever denied burning through her at the slightest glance from Haden Black. Theia knows she’s seen Haden before—not around town, but in her dreams.

Theia doesn’t understand how she dreamed of Haden before they ever met, but every night has them joined in a haunting world of eerie fantasy. And as the Haden of both the night and the day beckons her forward one moment and pushes her away the next, the only thing Theia knows for sure is that the incredible pull she feels towards him is stronger than her fear. And as she slowly discovers what Haden truly is, Theia’s not sure if she wants to resist him, even if the cost is her soul. {taken from goodreads.com}

The cover of this book is what stood out to me initially (can I have that hair please?!).  The beauty & the illusion that this girl is either falling or sleeping intrigued me.  Then I read the book synopsis & I was sold!  Seductive, charming, and dangerous? Yes please!  I love that this story has a paranormal sense to it.  Makes it that much more interesting.  I definitely need to read this asap!

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes the dead leave behind in the world . . . and the imprints that attach to their killers.
Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find dead birds her cat left for her. But now that a serial killer is terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, Violet realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.
Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved by her hope that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer . . . and becoming his prey herself.
{taken from goodreads.com}

I normally can't handle suspense thrillers - especially involving "realistic murders".  I'm a wimp when it comes to scary stuff.  The more real it comes across, the more frightened I become.  Most of my reading gets done while I'm at work, during the day, surrounded by loads of people.  But this book was just too good that I had to keep reading at home, during the night, when I was alone - and that was NOT a good combination!!

The story begins explaining Violet's "gift".  She is able to sense the deceased (whether they be animal or human) after they've been murdered.  What a horrible gift to have, right?  Over time she is able to live with this sixth sense by avoiding hospitals, graveyards, and funerals.  The "echo" - as she calls it - that surrounds their bodies become white noise & she's capable of living as normal of a life as she can.  Until one day, a certain echo that she comes across hits way too close to home.  Young girls in her small town are reported missing & then shortly after their bodies are found (some accidentally by Violet).  News spreads that a serial killer is on the loose.

Mean while Violet is trying to deal with her own teenage hormonal issues.  The biggest one being, Jay Heaton.  The two of them have been friends since they were little kids.  From running around the playground at recess, to watching movies at each others houses.  Violet starts to look at Jay in a different light after he encounters something that most teenage boys do: adolescents & puberty :-)  She realizes that her feelings for him are more than just best-buds & she starts to fantasize about him in a not-so-friendly way.  Like so many young girls at her age, she is certain that Jay doesn't return the same feelings and is too embarrassed to speak up about them.  As the tension in their small town rises about the girls missing & their murders followed, Violet leans on Jay for security.  He knows about her gift & decides to help her put it to good use.

Violet not only senses the echos of those who have been murdered, but she can also sense the imprints on those who committed the act.  Sometimes it is unfortunate if it is someone like a police officer, or from the military.  However - she realizes that she may be able to detect who this serial killer is by the imprints he carries around with him.  The hunt begins & Violet is determined to find this man & stop his killing spree once & for all.  As her plan progresses so do her feelings for Jay.  The two of them have issues of their own to sort out & in the midst of all this chaos, Violet discovers that Jay has been in love with her all this time.

I really enjoyed reading about the relationship between Violet and Jay.  Seeing them progress from childhood friends in to young lovers was very realistic and very romantic.  Jay's character swept me away.  He is the type of friend every girl wants to have at the age of 16.  And better yet, he's the guy every girl wants to fall in love with at the age of 16.  He is devoted to Violet 100%, always putting her best interest before his own.  He simply took my breath away!  I loved that this book took you from deep emotional, swoon-worthy moments to teeth chattering, skin crawling eerie moments.

The story continues with Violet's conquest to find the killer putting her in harms way.  She is now the prey that is being hunted. Can she find him & stop him in time before he strikes again?  Will her sense of discovering his imprints help her, or haunt her?  This book took me for a suspenseful ride!  If you enjoy reading about paranormal, young adult romance, and suspenseful thrillers - then this book is for you!  Kimberly Derting has written a second novel in this series, titled Desires of the Dead, which comes out in February 2011.  I will definitely be picking up that book as well!

In My Mailbox

I took myself on a date to Barnes & Noble this week. Stopped at the Starbucks inside, grabbed a peppermint mocha (non-fat of course) & browsed the YA section =) It was awesome! I recommend it!

Here is what I picked up this week...

Before I Fall - by Lauren Oliver (read the review here)
You Are Here - by Jennifer E. Smith
Extraordinary - by Nancy Werlin
Dash & Lily's Book of Dares - by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

What's in YOUR mailbox this week?

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all—looks, popularity, the perfect boyfriend. Friday, February 12th should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it’s her last. The catch: Samantha still wakes up the next morning. In fact, she re-lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she had ever imagined.
{taken from goodreads.com}





Let me just say this first before you read my entire review.. I am probably in the minority when it comes to my opinions about this book.  I have read numerous rave reviews for this book & this author.  I even picked up this book from Barnes & Noble's 'Most Popular Teen Fiction' shelf.  I get that many people love this book.  I, however, am not one of those people.  It is very rare for me to write a review that I am not jumping up & down telling you to go read this book.  I tend to enjoy most of what I read.  And if I don't, well then I usually don't finish the book & there's no review to read. But with that being said, here is what I thought about Before I Fall...

Sam Kingston is the narrator, as we see everything through her eyes.  She is a teenage girl who once wasn't so popular, but by chance found herself at the right party at the right time & made best buds with Lindsey (the most popular girl in school).  From then on Sam surrounds herself with Lindsey & 2 other girls (Ally & Elody).  They thrive on being the best of the best.  The feeling that whenever they walk in to a room everyone stops what they're doing & just stares at them in awe.  Think Mean Girls x's 10.  They play practical jokes on the people who they view as 'beneath them'.  Some jokes go way too far though & literally push one girl over the edge (of the road).

It's just an ordinary day in Sam's life, but this day gets put on repeat seven times no matter how many changes she attempts to make in order to save her own life.  The first day ends with Sam being in a car crash with all 3 of her best friends, coming home from a party.  Sam knows she died.  But instead of waking up to the 'after life', Sam wakes up in her bed with the alarm going off signaling that the same day is starting over again.  At first we go through the motions with Sam.  She is confused as to what is happening, feels almost in a dream-like state.  But then as the days begin to repeat, she starts to realize that she has the power to change things.  One day she lives to the extreme by dressing as inappropriate as she can get away with & telling everyone the harsh truth that no one ever wants to hear.  She figures she's already going to die, so what difference does it make?  Another day she spends mourning the fact that it is her last day & wants to cherish each moment, live life to the fullest.

I had a hard time following the story at this point because I started to lose the POINT of it.  I get that the author was trying to send a message that any day can be your last day & that what you choose to do with it, is ultimately up to you.  The decisions you make & the choices you decide effect not just you, but everyone around you.  It can spiral out of your control and leave you weightless.  I felt that this message kept being repeated though & we just saw different versions of it.  It took me a good 200 pages before I even felt connected to the story.  Once there became a real connection between Sam and her childhood friend Kent, then I started to flip the pages.  I found some substance and wanted to know what happened next between the two of them.  Sadly, that is the only reason I kept reading.

I got bored with the same day scenario and how would Sam choose to live her life this time around?  Finally by the 5th or 6th day she realizes she can try to make things right & a little less painful.  The girl that I mentioned before that her & her friends tormented attempts to commit suicide at the end of each day.  Sam takes on the mission of trying to prevent this from happening.  She feels that if she can stop this one girl, then maybe it will change her ultimate outcome too.  I will not give away the ending for those who have not read it yet, but I was very disappointed in how this all wrapped up.  It just stopped.  And I didn't feel closure to the story.  Lauren Oliver could have made Sam wake up for an 8th day if she wanted to.  I guess maybe that was the point?  No matter how many chances we get, no matter what changes we make, things happen.

I know that Lauren Oliver has a new book titled Delirium that is due out in 2011.  I read Before I Fall so that I could get a sense of her writing style before I read the next one.  Some authors grab you from page 1 and pull you in immediately.  Other authors, it takes a while to simmer between the pages before it finally takes a hold of you and that may be how I feel about this author.  I applaud Lauren Oliver for writing with such depth & I do want to check out her next novel.  This one will not be on my top reads list for 2010 though.

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Forever (The Wolves of Mercy Falls)
by Maggie Stiefvater (July 12, 2011)

The thrilling conclusion to #1 bestselling Shiver trilogy from Maggie Stiefvater.
In Maggie Stiefvater's SHIVER, Grace and Sam found each other. In LINGER, they fought to be together. Now, in FOREVER, the stakes are even higher than before.  Wolves are being hunted.  Lives are being threatened.  And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in.

{taken from goodreads.com}






Hands down, my favorite werewolf story of all time.  I know that's a big shoe to fill, but seriously I love this story so, so much!  If you have not read Shiver or Linger, then I suggest you stop what you're reading right now & go get those books!  I love them more than words can say.  Maggie's writing captured me & never let me go.  I may shed a few tears when I read the final conclusion to Sam & Grace's epic love story.  What am I talking about? Of course I'll cry like a baby!  July 2011 can't get here soon enough.

In My Mailbox

The pile on my kitchen table keeps getting larger (as you can see in the post below this one) and my funds are getting limited the closer it gets to the Holidays - so with that being said, I'm afraid my mailbox surprises will soon become limited.  However - if I pick something up from an arc tour, or someone so graciously sends me something - I will be MORE than happy to add it to those stacks :-)

Here is what I got this week...

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
Forget You by Jennifer Echols
How to Ruin a Summer Vacation by Simone Elkeles (sent to me by my sweet friends - read about it here.)

*I might make a stop by B&N today to pick up Lauren Oliver's Before I Fall.  I've heard such great things about her upcoming book Delirium and I want to be familiar with her writing style.

What's in YOUR mailbox this week?

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren

AWESOMENESS

Two of my very best friends from Minnesota went to a 

Simone Elkeles book signing & got me a little surprise of awesomeness:

They know how much I adore this author & was bummed that I couldn't go with them to the book signing (I live in Texas).  Complete AWESOMENESS to my day!!  

Do you have any books signed by authors? If so, which ones?

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Back When You Were Easier to Love
- by Emily Wing Smith
(April 28, 2011)

WHO ZAN IS: Blow-your-mind brilliant. Stop-your-heart gorgeous. Hold-your-breath clever. WHO ZAN WAS: Joy’s boyfriend. WHY JOY NEEDS HIM BACK: So she can breathe again. WHAT THAT MEANS: An elaborate road trip involving a SAAB 900, Sprite, and Barry Manilow.  Oh, and Noah, Zan’s irritating-but-almost-charming ex-best friend. Original and insightful, quirky and crushing, Joy’s story is told in surprising and artfully shifting flashbacks between her life then and her life now. Exquisite craft and wry, relatable humor signal the arrival of Emily Wing Smith as a breakout talent.


Gorgeous boy? Girl on a mission? Elaborate road trip? Sign me up!  This book sounds awesome & exactly what I need when wanting a fun YA contemporary novel.

Top Ten Tuesday

This week I am participating in Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week bloggers post a new top ten list.

This week's List:

Top 10 Books That Made You Cry
(in no particular order)



**Beware of possible spoilers!  - and yes, I'm an emotional sap when it comes to YA lit!

1. New Moon (Twilight saga) by Stephenie Meyer - The first time I read this book, not knowing what was going to happen next, I found myself in tears for Bella.  Yes, I will admit it! I cried when Edward left her alone in the forest!

2. Linger by Maggie Steifvater - Sam & Grace's relationship was always very emotional for me, but at the end of Linger -- when Grace turns in to a wolf & must leave Sam -- agghh!! heart breaking.

3. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins - If you did not cry at some point during this book, then you have no feelings what so ever. Simple as that. This book was truly amazing.

4. Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles - I really felt Caleb's pain & frustration in this book & I so wanted him to overcome everything & be with Maggie!

5. Dreamland by Sarah Dessen - Holy crap! this book really shook me up. Two words: domestic abuse.

6. Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson - I cried for Amy, many times through out this book. Dealing with the lose of a parent can be quite heavy.  Especially when you feel like you're doing it alone.

7. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson - Again, if you did not cry while reading this book, then you must have no feelings.  Teenage rape? and not being able to speak up about it? Heart wrenching!

8. Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick - The emotional roller coaster ride between Patch & Nora will make anyone cry! Tears of frustration? Tears of sadness? Definitely both.

9. Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols -  I cried for Meg. Many times.  The path of destruction she was creating was so obvious.  I may have cried even harder when John After tried to save her from it.

10. City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments series) by Cassandra Clare - FINALLY some tears of joy! I cried like a baby when Clary & Jace were finally able to be together & not feel like gross incestuous freaks! lol

What books made you bust out the tissue box & let out some emotion?