YA Highway, one of my favorite writer blogs EVER, holds a Road Trip Wednesday every week, where they ask fellow authors/bloggers/readers, etc. a book-related question. Today's was, "What was the best book you read in June?"
I have two -- one's a re-read, but I love it so SO much that it deserves a shout out. Liar by Justine Larbalestier, is a masterpiece. Seriously. And I don't say that lightly. I have read it three times now -- the first time because I couldn't put it down, but the second two times were actually craft-related. This book inspires me to write. It inspires me to tell stories that are epic and that matter and that ring true, even when unbelievable. And I'm not even going to tell you about this book -- I don't want to give anything away. Just trust me. It's that good.
The second is Clean by Amy Reed, an author I recently discovered. This book is a lovely demonstration of craft as well. Reed seamlessly moves in and out of different character's conciousness. Clean opens in a teen rehab center for substance abusers. We meet five different characters, all of whom are tormented in their own ways. Through intake forms, questionaires, group sessions, and inner monologues, we discover what makes these addicts tick. And tick they do...some of them like clocks, waiting to get out. Some of them like time bombs, waiting to explode.
I hope you'll check these out -- I know you won't me sorry!
I just checked out the summary for LIAR, and it sounds very intriguing. It doesn't sound like anything I've ever read. I'll have to check it out! :)
ReplyDeleteCLEAN was great! I can't wait to read Amy's 3rd book CRAZY (it is told in all e-mails I think...). I haven't read LIAR yet but I hear great things. I am stopping by from Road Trip Highway and I am also a new follower. *waves* !
ReplyDeleteI'll check out LIAR, I believe I saw somewhere it is available for free as an audiobook for a limited time. I know I bookmarked it somewhere...
ReplyDeleteMy ears perked when you noted it's a great re-read for craft; I'm reading a YA besteller right now that I'm practically tearing my hair out over the weak writing; it violates almost every "never do this as a writer rule." And yet the story itself and the characters are great, it's the mechanics of writing that frustrates me.
CLEAN is near the top of my TBR list! It's exactly the type of contemporary read I love!
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel! Welcome. Stephsco, I totally agree with your frustrations. I think there isn't enough emphasis on craft. And, as redundant as it may be, it bears repeating that the more you read, the better you write. Now if I could only stop wishing I'd written those books I love! :)
ReplyDeleteA book you would re-re-read because it inspires you to write, and teaches you about writing? That's quite a sales pitch without getting into the plot! Thanks for the recommendations, Kelly.:)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendations! I haven't heard of either of those, so I will add them to my TBR list.
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