1. The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh - while the cover is very pretty, it didn't do much for me. Once I read the book I was pleasantly flabbergasted with the uniqueness of this story.
2. Kat, Incorrigible by Stephanie Perkins - the cover almost makes this look like a picture book, right? I was a little hesitant to read it because of this - but I'm really glad I overlooked the cover because the novel was fantastic!
3. The Magicians by Lev Grossman - it was described as Harry Potter for adults. While this is true to an extent (both are about schools of magicians) this book is much darker and more reminiscent of The Chronicles of Narnia rather than Harry.
4. Snowflower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See - the summary of this novel makes it sound like such a dull read. I was amazed at how engrossed I was with this beautiful tale.
5. The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell - a priest in space??? Sounds weird, right? I never expected for this book to be so well-written...it blew me away!
6. Heads You Lose by Lisa Lutz and David Hayward - I knew this was going to be a unique reading experience, but otherwise had no expectations. Needless to say, I have never read anything before or since quite like this hilarious co-authored endeavor (the footnotes killed me)!
7. The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig - the cover makes you think typical historical fiction but this story is really one of intrigue and romance set in both modern-day and Regency England.
8. Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion - zombie romance...I'm thinking, "uh-oh is this gonna be super-sappy?" Nope! Not at all. It was a well-written story from the unique perspective of the zombie as narrator.
9. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins - this cover is SUPER cheesy, luckily the story has much more substance than the cover would lead you to think.
10. You Don't Have to Say You Love Me by Sarra Manning - both title and cover scream typical chick-lit, but it was a way above average story of two troubled adults coming into their own (plus love story, of course)!
I have Warm Bodies and Anna on my list! Both gave me much more than I thought they would!
ReplyDeleteMy TTT: http://www.pocketfulofbooks.com/2012/04/top-ten-tuesday-books-that-were-totally.html#more
The Sparrow does sound really strange but if it blew you away I am going to have to read it. I read DOC by Russell and loved it so I know I like her writing. Loved The Secret History of the Pik Carnation!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read Warm Bodies yet, I am surprised to say I haven't read any zombie books yet, I will definitely have to check it out. Great List!
ReplyDeleteMy TTT: http://youngadultbookhaven.blogspot.com/
your newest follower,
Kristin
Fantastic list! Relating to The Language of Flowers, Vanessa Diffenbaugh and her husband have fostered children and have launched the Camellia Network to support youths transitioning from foster care and offer an avenue in which people can help.
ReplyDeleteI have Anna and the French Kiss on my list too. Warm Bodies actually looks good. :p
ReplyDeleteGreat list!
My TTT: http://bluejayesbooks.blogspot.com/2012/04/top-ten-tuesday-1.html :)
What a great list! I'm totally with you on The Magicians. I really liked the book, but don't get why it is considered Harry Potter for grown ups as the books are nothing alike.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you on Snow Flower. I wasn't excepting it to be such an exceptional novel.
The Language of the Flowers was definitely one of my favorite reads in 2011. You've just reminded me that I really need to read Anna and the French Kiss and the Pink Carnation series. I really need to schedule a month where I read things just off of my book shelf... ugh.
ReplyDelete