First of all, I rarely (never, actually) do book reviews, at least on my blog. Mostly because my opinions are very fickle. I do, however, strongly suggest things you should read if you even so much as mention books, reading, words, or even being bored.
But my sister lent me Anna Dressed in Blood
Synopsis: The main character Cas Lowood is a seventeen-year-old boy who travels around the world killing murderous ghosts. The end.
The plot isn’t too terribly unique, especially with all the paranormal stuff out there that is saturating the market, but the writing is superb. It’s what made me stop and sit back and just think, “Wow.”
It’s not particularly eloquent or thought-provoking, but the tone is flawless. It reads like a seventeen-year-old boy (which, ahem, may include some teenage language and/or innuendoes…), which seems to be pretty tough to capture. It really is one of the best written Young Adult novels I’ve read in a long time. (Although, I should disclaim that I don’t read a whole lot of Young Adult.)
There are a few plot points and loose ends that I’d like to contend with (so, you know, it’s not PERFECT), but I’ll save that for book club. (PS, anyone want to start a book club with me?)
To RECAP, I liked it enough to review it on my blog at the risk of sounding over important and pretentious. And since my sister lent it to me and I paid zero dollars to the author, I’d like to give a copy (either in Kindle format or paperback, winner’s choice!) away to one lucky friend.
To enter, comment with what you’ve read recently so I can add it to my list. Look, we both win! Winner will be randomly picked sometime Friday, if I remember. (JUST KIDDING, I’ll remember!)
Meet the Buttrams 
Thanks for the review, I read mostly classics so I suck at knowing what is what with new novels. I would love to be in a book club that could help me choose good reads.
Recently, I read the Hunger Games trilogy (awesome!), moved onto Larry Shallenberger’s Divine Intention, and segued into Richard Kadrey’s Sandman Slim. I would classify it as the literary equivalent of watching ‘It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia’on T.V.: you can’t look away, but you know you’re gonna need a shower after.
I read anything and everything, love the Hunger Games trilogy like chad, currently reading the Left Behind series about the rapture. Lot of books in the series.
Okay, you MUST read Havah by Tosca Lee. If you don’t hate books, reading or SUPERB writing, then you need to read this book. It is by far one of the best novels I’ve read in a very long time.
It’s a fictional account of the creation story told from the perspective of Eve. You will not be disappointed. The End.
I want to start a Book Club with you! We could meet in the middle or something. Or just chat on Twitter. It would be so much FUN!
I just read 3 amazing books in a row: Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand, The Language of Flowers, and The Violets of March. All by first time authors. Quite impressive.
I’d totally love to do a book club with you!
RIght now I’m reading Bringing Up Boys and it is speaking to me, or YELLING at me more like it. 🙂
Did I hear book club?? That sounds fabulous! This week I finished reading Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist – a wonderful read given to me by none other than Hopefulleigh! It’s about how things in life are bitter and sweet, and you’ve got to deal with both. Shauna’s a great writer and brings great perspective and a good dose of humor.
I also just finished Blue Like Jazz. Good stuff there, too. If you like pondering what you believe and why you believe it. 🙂
Another YA one for you. “Thirteen Reasons Why” by Jay Asher. It is one of the best books I have ever read and I think every teenager should be made to sit down a read it too.
I would absolutely be in a book club with you.
Also, I do read YA and this one sounds fabulous.
So thanks for the recommendation!
What I just finished reading is Erik Larson’s The Devil in the White City and I loved it (although when I put it to the internet, I did get a reply from someone who thought it was boring. Boo. I was fascinated!).
It’s a non-fiction account (although as we know, truth is stranger than fiction) of the creation of the World’s Fair in Chicago at the end of the 19th century. The themes are fabulous and there is such a rich history regarding the fair about which I had NO idea. I felt like I was learning, but it was a lot of fun!
Alongside the story of the fair are two other (also true) threads about a serial killer and an insane political supporter who both had major impacts on the events of the fair and its people.
Like I said. Fascinating. Not boring at all. (Crazy lady on the internet.)
Anyway, when are we starting our internet book club?
(Virtual Visions? I know. Alliteration rules.)
XO
I have to read that book! I was don’t do book reviews on my blog either, but I am making an exception for the “Blue Blood” series by Melissa De La Cruz. She is a Filipina writer that does young adult stuff.
Her Blue Blood series is set in NYC. It gives a different take on Vampires and Angels.
Cheers,
Louise