I cannot put into words how much I loved, loved, loved Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor. From the fantasy, to the romance and the overall story telling, I engulfed every single page of this brilliant novel. If you only read one book for the rest of your life, make it this one!
I've got two words for you: Cricket Bell. LOVE HIM! Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins was one of the most anticipated books last year, and it's no wonder. No one writes contemporary novels like Stephanie Perkins, and no one can create such swoon-worthy guys.
Divergent by Veronica Roth is by far one of the best dystopian novels I've read since The Hunger Games. I absolutely love strong heroines, and they don't get stronger than Tris. Plus, if you've noticed the banner on the top of my blog, I kind of have a thing for Four.
Where She Went by Gayle Forman is the follow up to her bestseller If I Stay. If you want a truly touching, heartbreaking story, I suggest you start with If I Stay and follow it with Where She Went. And for those who have read both, I'm sure you agree that Adam's story in Where She Went is not only touching but, well, beautiful.
I cannot recommend The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern enough. Do you know how many copies I purchased over the holidays/in general as gifts? Five, and every single one of them LOVED it (Read it already, Karen!). Oh my goodness, I love the details the author puts into every scene, every stage and every character. Le sigh, how I love thee.
Holy moly, is Enclave by Ann Aguirre's world scary! This book is jam packed with action, adventure, twists and turns. If the world ever ends, please don't let it be like Enclave!
When I first picked up Across The Universe by Beth Revis, I didn't know what to think. Spaceships just really aren't my thing. At least, not until Across The Universe. I loved the alternating points of views and all the shocking secrets that were slowly unveiled. Fair warning, if you have yet to read Across The Universe, you might also want to get your hands on A Million Suns once it releases. Trust me, it is (if this is even possible) 100 times better than Across The Universe, and Across The Universe is out of this world!
Ten Things We Did (And Probably Shouldn't Have ) by Sarah Mlynowski is, to say the least, LMAO hilarious! I haven't laughed so hard while a reading a book in, well...ever? Seriously, if you need a good laugh, then you need this book.
If Shiver had a baby with Lament, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater would be the outcome. It's absolutely breathtaking. I love Maggie's writing and The Scorpio Races is just further proof of what a genius she is. I will never look at horses the same way!
Hourglass by Myra McEntire. Holy freaking moly, this book is amazeballs! I mean, I haven't read a time traveling novel this good since The Time Traveler's Wife. AND OH EM GEE, is Michael SA-WOOOOOOON worthy! <3 And last, but certainly not least...
Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready is the sequel to her amazing novel, Shade. I had to wait a year for this book, and believe me, it was worth it. And wow, Zachary? Without spilling any spoilers, I'll just say he steams up this novel a bit. Few, I'm fanning myself just thinking about it!
And that's it, folks! There's my Top 11 books for 2011. Thanks for tuning in, and feel free to leave links to your posts or comments below. :-)