Monday Must Reads!...THE ELEVENTH PLAGUE!

Not familiar with this little feature? It's simple, really. Monday Must Reads! is a feature I created to showcase books that I think you, well, Must Read (ha!).


I haven't posted to a Monday Must Reads! for a while (not sure why, lol) but thought I'd bring it back to help showcase some books I've truly enjoyed--and I think you might, too!


This week's choice is YA (shock!) dystopian, and one that I didn't want to end. It's gritty and powerful and very very possible--apocalyptic fiction at its best!

THE ELEVENTH PLAGUE
by Jeff Hirsch
pub date 9/1/2011


product description from goodreads.com


In an America devastated by war and plague, the only way to survive is to keep moving.

In the aftermath of a war, America’s landscape has been ravaged and two-thirds of the population left dead from a vicious strain of influenza. Fifteen-year-old Stephen Quinn and his family were among the few that survived and became salvagers, roaming the country in search of material to trade. But when Stephen’s grandfather dies and his father falls into a coma after an accident, Stephen finds his way to Settler’s Landing, a community that seems too good to be true. Then Stephen meets strong, defiant, mischievous Jenny, who refuses to accept things as they are. And when they play a prank that goes horribly wrong, chaos erupts, and they find themselves in the midst of a battle that will change Settler’s Landing--and their lives--forever. 


Seriously you guys, this book is a must for dystopian/apocalyptic lovers. Grab a copy now--you won't be sorry!

TGIF at GReads!

The awesomeness that is Ginger (or G, as I like to call her!) over at GReads! has created a great meme that is tons of fun. Each Friday, she poses a question for anyone to answer. Go check her out and join in the fun!

Book Olympics:

In the spirit of the
Olympics, which books
 would you give the gold, 
silver and bronze?

This has got to be the toughest of all your TGIF questions, G--now we know a tiny fraction of what the Olympic judges must go through! Picking three books that we are to award medals? Impossible! 

But, in the spirit of the Olympic events, I'm gonna give it a shot. And since the plethora of novels is so overwhelmingly huge, I'm limiting my choices to YA dystopian (mainly because that's what I'm currently writing and reading, lol), just to help simplify things for me. :)

Here are my top three picks...

MONUMENT 14

by Emmy Laybourne

BRONZE, YA Dystopian Olympics 2012

This book was a most exciting read, filled with very plausible possibilities that could bring on the apocolypse that many people feel is imminent. It's written in a fun, unique style, and brimming with exciting tension. It fought hard for the Silver Medal, but fell short due to a few too many characters that could have been pared down a bit.

DELIRIUM 

by Lauren Oliver

SILVER, YA Dystopian Olympics 2012

When I first read this book, I fell in love with everything about it. Beautiful prose, outstanding characters, a touching yet terrifying story of love. The reason this one almost got bronze instead of silver is because I felt a huge disconnect in the sequel. Though it was still a beautiful story, it felt too different from the original, like the members of the olympic team were not all on the same page (ha!). 

And the winner is...

THE HUNGER GAMES TRILOGY

by Suzanne Collins

GOLD, YA Dystopian Olympics 2012

Honestly, when it comes to dystopian, all others have no choice but to bow down to this stunning series. THG is the Michael Phelps of YA dystopian. Filled with amazing characters, brilliant writing, spot-on descriptions and gut-wrenching tension, THE HUNGER GAMES TRILOGY definitely deserves to stand on the upper tier of the medal podium, waving to the crowd of well-wishers and wannabes!

There you have it, my choices for the top winners in YA dystopian. I admit that I haven't read all the dystops out there, but from what I have, I feel confident in my selections. If anyone would like to challenge me, I gladly accept cash bribes. ;-P

Top Ten Lessons I've Learned Since Becoming Published

Just in case you may not have noticed, my very first published book was released about 3 months ago (it's still crazy surreal to say that, lol), and I thought it the perfect time to take a look at what all I've learned since then. 


In the syle of David Letterman, here's 

The Top Ten Things I've Learned 

Since Becoming A Published Author

10. Book Two is even harder to write than Book One.

9. I'm still just as unsure of my ability to form coherent sentences as ever.

8. Promoting oneself is probably the hardest part of the process.

7. Self doubt is like Tax Day or your grandparent's birthday--it sneaks up and

smacks you in the face before you know it.

6. Just when you think you've learned all the rules,

you find out that the rules can be broken.

5. The Internet: The real reason 99.99% of writers release a book but once a year.

4. Social Media is an awesome way to pimp your book.

3. Starting a new project while simultaneously worrying non-stop

about your debut novel makes for many a sleepless night.

2. Sales are not the most important thing.

1. Getting an email/tweet/DM from someone who loved your book

makes 2-10 totally worth it.

TGIF at GReads!

The awesomeness that is Ginger (or G, as I like to call her!) over at GReads! has created a great meme that is tons of fun. Each Friday, she poses a question for anyone to answer. Go check her out and join in the fun!

Christmas in July:

If Santa were to come down your chimney

in the middle of the summer,

which books would you want him to
leave for you under the tree?

 This is such a fun question! Book lovers know that no matter the time of year, being gifted with a book is the best thing EVER. And Christmas in July is a close second! lol


So, here's my list of books I would love Santa to leave me if he happens to stop by on his way to the beach for a summer vacation. :)

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky


I've heard nothing but great things about this book, and I really want to read it--especially before the movie comes out!

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith


This is another one that I keep hearing great things about. I love the title, and really wanna give it a shot to see if it's as great as people say it is.

Hushed by Kelley York


I read this as an ebook, and fell in love with the writing and the awesome characters (Team Ever! lol). Now, I want a physical copy to add to my collection. Ears up, Santa!

Destiny's Fire by Trisha Wolfe


This is another one that I read in ebook form, and I really want a hard copy so I can stare at that lovely cover.






What's on your wish list if Christmas came in July? Join the TGIF fun!

Vote for Zach!!

Just wanted to let you all know that today is another round of voting in the YA Crush Tourney at The YA Sisterhood--so please head on over and vote!


Oh, and make sure it's for Zachary, of course.


And just in case you don't know to whom I'm referring, please see below ;-)

This is Zachary

Aye.

And this is where he is oh-so-good and Crush-worthy