Stephanie Morrill and Jill Williamson have written a combined two dozen speculative and contemporary novels for teens. They also blog obsessively here at www.goteenwriters.com. When not writing or blogging, they can be found at the teen table at writer’s conferences or wherever chocolate is being given away. Hang out with Stephanie at www.stephaniemorrill.com and Jill at www.jillwilliamson.com.
11/22/63 by Stephen King
This was my favorite book that I read this year. I think it’s actually one of my all-time faves because even though I read it over the summer I still think about it on a regular basis. The story was completely different than I thought it was going to be, and only a master writer like King could pull off such a complex tale.
The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
This is the book that both made me laugh AND cry the most. Gorgeous prose, great characters, and such a different picture of life than I normally see in fiction.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Earlier this month my three-year-old had a crazy long seizure during dinner and the hospital ended up keeping him for observation. My sister-in-law was helping me pack an overnight bag and asked what book I wanted to bring. Pride and Prejudice was a no-brainer. There’s something about it that just comforts me. Didn’t plan on rereading it this year, but I was happy to have it with me at the hospital.
Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
I’m a sucker for a great contemporary YA book, and I really loved this one. Lola is such a quirky character and I still think of her when I see people wearing funky outfits. This isn’t a book I recommend to ultra-conservative readers, but I devoured it.
Circle of Spies by Roseanna M. White
This one isn’t available for purchase yet, but I helped proofread it this summer when Roseanna was turning it in to her editor. I think some conservative Christian readers will raise their eyebrows, but I adored Marietta. She’s a totally different type of heroine for Christian historical romance, and I loved it.
Jill’s List
Dune by Frank Herbert
I made it my goal last year to start reading one of everything that’s famous in science fiction and fantasy. I am far from accomplishing that task. And while I read many famous books—and I could see why they are famous—most I had no desire to continue the series. Of all of them that I’ve read so far, none was more surprising to me than Dune. It was a hard book to read. It’s very political. But it was so different and creative and brilliant . . . I learned a lot from reading it. If you write spec fiction, Dune should be required reading.
The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson
I don’t know if I’ve told you, but my agent told me I have an author crush on Brandon Sanderson. I guess that’s probably true. I’m in awe of him and his books. He is by far the most creative author I’ve come across. Each of his ideas are so unique, I read through them, enthrallingly jealous. The Rithmatist is about a kid who can’t do the magic he is so brilliant about. And it’s a murder mystery too. The storyworld and magic is amazing, frankly, and you all should go read it. It’s the first in a series, and so you’ll have to wait. And wait. And wait. Because Brandon Sanderson is writing, like, five series at a time or something. But it will be well worth the wait. Sanderson is by far my new favorite author.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
This was one that everyone said you have to read. So I got it for my birthday, and it went in my To Read pile. For a long time. And I finally dug it out and just could not get into it. It took me a month to read those first few chapters. But once I understood what was going on, I couldn’t put the thing down. It’s quite brilliant. It made me bawl. And it’s one of those books you walk around in a daze after reading because it rattled you so.
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
I have no idea how to pronounce her last name. But this is a book that’s been out for a while. And I finally read it. I loved that it was a stand-alone, and it inspired me to seek out some stand-alone ideas in the future. But this book had a brilliantly fresh concept, and was wonderfully written. It’s about people who ride murderous water horses in a race. Really fun.
The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
This book reminded me of my own Blood of Kings books. It was medieval fantasy from a single point of view, and I loved it! I have the second book, and I know once I get a chance to read it, I’ll be eager to order book three. In this story we follow a princess who is married in a political deal. Her husband doesn’t love her. Then she is kidnapped for months, only to learn many secrets that threaten her husband’s kingdom. I highly recommend it.
How about you? What are your five favorites that you read last year and why did you like them?