It's been a while since I did a top ten. Are you ready for this?
2016 was a decent reading year for me: 80 or 90 titles. As always, it's very difficult to chop my list down to JUST ten books. Are you ready for this? (And I warn you, this is an eclectic list.)
10
Very interesting book...somewhat morbid. Was it for middle graders (as labeled)? For teens? Adults? (Yes, I was that confused.) The plot, while short, presents great suspense and it was a fun read...after I got over the initial shock of some very unexpected content.
Get it on Amazon.
9
I have absolutely no idea how this one ended up on my eReader, but I consumed it over Christmas. I don't want to give anything away, but people who enjoy NA and fantasy elements will appreciate this one.
Get it on Amazon.
8
A fantastic book that paints a time period in full color--the brutality, the gender roles, the lifestyle. Meet a protagonist well worth rooting for. This book is for adults.
Get it on Amazon.
7
Get it on Amazon.
6
Aliens, dystopian society, strange things happening in the main characters head... I was taken right away with this story. An awesome YA book. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Get it on Amazon.
5
Get it on Amazon.
4
From the first chapter, I wasn't so sure. I'm pleased to say that by the end, I was 100% sold. Cute characters, a fun conflict, and a happy conclusion. Highly recommended.Get it on Amazon.
3
If you love regency romance, read this book.
Get it on Amazon.
2
When I read the concept of this YA book on a blog, I immediately bought it. (That's rare for me. SUPER rare.) I looked forward to mentally living in that world--but little did I know it would end up being a SINGLE reading session. An AWESOME read. I want to read it again already.
1
I have never read such a cast of well developed, believable, three-dimensional, DIFFERENT characters. And the plot... I was sitting comfy, thinking status quo when BAM! Whiplash. So I thought, the author got lucky. Hah! It wasn't luck, and just wow! Superb story. SO much fun to read. The only caveat: while labeled YA, this book is TRUE TO LIFE. The characters use language you might hear in a high school hallway. Very authentic.This one of the best books you've NEVER heard of, but you should definitely read.
At the beginning of the month, Tracy Clark shared SCINTILLATE along with two truths and one lie. Anyone who guessed the lie correctly was entered to an eBook.
The game:
1. I eat all sandwiches and burgers in a circle, around and around until I get to the middle.
2. I was once crowned Miss Burbank, CA.
3. I was an extra in the condom commercial in Lethal Weapon 2.
The lie: #2.
From Tracy: I was 2nd runner up in 1988. Hah!
From Tracy: I was 2nd runner up in 1988. Hah!
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Hilary Melton-Butcher!
Congrats, Hilary!
And now, for an AWESOME middle grade book:
WELCOME BACK TO THE FOREST!
Gabe the goblin just saved his town Broken Branch Falls from splitting apart. He also revealed that humans--horrible creatures of myth and legend--may actually be part of their history! But seriously? Nah!
Now Ona, Gabe’s girlfriend, is headed thousands of miles away to Camp Cradle Rock for Spring Break seeking evidence of humans. Gabe knows better than to tell a stubborn ogress she’s crazy, so he’s letting her go and spending the break at the beach like a normal teenage beast. And he’s determined to have a good time without her, whether he likes it or not.
But when Gabe hears Ona went missing, he and his friends set out for the wilds of the west to find her, no matter what dangerous creatures get in his way. Not even humans.
Check out the Book Trailer!
Ready to meet the author?
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| Tara Tyler |
Close your eyes and go to sleep
Not a whisper, not a peep
Else beyond the border creep
Giant monsters, make you weep
When fathers scold
And mothers hold
Dark tales of old
Are often told
From the history of time
Beware the Mist above the line
Across our fences, danger find
Stay safe within or fate unkind
Big, bad, hairy
Monsters scary
Pray for fairy
Sweet dreams carry
Close your eyes and go to sleep
Not a whisper, not a peep
Else beyond the border creep
Giant monsters, make you weep.
Since I love to sing, I have performed in front of a few audiences - but I often screw up from stage fright! It's tough!
Tara Tyler started out as a math teacher. After having a hand in everything from waitressing to rocket engineering and living up and down the Eastern US, she now writes and teaches in Ohio with her three active boys and Coach Husband. In addition to her novels, she has published short stories and poetry in Science Fiction, Fantasy, Thriller, and Humor. So many stories to tell!
Tara gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win their choice of an eBook, signed PRINT book, OR swag item (bracelet, t-shirt, or tervis tumbler). (Open internationally.)
You have until Tuesday, January 31 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answer on February 1, 8 a.m. EDT.
You have until Tuesday, January 31 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answer on February 1, 8 a.m. EDT.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. I sang at a friend's wedding, but didn't practice nearly enough so I mixed up two of the verses. I don't think anyone knew... it was from an opera.
2. I sang at the funeral of a friend's mother - hardest thing I've ever done, was shaking and tearing up, barely made it through.
3. In college I had a solo for our "Spring Sing" - was young and fearless and hit that high note with a vengeance, the video is priceless.
So sleuths, which is the lie? Have you met Tara? Do you like middle grade stories? Do you have a favorite book or two from 2016? Share, please!
