This was meant to go up on Tuesday, hence the title, but I’m behind. Tenner Thursday has a nice ring to it too, right? Either way, you get to see my raves of four Tenner books I have read thus far. Three of them are not even out yet! Jealous much? 🙂
1. THE SNOWBALL EFFECT by Holly Nicole Hoxter
The first line of the book’s blurb totally drew me in: “Lainey Pike can tell you everything you need to know about the people in her family just by letting you know how they died.” Once I read that, I knew this was my type of book. I expected the MC’s voice to be unique and sassy, and I wasn’t disappointed. I was also pleased that Lainey didn’t always do what was expected of her or accept the life she had (e.g. perfect boyfriend), just because that’s what a girl is supposed to do. This book was both funny and a tear-jerker, chock full of characters with unique personalities and voices. THE SNOWBALL EFFECT comes out March 23. Buy it. Read it. Make your best friend read it too.
HARMONIC FEEDBACK by Tara Kelly
This book held me captive from the first page. Drea’s authentic voice and insecurities drew me in. Yes, Drea has Asperger’s, but her desire to fit in, the difficulty comprehending that people do not always mean what they say, and search for self are universal concerns all readers will be able to relate to. Tara also paints beautiful pictures with her words and phrases and I found myself rereading sentences just because the writing was so terrific. And, she gives really good boy. I was in love with Justin and you will be too. HARMONIC FEEDBACK comes out May 25. You have to own it!
THE SECRET YEAR by Jennifer Hubbard
THE SECRET YEAR was my Valentine’s Day present and I finished it in a day. I knew the story would hook me, but the writing lured me in as well. With such phrases as “…where the other person’s words burn right into you, where apologies don’t keep them from scarring” the story could easily have been told in verse because of its poetic quality. Colt’s pain of keeping a romantic relationship secret tugs at you and knowing he can never really have closure is heartbreaking. If you have ever suffered any kind of loss, this book is a must-read. Buy it now!
THE DEATHDAY LETTER by Shaun David Hutchinson
Need a break from the heavy and solemn? How about a book about death? Seriously. You may not expect comedy from a book where you know the MC, Ollie, will kick it by the last page, but this book had me laughing all the way through. The concept here is that everyone gets a Deathday letter on the day s/he is supposed to go to that happy place in the sky (or wherever). When Ollie gets his, he and his bff and ex-gf set out on a last day to end all days. One thing that really impressed me was Shaun’s ability to bring in the concept of last thoughts, what we’d do if we were suddenly faced with the end, and the need for closure and amends in both a sensitive and comedic way. Another thing I loved (and there were many) was Ollie’s voice. He’s not a 30 year old trapped in a 15 year old’s body who knows everything about the world already. He’s 15 and all that comes with that–insecurity, horniness, desire to eat all that is in sight, not really knowing what girls want at all–rings so true. The supporting characters are fleshed out as well and function as far more than sidekicks, with their own quirky personalities. Boys will love this book. Girls will love it too–for the writing and the chance to get a glimpse into a teen guy’s brain. THE DEATHDAY LETTER comes out June 15. If it was my Deathday, the first thing I’d do is buy this book!