Today I’m feeling especially aware of the BIG CRUSH I have on novels, and November is turning out to be a particularly good month–every read is like striking gold. For this, I am grateful to book bloggers and their excellent recommendations.
RECENTLY READ: Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver
This book. The first few chapters of Vanishing Girls did not at all prepare me for what was to come. Oh, me of little faith. This is Lauren Oliver, remember, Eve? Your possibly-new-favorite author.
CURRENTLY READING: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
When researching literary agents and the kinds of YA manuscripts they’re looking for (in preparation for the day when one of my novels is FINALLY ready to query), I often read that agents are looking for “voice-y” novels. “Voice-y,” I get it, but then along comes Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, and now I really get it. Simon has SUCH a voice. He is REAL. With his wry wit and honesty about himself, Simon is so relatable.
I’m only 55 pages in, but so far this story has a compelling premise. Simon is gay and has yet to come out of the closet, but he shares his secrets in email communications with a boy who goes by the alias Blue. Blue attends Simon’s same high school, but they’ve never revealed their true identities to one another, so with every male high school student that’s introduced, you (and Simon) wonder if he might be Blue. I also can’t help but wonder if maybe Blue isn’t really who he claims to be, and I love Simon so much already that I’m afraid he’s going to be disappointed. 
ABOUT TO READ: The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
At last, my first Patrick Ness novel!
Eve Messenger 
I enjoyed your interesting and lively post, Eve — and reading about three authors I hadn’t been familiar with. Many YA novels are terrific. My favorite is an old one: L.M. Montgomery’s “Anne of Green Gables.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
An oldie but a goodie. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Knife of Never Letting Go is another “voice-y” read–and I ADORE that whole series. Be warned, though: heartache is imminent!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I SERIOUSLY appreciate the warning. Thanks!!
LikeLike
I read Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda a little while back and loved it! The ending may have felt a bit rushed to me, but I found it to be an excellent, fun read 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting about the rushed ending. Thanks for the heads up. I’m glad you loved it, too. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think I just wanted a couple more chapters at the end lol But I can be greedy that way when I read a good book and don’t want it to end.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah! Praise for Lauren Oliver novels! I’m so happy to hear that! I love her writing style and I can’t wait to read this book. Your little snippet is so tantalizing! ^.^
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay, another Oliver fan! 🙂 Which of her books have you read? I lovvvved Before I Fall, and Delirium is coming up soon on my TBR.
LikeLike
I’m dying to know what you think of the Ness, he is my new favourite author! 😬
LikeLiked by 1 person
I totally get why he’s your new favorite author! Ness writes with a capital ‘W.’ There’s nothing generic about his writing and his ideas, you know? And his characters are wonderful. He is adept at writing KIND characters, which I really appreciate.
LikeLike