2014 has already come and gone and I have yet to share with you my favorite reads of the year. For those who don’t follow me on social media, the answer as to why is simple: I was dying of the plague. Okay, not really. I REALLY had the flu. And not just one. I had TWO different strands. So for my Christmas vacation, I spent 16 days in bed. Sleeping. Barely moving. Barely reading—which is the real tragedy. But now that we have enjoyed a full two weeks of 2015, let me share with you my favorite reads of 2014. First, I met my Goodreads goal of 115 books. As a matter of fact, I didn’t meet it—I spanked it. By year’s end I read 144 books (mostly YA and mysteries). I really like rounded up numbers, so I am bummed I didn’t reach 145, but hey, since I spanked my original goal, I will take it. Of those 144 boys, below I am sharing with you 15 of my favorite tween/YA reads in no particular order. Enjoy! ‘The Impossible Knife of Memory’ – Laurie Halse Anderson I did...
I started blogging about books a few years ago at the suggestion of my husband. We were driving home from the Decatur Book Festival in Decatur, GA and he said, “You know, you love talking about the books you’re reading and love so much, you should blog about it.” Good man he is.
Before this, I cataloged my reads in Shelfari. I often used it to challenge myself. Now that I blog, I feel like I read less than before, but that’s mainly due to my work load. My kids are demanding, and they come first.
Either way, here are my top ten favorite books before I was a blogger in alphabetical order.
Enjoy!
1. ‘Thirteen Reasons Why’ by Jay Asher
Still one of the most read books by my students. I did this as an audio and it was amazing. Nothing like hearing Hannah Baker from the grave on audio. It adds to the overall affect of the storytelling.
2. Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare
I originally picked up ‘City of Bones’ when a student said, “Ms. Hodgens, you have got to read this book.” I did and I was hooked. I drove all the way to Decatur, GA just to meet Cassandra Clare.
3. ‘The Hunger Games’ by Suzanne Collins
It was a student who turned me on to this book. She said, “You’ve got to read this!” I did and was hooked. So was my husband.
4. ‘Deadline’ by Chris Crutcher
If you have not read this, you need to ASAP. ‘Fault in Our Stars’ has the same feel as this novel. Just make sure you have a box of tissues. Powerful message, and a great discussion piece with teenagers.
5. ‘The Lonely Hearts Club’ by Elizabeth Eulberg
From the moment I opened this book to the moment I closed it, I loved every single word. Seriously a huge fan of Eulberg. It’s as if she can see into my “girlfriend” soul. I really want to be her BFF.
6. ‘Hex Hall’ by Rachel Hawkins
If you’ve read this novel, you know why it’s on my list. Clever. Witchy. And the dialogue, oh my! So full of win.
7. ‘The Minister’s Daughter’ by Julie Hearn
Teen historical fiction at its best. I always discuss this novel when I teach ‘The Crucible’ because this novel deals with the Puritan’s belief in fairies and how that affected many elements of their faith, which is often left out of textbooks.
8. ‘Bras and Broomsticks’ by Sarah Mylnowski
Such a fun, fun, fun read. Witchy, funny. Even my husband enjoyed the audio of this book. I’m always looking for a good witchy read, and this series definitely fits the bill.
9. ‘Harry Potter’ by JK Rowling
Who does not love this series? It is my all time favorite series – it is so full of rich language, mythological allusions, political messages, etc. I love it.
10. ‘The Candy Apple’ books
Various authors, but these tween reads are amazing. They are all about being true to one’s self while growing up in middle school, dealing with wholesome issues that make me want to be in middle school again. I recommend these to all tween readers because they are so fun.
So…that’s my list. What’s on yours?
Happy Reading!
- The Hodgenator
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