Happy July, everybody! It's crazy that the year is already halfway over. And since I declared I was going to read 50 books this year, I'm just a tad behind with 21 read. But I'm hopeful I'll get a lot of reading done this summer even though I've begun writing my next novel (that would be book number FIVE - say wha?).
So without further ado, the five awesome books I read in June (click on the title for details on the book since I'm horrible with plot synopsis).
KEEP HOLDING ON by Susane Colasanti
I've been eagerly anticipating this new novel from Susane since it's her most personal book to date. While this book is about bullying, it's also about the importance of realizing your worth. I seriously think this book should be required reading in school. Not just for people who are being bullied, but for people who stand by and watch someone getting bullied. This book broke my heart and then put it back together again.
CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS AND THE TERRIFYING RETURN OF TIPPY TINKLETROUSERS by Dav Pilkey (coming August 28, 2012)
Talk about a 180 in terms of reading material. Who goes from a book about bullying to a book about a superhero who fights for all the is preshrunk and cottony? -->THIS GIRL!<-- I am a HUGE Captain Underpants fan. It was my favorite series I ever worked on as a publicist so I was excited to get an ARC of the new book coming this fall. It is HYSTERICAL! It even has a reference to one of my favorite movie titles (and constant punchline for sequel titles): Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo. I can't even get into all the things I love about this book as it has a ton of plot twists. All I can say is "Welcome back, Captain. I've missed you!"
BURN FOR BURN by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian (coming September 18, 2012)
I squealed when I got this ARC at a BEA party. I love both Jenny and Siobhan so the fact that they were writing a book together made me doubly excited. And they did not disappoint. Everybody needs to put this on their fall reading list NOW. Who doesn't love a good revenge tale? (Please, please have people be interested in books about revenge!) The three main girls in this book couldn't be more different, but in a way extremely relatable. And just when you think you've got everything figured out, a new surprise was waiting for you on the next page.
But here's the problem with ARCs. While you get to read a book before it comes out, which is super cool, it means you have an even longer wait for the sequel! GAH! Fortunately, I have Siobhan's number so I texted (some may feel the word harassed is more appropriate) to get some scoop on the next book as I CANNOT WAIT. But these lips are sealed.
WHERE THINGS COME BACK by John Corey Whaley
I was so happy that this was my book group's June selection. I've wanted to read this book since it won the Printz. And then I met Corey and love him. This book is the definition of a page turner. I was hooked from the very beginning. It had lots of twists and turns - I gasped out loud toward the end when everything started coming together in a very surprising way. I love it when award committees get it right!
CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS AND THE PREPOSTEROUS PLIGHT OF THE PURPLE POTTY PEOPLE by Dav Pilkey
Did I mention that I'm a big Captain Underpants fan? I got this book for my friend's two sons who have recently discovered the Captain. I got them this book because (BRAG ALERT!) it's dedicated to me. Yep, I'm super cool. It was the first time I've read a Captain book to kids. It was awesome to have these two young boys sit still and listen to the story. They did ask me to reread one page over a dozen times because the words "poop" and "pee" were repeatedly used. Then I taught them "Na-na-na-na, boo-boo, stick your head in doo-doo" right before they went to church. I'm such a responsible adult. And yes I'm counting this as a book because a) I read it, b) it's 170 pages long, and c) it's a book! I never said it had to be a YA or adult novel. So, na-na-na-na, boo-boo stick YOUR head in doo-doo. Are we all seeing why I'm such a big fan?
I've decided that July will be my month of reading fall ARCs. You know, so I can braggy brag that I get to read books before they come out. Then get annoyed I have to wait over a year for any sequels.
Happy reading!
XO, Elizabeth