Best of 2011: Best Dystopia

Winter break is so close I can taste it. *tastes it* What better reason to celebrate books than a three-week period when I'm obligated to do sweet, sweet nothing? It's with this anticipated laziness in mind that I bring you today's picks: Best Dystopia!

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First pick: Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion
My review | Goodreads
YA, Dystopia/Sci-Fi/Fantasy, 241 pages, Atria

• Release date: April 26th 2011
• Where to find it:  IndieBound | Barnes & Noble

Goodreads blurb:  

A zombie who yearns for a better life ends up falling in love—with a human—in this astonishingly original debut novel.
R is a zombie. He has no memories, no identity, and no pulse, but he has dreams. He doesn’t enjoy killing people; he enjoys riding escalators and listening to Frank Sinatra. He is a little different from his fellow Dead.
Not just another zombie novel, Warm Bodies is funny, scary, and deeply moving.

Why it's the best:

I almost considered placing this one in its own category of best surprise, it captured me so much. A sentient zombie love story? Really, I thought. Truly, though, Warm Bodies is as sweet, funny, literary, and gorgeous as it is disgusting, and while as with all dystopias the metaphor gets a little heavy at the end, I cared about R and Julie as real people, too.


Marion would also probably capture the prize of best atmosphere of the year, because again--like all good dystopias--his many microcosms, from the airport to the sports stadium, are improbable and also beautiful. Any dystopia, zombie (or Nick Hoult) fan shouldn't miss.


Who will love it: 

Shaun of the Dead fans, OR those with literary pretentions.
 

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Runner-up: Divergent by Veronica Roth
My review | Goodreads
YA, Dystopia/Sci-Fi, 489 pages, Katherine Tegen Books

• Release date: May 3rd 2011
• Where to find it: IndieBound | Barnes & Noble

Goodreads blurb:

Beatrice "Tris" Prior has reached the fateful age of sixteen, the stage at which teenagers in Veronica Roth's dystopian Chicago must select which of five factions to join for life. Each faction represents a virtue: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. To the surprise of herself and her selfless Abnegation family, she chooses Dauntless, the path of courage. Her choice exposes her to the demanding, violent initiation rites of this group, but it also threatens to expose a personal secret that could place her in mortal danger. Veronica Roth's young adult Divergent trilogy launches with a captivating adventure about love and loyalty playing out under most extreme circumstances. 

Why it's the best:

Like I said when I reviewed this yesterday, I'm not raving about Divergent because it's gritty, gorgeous, or has something particularly relevant about the world to say. I'm raving about it because it reads like a teen movie in book form, all over-the-top drama and angst and kickassery and cute boys. It's the first dystopia I've read that seems determined to have fun rather than make you emo with your hatred of the world, and for that, it deserves prizes.

Who will love it: 

Dystopia fans who are sick of the do-or-die, OR...well, other dystopia fans. Fun as it is, I struggle to see this converting anyone else to the genre a la The Hunger Games.

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Miss yesterday's pick? Check out the my favorite sci-fi of 2011. And be sure to stop back for tomorrow's category, best fantasy!

Review: Divergent

Divergent by Vernoica Roth
Goodreads | IndieBound | Barnes & Noble
YA, Dystopia, 489 pages, Katherine Tegen Books

• Series: Divergent, Book 1. (Book 2: Insurgent, 2012.)
• Why I read it:
• Disclosure: Received a copy in my super-giant ALAN box of books. Awesome!

Goodreads blurb:

Beatrice "Tris" Prior has reached the fateful age of sixteen, the stage at which teenagers in Veronica Roth's dystopian Chicago must select which of five factions to join for life. Each faction represents a virtue: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. To the surprise of herself and her selfless Abnegation family, she chooses Dauntless, the path of courage. Her choice exposes her to the demanding, violent initiation rites of this group, but it also threatens to expose a personal secret that could place her in mortal danger. Veronica Roth's young adult Divergent trilogy launches with a captivating adventure about love and loyalty playing out under most extreme circumstances.

The Long...

No bones about it: I am sick to death of dystopia, which is depressing, seeing as, done right, it's one of my favorite genres. (See: Brave New World, Who Fears Death, every Margaret Atwood novel ever.) Ever since The Hunger Games, though, it's become YA's newest cash cow instead of a place to tell good stories. Call me naive about how the world works, but I'd still like to think of books as a place to tell good stories as well as a place to make money, and that's exactly why I'm thrilled that Divergent manages to do both. Bravo, Ms. Roth, for you have accomplished that rare and lovely thing: the deserving blockbuster.

Call Divergent popcorny, a little silly, ridiculous and bizarre as a face-value dystopia. It is. Look at nearly every dystopia released in recent years, including The Hunger Games and with the notable exception of the excellent and all-too-real Ship Breaker, and you could apply the same criticism. A society that divides itself so rigidly, that so blatantly prides itself on conformity, that so single-mindedly upholds five traits? Please. If Roth had given it to us straight, this would be yet another disappointed review instead of an admiring one. Where Roth succeeds is in not playing it straight; in writing thinly veiled teen allegory instead, and pulse-pounding spectacular entertainment, at that.

All the adult characters are painted in bold, high-school-teacher-esque strokes. The five factions play double as high school cliques; nerds, jocks, goths, the after-school church group kids, and the vaguely friendly, popular ones that don't fit in any particular place are all in attendance. Roth's world is bold and gorgeous, but hardly holds up to intense scrutiny: it's all a cinematic backdrop for the angst and drama, and frankly, I prefer it that way.

This, mind you, is not to imply that Divergent doesn't pack a punch. One scene in particular involving an eye and a butter knife had my stomach turning over nicely. It is to imply that Divergent, even at Tris's darkest hours, never takes itself too seriously. And in the glut of do-or-die out there, what a fantastic relief.

Even the romance felt funny and self-aware: teacher-student pairings I do not 'ship, but for Tris and Four I might make an exception. No love triangles. No silly, contrived "We just can't BE together," though tension the relationship does not lack. No, it's just perfect, old-fashioned undercover romance, and I sincerely enjoyed every minute.

Flaws it has. Roth's writing is at times just a little too descriptive, especially of her characters of color, and sometimes the ridiculousness just gets a little too...ridiculous. Honestly, though, I was too delighted by this sort of action-adventure take on dystopia to care. How I wish more authors would go this route over the Katniss-wannabe-life-sucks-love-triangle.

and the Short:

Glorying in its campy, silly social commentary, Divergent is too entertaining and fantastically cinematic to miss. I'm excited for Insurgent!
 
The Final Word: Loved it!

Divergent is available now.

Best of 2011: Best Sci-Fi

Taking two finals today. I'd say shoot me now but I actually STUDIED for BOTH (amazing, I know), so rather I ask you to simply appreciate, if you are not a student, your finals-less life. Appreciate it a lot. For me.

And on that note, we proceed from yesterday's Best Sequel picks to a category most near and dear to me: best sci-fi! Unfortunately, there's only one pick in this category, and even then it's closer to fantasy than sci-fi. Better luck next year for me? I sure do hope.

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Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

My review | Goodreads

YA, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, 352 pages, Quirk Books

• Pub date: June 7th 2011
• Where to find it: IndieBound | Barnes & Noble

Goodreads blurb

A mysterious island.
An abandoned orphanage.
A strange collection of very curious photographs.
It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.
A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.

Why it's the best:

It's difficult to understand the sheer genius and inventiveness of Ransom Riggs until you read this book. It exists in that brackish zone between sci-fi, fantasy, and horror that's so hard to do right, and excels. It scares the pants off of you. It includes some of the most extraordinary vintage photographs I've ever seen, and never once makes them feel gimmicky: they are 100% a natural part of the story.

While I could have done without the cliffhanger ending, seeing as the sequel probably won't hit shelves until 2013, this book was an easy and beloved favorite this year that everyone should read.

Who will love it: 

Cynics (again) who will love pointing out how the photographs were doctored, OR anyone with an active imagination.

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Tomorrow's category is Best Dystopia, so stay tuned!

Best of 2011: Best Sequel

In today's installment of Best of 2011, I tackle one of the most elusive categories in YA: the best sequel. While most series feel bloated and dragged out, here are two releases that I thought were pitch-perfect and that I may have liked even more than the original. (And, due to some freakish magic, were both released April 5th. It was a good day for books, my friends.)

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First choice: Where She Went by Gayle Forman
My review | Goodreads
YA, Contemporary, 260 pages, Dutton Juvenile

• Pub date: April 5th 2011
• Where to find it: IndieBound | Barnes & Noble

Goodreads blurb:

It's been three years since the devastating accident . . . three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever.
Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future - and each other.
Told from Adam's point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.

Why it's the best:

 

Yes, ye who doubt. I, too, wondered where Gayle Forman could possibly go after the tears-n'-snotfest that was If I Stay, and also how she could possibly turn a blurb like that into a story that didn't feel like it should be a Lifetime movie. Also, I hated the cover, and you all know that my withered cynical little book blogger heart relishes judging books by their covers. 

 

But believe me when I say: Gayle Forman has magical powers, because this book knocked my socks off.

The LONGING. The music. THE LONGING. Musings on the nature of celebrity in today's world. THE MOTHEREFFING LONGING. It's also one of the few YAs that has college-age protagonists, which I loved, and would make it the perfect choice for the YA-haters in your life. Also, have I mentioned the longing? Just read it. If you loved If I Stay. If you hated it. This book is a whole new animal.

Who will love it:

 

The cynics in your life, because everyone needs a dose of cry-laugh-love now and then, OR the unabashed romantics. Both will come away happy.

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Runner-up: Red Glove by Holly Black

My review | Goodreads

YA, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, 325 pages, Margaret K. McElderry

• Pub date: April 5th 2011
• Where to find it: IndieBound | Barnes & Noble

Goodreads blurb:

Curses and cons. Magic and the mob. In Cassel Sharpe's world, they go together. Cassel always thought he was an ordinary guy, until he realized his memories were being manipulated by his brothers. Now he knows the truth—he’s the most powerful curse worker around. A touch of his hand can transform anything—or anyone—into something else.
That was how Lila, the girl he loved, became a white cat. Cassel was tricked into thinking he killed her, when actually he tried to save her. Now that she's human again, he should be overjoyed. Trouble is, Lila's been cursed to love him, a little gift from his emotion worker mom. And if Lila's love is as phony as Cassel's made-up memories, then he can't believe anything she says or does.
When Cassel's oldest brother is murdered, the Feds recruit Cassel to help make sense of the only clue—crime-scene images of a woman in red gloves. But the mob is after Cassel too—they know how valuable he could be to them. Cassel is going to have to stay one step ahead of both sides just to survive. But where can he turn when he can't trust anyone—least of all, himself?
Love is a curse and the con is the only answer in a game too dangerous to lose.

Why it's the best:

 

I've said it before and I'll say it again: this series is my special YA drug. I was in love from the get-go with White Cat, and Red Glove only cemented my belief in Holly Black's magical powers being on par with  Gayle Forman's. It's a film noir teen angst sci-fi mystery social commentary love story, and if that doesn't pique your interest, I don't know what will. It's smart, angsty, and scary. What's not to love?

Also, Cassel and Lila are sexy. Start 'shipping. Natch.

Who will love it:

Aspiring gumshoes, OR anyone with a flair for drama and magic off the beaten path.

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Tomorrow's category: Best sci-fi!

Best of 2011: Best Coming of Age

For Day 2 of my two weeks of best-of lists this year, I'm featuring the best coming-of-age novels! These are the books that, to me, fit right in that niche between middle grade and teen, that showcased growing up in all its prickly glory, and that I most wanted to share with my younger siblings as they grew up.

And, of course, because YA is awesome, I had two favorites in this category. Enjoy.

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First choice: Bluefish by Pat Schmatz
My review | Goodreads
YA, Contemporary, 240 pages, Candlewick Press

• Pub date: September 13th 2011
• Where to find it: IndieBound | Barnes & Noble

Goodreads blurb:

Travis is missing his old home in the country, and he’s missing his old hound, Rosco. Now there’s just the cramped place he shares with his alcoholic grandpa, a new school, and the dreaded routine of school. But that’s before Travis meets Mr. McQueen, who doesn’t take "pass" for an answer—a rare teacher whose savvy persistence has Travis slowly unlocking a book on the natural world. And it’s before Travis is noticed by Velveeta, a girl whose wry banter and colorful scarves belie some hard secrets of her own. With sympathy, humor, and disarming honesty, Pat Schmatz brings to life a cast of utterly believable characters—and captures the moments of trust and connection that make all the difference.

Why it's the best:

This is the only book I've read this year that made me think of classic middle grade and YA greats like Jerry Spinelli, Louis Sachar, Judy Blume, and Beverly Cleary. It's that good, and I laughed and cried right along with Travis and Velveeta the whole way through. It's hard to imagine a better book to give to any kid who feels like they don't fit in, and especially for those kids just discovering that reading is fun. (The cover's beautiful, too.)

Who will love it:


Any kid who's ever been lonely, OR grown-ups looking for a nostalgia kick.

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Runner-up: Ten Miles Past Normal by Frances O'Roark Dowell
My review | Goodreads
YA, Contemporary, 211 pages, Atheneum

• Pub date: March 22nd 2011
• Where to find it: IndieBound | Barnes & Noble

Goodreads blurb:

Janie Gorman wants to be normal. The problem with that: she’s not. She’s smart and creative and a little bit funky. She’s also an unwilling player in her parents’ modern-hippy, let’s-live-on-a-goat-farm experiment (regretfully, instigated by a younger, much more enthusiastic Janie). This, to put it simply, is not helping Janie reach that “normal target.” She has to milk goats every day…and endure her mother’s pseudo celebrity in the homemade-life, crunchy mom blogosphere. Goodbye the days of frozen lasagna and suburban living, hello crazy long bus ride to high school and total isolation—and hovering embarrassments of all kinds. The fresh baked bread is good…the threat of homemade jeans, not so much.
It would be nice to go back to that old suburban life…or some grown up, high school version of it, complete with nice, normal boyfriends who wear crew neck sweaters and like social studies. So, what’s wrong with normal? Well, kind of everything. She knows that, of course, why else would she learn bass and join Jam Band, how else would she know to idolize infamous wild-child and high school senior Emma (her best friend Sarah’s older sister), why else would she get arrested while doing a school project on a local freedom school (jail was not part of the assignment). And, why else would she kind of be falling in "like" with a boy named Monster—yes, that is his real name. Janie was going for normal, but she missed her mark by about ten miles…and we mean that as a compliment.
Frances O’Roark Dowell’s fierce humor and keen eye make her YA debut literary and wise. In the spirit of John Green and E. Lockhart, Dowell’s relatable, quirky characters and clever, fluid writing prove that growing up gets complicated…and normal is WAY overrated.

Why it's the best:


Because Janie lives on a goat farm, of course! This book has two of my insta-love factors: farm life and great music. In addition, Janie's heartfelt journey towards growing up was sweet and the perfect thing to share with a middle grade sister smack in the middle of her awkward phase. Dowell walks the fine line between "fluff" and "fun," and walks it well. There's just enough grit and spice here to keep older readers interested, but it's fun and fast-paced and has nothing too dark or scary. (Ellie and I even got to interview Frances O'Roark Dowell back in October, and needless to say, the author is as wonderful as her book!)

Who will love it:

Older middle graders figuring themselves (and high school) out, OR farm kids and farm-kid-wannabes.

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Tomorrow's category? Best sequel! Stay tuned.

Kickin' off two weeks of best-of lists! Best Indie/Small Press

It's that time of year again. The time I dread. The time when I must decide...which books truly were the best of 2011. My best of 2011 so far, back in June? Ffftt. Child's play. In December, the stakes are raised. Mostly because of frantic holiday shopping, crazy discounts, and for those who celebrate Christmas, Secret Santas. Mostly because it's...my seventeenth birthday next month. (That last one really has no bearing on anything. I just like to think it does.)

From today until December 24th, then, I'll be posting my favorite releases in fourteen categories, one each day, for anyone who needs to find the perfect bookish gift for loved ones for the holidays. Or, if you celebrate no holidays, or celebrate the holidays like I do, these make the perfect gifts to celebrate the awesomeness of YOU anytime. (It's my...seventeenth birthday next month. Allow me my inflated self-interest.)

I'll also be trying desperately to catch up with my review lag before the New Year. Also allow me a few minutes while my brain explodes.

And so, without further ado, to kick off TWO WHOLE WEEKS of best-of: the Best Indie/Small Press read of 2011!

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Outspoken by James Vachowski.
My review | Goodreads 
YA, Contemporary, pagecount unavailable (novella length), Vagabondage Press.

• Pub date: February 5th 2011

• Where to find it: Available for $2.99 from the publisher's website. Also available on Amazon, but n case you weren't aware, Amazon sucks.

Goodreads blurb:

Abraham Lincoln Jenkins is a teenage vandal, social activist, and aspiring revolutionary, but with only four months left until his high school graduation Abraham’s lifelong dream of attending Harvard College is put in jeopardy when he learns that he is still in need of two core credit hours in Physical Education. Unfortunately for Abraham, the only available spaces in a P.E. class are as a cadet in the Army’s JROTC program!
Told almost exclusively through Abraham’s one-sided complaint letters, OUTSPOKEN is the natural result when the War on Terror collides with the War on Christmas. OUTSPOKEN is a digital short at >18,000 and is a fast and funny read for both teens and adults.

Why it's the best:
 
Despite my low expectations right off the bat, Outspoken proved to be a bitingly funny and self-aware novella that was head and shoulders above its indie/small press brethren. Its unusual format (in letters) made it a quick and interesting read, and Abraham Lincoln Jenkins' voice--simultaneously vulnerable and that-kid-in-high-school-you-always-wanted-to-smack--was hilarious and unforgettable.

Who will love it:

Politically aware would-be revolutionaries  (as long as they have e-readers) who aren't afraid to laugh at themselves, OR the favorite know-it-all teen in your life. It might teach us them to lighten up a little!