Two Books Down

I've finished two books this week.

Good start for a new year.

Marley & Me by John Grogan was cute and -- for the most part -- effortlessly entertaining. Grogan's sense of humor about his family, his life, and his pesky dog is very uplifting. Though, it did, in my opinion, slow down somewhat when he gave endless information on the history of his dog's breed. If I wanted to know the Labrador retriever's lineage, I would have looked it up.

Other than that, it's a really good book. Great in fact; one I would most definitely recommend.

Grab the tissues, though. Because, yeah, I cried.

Fade, the sequel to Wake by Lisa McMann, I started yesterday and completed just after midnight today. It was, in a word, amazing. Officially: one of my favorite books, favorite series, favorite author.

For anyone who hasn't read these books, you need to pick it up, as in nowish. Janie and Cabel are adorable and real. The plot in the first book was entertaining, and enthralling, though it mostly focused on Janie's abilities (which, was to be expected). But the sequel's plot was ten times better -- and that's saying something. I was thoroughly impressed, especially after I finished and went back and reread some of my favorite parts from the first book. McMann, it seemed, was setting up the second book right from the beginning -- which I think is terrific. All loose ends were neatly tied. Wonderful job on her part.

Gone, the final book, comes out in February; I kind of wish I had held out in reading the second, so I wouldn't have to wait so long for the third. Bah.

That's two books off my list (which, I haven't posted yet, but I'm going to do that next, I think). I feel better!

Now, the only thing left to decide: what's next?

Happy reading, everyone!

Your Dreams Are Not Your Own

...says the tag-line on Lisa McMann's Wake.

I finished this book today, and it was absolutely amazing. I'm a bigger fan of YA fiction because of this book. McMann truly has a wonderful story on her hands, and I'm so glad my friend recommended this for me. I can't wait to read the second book ((I'm pretty sure this is a series))!

Her writing style took some getting used to. I didn't hate it, but it seemed kind of bland at first. The more I read, though, the more I got sucked into the story. The character was just so engaging. The plot -- to me -- refreshing. And the voice was so real. I loved it.

For those of you unfamiliar with this book, it follows Janie Hannagan. From the time she was eight-years-old, she's been helplessly sucked into the dreams of those in close proximity to her. The more nightmarish the dream, the more difficult it is to pull herself out. It reveals the frustrations and tribulations she faces for being so different.

Cabel, a supporting character, is a total win. I love him. I think you will, too.

I still have many questions, which I hope Lisa answers for me in Fade. I'm going to order my hardcover copy off of Amazon right now. Wake, too, though I can't find the hardcover version. *grumbles* Anyway, I just can't wait to have them in my bookshelf.

The Sign for Drowning is a little slower going, as it's harder to read. Wake was a breeze, and just so engaging -- and again -- on my iPod which I can hide easier than a book while at work. But I feel like I'm finally coming along quite nicely.

In random, other news, I found out today I was named Honorable Mention in the 78th Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition. Genre was Short Story. *smile* Pretty stoked.

Happy reading, everyone!