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!

I've been pretty productive as of late. I was able to read a good portion of Emma while at work, even though we were surprisingly busy that day ((Friday)). I haven't, however, read any of it since, but I'm going to read some tonight before I go to bed and then hopefully finish it in the morning while I'm at work.

Next, of course, I have to start Mansfield Park, but I've changed my mind on what novel I want to read after MP. While wasting time for the 4:20 showing of "Paul Blart, Mall Cop" ((Peanut Blart and Jelly!)), my sister and I perused Borders. I picked up a copy of The Host by Stephenie Meyer ((which has been since added to my list, but I won't start until the summer hopefully)), and I was planning on purchasing Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.

Oye. I sat down to read some of the novel...it's really short, but really boring. I don't know if I just wasn't in the frame of mind or what, but I struggled through the first chapter. I was still going to buy it but then I saw Wuthering Heights and grabbed that instead. I read two chapters before we had to leave for the movie. So, I think I'm going to put off Rushdie and Tolskoy ((I think next year, I want to tackle War and Peace, lol. I'm mostly joking, though)) and the other Bronte until later.

In news completely unrelated to my books challenge, Writer's Digest is having a competition. I think I might do it. Deadline is around the corner though...so, that means I have to get busy. *shrug* Who knows what'll happen.

Toodles.