Tuesday, January 01, 2013

In 2013, I resolve to read...


Happy New Year, readers of Fluttering Butterflies!  I cheered internally when I saw this week's Top Ten theme!  There are many books that I really need to get around to reading - I have more than 100 unread YA books on my shelves after all.  But it was fun compiling the very top ten of those books that I'm determined to read in this new year.  And here they are.  As always, huge thanks to The Broke and the Bookish for hosting this fab feature.



Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly - I've heard such wonderful things about Revolution.  I've been put off reading it for years. And while in some part the reason I've not read it yet is because it is slightly on the thick side, the real reason is that I'm really wary of historical fiction.  I've not really connected with historical books in the past, but I've recently enjoyed several historical YAs and I think I'm ready to give Revolution a chance.


My Sister Lives on the Mantlepiece by Annabel Pitcher - I've heard really wonderful things about this book and about the author.  I feel bad that I haven't already read this book, but what worries me is that I fear it will be overly emotional and I may not be prepared for that. I really need to work myself up into a certain frame of mind before I can read a weepy!


Slated by Teri Terry - I do love a good dystopian novel, but I'm kind of worn out with them right now. So while I am very excited to read this story, especially as it is written by a British author, I think I need to wait just a bit longer before tackling it!


Shine by Lauren Myracle - This was on my radar even before the awards cock-up. But it was the attention of the awards nonsense that made me buy this book. Sadly, since then, Shine has sat unread and unloved on my shelves just waiting patiently for me to pick it up and read it. I promise that 2013 will definitely be the year that I read this book.


One Seriously Messed-Up Week by Tom Clempson - Oh I'm really looking forward to reading this book.  I've briefly flipped through the first few pages and I both smiled and laughed at some of what I read. I just never feel like it's the right time to sit down and read this book.  I'm really not sure why not.  Perhaps with the sequel being published this year that will have an impact on how quickly I get around to reading this book! I sure hope so. I could do with a good laugh.


Beauty Queens by Libba Bray - There are two books on this list by Libba Bray.  I picked up a copy of Beauty Queens on the basis of Libba Bray's name alone. And luckily, this book sounds really good.  I'm sort of intimidated by it though.  Like I have all this pressure to really love this book and I don't want to be let down.  I really just need to let all of that go and read the damn thing, already. Hopefully the process of writing all this down will spur me on.


Crank by Ellen Hopkins - I haven't read very much by Ellen Hopkins but what I have read has been really sad and emotional and as I've already written, I need to prepare myself for something that will be difficult or emotional to read. I think reading Crank will be worthwhile though and hopefully we'll get there sooner rather than later. I've been putting off reading this book because I've been planning a themed week on drug/alcohol addiction.


Turf by John Lucas - I think I've spotted a trend in the reasons that I haven't yet read most of these books - I have a problem with high expectations and the fear that these books will disappoint because of that.  Much the same with this book.  After the blogger brunch last yeat at Random House, Turf is the book I was most looking forward to as a close family member of mine was in a gang when she was a teenager. She managed to turn her life around and is now a police officer who works with troubled teens in an effort to help those that are going through similar experiences that she did. 


Itch by Simon Mayo - I think in some ways, I was hoping that by the time I sat down to read Itch, my science-loving nerd child of a son would be ready to read it with me. I think I might have a few years yet to wait for that to happen, but in the meanwhile, I may as well get a move on with reading this story. Especially as I hear the sequel, Itch Rocks is out in 2013!


The Diviners by Libba Bray - I have really loved everything that I've read by Libba Bray so far. I think Going Bovine must be one of my favourite ever YA novels.  But it is because I go into reading The Diviners with such high expectations is the reason that I've not yet read it.  That I've seen The Diviners on so many 'Best of 2012' lists makes me all the more determined to finally get to this chunkster this year. I will do it.


So those are the books that I am determined to tackle this year from my TBR pile! What books would make your list?

22 comments:

  1. Great group of books! I need to make this post, too. This is a great topic this week.

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  2. I've got Revolution to read as well - I was going to use it for my dissertation but decided not to, still want to read it though.

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    1. I'm quite looking forward to it and I've heard amazing things!

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  3. I really want to read The Diviners and Beauty Queens this year. And Slated is definitely on my radar for this year too, as I never got to it last year! Great list!

    My Top Ten

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    1. The sequel for Slated is out this year and that is my target for finishing Slated. I really must read more Libba Bray!

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  4. Revolution looks amazing! I shall have a look out for it when I go to a book shop next!
    I saw Crank in the library the other day but had so many books already that I didn't take it out. Maybe next time!
    I hope you get to read them!

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  5. I need to read all of these too. They are all on my list. Great picks! Happy New Years and happy reading!

    Here are the books I resolve to read

    ~Danica Page
    Taking it One Page at a Time

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  6. I like that you took a picture of all the books you want to read! I've read Slated and liked it! I hope you do too! Although if you're a bit worn out on dystopians I would postpone it for a while! :)

    Happy 2013!
    My TTT

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    1. Hope you have a wonderful 2013, Helene :) Thanks for the advice on Slated..!

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  7. Crank is AMAZING. I absolutely love everything Ellen Hopkins does!x

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    1. But everything she writes is so harrowing that I worry about how I'll feel when reading her books. I actually have 3 Ellen Hopkins books on my shelves unread, but I've owned Crank longest.

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  8. Ooooo you just have to read Revolution! I know you will like it, if not love it! The historical element of it isn't overbearing, I promise :)

    Also Slated, one seriously messed up week and the Diviners are all awesome :) I hope you get these all read :)

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    1. Oh I've heard that about it not feeling that much like a historical novel. I still feel hesitant, but I'm determined to get to it this year! :)

      Good to know about the others! I'm looking forward to them too!

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  9. So many great books! Slated, Itch and The Diviners sound amazing. I have Revolution on my TBR pile, I hope I manage to read it someday! :)

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    1. Thanks, I think they all sound great too! Good luck on reading Revolution! :)

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  10. I loved Beauty Queens. I listened to the audiobook, and I highly recommend it. Libba Bray does a wonderful job narrating.

    Good luck with your reading resolutions.

    Happy New Year :)

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    1. Thank you and a Happy New Year to you as well :)

      I've never really tried audio books, but I do love the idea of the author reading their own book!

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  11. Snap! I have Beauty Queens and The Diviners on my list too :)

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    1. Let's hope we both get to these books sooner rather than later! And that we also both adore them.

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