Top Ten Reads of 2009

2009 has been a great year for books (although I suspect 2k10 will be a LOT better). Here are a list of my top ten books for this year. Some books were published this year, others are the ones that I've read and discovered, not necessarily this year.

PATTY'S TOP TEN PICKS OF 2009 

1. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
2. Being Nikki by Meg Cabot
3. Forever Princess by Meg Cabot
4. Graceling by Kristen Cashore
5. Paper Towns by John Green
6. Along For The Ride by Sarah Dessen
7. Memoirs of A Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin
8. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
9. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
10. Blue Moon by Alyson Noel

Of course, there are many many more that I read and enjoyed (like the full Immortal Series by Alyson Noel or The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins) but these are my absolute favorites of this year.

Under My Tree

This post will show you what I got under my tree this Christmas. Yes, I know, it's a bit late... but is came!

Christmas Giveaway Winners!

I have finally consulted with the great Random.Org tool. And the winners are as follows:
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But first I would like to thank you all who entered and what a blast it was! SO let's get to the point....
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Winner of their choice of book $15 and under is........











Natalie (Mindful Musings)




The second winner who has first choice between Hold Still and Waves is....










Maggie


The third winner and the one who receives the left over choice between Hold Still and Waves is...










Kari


Congrats to all the winners. I will be emailing soon and I will request your choices and reply within 3 days. Thank you!

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

Dear John

"When Savannah Lynn Curtis comes into his life, John Tyree knows he is ready to turn over a new leaf. An angry rebel, he had enlisted in the army after high school, not knowing what else to do. Then, during a furlough, he meets the girl of his dreams. Savannah Lynn Curtis is attending college in North Carolina, working for Habitat for Humanity, and totally unprepared for the passionate attraction she feels for John Tyree. The attraction is mutual and quickly grows into the kind of love that leaves Savannah vowing to wait for John while he finishes his tour of duty, and John realizing that he's ready to settle down with the young woman who has captured his heart. Neither can foresee that 9/11 is about to change the world and will force John to risk every hope and dream that he's ever had. Like so many proud men and women, John must choose between love and country. And like all those left behind, Savannah must decide to wait or move on. How do we choose wisely? How can we face loss-without giving up on love? Now, when he finally returns to North Carolina, John will discover that loving Savannah will force him to make the hardest decision of his life. An extraordinary, moving story, Dear John explores the complexities of love -- how it survives time and heartbreak, and how it transforms us forever." from GoodReads


In true Nicholas Sparks form, this story is one of romance, loss, and life. Let me start by saying that this is the first book I read on my new Kindle and not only was the Kindle amazing, but the book was, too.


It was Christmas day and my family came over and I couldn't let go of this book as hard as I tried. The voice of the main character, John, is so strong and unique that it kept me intrigue. I've never read too many books from the male POV but this one was just breath-taking. Seeing John fall in love and then go through the struggles that he goes through just kept me on my toes.


I cried a lot in this book, too. There are three parts and I cried on all three of them. It's such a touching and real story that it feels as if I went through it. I can't wait to see the move.


In one sentence:
A story that touches your heart and it lingers there days after you've turned the last page.


5/5 stars.
I leave you with the trailer:

Queste by Angie Sage

Queste

"There's trouble at the Castle, and it's all because Merrin Meredith has returned with Darke plans for Septimus. More trouble awaits Septimus and Jenna in the form of Tertius Fume, the ghost of the very first Chief Hermetic Scribe, who is determined to send Septimus on a deadly Queste. But Septimus and Jenna have other plans—they are headed for the mysterious House of Foryx, a place where all Time meets and the place where they fervently hope they will be able to find Nicko and Snorri, who were trapped back in time in physik. But how will Septimus escape the Queste?

Queste, like all the books in the Septimus Heap series, is filled with nonstop action, humor, and fantastical adventure as Septimus continues his journey of Magykal self-discovery." from GoodReads

In this fourth volume, Septimus Heap, alongside his friends, embark in an intriguing adventure. I must say that I love children fantasy series, they're so light and fun, it keeps you turning the pages. This fourth book doesn't disappoint, in fact, it's one of my favorites from the whole series!

The characters are funny and believable and the journeys are filled with magykal creatures. Angie Sage once again surprises me with her easy word flow and her great story-telling. Even if you're an adult, you're sure to enjoy this series.

In this particular book, Septimus goes on the Queste and he discovers the truth about Time. This twist is very intriguing and will keep you on your toes.

In one sentence:

A fantastical return for Septimus Heap!

5/5 stars