Are you a gamer on the hunt for a new read? Sometimes, you just have to put down the controller and pick up an amazing book. Just choose your favorite video game below, and we’ll offer one of our favorite titles for you to try! And don’t hesitate to check out the other suggestions we have on the quiz.
It doesn’t matter what kind of reader you are, there is a love story out there for you! You might turn your nose up at romantic fiction, but treasure the stories where friendship is the most important relationship. I love seeing how we can meaningfully connect with people in our lives in different ways. (We show pets that they hold a special place in our heart with head scratches and kibble, but it’s unlikely your best friend or significant other would appreciate that.) In order to celebrate the many ways we can love and connect with one another, I made up a list of some of my favorite books about love in its many different forms. Did I miss your favorite book? Let me know in the comments!
Enchantment of Ravens by Margarot Rogerson
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Isobel, a skilled painter is commissioned by Rook, a prince of the ruling faeries. Their relationship quickly moves from patron and artist, to jailer and criminal, to hopelessly devoted partners who must challenge the ancient and immortal Fair folk. If you’re looking for an exciting fantasy romance novel, this book hits stores on Sept 26!
When I Was the Greatest by Jason Reynolds
Ali has always been there for his neighbors Needles and Noodles, treating them almost like brothers he’s never had. In this award-winning book, we see sometimes it’s necessary to dish out tough love in order to help our friends grow.
The Seeds of America trilogy by Laurie Halse Anderson
Even after being sold away from the only home she has ever known, and dropped in the backyard of the American Revolution in New York City, Isabel’s only concern is her sister Ruth. Across battlefields, war prisons, and plantations, Isabel’s love and devotion for her sister is what carries these truly beautiful stories through a tumultuous and ethically drought time in our country’s history.
The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson
Most of us would consider Andie’s job as a dog-walker to be a dream! But it’s only after a series of mishaps and one veterinary emergency that shows Andie that dogs really are a girl’s best friend.
The Imposter Queen trilogy by Sarah Fine
While Elli and Ansa both fight against their destinies, their magic (or lack thereof), and their enemies, everything they do is to keep their people safe.
Saints and Misfits by S.K. Ali
Janna struggles with her identity as the only hijabi girl at her public high school, and with her family who always seems to be conspiring against her. After she was attacked by the golden boy of her mosque, she finds it even more difficult to connect with anyone. But through the help of another girl who doesn’t fit in, Janna is able to find closure and a greater sense of who she is.
Last True Love Story by Brendan Kiely
Hendrix and Corrina don’t have very much in common, besides their loneliness. But after making a promise to his grandfather, Hendrix enlists Corrina in bringing him to the place where he first kissed his wife, before Alzheimer’s completely wipes away his memory of her. On this cross country journey, they discover that the only stories that last are love stories. This exciting YA is a free read on Riveted until Sept 25, so check it out if you haven’t yet!
One of my favorite trends in literature is the creation of anthologies, or what I like to refer to as collaborative fiction. When authors find that their ideas and writing styles vibe, the logical next step is to bring their creative genius together to create amazing works of literature. It gives you the opportunity to explore many different worlds and perspectives without picking up another book. Plus, it’s exciting to see how your favorite authors work in short story format, and you might also find new authors whose work you enjoy!
Here are some amazing collaborative books that you should definitely check out. And if I missed your favorite anthology or multi-authored novel, let me know in the comments!
It’s a question as old as time itself: which is better, the zombie or the unicorn? This all-original anthology edited by Holly Black (Team Unicorn) and Justine Larbalestier (Team Zombie) makes strong arguments for both sides in the form of spectacular short stories. Half of the stories portray the strengths—for good and evil—of unicorns, and half show the good (and really, really badass) side of zombies. Contributors include many bestselling authors, including Cassandra Clare, Libba Bray, Maureen Johnson, Meg Cabot, Scott Westerfeld, and Margo Lanagan.
From award-winning author Elissa Brent Weissman comes a collection of quirky, smart, and vulnerable childhood works by some of today’s foremost children’s authors and illustrators—revealing young talent, the storytellers they would one day become, and the creativity they inspire today.
Ten teens are left alone in the wilderness during a three-day survival test in this multi-authored novel edited by award-winning author Shaun David Hutchinson.
Nineteen contributors from India and Australia—including Printz Award–winning author Margo Lanagan and New York Times bestsellers Justine Larbalestier and Samhita Arnir—team up to create a “rare treat of speculative literature” in this groundbreaking feminist collection that “bursts with imagination” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review).
In this contemporary retelling of The Canterbury Tales, a group of teens on a bus ride to Washington, DC, each tell a story—some fantastical, some realistic, some downright scandalous—in pursuit of the ultimate prize: a perfect score.
In a one-of-a-kind collaboration, seventeen of the most recognizable YA writers—including Shaun David Hutchinson, Neal and Brendan Shusterman, and Beth Revis—come together to share the viewpoints of a group of students affected by a school shooting.
The New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling collection of short stories chronicling the adventures of Simon Lewis as he trains to become a Shadowhunter is now available in print with ten brand-new comic illustrations!
As a new Shadowhunter convert, I had over ten years of catching up to do on all the amazing books Cassandra Clare has given us. So when I finally got to Lady Midnight, I really sympathized with Emma’s struggle to keep her romantic feelings at bay for her parabatai, Julian. But there were a few reasons not to pursue a romance with her sworn lifelong partner and protector, one being that it’s forbidden by Shadowhunter law. Emma tries to protect Julian by keeping her true feelings a secret, but Julian “knows” they’re soulmates.
While I understand the strength of Julian’s feelings, I’m here to tell you: the entire concept of soulmates is, for lack of a better word, super wack.
Don’t start booing yet! I do believe love is the truest, most universal feeling we all experience. But the idea of soulmates can be very limiting. Here’s my take on it:
We can be happy with many different people throughout our lives. If you don’t believe me, ask the hottest wizard this side of the East River, Magnus Bane! It took him over 400 years to find Alec. Magnus still thinks fondly on some of his past romances, and those relationships were important in shaping him into the person he is today.
“Happily ever after” is the beginning, not the end, of the love story. The idea that there is only one person you’re destined to be with doesn’t account for the rough parts of a relationship. Knee-melting stares and fireworks-inducing kisses are all well and good, but most days all you and your partner do is decide who’s cooking dinner and who’s doing the dishes.
Soulmates are literally for the birds. 90 percent of birds are monogamous creatures, while only three percent of mammals mate for life! That’s probably because a lot of mammals don’t choose the right partner the first few times around. If soulmates were a thing, I think finding them would be a lot easier.
The idea of a soulmate is restrictive. As people, we have all the possibilities in the world. The type of couple you and your partner become is a direct reflection of who you two are. So if I decided I wanted to be the most successful farmer on the planet, it would be a little difficult if my predetermined soulmate decided he wanted to be an ice fisher. And I know you’re probably thinking “well obviously then he wouldn’t be your soulmate,” but then you’re getting into the territory of everything being predetermined. Shouldn’t I get to choose what my life would be? Shouldn’t I get to choose to be a farmer or a candlestick maker or a chef, independently of who my significant other is?
In conclusion, there are plenty of fish in the sea, and none of them are your soulmate. Fish don’t have souls anyway. There’s no such thing as “the one who got away,” only past mistakes in relationships that will inevitably lead to being happy with someone else! Love is a wonderful thing to find, and couples that want to go the distance should be ready to work on it.
One thing every new author and parent have in common is the knowledge that picking a name is nearly impossible. The pressure of picking that one perfect name that will distinguish them from every other person/character is intense. After all, every little fact about a name can (and probably will) be analyzed—where it comes from, how it makes them stand out, is it meant to help them blend in, etc. YA in particular, tends to skew towards having characters with very memorable and easily distinguishable names. After all, imagine trying to keep all of your favorite books and series straight if you’ve got 10 Hermiones, 6 Peetas, and a couple of Renesmees.
Here are some of the best names I’ve recently heard, but there’s always room for suggestions! If I missed your favorite unique YA character name, let me know in the comments!
Audra is the Lithuanian word for “storm.” As Vane’s guardian and possible love interest, she definitely lives up to her name. She’s a total badass and thinks quickly on her feet. This book is a free read until 8/28, so check it out now to get inspired!
(The Mortal Instruments, The Infernal Devices, The Dark Artifices, The Bane Chronicles)
Magnus is great, literally—that is what the name translates to from Latin. About six Norweigan and three Swedish kings were given the name, and with good reason. It’s truly memorable!
Pronounced CHEET-rah (I was surprised too!), this name comes from the Indonesian word for “image,” which allows for so many interpretations. Citra is a strong-willed heroine who must make life and death decisions in a world without disease and war.
In Gaelic culture, Rowan was given to red-haired boys. This is also the name of Citra’s fellow apprentice who has a very different way of dealing with the difficult rules of being a Scythe. But, P.S., I love how this has become more gender neutral name in our time.
Natasha is a popular name in the US—in part thanks to Tolstoy himself—but until this book, I’d never heard it abbreviated to Tash before. I think it’s the perfect modern twist for this name!
If you paid attention during your Greek mythology class, you’ll know that Zephyr was the god of the west winds. In The Girl Who Fell, Zephyr is a girl who learns to take her life into her own hands after realizing she’s in an abusive relationship, making her a great namesake to inspire a feminist daughter. And if you want to fancy it up, use the French interpretation, Zéphyrine!
With the power to heal, Noah Shaw definitely lives up to the Hebrew translation: rest, comfort.
Derived from the Latin name Hadrian, or “of the Adriatic Sea,” Adrienne also means “the dark one.” Known as the prettiest and loudest Babcock sister, Adrienne is a strong and supportive woman in a family facing a huge loss.
I think it’s worth noting that the author, Calla (a type of lily), has a beautiful name, too 🙂
While the name Esta either comes from the Babylonian goddess of love, war, and fertility, or simply the Persian word for “star,” it’s very well suited for the heroine of this awesome time-traveling urban fantasy.
In Saints and Misfits, the protagonist, Janna, has a thing for one of the cutest boys in school, Jeremy. Since he’s not Muslim, she hides her feelings from most of the people in her life, but that doesn’t stop her from fantasizing! As a photographer, Janna takes sneaky pictures so she can ogle his greatest attributes in secret. But instead of eyes or biceps, she goes weak at the knees for…his forehead. In fact, Janna is fairly adept at telling people apart based solely on their forehead.
This often-overlooked feature doesn’t easily distinguish most people, but we think our readers have what it takes! We’ve compiled foreheads that are used to getting their picture taken. See how many you can match with the correct celebrity! And if this quiz inspires a love of hairlines and cranium, check out the extended excerpt of Saints and Misfits through July 31!
Let us know in the comments how you did!
In modern-day London, two brilliant high school students—one Sherlock Holmes and a Miss James “Mori” Moriarty—meet. A murder will bring them together. The truth very well might drive them apart.
Before they were mortal enemies, they were much more…
While Lock & Mori certainly isn’t conventional, author Heather W. Petty follows the longstanding tradition of reinterpreting the literary classic by Arthur Conan Doyle. His stories have inspired many, who have reinterpreted the famous Sherlock Holmes for almost 100 years! The brilliant detective has been well-loved by many since his first appearance in A Study in Scarlet, but his creator grew tired of the character, and tried to kill him off. But his avid readers (including his mother!) were so upset that Doyle brought Holmes back, and went on to write 56 short stories and four novels.
Petty does a fantastic job of balancing these two characters, making Mori just as relatable and sympathetic as her male counterpart, and the contemporary twist on Doyle’s stories makes for a compelling mystery. This is certainly not the first (or last) Sherlock retelling set in modern times, or with a gender-swapped character, but it’s one of my favorites! PLUS, it’s available as a free read through July 17 so you can start reading right now! If you still aren’t convinced, check out these 5 Reasons to Read Lock & Mori.
So after you finish reading Lock & Mori, what will be the next Sherlock story you try? Below is a list giving you the best of the best, so you can join the millions of fans who have devoted themselves to the self-proclaimed “world’s first consulting detective.”
You know what every Sherlock adaptation needs? Lucy Liu. Especially Lucy Liu playing a no-nonsense brilliant Watson who is able to pick herself up from the ashes of her career as a surgeon. Natalie Dormer also graces the screen with her presence as Sherlock’s greatest adversary, Moriarty. None of the women in Sherlock’s life are willing to overlook the recovering addict’s…idiosyncrasies, which is what makes this a fresh look on these classic characters. Plus it takes place in New York City! There was a scary moment where it seemed it might be cancelled, but it was thankfully renewed for another season!
Another great TV show, gone before it was truly appreciated by the world. Sean is a very attentive wise guy who fakes psychic abilities in order to solve crimes for his hometown’s police department, dragging along his Type A best friend Gus along for the ride. It’s all the Sherlock and Watson crime-solving antics with a lot less Man Pain™!
Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. Nuff said.
I love this adaptation because it gives us more of Holmes and Watson’s vices, not just their virtues. And while Sherlock is a thoughtful and methodical person, we get to see how his mental brilliance translates into movement, in really awesome fight scenes. And who could hate Jude Law and RDJ cahooting around Europe for two hours??
Was your childhood complete if you haven’t seen it? Mine wasn’t, until a sleepover in 10th grade rectified this egregious error.
Dr. House’s character was inspired by Sherlock Holmes for this Emmy-winning medical drama. An expert in his field and socially incompetent, House also has a long-suffering friend and colleague, Wilson.
As you will see in Such A Good Girl by Amanda K. Morgan, nothing will keep you turning page after page quite like a protagonist who doesn’t tell you their whole story. Riley Stone seems perfect on the outside, but as you discover more about her and her nonnegotiable plans to keep things that way, you see that she’s not as good as she claims. Riley is single-minded and determined, and her ability to rationalize her actions puts her solidly on my list of favorite unreliable narrators. And the thing is, you’ll find yourself liking her for it. As you read, you’ll find out she isn’t such a “good girl,” and you’ll realize that you don’t quite mind that.
There’s definitely a trend lately that has caused us to reexamine the so-called villains of stories (Maleficent for example). Their pasts have been unfolded and dissected, the tragic backstories presented to better understand their diabolical motives, often in the hopes that they will spend the rest of their story redeeming themselves in the eyes of the hero.
BUT WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO BEING EVIL JUST BECAUSE?? I miss the good ol’ days of sociopaths with too much money, power, charisma, or even better—a perfect combination of the three.
Nothing is more fun than a villain who likes doing bad things for the sake of it. Someone who enjoys the power that comes with being able to manipulate situations and coem out on top. Naturally, I had to list the chaotic evil masterminds that have a special place in my heart. And if you think about them, I bet you’ll agree with me. Sometimes you have to appreciate the pure ruthlessness and evil that comes from a great villainous character. So, from Dolores Umbridge to Cruella de Vil, here are some of my favorite evildoers.
Professor Umbridge is the villain everyone loves to hate. She genuinely gets joy out of causing children misery and that’s just plain wrong…but it makes for a fantastic villain. In some ways, Dolores is worse than Voldemort. Voldemort, at least, has a rhyme and a reason to his evildoing. Dolores is the Harry Potter equivalent to the Joker. She makes children suffer just for the fun of it and just because she can.
Azula, from Avatar: the Last AirBender, is the Princess of Sadism herself. She’s the prodigy and favorite of her father, the Fire Lord, and lives up to her predecessors’ legacy of cruelty and barbarism in the name of her nation’s expansionist motives in the Four Kingdoms. Azula demands perfection from all who serve her, which in her opinion is everyone, and you do not what to be on the wrong end of her lightening attacks.
Yzma from The Emperor’s New Groove is the first one that comes to mind, she’s hilarious, ruthless and turns into a cat. She goes after what she wants without any hesitation. Can you really blame her for wanting lazy Kuzco off the throne? Plus, she says “Pull the lever Kronk!” And let’s not forget her cruelest moment….
Loki is such a deliciously complicated character. He’s the trickster god—his job is literally to mess you up. But the beginning of his slippery slope into muckery is not without reason. When he discovers he’s been deeply, truly wronged, Asgard help the target of his vindictive brilliance.
Anton Chigurh may not be the most recognizable name on this baddies list, but his haircut definitely is. This mysterious hit man terrorized us in Cormac McCarthy’s No Country for Old Men, and was brought to the big screen by the always fantastic Javier Bardem. More than simply a silent assassin, he takes pointed pleasure in his ability to outsmart and out-chase both his targets and his completion, using any weapon at his disposal—most memorably a captive bolt pistol, or cattle gun. Driven by a singular purpose of completing his task and swayed only by the outcome of a coin flip, he is a spine chilling embodiment of death, and my favorite villain.
President Snow from The Hunger Games is just diabolical. There is nothing he won’t do for power and he has absolutely no remorse for any of his actions. There’s a certain level of awe you have to have when reading about someone who will go through such measures to get to where they want to be. He’s poisoned himself, killed anyone who stood in his way, and put his body through the ringer. He’s so ruthless he’s barely human.
Carsei from Game of Thrones is understandably evil. Most of what she does is to gain political power, to protect her family, or for love. There’s a level of respect you have to have for someone who is that ruthless for such relatable reasons. I think a lot of people would do pretty much anything for the people they care about most. Also, there aren’t enough portrayals of evil women with political goals and aspirations. Female villains tend to be women scorned or looking for revenge. There’s something refreshing about a ruthless woman who’s ruthless of her own volition, and not because someone has pushed her there.
Let’s be real, Cruella is the ultimate villain. She wants to kill PUPPIES. If that’s not the ultimate in ruthlessness I don’t know what is. And yet, you can kind of understand her motives, because she’s doing it for fashion. It’s her passion. It’s her art! Yes, she could probably get a great looking faux spotted coat, but that would be inauthentic. Still doesn’t make her any less evil, though.
Did I miss your favorite ruthless character? Let me know in the comments!
Mother’s Day was this past Sunday, so now that you’ve given her flowers, presents, and brunch (or breakfast in bed), it’s time to remember that pretty much every day should be mother’s day, because moms do so much and are often overlooked or misunderstood. I’ve decided to share my favorite YA moms with you, in the hopes that in seeing the strength of these fictional moms, you’ll take a better look at the strength present in your real mom(s). It took longer than I would have liked to find the right ladies for this list, as it’s easier to find bad parents, or no parents at all in teen lit. But for all the absentee parenting I’ve read, there are some real titans of motherhood to celebrate in literature. In honor of all the amazing moms out there, take a look at the list below!
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In Honor by Jessi Kirby, is an uplifting story about healing. Three days after learning of her brother Finn’s death, Honor receives his last letter from Iraq. Devastated, she interprets his note as a final request and spontaneously sets off on a road trip to California to fulfill it. Joining her is Rusty, Finn’s former best friend and Honor’s former crush. There are twists and turns on the road, and sparks fly between Honor and Rusty. Their journey allows them both to mourn, celebrate, and share parts of Finn’s life with one another, and at the end, find peace in what life has in store for them without Finn.
One thing I really enjoyed about this story was the setting. Road trips are great, but a road trip through Texas is its own brand of special. It’s a state with a huge personality, and not without reason. As the largest continental state, it is about 800 miles wide. So speed limits permitting, it takes a tight 12 hours to drive east to west without stopping. A state this huge has something for everyone. If you’re eager to put pedal to metal and explore this amazing state, check out the list below. And don’t forget to check out In Honor, one of current featured reads available until May 22!
Fun Fact: Texas is the only state in the country to have ever been its own country, which means they are also the only state that can fly the state flag at the same height as the American flag. The Republic of Texas had a good ten-year run back in the 1800s, and they certainly wanted any and everyone to know when they were in sovereign territory. This is a great place to start off your trip!
I usually think of Texas weather as dusty and dry, but its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico makes Houston a swampy city. It boasts many sites of varying beauty and historical value, but when put to a poll (asking my Texan pals), Hermann Park was the place to visit on everyone’s list. Strategically located on McGovern Lake, the 445 acre park includes a golf course, zoo, and a two-mile train track for the Hermann Park railroad. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic, a quick exploration of the 10,000 species of flora, or a train ride to Destination Mound Town, an underground mural.
As the first city to create the Keep Weird slogan, there are a lot of activities to choose from. But this construction project once destined to be a condo has become a pillar of the artistic community. Since 2011, street artists and muralists have kept the walls of this gallery alive with new art, and the surrounding grassy area is perfect for sitting back with a Topo Chico and food truck tacos.
According to their mission statement, the Cowgirl Hall of Fame “celebrates women, past and present, whose lives exemplify the courage, resilience, and independence that helped shape the American West.” What other museum could unite Sandra Day O’Connor, Annie Oakley, and Sacagawea?
Pawnee isn’t the only town that really loves its ponies. After seeing the Alamo or the Natural Bridge Caverns, stop by this homage to a true Texas hero, Pat the Horse. After coming to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio in 1912, the young brown thoroughbred known as Pat soon became a favorite for the military men to practice training drills and maneuvers. This dedicated affection eventually saved Pat from suffering the same fate as many of the cavalry horses, many of which were stripped of their military ranking and sentenced to death when the army began disposing of its cavalry horses.
This is Texas’s oldest operating dance hall! Gruene, Texas is an adorable tiny town with a few restaurants and shops to poke around in, but the real gem is this rustic concert hall that has kept most of its original layout with side flaps (so you can line dance in and outside), a small lighted stage (for acts that range from Willie Nelson to their monthly Gospel Brunch), and a huge outdoor garden. Gruene is a relatively short drive between Houston and Austin, makes it an easy stop as you speed across the interstate.
The weather in Texas is always hot, hotter, and sidewalk-melting-can’t-quite-breathe-forget-the-egg-and-take-out-the-bacon hottest. And while the dusty, tumbleweeded roads of West Texas aren’t the usual place I’d recommend for cooling off, Balmorhea State Park makes it worth the trip for its enormous spring-fed swimming pool. If your fingers start to prune before you’re ready to leave, you can get your ornithology on or visit the nearby ciénegas, a kind of wetland only seen in the American Southwest.
Marfa might be the most purposefully weird and artsy town in Texas (sorry, Austin). It’s definitely worth the detour for the ‘grammable moment in front of this Prada storefront.
If you want to skip the Grand Canyon, the Palo Duro Canyon in the aptly named Canyon, Texas has stunning views, and plenty of chances for camping under the stars.
Don’t act like you don’t want to go.
If you need this Texas staple on-the-go, stop by Bedroll Pecan Farm to see the world’s one and only pecan pie vending machine!
Did I miss your favorite Texas attractions? Let me know in the comments!
