Must Read in 2015: Year End Update

Posted on December 30, 2015 by carriegelson

Last January, I had 24 titles on my #MustReadin2015 list and lots of reading ambition!

must read in 2015 Must Read in 2015: Year End Update

During 2015, I was able to complete 18 titles from the list. As the end of the month neared I had mixed feelings about this. First I felt reader guilt or book list pressure or some such anxiety. But then I relaxed. I read 75% of my list. 18 titles that had special place for in my reading life. I liked them all. Some, I loved. Some of these I might have forgotten about and the list guaranteed I didn’t.

The six titles I didn’t get to? They aren’t going anywhere. And, I will get to them if the reading stars align. Some I had on my shelf from the library and then had to return because they were requested. Some I wasn’t in the mood for at the particular time I planned to read them. A few I am saving for a different time.

The thing about reading any book? The experience leads somewhere interesting. New thoughts, new books, new ideas. All worth it. The joy of reading is endless!

Some highlights from my list?

I am going to share reading experiences rather than book summaries. If I have read the book, there will be comments or reviews somewhere on this blog.

Reading Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell introduced me to a new to me writer and I went on to read Cartwheeling in Thunderstorms and The Wolf Wilder. All three – fantastic books! I now have a new can’t miss author.

Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell Must Read in 2015: Year End Update

I was blessed to read Jack by Liesl Shurliff aloud to my class from last year – the year before we read Rump. When the students found out that Liesl had 2 more books coming following Rump,their initial excitement turned to despair. “But we won’t get to read them together!” Reading Jack with the same group of students was such a pleasure. As links between the stories occurred, eyes lit up and smiles erupted.

Jack by Liesl Shurtliff Must Read in 2015: Year End Update

Some of these titles are attached to particular holiday memories. I read some during the early morning hours of vacations while the rest of the house slept. I look at some of these titles and I can recall being teary, fearful, relieved or just plain comforted about human kind.

I found some favourite characters that have stuck with me.

Albert from Fish in a Tree written by Lynda Mullaly Hunt He is the kind of understated hero everyone needs to know.

The boys and the Dads from The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher by Dana Alison Levy. I loved the beautiful, messy, busy, loving family vibe.

Benjamin in Death by Toilet Paper by Donna Gephart I couldn’t sleep worrying about this guy. Such a book.

I thought about making my list smaller for 2016. Wouldn’t that mean I would have a better chance of completing the list? Maybe. But then I decided that I needed wiggle room. Room for “in the mood” choices. Room to be led in other directions. My list for 2016 is likely going to be 30 titles long and I’m aiming to read most of them. And I can already guarantee that that is going to be absolutely okay. 🙂

Want to know more about #MustReadin2015? Read here This post also includes links to all of the bloggers who wrote Must Read in 2015 lists.

Thinking about joining us for 2016? Please do! Make a list and read some, none or all of the titles on it. Reading is amazing but reading plans are pretty wonderful too! Just reading all of the lists is a great reason to pour a big cup of coffee and do some book dreaming!

We will be sharing lists beginning January 5th 2016! Please join in using the hashtag #mustreadin2016 or by leaving me a comment on this blog.

Must Read in 2015: Fall Update

Posted on September 2, 2015 by carriegelson

Summer reading is over and fall is here! How have you been doing on your #MustReadin2015 list? Progress? Ready to dive back in this fall? it’s time to share!

My #MustReadin2015 list has 24 titles on it and I have completed sixteen and have just started another title. So, slowly, but surely, making progress. I often get distracted by other books but when I do read a title from this list, I am always reminded of all of the good reasons I placed it on the list in the first place.

Here are the titles I have completed since our last update:

Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

The courage of a student, the compassion of a teacher, the celebration of spirit. Loved this little gem of a book. And a big shout out to the character of Albert – you are my kind of super hero! How wonderful that this will be a Global Read Aloud selection this fall!

The Penderwicks in Spring by Jeanne Birdsall

Reading about the Penderwicks is soothing. It’s celebratory. It is like coming home after a long trip and being absolutely charmed by the known, the ordinary, the nuances of family. I love every little detail on every page. If you too are a Penderwicks fan, then story details don’t matter, reuniting with these characters is as wonderful as you hoped it might be.

Lost in the Sun written by Lisa Graff

What a concept for a book. What is life after you accidentally kill someone? (freak accident) Now there is a big question! Somehow, this title answers it. A book about a young boy lost. Dealing with family. Making friends. Being really angry. Moving on.

Death by Toilet Paper by Donna Gephart

From the title and the cover, one would think this is a light hearted novel. There is humour but it is full of emotions. In fact, I woke up early one morning worried about the character and had to finish the book to make sure all was okay. What do you do when you are twelve, you have lost your Dad and money is an issue? This title explores this reality in creative, but always authentic and sensitive ways. Fantastic characters and family dynamics.

If you have been participating in #MustReadin2015 and written an update post, please share using the #MustReadin2015 hashtag! I know we just shared in July – so if anyone just wants to check in via twitter, that’s wonderful!

Want to know more about #MustReadin2015? Read here This post also includes links to all of the bloggers who wrote Must Read in 2015 lists.

We will share our progress on our year with these lists around about December 31st.

Happy reading everyone!

Must Read in 2015: Summer Update

Posted on July 1, 2015 by carriegelson

Summer reading is here! How have you been doing on your #MustReadin2015 list? Progress? Ready to dive back in this summer? it’s time to share!

My #MustReadin2015 list has 24 titles on it and I have completed twelve. Exactly half and a summer of reading ahead! Numerous titles on my list are currently packed with me on a trip where I plan to read a lot! So I am hoping to complete two or three more titles from my list this week.

Sometimes I look at this list and worry that I won’t get to these titles but honestly, every time I complete a novel from this list I revisit my original reasons for including it back in December and am so glad these titles on my TBR list have that special Must Read status!

The novels I have read since our spring update:

Bone Gap by Laura Ruby

There is reason for all of the raving about this YA title. The characters are so very unique – different, mysterious but so very appealing. The story is full of intrigue, suspense, mystery and magic. It is haunting and sad yet full of hope and transformation. It is one of those books that must be experienced and the less you read about it in advance, the better because each surprise, each “around the corner” is so delicious.

Jack by Liesl Shurtliff

We finished this book on the very last day of school. The best response, “This book was so perfect because it had more than one happy ending!” We loved how Jack tied to Rump in such unexpected ways. Another fantastic read aloud by Shurtliff! Can’t wait for Red!

The Meaning of Maggie by Megan Jean Sovern

Whoa Maggie. What a girl you are. Voice bellows from the pages. What a family. So much that is challenging. Not much that is perfect. So very endearing. A fantastic book about family.

Blackbird Fly by Erin Entrada Kelly

Early on I wasn’t so sure about this novel. There was nasty middle grade interactions that made me absolutely cringe. Cruelty, insensitivity, racism. Miserable stuff. But midway through, I began to love the friendship developing between Apple and Evan. Evan is a kid I wish existed in every school – so many young people need him to help navigate the social world that can be so cruel. He approaches it with wise perspective and personal strength. He’s just plain smart and really right on so many levels. I look forward to more books from this debut author.

The Shadowhand Convenant by Brian Farrey

I read this title aloud to my children. We read the first in the trilogy about a year ago and were completely captured by these unique characters in such a fresh fantasy story. This story continued to keep us guessing right until the last pages.

If you have been participating in #MustReadin2015 and written an update post, please share using the #MustReadin2015 hashtag!

Want to know more about #MustReadin2015? Read here This post also includes links to all of the bloggers who wrote Must Read in 2015 lists.

And now for a confession and an apology.

Confession: I have messed up a little with these update dates. Originally, I had planned 3 updates and somehow, I looked at 2014’s schedule and got back to four updates. Call it over eager. Mostly, it is about busy and not checking carefully and actually creating more posts not less! So I apologize if you weren’t planning to update until September. I will still host an update as originally planned on September 3rd. As always, update posts are purely optional – it is fun to see how people are doing with their lists and what books they are loving. Join in if you would like 🙂

Apology: I can’t create a link up for leaving post links below as I am away and staying at a hotel with terrible internet access that keeps kicking me off. Thankfully I had prewritten most of this post earlier! Please leave links below in the comment section

Happy Reading to everyone! Crossing titles off a list or making choices as the mood hits – it’s all reading! Enjoy!

Must Read in 2015: Spring Update

Posted on April 1, 2015 by carriegelson

It’s time for our first #MustReadin2015 update! How are you doing with your list? Progress? Or have other titles called louder? Sometimes that is the way . . . 🙂

My #MustReadin2015 list has 24 titles on it and I have completed seven. I am also almost finished an eighth. That puts me pretty much on track considering I’ve completed about 1/3 of my list at 3 months into the year. My #mustreadin2015 titles account for about half of my novel reading so I am proud of how well I have stuck to the list. At least, so far!

The novels I have read:

Glory O’Brien’s History of the Future by A.S. King

Everything A.S. King writes is so unique and makes me more of a fan. This is a wild ride. Glory O’Brien has some voice.

100 Sideways Miles by Andrew Smith

Smith writes such incredible young male characters. Likeable, honest, and vulnerable. They are stubborn. Questioning. Navigating the challenges of teeenage times. Boys who don’t need to be perfect. Who are figuring it out. Who get much of it wrong but some of it really right.

How to Outrun a Crocodile when Your Shoes are Untied by Jess Keating

Captures the intensity of this middle school age – the navigating the social world, the figuring out of who one is with lots of humour, surprises, embarrassment and joy. As my daughter, who happens to be 12, and have a twin brother, said “this book is so real.” Ana is a character you will want to keep reading. I will definitely be picking up Jess Keating’s next novel and soon!

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Lots of love. Lots of pain. Grief and mourning muddled up with falling in love and living. Some stop you in your tracks images and lines. Wow. After reading Nelson’s I’ll Give you the Sun, I couldn’t wait to get to this book.

The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher by Dana Alison Levy

I loved every member of this wonderful family. I rooted for each of them, celebrated them, smiled so big it hurt my cheeks. This is what family is. Loved the noisy, messy mumble jumble of every day love and family connection explored in this book. A happy, hilarious MG read.

Arcady’s Goal by Eugene Yelchin

A book you can pick up and read in one sitting. But images will follow you around for days. Reminds us how cruel or kind a community can be. This is the second Yelchin noveil I have devoured. I am definitely a fan.

Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell

An absolutely lovely middle grade read. Full of imagination, hope, courage and the magic of the unnoticed. I think this might be a future student book club selection for us.

Up next on my list? My children and I are reading The Shadowhand Covenant (Book Two of the Vengekeep Prophecies) by Brian Farrey. I hope we finish it this weekend and then we will begin Mark of the Thief by Jennifer A. Nielsen. For my personal reading, next on my list will likely be Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt (I just bought this title with a Christmas gift card!) or The Meaning of Maggie by Megan Jean Sovern (just picked up at the library).

If you have been participating in #MustReadin2015 and written an update post, please share using the #MustReadin2015 hashtag!

Want to know more about #MustReadin2015? Read here This post also includes links to all of the bloggers who wrote Must Read lists.

Next update will be on or about July 1st 2015! We are thinking of doing a twitter chat at this time to share favourite titles. Anyone interested? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

#MustReadin2015

Posted on January 3, 2015 by carriegelson

For anyone out there with a To Be Read list that seems like it will never end, this challenge is for you! This is all about making your own personal list of books 5? 10? 20? 30? more? that you want to commit to reading in 2015. Books can be published in any year, be from any genre, and from any category -adult, YA, MG, Graphics, NF, etc titles. All that matters is that they are books you want to be sure not to forget as that TBR list continues to grow! These aren’t the only titles you will read over the year, but a list to help guide your reading.

If you would like to create and share a list, contact me on twitter or leave a link in the comments and I will add your list to the #MustReadin2015 lists below. Everyone is welcome! But be warned, reading other lists may grow your own! 🙂

If you want to use the image above in your sidebar, here is the image URL code: https://thereisabookforthat.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/must-read-2015-logo.jpg

Last year, the #MustReadin2014 community shared 4 updates – April 1st, July 1st, October 1st and a year end review to share our progress. I apologize for not hosting the year end review due to a nerve injury. Follow the links to check out the variety of update posts shared.

I thought this year, we would try for 3 updates. I am proposing 3 Thursdays: April 2nd, September 3rd and December 31st. Update posts are purely optional! They can take whatever format you wish: highlighting your favourites, reasons for not reading, simply a list of what you have read, etc.

I managed to finish 25/30 titles on my #MustReadin2014 list

So ready to check out some great lists?

Mine is here: Must Read Novels of 2015

Holly Mueller updates her #MustReadin2014 list and shares her new one here: #MustReadin2015

Michele Knott shares her comprehensive list here: #mustreadin2015

Elisabeth Ellington shares her 2015 reading challenges and #MustReadin2015 list here

Niki Barnes shares her list here: Must Read and Nerdlution 2015

Kara DiBartolo shares her list here: #Nerdulution15

Maria Selke has a long list (with lots of variety): Must Read in 2015

Linda Baie titled her list Must Reads- Books Needing Love – 2015 🙂

Leigh Anne Eck shares her list here: Must Read in 2015

Michelle Simpson has 25 titles on her list: My Must Reads in 2015

Myra from Gathering Books shares a sample of her reading list for 2015 in her post about Reading Challenges

Earl Dizon has an ambitious list of 52 titles to read! His list is here: To Be Read in 2015

Crystal Brunelle provides a link to her Goodreads #MustReadin2015 shelf in this post: New Year: New Goals

Ann King shares her list (that she agonized over – it’s a great one Ann!): Must Read in 2015: Finally, Commitment

Stacey shares her #MustReadin2014 update and a fantastic list for 2015: Must Read in 2014 Final Update & Must Read in 2015

Cheriee Weichel, lovely Teacher Librarian, lovelier still, because she is my children’s Teacher Librarian, shares her list here: My 2015 Must Read Books

Hannahlily Angus shares her fantastic list of 45 titles: Must Read in 2015

Lorna Wheaton has great variety on her list here: My Must Read Books in 2015

Two lists in one! Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers share their Must Read in 2015 lists

Julie aka The Fun Librarian shares her varied list here: #MustReadin2015

Susan Verdi joins in the #MustReadin2015 fun! Her list is here: #MustReadin2015

Virginia Pratt shares her list here: Reading Challenges & #MustReadsof2015

Must Read Novels of 2015

Posted on January 3, 2015 by carriegelson

Lots of book love.

So many books.

No ability to slow down time.

These are the things I know to be true. This list allows me to keep track of the titles I don’t want to miss or forget about when I hear about the latest and greatest titles being talked about. I belong to wonderful book loving communities – I am always hearing about incredible books.

This year I am keeping this list at 24 and trying to read them all. Of course, I plan to read many more books over the year. This will be 24 of what I hope will be at least 80 novels in total.

I chose these titles for a variety of reasons: they are written by beloved authors, they are next in a series I like, I have seen my #nerdybookclub and #IMWAYR friends give them high praise, etc. Many good reasons leads to a fantastic #MustReadin2015 list!

To read more about the challenge and add your list, read here: #MustReadin2015

Shared alphabetically by author.

The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp by Kathi Appelt (Read December 21st 2015 4/5 stars)

~~The Penderwicks in Spring by Jeanne Birdsall~~ (Read July 3rd 2015 5/5 stars)

Stella by Starlight by ~~Sharon M. Draper~~ (Read December 24th 2015 4/5 stars)

~~The Shadowhand Covenant by Brian Farrey~~ (this will be a family read aloud) (Read May 11th 2015 4/5 stars)

~~Death by Toilet Paper by Donna Gephart~~ (Read August 27th 2015 5/5 stars)

~~Lost in the Sun by Lisa Graff~~ (Read July 12th 2015 4/5 stars)

Fish in a Tree by ~~Lynda Mullaly Hunt~~ (Read July 1st 2015 5/5 stars)

~~How to Outrun a Crocodile when Your Shoes are Untied by Jess Keating~~ (Read January 11th 2015 4/5 stars)

~~Blackbird Fly by Erin Entrada Kelly~~ (Read May 31st 2015 4/5 stars)

~~Glory O’Brien’s History of the Future by A.S. King~~ (Read January 3rd 2015 5/5 stars)

~~The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher by Dana Alison Levy~~ (Read February 8th 2015 5/5 stars)

Egg & Spoon by Gregory Maguire

~~The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson~~ (Read January 25th 2015 5/5 stars)

Mark of the Thief by Jennifer A. Nielsen (this will be a family read aloud)

West of the Moon by Margi Preus

Blue Birds by Caroline Starr Rose

~~Bone Gap by Laura Ruby~~ (Read April 25th 2015 5/5 stars)

~~Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell~~ (Read March 14th 2015 5/5 stars)

The Way to Stay in Destiny by Augusta Scattergood

Jack by Liesl Shurtliff (this will be a classroom read aloud) (Read June 24th 6th 2015 5/5 stars)

100 Sideways Miles by Andrew Smith (Read January 6th 2015 5/5 stars)

~~The Meaning of Maggie by Megan Jean Sovern~~ (Read April 7th 2015 5/5 stars)

The Whisper by Aaron Starmer

Arcady’s Goal by ~~Eugene Yelchin~~ (Read March13th 2015 5/5 stars)

What novels are at the top of your TBR list? Please share!

Fall Update: #MustReadin2014

Posted on October 13, 2014 by carriegelson

I have been sitting at 20/30 titles read on my #MustReadin2014 list for so long that I thought I had read nothing since the summer update in July. This morning I finished a book on the list which brings me to 21/30 titles read so I thought, hurrah! I can list one book. But then I realized I have actually read four novels from this list. Wow!

What have I read since the beginning of July?

Cress (Lunar Chronicles #3) by Marissa Meyer (Read July 5th, 2014) YA novel 4 stars

I am fully captivated by these Lunar Chronicles stories even though I never thought I was going to be. I read Cinder on a whim and was hooked. I particularly love how all of the characters from previous books still play starring roles in the ongoing storylines. Dramatic, suspenseful, interesting characters. Great YA fantasy!

The Summer of Letting Go by Gae Polisner (Read July 15th, 2014) YA novel 5 stars

Should have been just so sad but somehow this title was light and full of hope. Truly beautifully done -this is the YA fiction I want my daughter to read as a teen. Easily one of my favourite YA titles of 2014. I loved the vulnerability in the characters, the exploration of grief, the superb writing and of course, little Frankie Sky.

We were Liars by E. Lockhart (Read July 15th, 2014) YA novel 5 stars

Eerie. Haunting. Painful. Beautiful. Captures family dynamics – holding these messy aspects up in all of their raw and real glory. If you have read this book, you know, it isn’t possible to write details that aren’t spoilers.

After Iris by Natasha Farrant (Read October 13th, 2014) MG novel 5 stars

I so loved this book – I am a fan of the chaos, eccentricities and love in this Gadsby family. But whoa, these parents . . . I gave my children extra attentive hugs today in response!

@NatashaFarrant1 Sigh I just finished your beautiful book. Feel like bustling my family away to a holiday house, beach walking & eating pie

— Carrie Gelson (@CarrieGelson) October 13, 2014

How is your To Be Read list treating you? I am excited still to tackle the rest of my list while I still do other reading. However, I can already predict that I might not get to two titles on my list. One, because I just can’t lay hands on it. And the other? Every time I do pick it up from the library, I end up returning it unread. Hmm . . . But I won’t call it yet.

I think it is interesting that certain books call to us at certain times. Some of my #MustReadin2014 titles sit on my bookshelf staring at me and I keep passing them by and reach for other books. It’s not that I don’t want to read them. I just don’t want to read them now. And then the mood hits . . . 🙂

If you have been participating in #MustReadin2014 and written an update post, link up below and share on twitter using the #MustReadin2014 hashtag! Please note that you need to click on the link below and it will take you to another page.

Want to know more about #MustReadin2014? Read here This post also includes links to all of the bloggers who wrote Must Read lists.

Must Read Titles in 2014: Summer Update

Posted on June 30, 2014 by carriegelson

As of April 1st 2014, I had read 13/30 of my #MustReadin2014 list Three months later, I have read about 20 novels but only four of them have been from my list. I am planning to remedy this during the summer and hope to enter the fall with just a handful of titles remaining. As of today though, I have read 17 titles. The first thirteen I discussed in my Spring Update post.

I know some people keep making their original lists longer. Instead, I have started a #MustReadin2015 draft list! That way, I can ensure I really do get to complete all thirty titles from my list without always getting distracted by new books. For everything I have read in terms of novels during 2014, see this list.

What have I read since April from my #mustreadin2014 list? These four titles (all well worth reading!):

Threatened by Eliot Schrefer (Read April 18th, 2014) Rating: 5/5 YA title

Set in the jungles of Gabon, this novel is about a boy and his relationships with chimpanzees. No doubt, there are messages of conservation that come through loud and clear. But this book is also about being alone, finding connection, chasing dreams and finding home.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie (Read April 20th, 2014) Rating: 5/5 YA title

All kinds of amazing. I loved pretty much everything about it. The characters. The honesty and vulnerability of the narrator. The family dynamics. The truths. The humour. Wow, wow, wow. READ this book, if you haven’t already!

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen Foxlee (Read May15th, 2014) Rating: 5/5 MG title

Vulnerable. Beautiful. Sad and full of grief while at the same time magical and full of hope. What a story.

Jinx’s Magic by Sage Blackwood (Read June 22nd, 2014) Rating: 4/5 MG title

Just plain awesome fantasy with a plucky character, plot twist and turns and a fascinating setting – the Urwarld forest. Full of humour, drama and great writing. I read this aloud to my children and we are all enchanted! Anxiously awaiting the next title: Jinx’s Fire.

I am currently part way through another title from my list: Cress (Lunar Chronicles #3) by Marissa Meyer

How is your To Be Read list treating you?

If you have been participating in #MustReadin2014 and written an update post, link up below and share on twitter using the #MustReadin2014 hashtag!

Want to know more about #MustReadin2014? Read here This post also includes links to all of the bloggers who wrote Must Read lists.

Must Read Titles in 2014: Spring Update

Posted on March 31, 2014 by carriegelson

My #MustReadin2014 list has 30 titles on it. As of today, I have read 13 of these books. Since I have read 26 novels so far in 2014, half of my reading has been from my #MustRead list. Sometimes these titles lead me off to read the rest of the series (after Legend I read Prodigy and Champion within weeks) or a sequel (after Better Nate than Ever, I read Five, Six, Seven, Nate!)

Here are the books I’ve read and the rating I gave them on Goodreads.

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell (Read January 3rd, 2014) Rating: 5/5

Legend by Marie Lu (Read January 7th, 2014) Rating: 4/5

Boy 21 by Matthew Quick (Read January 11th, 2014) Rating: 5/5

Forgive me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick (Read January 25th, 2014) Rating: 4/5

The Living by Matt de la Pena (Read January 31st, 2014) Rating: 4/5

Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo (Read February 15th, 2014) Rating: 5/5

Listening for Lucca by Suzanne Lafleur (Read February 23rd, 2014) Rating: 4/5

Small Medium at Large by Joanne Levy (Read March 6th, 2014) Rating: 4/5

Every Day After by Laura Golden (Read March 6th, 2014) Rating: 5/5

Better Nate than Ever by Tim Federle (Read March 19th, 2014) Rating: 5/5

The Boy on the Porch by Sharon Creech (Read March 20th, 2014) Rating: 5/5

Allegiant by Veronica Roth (Read March 23rd, 2014) Rating: 2/5

The Shadow Throne by Jennifer A. Nielsen (Read March 31st, 2014) Rating: 5/5

More details of my favourite 4 from this list:

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

If you are no longer 18 years old, you might forget that fact while reading this book. All the vulnerability, fear, brutal soul searching and life lessons will come hurtling back at you as you experience the characters of Fangirl. Rainbow Rowell writes characters that are all about raw and true. Brilliant.

Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo

I read this aloud to my children and we adored it. It is such a fantastic book to read aloud. We savoured the quirky, the hilarious and the eccentric. We smiled at the characters. We were lulled by the whimsy. And we were charmed by the brilliance of DiCamillo. 5 stars: all glowing and magical!

Better Nate than Ever by Tim Federle

Add me to the long list of readers who has been utterly charmed by the character Nate Foster. I loved his small town inexperience. His candor. His charm. The fact that he talks about his parent’s marriage problems, personal problems and parenting problems. I love that he talks about not knowing who he might like in the future and that he hasn’t got a gender all picked out yet. I love his friendship with his best friend. And then there is his audition. Okay, I basically just loved all of it. And I continued to love him in the sequel Five, Six, Seven, Nate!

The Shadow Throne by Jennifer A. Nielsen

I have had the pleasure of reading this entire trilogy to my children and this final book certainly did not disappoint. Adventure. Intrigue. Battles and Heroes. Everything a MG title needs to be fully engaging and engrossing! Highly recommend the entire trilogy if you haven’t read it yet.

Some things I’ve learned along the way:

Matthew Quick is a must read author!
Dystopian series go downhill fast or remain exciting throughout. If on book 2 you have figured out which of these categories you are reading, remember this and either jump ship or keep reading.
There are so many Middle Grade titles to be excited about!
I am so glad I made this list because it has ensured that I have discovered some favourites!

How is your To Be Read list treating you?

If you have been participating in #MustReadin2014 and written an update post, please share using the #MustReadin2014 hashtag!

Want to know more about #MustReadin2014? Read here This post also includes links to all of the bloggers who wrote Must Read lists.

#MustReadin2014

Posted on January 2, 2014 by carriegelson

For anyone out there with a To Be Read list that seems like it will never end, this challenge is for you! This is all about making your own personal list of books 5? 10? 20? 30? more?that you want to commit to reading in 2014. Books can be published in any year, be from any genre, and from any category -adult, YA, MG, Graphics, NF, etc titles. All that matters is that they are books you want to be sure not to forget as that TBR list continues to grow! These aren’t the only titles you will read over the year, but a list to help guide your reading.

Join Maria Selke from Maria’s Melange and myself to take part in the #MustReadin2014 challenge. Thank you to Linda Baie from Teacher Dance for joining us and creating a button and image for us to use!

Many of us began sharing using the #MustReadin2014 hashtag on twitter and in sharing our lists, we realized we were a little community of readers with a common goal – tackling the TBR list! Make a list on Goodreads or share titles in a blog post and include the titles you want to be sure to read in 2014. We will try and connect over the year through the twitter hashtag and likely through blog posts four times this year: April 1st, July 1st, October 1st and a year end review to share our progress.

These are the lists shared so far

Mine is here: My Must Read Novels of 2014

Maria Selke‘s list is here: Must Read in 2014: The Challenge Begins

Linda Baie shared her list here: Books I Must Read in 2014

Elisabeth Ellington shared here: #MustReadin2014

Lorna Wheaton‘s list is here: 2014 Reading Intentions

Leigh Ann Eck shared here: Check off your Reading List Challenge

Earl Dizon‘s list is here: Reading Challenges

Lauren Strohecker has a great list of 2014 books she wants to read here.

Christina Williams shared her list here: Must Read in 2014

Alyson Beecher‘s list is here: My Must Read in 2014 List

Hannahlily Angus shares her list: Must Read Titles of 2014

Julie from The Fun Librarian blog shared her list is here: Must Read in 2014

Holly Fairbrother shares her list: Must Reads for 2014

Julee Murphy lists her must read titles in this post: My Must Read List for 2014

Ann King shared her list here: Must Read in 2014

Crystal Brunelle shares her must read list from Goodreads here

Julieanne Harmatz shares her list here: #MustReadin2014

Margie Myers-Culver posts her list here: #MustReadin2014 This is an interesting list put together using Pixie Clip (Virtual Post it Boards) Margie explains how to do this in her post!

Adrienne Gear shares her list: #MustReadin2014

Michele Knott has a brand new blog and here is her post: My #MustReadin2014

Holly Mueller shares her list here: #MustReadin2014

Gigi McAllister added her list: My Must Read in 2014

Stacey H. shares her list here: Must Read in 2014

Tricia Barton shares a number of middle grade must read titles: #MustReadin2014

Megan Ginther shares her list here: Must Read in 2014

Jen Hong added her list: Must Read Books 2014

Cheriee Weichel shares her list here: Must Read in 2014

Please contact me via twitter or leave a comment and I will add your list if you would like to participate! Everyone is welcome! But be warned, reading other lists may grow your own! 🙂

Gathering Books has a Check Off Your Reading List Challenge you can learn more about here. All the wonderful ways to be part of a community of avid readers! Read Myra’s post here to discover how we are all beautifully connected!