2. Fat Cat by Robin Brande -- Amazing characters, interesting plotline. A very unique self-transformation story. I LOVED this book, and I’m always so surprised not more people are talking about it.
3. Little Brother by Cory Doctorow -- This book is pretty well-known, but among most typical YA book bloggers? I don’t think it is. Now, this book blew my mind. This book is rare for me in that I didn’t like it because of the characters. It’s not even the plot necessarily. It’s the subject matter. It’s important, relevant, truthful, etc. Just absolutely intriguing, and I think everyone should read it.
4. North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley -- I’ve seen this book on a lot of awards lists, but I’m always surprised by the amount of people who say “Oh yah, I’ve been meaning to read that.” Well, you should read it! It’s so beautifully written, has amazing characters… will make me laugh, cry, want to scream. I love all the motifs in it, as well.
5. If You Come Softly by Jacqueline Woodson -- This book made me sob my eyes out the first time I read it, yet I’ve re-read a couple times since then. I don’t know what it is about it. I think it’s just the heartwrenching honesty, the innocent and truthful love story… and the issue of race relations. I just can’t believe people hold so much hate in their hearts.
6. Stork by Wendy Delsol -- I admit I’m a bit late to the bandwagon for this one. I just recently read ‘Stork’ before reading its sequel ‘Frost’ (out this fall from Candlewick). I’m so shocked more people haven’t reviewed it! What an interesting and unique take on the typical mythology/paranormal book. You definitely want to be reading this one. The main character is pretty kick butt and her love interest? Ooer. Hot nice guy alert!
7. Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly -- Beautiful and emotionally honest is how I described this book when I finished reading it. I just found the writing to be lovely, and the characters were great. Drea’s voice just totally spoke to me. Who hasn’t questioned certain social norms before? I haven’t read too many books with characters who have Aspberger’s, so I found this one really interesting.
8. The Geek Girl’s Guide to Cheerleading by Charity Tahmaseb & Darcy Vance -- Super fun and cute contemp with a great romance. They take on some typical tropes of the high school novel, turning them on their heads a bit. It’s just a smart and funny read, and I’m surprised more people haven’t read it!
9. Same Difference by Siobhan Vivian -- A book about searching for your true self. A very realistic look at being caught between two worlds. Really lovely writing style.
10. Amazing Grace by Megan Shull -- This book is just so cute! A really sweet romance. Grace is a really famous tennis star, but she decides she’s had it with all the press and the lifestyle. She assumes a different identity in Alaska where she meets a very cute boy.
I chose to list some books that are perhaps more "unknown" than "underrated", and I can't wait to see what everyone else has chosen to list in these categories. Hopefully I'll find some great new books for my TBR pile!
I've never read these. Taking note of your wonderful list :)
ReplyDeleteI really liked Little Brother for its message too! It was my White Pine pick when it was nominated... there was no way I couldn't NOT vote for it. I recognize a few other novels that you've picked, but I haven't read them, sadly...
ReplyDeleteWow, these books really are underrated because I haven't heard of any of them! Thanks for bringing my attention to them. If only all books got the credit they deserve.
ReplyDeleteGreat choices. Some of these, I've seen on other blogs as well!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any other these..major fail on my part!
ReplyDeleteFail. I haven't read any of those! I've heard amazing things about Stork though, so I do want to get my hands on that one:) I need to make a dent in your list Ashley!
ReplyDeleteNorth of Beautiful and Little Brother are two of my fave YA novels. I've never heard of Amazing Grace or If You Come Softly before so they're definitely going to the to-read list. Great choices!
ReplyDeleteHere's my Top Ten: http://bit.ly/qqOf7F
I've seen North of Beautiful on a couple of lists. I'll definitely check it out!
ReplyDeleteCheck out my Top 10!
I agree with you about Little Brother. I wish I could figure out a way to get everyone to read it so we could start a national dialogue about Cyber-safety. Here's my list:
ReplyDeleteAnne
My Head is Full of Books
I haven't read any of these but I have a couple of them on my bookshelf! Will have to get to them! Thanks for the comment on my blog :)
ReplyDeleteChloe
YA Booklover Blog
I haven't read any of these, though I have heard of some. I've heard some pretty good things about Little Brother. Thanks for putting the rest on my radar, Ashley!
ReplyDeleteI will have to take your word on these underrated books since I haven't read any on your list.
ReplyDeleteWhile I haven't read many of those I loved HARMONIC FEEDBACK! Holy cow, that was so good. Great list -- now I have even MORE books to read!
ReplyDeleteMary @ BookSwarm
North of Beautiful is one I've seen on several lists. Okay. Off to add it to my wishlist!
ReplyDeleteHere's my Top Ten post for this week: Top Ten Underappreciated Books
And don't forget to stop in and sign up to win in the Readerbuzz August Giveaway!
We share a mutual love of North Of Beautiful, I'm excited to see it on so many lists today.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes to Fat Cat. One of my fav books.
ReplyDeleteOh, my God. I haven't read ANY of these! Sheesh! OK, adding them to my "to-read" list ASAP!
ReplyDeleteCarpe Diem!! OHMYGOSH that scene in the bathroom with the bottle of pee? I still remember it and it's been years, that book is hilarious :) And I so, so, SO adored North of Beautiful, fantastic pick (and Jacob! <3) Awesome list here, a bunch are on my wishlist!
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