I love everything about my library . . . the way the adult section's shelves are so tall you can get lost in them, the happy buzz that seems to radiate off readers, the cozy couch in the nonfiction section, the colorful magazine rack . . .
What? Did you just call me a book nerd? Why, yes, yes I am.
I decided to do a "library haul" post this week, where I basically show you a few of the books I checked out and why I chose them. (You will quickly discover that I am a sucker for pretty covers.) I love finding new books and delving into new worlds, and I hope that from reading this post, you find a new read too!
Book #1: I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo
Description from Amazon:
"Desi Lee believes anything is possible if you have a plan. That's how she became student body president. Varsity soccer star. And it's how she'll get into Stanford. But she's never had a boyfriend. In fact, she's a disaster at romance, a clumsy, stammering humiliation magnet whose botched attempts at flirting have become legendary with her friends. So when the hottest human specimen to have ever lived walks into her life one day, Desi finds guidance in the Korean dramas her father has been obsessively watching for years―where the hapless heroine always seems to end up in the arms of her true love by episode ten. It's a simple formula, and Desi is a quick study. Armed with her "K Drama Steps to True Love," Desi goes after the moody, elusive artist Luca Drakos―and boat rescues, love triangles, and staged car crashes ensue. But when the fun and games turn to true feels, Desi finds out that real love is about way more than just drama."
Why I chose this: This book has actually been on my radar for a while now, and when I spotted this bright, sunshine-y cover, I couldn't resist! But, confession time: I kinda cheated and read it before I wrote this post. 😬
Desi is one of my new favorite heroines: hilarious, spunky, and driven, armed with pee-your-pants failures and good intentions. Her sweet relationship with her wacky father will inspire you to pick up your phone and give your good ol' pop a call. Zany and all kinds of wonderful, you'll fall head-over-heels in love with this book!
Book #2: A Conspiracy of Stars by Olivia A. Cole
Description from Amazon: "Octavia has always dreamed of becoming a whitecoat, one of the prestigious N’Terra scientists who study the natural wonders of Faloiv. So when the once-secretive labs are suddenly opened to students, she leaps at the chance to see what happens behind their closed doors.
However, she quickly discovers that all is not what it seems on Faloiv, and the experiments the whitecoats have been doing run the risk of upsetting the humans’ fragile peace with the Faloii, Faloiv’s indigenous people.
As secret after disturbing secret comes to light, Octavia finds herself on a collision course with the charismatic and extremist new leader of N’Terra’s ruling council. But by uncovering the mysteries behind the history she’s been taught, the science she’s lived by, and the truth about her family, she threatens to be the catalyst for an all-out war."
Why I chose this: This inky cover stood out from the other pretty-peppy YA covers and I was intrigued enough by the description to pick it up. I tend to lean on more of the cozy YA romance, dystopian, or fantasy and classic books, rather than the science fiction-y type. However, I decided to give it a try. Octavia seems like a character I could get behind and, if I like it, fantasy books are the perfect remedy to dull, rainy, days.
Book #3: Romancing the Throne by Nadine Jolie Courtney
Description from Amazon:
"For the first time ever, the Weston sisters are at the same boarding school. After an administration scandal at Libby's all-girls school threatens her chances at a top university, she decides to join Charlotte at posh and picturesque Sussex Park. Social-climbing Charlotte considers it her sisterly duty to bring Libby into her circle: Britain's young elites, glamorous teens who vacation in Hong Kong and the South of France and are just as comfortable at a polo match as they are at a party. It's a social circle that just so happens to include handsome seventeen-year-old Prince Edward, heir to Britain's throne. If there are any rules of sisterhood, 'Don't fall for the same guy' should be one of them. But sometimes chemistry-even love-grows where you least expect it. In the end, there may be a price to pay for romancing the throne...and more than one path to happily ever after."
Why I chose this: Pretty cover. Need I say more? Take note, authors: all your book needs is a beautiful cover and you are guaranteed a reader in me. A quaint, tea-loving setting in England seems dreamy right now and I'm more than thrilled to buckle in for some Earl Grey romance and drama.
Book #4: Umbrella Summer by Lisa Graff
Description from Amazon:
"Annie Richards knows there are a million things to look out for—bicycle accidents, chicken pox, runaway zoo animals. That's why being careful is so important, even if it does mean giving up some of her favorite things, like bike races with her best friend and hot dogs on the Fourth of July. Everyone keeps telling Annie not to worry so much, that she's just fine. But they thought her brother, Jared, was just fine too, and Jared died.
It takes a new neighbor to make Annie realize that her plans for being careful aren't working out as well as she'd hoped. And with a lot of help from those around her, Annie just may find a way to close her umbrella of sadness and step back into the sunshine."
Why I chose this book: The Hunger Games and War and Peace are great, but somedays I need a book with a polka dot umbrella on the cover. I picked this book because I can tell I'm going to like Annie's youthful, honest voice and the lovable mishaps that come with her crazy summer. I also liked that this book seemed to have an important message about kids, grief, love, and pigs.
Book #5: The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy
Description from Amazon: "Sixteen-year-old Jess Parker survives by staying invisible. After nine schools in ten years, she's come to terms with life as a perpetual new girl, neither popular nor outcast. At Mt. Sterling High, Jess gets the chance of a lifetime: an invitation to join The Cinderella Society, a secret club of the most popular girls in school, where makeovers are the first order of official business. But there's more to being a Cindy than just reinventing yourself from the outside, a concept lost on Jess as she dives tiara-first into creating a hot new look. With a date with her popular crush and a chance to finally fit in, Jess's life seems to be a perfect fairy tale. That is until the Wickeds--led by Jess's archenemy--begin targeting innocent girls in their war against the Cindys, and Jess discovers her new sisterhood is about much more than who rules Mt. Sterling High School. It's a centuries-old battle of good vs. evil, and the Cindys need Jess on special assignment. But when the mission threatens to destroy her new dream life, Jess is forced to choose between this dream realized and honoring the Sisterhood. What's a girl to do when the glass slipper fits, but she doesn't want to wear it anymore?"
Why I chose this book: I love fairy tale retellings and I thought this was one from the cover. However, I was pretty intrigued by the description! Girl power, makeovers, secrecy, and rivalry? This is perfect for curling up by the fireplace and delving into this pink and perfect (?) world.
Book #6: Finding the Worm by Mark Goldblatt
Description from Amazon: "It’s not a test unless you can fail. . . . Trouble always seems to find thirteen-year-old Julian Twerski. First it was a bullying incident, and now he’s been accused of vandalizing a painting. The principal doesn’t want to suspend him again, so instead, he asks Julian to write a 200-word essay on good citizenship. Julian writes 200 no’s instead, and so begins an epic struggle between Julian and his principal. Being falsely accused is bad enough, but outside of school, Julian’s dealing with even bigger issues. His friend Quentin has been really sick. How can life be fair when the nicest guy in your group has cancer? Julian’s faith and friendships are put to the test . . . and the stakes have never been higher."
Why I chose this: Mark Goldblatt's first book, Twerp, was a hilarious recording of Julian's sixth-grade year, complete with imaginative scrapes, fireworks, and middle school romance. I had no idea there was a second book, so I was thrilled when I spotted this at the library! I can't wait to read about Julian again and see what he's gotten himself into this time.
Book #7: Malala Yousafzai: Teenage Education Activist Who Defied the Taliban by Cathleen Small
Description from Amazon: "Malala Yousafzai is the teenage Pakistani education activist who stood up to the Taliban and survived. Learn about her life growing up in Pakistans beautiful but troubled Swat Valley and her incredible story of perseverance in the face of violence."
Why I chose this book: I'm familiar with Malala's inspiring story from reading the I Am Malala Young Reader's Edition, but I haven't read it in a while. I'm looking forward to trying a new biography of her and learning more about this empowering young activist.
Book #8: Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter
Description from Amazon: "The last thing Cammie Morgan remembers is leaving the Gallagher Academy to protect her friends and family from the Circle of Cavan-an ancient terrorist organization that has been hunting her for over a year. But when Cammie wakes up in an alpine convent and discovers that months have passed, she must face the fact that her memory is now a black hole. The only traces left of Cammie's summer vacation are the bruises on her body and the dirt under her nails, and all she wants is to go home. Once she returns to school, however, Cammie realizes that even the Gallagher Academy now holds more questions than answers. Cammie, her friends, and mysterious spy-guy Zach must face their most difficult challenge yet as they travel to the other side of the world, hoping to piece together the clues that Cammie left behind. It's a race against time. The Circle is hot on their trail and willing stop at nothing to prevent Cammie from remembering what she did last summer."
Why I chose this: I adore the Gallagher Girls series! The series a fast-paced set of books full of spies, girl power, and well-placed romance. Cammie is relatable and funny, one of my favorite literary figures and the action-filled books make hours fly away.
I hope you enjoyed this post! Remember, sharing is caring and be sure to hit that heart button. What's your favorite thing about your library? Read anything good lately? Have a great week, and I'll see you this Tuesday for a book review!