Smugglivus Guest Blogger: April of Good Books and Good Wine

Welcome to Smugglivus 2010: Day 11

Throughout this month, we will have daily guests – authors, bloggers and publishers alike – looking back at their favorite reads of 2010, and looking forward to events and upcoming books in 2011.

Who: April, of Good Books and Good Wine. April is an educator, a feminist and a book reviewer with a preference for Young Adult novels.

Please give a warm welcome to April!

Break out the party hats and the Franzia, because it’s Smugglivus, and there is nothing I love more than a glass of wine and an awesome book. 2010 was a year of amazing reads, and a relatively low number of duds, but mostly stunners. For reals, this year I got around to reading books that had languished on my shelves for an inordinate amount of time, and I read books just making their way into the world.
Here’s some reads that rocked my face off, and maybe will rock yours off too…

1. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

Okay, if you love dogs, intensity, and things that are awesome, you need to read The Knife Of Never Letting Go. This book had me in a death grip, I was unable to set it down, and now I preach the good word (YAevangelism – go to foreveryoungadult.com and learn all about it). This is one book I pass around like candy.

2. Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

Who knew dark and brooding could be so hot? I won’t lie, I like clean cut boys sans piercings and tattoos. But mmmm girl, VAREN NETHERS made me want to take a walk on the dark side. If you like your relationships developed and palatable, pick up Nevemore. Oh and there’s all kinds of EAP references.

3. Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Oh my goodness, do not be deterred by the sparkly purple cover. Inside this book lives kickassery. I know this is paranormal and many of us are paranormal-ed out, but you need to set aside your fatigue for this book. It’s so self-aware of the sexist tropes in YA-PNR today and questions them. I love, love, love that. Plus, the writing is mad addictive.

4. When Stars Go Blue by Caridad Ferrer

This will make me sound pervy, but this book is so sexy. Seriously, it’s like a tango, but a book. There is passion! There is drum corps! THERE IS DANCING! Holy wow, all of these elements mix into a bag of drama and delicious morsels of prose. And oh, oh, oh, oh, things that I did not see coming HAPPENED. I suppose that sounds odd, but usually, I feel you can guess the end of a story, or who the girl winds up with from the synopsis.

5. The Absolutely True Diary of A Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Ya’ll remember the Speak kerfluffle with Captain I Hate Books-face?! Anyhoo, around that same time The Absolutely True Diary of A Part Time Indian was banned because it contained boners and masturbation. So, of course, with those dirty subjects, I had to read this book. I laughed. I cried. I proceeded to make my boyfriend read certain parts, and I made an ass of myself in a vlog about this awesome book. If you haven’t read this yet, but want your heart ripped out while you laugh, READ THIS. Plus, there are pictures.

While 2010 was awesome, I think 2011 will be face-meltingly excellent!

These are the books I have the shakes for:

1. Liar Society by Lisa and Laura Roecker

Why? Read the authors’ blog. Oh my good lord, those sisters ARE HILARIOUS. It is full of snark and win. I’m thinking if their book-writing is anything like their blog-writing, we are in for such a treat.

2. Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton

Why? Um, hello girl in kickass stance on the cover. There are reapers and warriors and SWORDS. AND MONSTERS. Of course I’m excited.

3. Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Why? SEQUEL TO NIGHTSHADE. This looks like it will be kickass and another breath of fresh air.

4. The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss

Why? I have been waiting since 2009 for this. Not too long, BUT I just need some more Kvothe in my life. Plus Rothfuss is the type of author I want to support. Look at the amazing things he’s doing for the Wordbuilders foundation. That’s so cool. PLUS Name of the Wind left me DYING for day 2.

Thank you, April! : D