Kelly
Break The Fall Tour Schedule
Hachette Australia together with the #AusYABloggers are celebrating the release of Break The Fall by author Jennifer Iacopelli . On tour, you'll find Australian and New Zealand bloggers, reviewers, instagrammers and youtubers and will begin on February 24th until March 1st 2020.
Tour Schedule
| 24th February Checkyourshelf_ Raathi Chota Shelle Reads Books | 25th February Bookish Universee Cait is Booked Nic Book Panda | 26th February Atlanta Bushnell Books Brooklyn the Bookworm Little Miss Star |
| 27th February Book and the Beauty Books Candles Cats Daydreaming Ink | 28th February Bookish Mystic Elissa Bookishbean Aus YA Bloggers | 29th February Chemical Bookdragon Lost in Literature She Writes About Books |
| 1st March 1 Girl 2 Many Books Dark Matter Zine The Owl Reader |
About The Book
Written by Jennifer Iacopelli
Published by Hachette Australia
Add Break The Fall to Goodreads
A fiercely told survivorship novel about one girl's determination to push her body to win gold at the Olympics, and the power of uniting as women to speak out.
The only thing seventeen-year-old Audrey Lee dreams about is swinging her way to Olympic glory. Nothing is going to stop her, not even the agony in her back. Every spasm and ache will be worth it once she has that gold medal around her neck.
But none of her training prepares her for her coach being led away in handcuffs, accused by a fellow gymnast of the unthinkable. No one knows what, or who to believe and Audrey's teammates go into meltdown.
As the Olympic torch closes in, Audrey has no idea who to trust, let alone what life holds after her final dismount. The only thing she can do is hope that in the end, belief in herself and what's left of her team, will be enough for gold.
About The Author
Jennifer Iacopelli was born in New York and has no plans to leave, ever. Growing up, she read everything she could get her hands on, but her favorite authors were L.M. Montgomery and Frances Hodgson Burnett, both of whom wrote about kick-butt girls before it was cool for girls to be kick-butt. As a high school librarian, she frolics all day with her students, books and computers and writes at night while cheering on her beloved Yankees.
Connect with Jennifer
Throwback Thursday: Blueback
Throwback Thursday #LoveOzYA edition is our way of spreading the love of backlist Aussie books that you might have missed. We'll hopefully be posting a new book every second week, and we'd love you to join us!
Kelly's pick
Author: Tim Winton
Released: 1997
Publisher: Penguin Books Australia
Add it to Goodreads
Abel Jackson's boyhood belongs to a vanishing world. On an idyllic stretch of coast whose waters teem with fish, he lives a simple, tough existence. It's just him and his mother in the house at Longboat Bay, but Abel has friends in the sea, particularly the magnificent old groper he meets when diving.
As the years pass, things change, but one thing seems to remain constant: the greed of humans. When the modern world comes to his patch of sea, Abel wonders what can stand in its way.
Blueback is a deceptively simple allegory about a boy who matures through fortitude and who finds wisdom through living in harmony with all forms of life.
why i chose it
Blueback is a beautiful and whimsical story of a boy and his friendship with a Blue Groper affectionately named Blueback. Tim Winton has used Blueback as a symbol of our marine wildlife and how it's paramount to protect our coastline. Although the storyline follows Abel from the age of ten up until he's in his thirties, it's his mother that is the shining example of an environmental warrior.Throughout Abel's lifetime, his mother has seen illegal poachers who threaten to destroy the Bay by illegal fishing, developers who want to spoil the magic of the serene coastal property, raising a child alone with no support and living off the land to make ends meet. She's a phenomenal role model that should be celebrated. But it's her determination to protect her coast that will resonate with environmentalists worldwide.
With the focus heavily on our environment, climate change and sustainability, Tim Winton writes incredible stories of environment and saving our natural resources set within the Australian landscape.
Follow Kelly at Diva Booknerd, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads
What's your pick for this week? Share on your blog, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, or in the comments below! Make sure you tag your posts with #AusYABloggers so we can share the love.
Summer Lovin' Book Tag
This tag has been doing the rounds since way back in 2015 but with summer about to begin in Australia, there's no better time for the Summer Lovin' Book Tag.
Feel free to share your answers in the comments or consider yourself tagged and post to your own blog.
1. Start of summer. Pick a book with an attention grabbing first sentence.
Kelly - Nevernight by Jay Kristoff. (Please note this is an adult title)
People often shit themselves when they die, did you know that?
Sarah - Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
So here's the file that nearly killed me, Director.
Brooklynne - American Royals by Katherine McGee
You already know the story of the American Revolution, and the birth of the American monarchy.
Star - The Raven Boys by Maggie Steifvater
Blue Sargent had forgotten how many times she'd been told that she would kill her true love.
Tash - My Sister Rosa by Justine Larbalestier
Rosa is pushing all the buttons.
2. Too hot to go out. Pick a book for a day inside.
Kelly - The Boys of Summer by C. J. Duggan
Sarah - These Witches Don't Burn by Isabel Sterling
Brooklynne - Crier's War by Nina Varela
Star - These Witches Don't Burn by Isabel Sterling
Tash - Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
3. Summer Road trip. Pick a book you’d take with you on the road
Kelly - What I Like About Me by Jenna Guillaume
Sarah - Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett
Brooklynne - The Toll by Neal Shusterman
Star - Tell Me How You Really Feel by Aminah Mae Safi
Tash - The Last Days of Us by Beck Nicholas
4. Iced Tea Goodness. Pick a book with a cold setting
Kelly - Rain Fall by Ella West
Sarah - The Rift by Rachael Craw
Brooklynne - Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan
Star - Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst
Tash - The Book Thief by Marcus Zuscak
5. Nasty Sunburn. A book you really disliked
Kelly - Puberty Blues by Kathy Lette and Gabrielle Carey
Sarah - Fallen by Lauren Kate
Brooklynne - Again, but Better by Christine Riccio
Star - Snow by Ondine Sherman
Tash - Z is Zachariah by Robert C. O'Brien
6. Sizzling Read. Recommend one of your favourite books
Kelly - Monuments by Will Kostakis
Sarah - No Limits by Ellie Marney
Brooklynne - Darke (Septimus Heap #6) by Angie Sage
Star - Amelia Westlake by Erin Gough
Tash - The First Third by Will Kostakis
1. Start of summer. Pick a book with an attention grabbing first sentence.
Kelly - Nevernight by Jay Kristoff. (Please note this is an adult title)
People often shit themselves when they die, did you know that?
Sarah - Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
So here's the file that nearly killed me, Director.
Brooklynne - American Royals by Katherine McGee
You already know the story of the American Revolution, and the birth of the American monarchy.
Star - The Raven Boys by Maggie Steifvater
Blue Sargent had forgotten how many times she'd been told that she would kill her true love.
Tash - My Sister Rosa by Justine Larbalestier
Rosa is pushing all the buttons.
2. Too hot to go out. Pick a book for a day inside.
Kelly - The Boys of Summer by C. J. Duggan
Sarah - These Witches Don't Burn by Isabel Sterling
Brooklynne - Crier's War by Nina Varela
Star - These Witches Don't Burn by Isabel Sterling
Tash - Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
3. Summer Road trip. Pick a book you’d take with you on the road
Kelly - What I Like About Me by Jenna Guillaume
Sarah - Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett
Brooklynne - The Toll by Neal Shusterman
Star - Tell Me How You Really Feel by Aminah Mae Safi
Tash - The Last Days of Us by Beck Nicholas
4. Iced Tea Goodness. Pick a book with a cold setting
Kelly - Rain Fall by Ella West
Sarah - The Rift by Rachael Craw
Brooklynne - Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan
Star - Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst
Tash - The Book Thief by Marcus Zuscak
5. Nasty Sunburn. A book you really disliked
Kelly - Puberty Blues by Kathy Lette and Gabrielle Carey
Sarah - Fallen by Lauren Kate
Brooklynne - Again, but Better by Christine Riccio
Star - Snow by Ondine Sherman
Tash - Z is Zachariah by Robert C. O'Brien
6. Sizzling Read. Recommend one of your favourite books
Kelly - Monuments by Will Kostakis
Sarah - No Limits by Ellie Marney
Brooklynne - Darke (Septimus Heap #6) by Angie Sage
Star - Amelia Westlake by Erin Gough
Tash - The First Third by Will Kostakis
You can find Kelly, Tash, Sarah, Star and Brookynne sharing their love of books here and on their own bookish blogs.
Twenty Questions Booktag
I know lots, and lots of people have done the Twenty Questions Booktag, but the first place I (Sarah) saw it was over on Paper Fury. My apologizes for not know knowing who first created it, but I was going around in circles trying to figure it out - please let me know in the comments if you know where it originated.
1. How many books is too many books in a book series?
Kelly - Depends. I prefer a duology or trilogy but five books is my limit.
Tash - 5 is definitely the limit. I'm looking at you Harlequin
Sarah - These days I prefer a good duology, but I will say that I feel five is my max for a series.
Star - I think as many books is needed is pretty good. Then again, I grew up reading the Sweet Valley High (and others) series, so there were never too many books for me.
2. How do you feel about cliffhangers?
Kelly - They're frustrating but I secretly love them.
Tash - Love and hate them. I can't live with out them
Sarah - Love them if they're part of a series, that isn't the last book. Hate them in a stand alone.
Star - It depends on whether or not I have the next book in the series. If I have to wait a year or more, I absolutely hate it, but if I have the next book right there, waiting to be read, then I am okay with them.
3. Hardcover or paperback?
Kelly - Paperback. Preferably with a matte cover.
Tash - Paperback. Though Hardcover is easier to keep pristine.
Sarah - Hardbacks are more attractive, but Paperbacks are easier to read - Paperback for me.
Star - Hardback, definitely. I am a perfectionist reader, and I can't stand creases, etc, in my book, and it's easier to keep books in better condition when they're in hardback. Also, they look prettier in my photos lol.
4. Favourite book?
Kelly - Favourite classic is Alice in Wonderland and modern, And I Darken.
Tash - When Dimple Met Rishi.
Sarah - Favourite classic, Annie of Green Gables. Modern, Heartstopper series.
Star - Amelia Westlake by Erin Gough. It's a book I will forever sing its praises.
5. Least favourite book?
Kelly - Hush Hush. God that shit was horrible.
Tash - Earthbound. I got rid of it soon as possible.
Sarah - Monstress. I read the first four volumes, really trying to get into the hyped series and I just couldn't.
Star - Shauna's Great Expectations by Kathleen Loughnan.
6. Love triangles, yes or no?
Kelly - Not usually unless it's well written.
Tash - YES why choose and it's all the drama.
Sarah - Yes, but only when it's a female POV - they are my guilty pleasure.
Star - Absolutely not. I have read books that have that trope, and I have enjoyed the book, but on the whole, no thank you.
7. The most recent book you just couldn’t finish?
Kelly - The Girl King.
Tash - Gosh I usually stick it out but I couldn't finish AIM.
Sarah - Glow Book I, Potency.
Star - I haven't had one, I am someone who tends to push through regardless of how I feel. I need to let myself DNF a book.
8. A book you’re currently reading?
Kelly - Invisible Boys by Holden Sheppard.
Tash - Withering- By - Sea by Judith Rossell.
Sarah - Rocky to the Rescue (Rocky Lobstar #1) by Rove McManus - I'll have finished by the time you are reading this lol.
Star - This will probably change by the time this post goes up, but Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed.
9. Last book you recommended to someone?
Kelly - Rules for Vanishing by Kate Alice Marshall.
Tash - Once and Future by Amy Rose Capetta and Cori McCarthy.
Sarah - My Father's Shadow by Jannali Jones
Star - The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. You're welcome, Brooklynne.
10. Oldest book you’ve read?
Kelly - Pride and Prejudice, published in 1813.
Tash - Sense and Sensibility published in 1811.
Sarah - Pride and Prejudice, published in 1813.
Star - I have no idea? I don't read classics. Probably Little Women.
11. Newest book you’ve read?
Kelly - Starting Euphoria Kids by Alison Evans.
Tash - Oasis by Katya de Becerra.
Sarah - Saga by Nikki McWatters.
Star - Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed.
12. Favourite author?
Kelly - Tahereh Mafi.
Tash - Jay Kristoff.
Sarah - Steven Herrick, Jenn Bennett, Alice Oseman, Rick Riordan and Will Kostakis - Sorry I was thinking of my fave books and can't narrow is down any further. Please don't make me.
Star - Fleur Ferris and Ashley Herring Blake.
13. Buying books or borrowing books?
Kelly - Both! Although books are lovely to buy and keep.
Tash -- Both though buying is a sickness at the moment.
Sarah - My head says borrowing because of my bank account, ouch, but my asshat of a heart wants those pretty pretties on my shelf at home to stay.
Star - Buying. I am a massive germaphobe, and I have severe anxiety, so going out is not a thing I do, so buying them is easier for me.
14. A book you dislike that everyone else seem to love?
Kelly - Red Rising and The Raven Boys.
Tash - The Hunger Games.
Sarah - The Hunger Games and Divergent series.
Star - Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon.
15. Bookmarks or dog ears?
Kelly - Bookmarks!
Tash - Bookmarks!
Sarah - Bookmarks, old receipts, other books, my phone - I'm not a monster.
Star - Bookmarks! I can't ever dog ear books!
16. A book you can always reread?
Kelly - Alice in Wonderland.
Tash - Stormbreaker.
Sarah - Albert of Adelaide or Anne of Green Gables.
Star - Amelia Westlake by Erin Gough. Also The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater.
17. Can you read while hearing music?
Kelly - I need absolute silence. I'm easily distracted.
Tash - Give me the Tv blasting. I can read through it
Sarah - Yes, the kids make that much noise I've learnt to block it out. I need silence to be able to write reviews and such but.
Star - Only if it's instrumental. I can't have lyrics, I am too easily distracted otherwise.
18. One point of view or multiple point of views?
Kelly - Either but no more than three. I prefer either singular or dual points of view.
Tash -Either but not too many. It does get confusing when everybody has something to say.
Sarah - If it's evenly spread i'm down for multiple POV's. I think five is about the max before it starts to harder to keep track of what's going on to who.
Star - It doesn't bother me one way or another. If it fits and works with the story, then I am okay with it. What I do dislike is when I am reading a book that is in one point of view for, say, 90% of the book, and then suddenly there's another POV? Then I hate it.
19. Do you read a book in one sitting or over multiple days?
Kelly - Multiple days.
Tash - Depends on the time. If I have ample time, then one sitting.
Sarah - I prefer to be able to do it in one sitting, but life always gets in the way.
Star - I have far too of a busy life to be able to sit and read a book in one sitting. I have literally never done it (not even as a kid, I think), so I tend to read over multiple days.
20. Who do you tag?
Kelly - Everyone!
Tash - Everyone!
Sarah - Ya Mum.
Star - Sarah's Mum. =P
You can find Kelly, Tash, Sarah, Star and Brookynne sharing their love of books here and on their own bookish blogs.
Top 5 Tuesday: Kelly's Summer Romance Reads
This week Kelly brings us her Top 5 Romance Reads
With summer just around the corner in our part of the world, we're all looking to kick back, relax and spend the summer months immersed in a great book. So set the air conditioner to chill, grab an iced drink and add these heartwarming romance reads to your TBR lists.
Words In Deep Blue is a legacy for lovers of the written word. For readers who find themselves within ink pages breathing in the scent of romance.
Marlowe's single mother is a vegan warrior, opening a small business selling vegan products next to a family owned butcher, igniting a rivalry between 17 year old heart transplant recipient Marlowe and apprentice butcher Leo. Like a modern day Romeo and Juliet set in the suburbs of Melbourne, Tin Heart is a funny and wildly entertaining romance with plenty of heartt. Pun totally intended.
What I Like About Me by Jenna Guillaume
Marlowe's single mother is a vegan warrior, opening a small business selling vegan products next to a family owned butcher, igniting a rivalry between 17 year old heart transplant recipient Marlowe and apprentice butcher Leo. Like a modern day Romeo and Juliet set in the suburbs of Melbourne, Tin Heart is a funny and wildly entertaining romance with plenty of heartt. Pun totally intended.
More so a coming of age than a romance, although Jacob Coote and John Barton, amirightladies?
This is the book that will make you fall in love with not only Josie but Melina Marchetta. Looking For Alibrandi is a right of passage for every Australian teen.
Bisexuality, Chinese Australian protagonist, sex positive, same sex female relationships, positive friendships, support networks. Queens Of Geek breaks down the barriers of body shaming, toxic relationships, slut shaming, Austism, mental illness, societal illnesses and the reality of expectations young adults place upon themselves.
What I Like About Me by Jenna Guillaume
Maisie is the heroine. She's me at sixteen, she's probably you at sixteen, she's the girl that lives next door or the girl that sits in front of you in social studies while you draw genitals in your textbook. She's the girl with moxie and doesn't know it, the girl who is constantly evolving and finding herself. She's the girl who'll set the world ablaze, who deserves more than the assholes trying to extinguish her fire. She's the fat, funny and beautiful girl. She's us.
Follow Kelly at Diva Booknerd, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads
What's your pick for this week? Share on your blog, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, or in the comments below! Make sure you tag your posts with #AusYABloggers so we can share the love.Top 5 Tuesday - Kelly's Most Anticipated #loveozya of 2020
This week Kelly brings us her Top 5 books I wanna read in 2020
I have a list as long as my arm but I've managed to narrow it down to my top five #loveozya or #lovenzya books I'm hanging for in 2020.
The Year the Maps Changed by Danielle Binks
Add to Goodreads
Sorrento, Victoria - 1999
Fred's family is a mess. Fred's mother died when she was six and she's been raised by her Pop and adoptive father, Luca, ever since. But now Pop is at the Rye Rehabilitation Centre recovering from a fall; Luca's girlfriend, Anika, has moved in; and Fred's just found out that Anika and Luca are having a baby of their own. More and more it feels like a land-grab for family and Fred is the one being left off the map.
But even as the world feels like it's spinning out of control, a crisis from the other side of it comes crashing in. When 400 Kosovar-Albanian refugees arrive in the middle of the night to be housed at one of Australia's 'safe havens' on an isolated headland not far from Sorrento, their fate becomes intertwined with the lives of Fred and her family, as she navigates one extraordinary year that will change them all.
Jane Doe and the Key of All Souls by Jeremy Lachlan
Add to Goodreads
Jane Doe is in more danger than ever before. Her father is still imprisoned. The Manor – the hallowed world between worlds – is still dying. The villainous Roth is still searching for the mythical, all-powerful Cradle Sea. Worst of all, Jane has learned that she is the key to stopping him and saving the Otherworlds. Problem is, she’s stranded in the dying land of Arakaan – Roth’s home – and its people have some surprising secrets of their own.
With a little help from her pyromaniac pal, Violet, and her doubtful ally, Hickory, Jane must find the courage to accept her destiny and face her darkest fears, even if it means losing everything she holds dear.
From the desolate plains of Arakaan to the shifting halls and devious booby traps of the Manor, Jane’s Cradle quest is about to explode.
There are sandstorms. There are scorpions. There are new friends and foes. And every soul in every world hangs in the balance.
Please Don't Hug Me by Kay Kerr
Add to Goodreads
Erin is looking forward to schoolies, at least she thinks she is. But her plans are going awry. She's lost her job at Surf Shack after an incident that clearly was not her fault, and now she's not on track to have saved enough money. Her licence test went badly, which was also not her fault- she followed the instructor's directions perfectly. And she's missing her brother, Rudy, who left almost a year ago. But now that she's writing letters to him, some things are beginning to make sense.
Kay Kerr's Please Don't Hug Me depicts life on the cusp of adulthood-and on the autism spectrum-and the complexities of finding out and accepting who you are and what's important to you.
Aurora Burning by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Add to Goodreads
First, the bad news: an ancient evil—you know, your standard consume-all-life-in-the-galaxy deal—is about to be unleashed. The good news? Squad 312 is standing by to save the day. They’ve just got to take care of a few small distractions first.
Like the clan of gremps who’d like to rearrange their favorite faces.
And the cadre of illegit GIA agents with creepy flowers where their eyes used to be, who’ll stop at nothing to get their hands on Auri.
Then there’s Kal’s long-lost sister, who’s not exactly happy to see her baby brother, and has a Syldrathi army at her back. With half the known galaxy on their tails, Squad 312 has never felt so wanted.
When they learn the Hadfield has been found, it’s time to come out of hiding. Two centuries ago, the colony ship vanished, leaving Auri as its sole survivor. Now, its black box might be what saves them. But time is short, and if Auri can’t learn to master her powers as a Trigger, the squad and all their admirers are going to be deader than the Great Ultrasaur of Abraaxis IV.
Shocking revelations, bank heists, mysterious gifts, inappropriately tight bodysuits, and an epic firefight will determine the fate of the Aurora Legion’s most unforgettable heroes—and maybe the rest of the galaxy as well.
Euphoria Kids by Alison Evans
Add to Goodreads
Ever since the witch cursed Babs, she turns invisible sometimes. She has her mum and her dog, but teachers and classmates barely notice her. Then, one day, Iris can see her. And Iris likes what they see. Babs is made of fire.
Iris grew from a seed in the ground. They have friends, but not human ones. Not until they meet Babs. The two of them have a lot in common: they speak to dryads and faeries, and they're connected to the magic that's all around them.
There's a new boy at school, a boy who's like them and who hasn't found his real name. Soon the three of them are hanging out and trying spellwork together. Magic can be dangerous, though. Witches and fae can be cruel. Something is happening in the other realm, and despite being warned to stay away, the three friends have to figure out how to deal with it on their own terms.
Iris grew from a seed in the ground. They have friends, but not human ones. Not until they meet Babs. The two of them have a lot in common: they speak to dryads and faeries, and they're connected to the magic that's all around them.
There's a new boy at school, a boy who's like them and who hasn't found his real name. Soon the three of them are hanging out and trying spellwork together. Magic can be dangerous, though. Witches and fae can be cruel. Something is happening in the other realm, and despite being warned to stay away, the three friends have to figure out how to deal with it on their own terms.
Follow Kelly at Diva Booknerd, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads
What's your pick for this week? Share on your blog, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, or in the comments below! Make sure you tag your posts with #AusYABloggers so we can share the love.
Seventy-Seven Saturday : We Are Blood and Thunder
Every Saturday we will bring you a short snippet from page 77 of a book. It might be a book one of us is reading or perhaps just the book closest to us.
The Rules:
- Pick up a Book (your current read, or the closest book to you, or your next read, etc)
- Turn to page 77(or 77% if you are on an e-reader)
- Find a Snippet, Sentence or Paragraph you like.
- Share it on your blog or Twitter or Instagram and link back to us (AusYABloggers) and use #77Saturday
Kelly's Choice
Author: Kesia Lupo
Released: April 4th 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Add it to Goodreads
In a sealed-off city, it begins with a hunt. A young woman, Lena, running for her life, convicted of being a mage and sentenced to death. Her only way to survive is to trust those she has been brought up to fear - those with magic.
On the other side of the locked gates is a masked lady, Constance, determined to find a way back in. She knows only too well how the people of Duke's Forest loathe magic. Years ago she escaped before her powers were discovered. But now she won't hide who she is any longer.
A powerful and terrifying storm cloud unites them. It descends over the dukedom and devastates much in its wake. But this is more than a thunderstorm. This is a spell, and the truth behind why it has been cast is more sinister than anyone can imagine ... Only Lena and Constance hold the key to destroying the spell. Though neither of them realise it, they need each other. They are the blood and they have the thunder within.
Kelly's Thoughts
As it grew closer, the fleck transformed into a rider on a dark horse, a long silvery cloak billowing. Emeris had noticed him too. The rider was galloping straight towards towards their carriage and Emris's mouth set itself into a firm, thin line. He pulled on the reins and the two horses drawing the carriage stopped, bizarrely, in the air. Floating.
I'm currently reading We Are Blood and Thunder for the second time, the first time I only reached a few chapters in and wasn't particularly in the mood for a fantasy read at the time. I'm so glad I picked it back up again and absolutely loving it this time around. Mages, strong female characters and an incredible and intricate world building.
Follow Kelly at Diva Booknerd, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads
Seventy-Seven Saturday was inspired by The Friday 56 by Freda's Voice. If you decided to share your Seventy-Seven Saturday on your blog please link back to us and tag us on Twitter of Instagram @AusYABloggers and #77Saturday
OZ/NZ YA Best of 2019
What is your favourite Oz/NZ YA book of 2019? Why?
Star
Omg, such a hard question! That has to be How It Feels To Float by Helena Fox. It is such a beautifully written book, that deals with heavy mental heath topics. It drew me in from its poetic style of writing, and kept me captivated with its incredible plot. I love this book so much. /never shutting up about it.
Sarah
Kait"Okay Dammmmmmn. How? How can I narrow that down lol I've read 27 books this year, that were Five Star reads for me, 9 were OZ YA. I'm tossing up between saying Frankie by Shivaun Plozza (my first read of the year) or the Whisper duology by Lynette Noni which I read in November. Ultimately i'm going to say Frankie, as it's stuck with me all year!
Frankie is a compelling story and with lead characters you can’t help but fall for.
Frankie is full of sass, anger, hurt, heart and humour.
Frankie is pure awesome! (and so is Shivaun Plozza's writing).
How it feels to float by Helena Fox. I read it at a time I needed a character and story to relate to. To tell me focusing on my health is important. It's a beautiful story of friendship, lose, and hope.Kelly
It Sounded Better in My Head by Nina Kenwood.
It Sounded Better in My Head is a narrative that contains adolescent issues seldom mentioned in young adult literature, periods and the fear of bleeding through our underwear while in public, about polycystic ovary syndrome, painful acne, our confidence and worth. Even as adults, seeing a character like Natalie gracing our pages helps us to feel vindicated, that it's not just me who experienced this, Natalie is someone who understands the ache we carry through to our adult years, of our rattled confidence and the feeling of not being so alone
Brooklynne
This is really hard because I made a concentrated effort to read more OZ and NZ YA this year and even though I know I should be picking an NZ YA book since I'm the only Kiwi in the group I think I have to go with The Boy Who Steals Houses by C.G. Drews. This stunning retelling of Goldilocks is absolutely brilliant, raw and heartbreaking. I loved every single bit of it and really need to reread it as I miss Sam, Avery and De Laineys.
What Oz/NZ YA book are you sad that you didn't get to this year?
Star
Aurora Rising. I'll admit, I'm hesitant because I didn't enjoy Illuminae (I'm one of, like, 5 people who didn't), so it has made me apprehensive to go into Aurora Rising. I just need to realise that they're different stories and plots, and just get to it. Right? Right.
Sarah
ALL OF THEM!!!! haha But seriously I only managed to read a handful of OZ 2019 releases and no NZ 2019 releases and that's makes me sad.
But If I have to narrow it down to one - The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling by Wai Chim. I got to meet and have lunch with Wai, celebrating it's release and I still haven't read it yet - I will rectify this in early 2020.
Kait
Every one I didn't get too. There are so many still on my TBR that I'm definitely going to read next year. A few top ones are:
Obernewtyn series by Isobelle Carmody
Kindred
Relic by Bronwyn Eley
Lirael and Angel Mage by Garth Nix
Kelly
The Man in the Water by David Burton.
Brooklynne
Argh, there are heaps but I really wish I had gotten around to reading How It Feels To Float! Especially knowing how many people loved it and think it's a great book!
What Oz/NZ YA Author are you thrilled to have discovered this year?
Star
Helena Fox! Like above where I gush about How It Feels To Float, I am excited as heck to see what she brings out next!Sarah
Shivaun Plozza - I read my first book by her this year and intend to read more.Kait
Lili Wilkinson, C.G. Drews, Jenna Guillaume, Alison Evans,Kelly
Juliet Marillier.Brooklynne
New Zealand - I really enjoyed discovering Whiti Hereaka, while the topis of Legacy was one I was only vaguely interested in, I very much enjoyed her writing style.
Australia - Alison Evans, I love their style and just how queer they make sure to make their books!
What Oz/NZ YA book are you looking forward to coming out next year?
Star
I don't know of any new releases off the top of my head, but if Fleur Ferris brings something out, I'll be first to pre-order that baby!
Sarah
The Girl with the Gold Bikini by Lisa Walker. It's out February 1st via Wakefield Press. It sounds like it will be a super cute detective romp.Kait
All of them! I'm planning to read every Oz/Nz YA I can find. I don't really track books coming out so I don't know what there is.
Kelly
The Year the Maps Changed by Danielle Binks.
Brooklynne
I am really looking forward to Euphoria Kids by Alison Evans, I just can't get enough of their style!
Thanks for taking the time to read our thoughts on 2019, what about you what was your favourite Oz or NZ book from 2019? Did you discover and new favourite authors?
You can Find us all at our blogs: Star, Sarah, Kait, Kelly, and Brooklynne
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)