Friday, September 22, 2017

Discussion: Authors I NEED to Read

As a bookworm, I am constantly struggling with how to choose what to read and when. There are so many fantastic books out there, but alas, I only have a limited number of hours in a day. Therefore, I am forced to prioritize my reading list, and this could lead to fabulous authors slipping through the cracks. So, I made a list of some YA authors I would like to get to know better by reading their books. 

Jason Reynolds
My Intro Book: Miles Morales 
Goodreads

I remember being interested in Reynolds' book, All American Boys, when I first heard about it, but it pretty much sat on my TBR with a lot of other books. However, after seeing Reynolds on a BookCon panel this year, I really want to make sure I read one of his books before the year is through.

Why do I NEED to read his book? When Reynolds spoke at BookCon, I could not help but listen with rapt attention. He was so real and genuine. I loved that we both grew up in the city and found solace in the public library. (Oh, how I loved the Flatbush branch of the Brooklyn Public library!) He also has a lot to say, and (I'm going there) I think it's important for some young adults out there to have someone like Reynolds to tell the stories he tells.


Emma Mills
My Intro Book: First & Then
Goodreads

Emma Mills has been on my radar since her first book released. It always seemed like timing was bad or I didn't have any of her books. But I did it! I finally bought one of her books!

Why do I NEED to read her book? I was totally inspired to finally buy a Mills book, because I read rave, after rave, after rave. I knew I was missing out on something special, and as a contemporary reader, it seems almost a crime that I have not read any books by Mills. The other reason why I really want to read a book by her is because she does science. I was really excited to see that she was pursuing a Phd in cell biology. Although my love is for the physical sciences, I still think it is awesome that she is super smart, and I hope her books show off her level of intelligence.


Jeffery Self
My Intro Book: Drag Teen
Goodreads

I really regret not getting a copy of Self's book sooner, but you know what they say, better late than never. When I saw he had another book releasing, it sort of lit a fire under me.

Why do I NEED to read his book? I first discovered Jeffery Self at YallFest in 2015. He was on one of my favorite panels. The dynamic between all the authors was phenomenal (Loved the dueling Davids!), but Self stood out to me, and I knew I wanted to know more about him. If his books are even a fraction as funny as he is, I will be kept in stitches, because he was hilarious.




Elizabeth Wein
My Intro Book: Code Name Verity
Goodreads

Code Name Verity has been receiving a ton of praise. I put it off originally, because I didn't think I was a fan of historical fiction, but then, I actually read some historical fiction, and that pretty much changed my mind.

Why do I NEED to read her book? Wein was also on a YallFest panel. It was an incredible panel moderated by one of my favorites, Rae Carson, and packed with powerhouse female writers. As if I was not already high from all the girl-power in the room, Wein began to speak, and I was instantly captivated. She is just brilliant and off the charts intelligent, and she was sharing things with us that were so interesting, but explaining it so it was easy to understand. If she writes in the same manner that she speaks, I should be able to be entertained as I learn some things.

Now it's your turn!


Are there any authors you NEED to read? 
Let us know in the comments!

22 comments:

  1. I've read one of Emma Mills books and it was adorable and I need to read more now!! I did a whole post on this in the beginning of the year and have gotten to some authors but still need to get to some others like Lauren Layne, Harlan Coben, Sarah Ockler. Great post!!

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    1. I love Ockler. She is fabulous. I have books by both Coben and Layne, and have really been meaning to get to them too.

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  2. I really hope to read a Maggie Stiefvater novel! I even own a few of her books, so it is pretty ridiculous that I haven't cracked any of them open yet. I am sure that there are others, but this is one author that I embarrassed to admit to not reading yet. ;)

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    1. I read all the Raven Cycle books, and they were excellent.i have her new book and The Scorpio Races too, but haven't read them yet.

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  3. Oooh, so many! Like you, I have only read First & Then but would like to read more. I have only read one or two books by some VERY popular authors, too- Marissa Meyer, Maggie Stiefvater, Laini Taylor, Rainbow Rowell... this list, I fear, could go on all day. We really DO need more time!

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    1. Meyer is one I am kind of ashamed of, since I went to 4 or 5 of her signings and have the books, but if two books are put in front of me, one contemporary and one from another genre, I will always choose contemporary. Rowell is a fave of mine, and another who dazzled me when I went to the Landline release. She is amazing.

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  4. Elizabeth Wein! I absolutely love her books and I hope you enjoy them if you decide to read them. :) Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous choices! <3

    ~ Zoe @ Stories on Stage

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    1. I have only heard raves for Wein, so I am looking forward to reading them myself.

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  5. I've heard of Codename Verity a lot, but I actually still have no clue what it is about :) it's one of those books for me, where you've heard it mentioned so much, but never took the time :D I hope maybe I'll read your review sometime soon though :) when you do get it read it.

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    1. I know it's a WWII historical. The last WWII historical I read, The Nightingale, left me sobbing. So, I am a little scared.

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  6. There are so many authors that I need to start reading. Code Name Verity is a book that I do want to read. I would say that one author that I really need to work in is JK Rowling. I can't believe that I haven't read Harry Potter yet.

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    1. I know I will never read HP. I have a thing about reading books after I have seen film adaptations. I just would rather spend that time reading a new story. I asked my co-bloggers, and they conceded that the big plot points were all in the films.

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  7. I still haven't read Code Name Verity or anything by Emma Mills either, so they're on my list! I also have yet to read anything by Leigh Bardugo and I have all of her books so I need to get on that.

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    1. I have read one books by Bardugo (Six of Crows), and it was fabulous. My co-blogger loves her books, but I am more of a contemporary reader, so no huge surprise there, though, I seriously want to read Crooked Kingdom, because I need to know what happened to the gang.

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  8. I put off Code Name Verity forever, then really liked it, but keep putting off reading other books by her--because I'm confusing, I guess? I have no excuse. Reynolds is terrific, although I didn't care for the first book of his I picked up (Boy in the Black Suit), so I stalled too long on trying his other work. I've never heard of Self, so I guess I need to look into that more.

    I'd like to try some Fredrick Backman (Man Called Ove, etc.), Wendy Maas, Sabaa Tahir, and Nora Raleigh Baskin.

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    1. I met Backman at BEA in 2016 and got a copy of Britt-Marie Was Here. it was quite a beautiful story, and I will definitely read more of his work.

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  9. I just bought First & Then on a whim and can't wait to read it. Jason Reynolds is an author I really want to check out. I'm thinking of picking up All American Boys by him.

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    1. I read the synopses for all Mills' books, and each one sounds like something I would love. Everything I have read about All American Boys is positive. From what I heard, a very powerful story. I hope we both get to read some of these books.

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  10. I am on the same page not enough time to read new authors. I have heard Emma Mill's is a great author I haven't gotten to reading her yet.

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    1. Mills is happening...soon. I have a book of her's and I am determined to read it before th end of this year.

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  11. I've meant to read more from Elizabeth Wein ever since Code Name Verity. Hasn't happened yet. Sooo many authors that I've yet to try but want to. Leigh Bardugo, Marie Lu, Marissa Meyer, Corinne Michaels, A.L. Jackson... I could go on and on.

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    1. Wein was incredible on her panel. I was bowled over by her. I have read one Bardugo book (loved it), you know I love Lu. My co-blogger loved the Lunar Chronicles books, and I have most of them, but I keep putting them off. I have books by Michaels and Jackson too. Those may happen for me soon.

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