A thirty-day book meme

[dolorosa_12]

Day 1: The best book you read this year
Well, this year hasn't been going for all that long, so it might be more accurate to answer this question in December. However, the best book I've read in 2013 so far has been Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan (sarahtales). Like all of her books, it ticks all my boxes: diverse cast (in this case headed by the awesome, witty, practical Kami Glass, who is sort of like Veronica Mars, except with more compassion and a more trustworthy group of friends), hilarious and snappy dialogue, and twisty, subversive plot.

All of Rees Brennan's books explore and challenge genre conventions, and Unspoken is no different. It's both a homage to, and a deconstruction of, the gothic novel, with the 'plucky girl reporter/detective' story thrown in for good measure. Part of the power of Rees Brennan's writing lies in the shocking plot twists and reveals, so almost everything I write about the plot would be a spoiler. And, like all of her books, Unspoken relies on Rees Brennan asking a very sensible question, one which her readers don't even know they were curious about. In this case it is 'What would it be like if you had a "soulmate" who could hear your every thought and feel all your emotions?' Would that be romantic and wonderful? Or would it be horrific?

Unspoken is the start of a trilogy. I cannot wait for the next two books to be published.


Day 2: A book that you've read more than three times
Day 3: Your favourite series
Day 4: Favourite book of your favourite series
Day 5: A book that makes you happy
Day 6: A book that makes you sad
Day 7: Most overrated book
Day 8: Most underrated book
Day 9: A book you thought you wouldn't like but ended up loving
Day 10: Favourite classic book
Day 11: A book you hated
Day 12: A book you used to love but don't like any more
Day 13: Your favourite writer
Day 14: Favourite book from your favourite writer
Day 15: Favourite male character
Day 16: Favourite female character
Day 17: Favourite quote
Day 18: First 'chapter book' you can remember reading as a child
Day 19: Favourite book turned into a movie
Day 20: Book that makes you laugh out loud
Day 21: Favourite book from your childhood
Day 22: Book you're currently reading
Day 23: Your guilty pleasure
Day 24: A book you wish more people would've read
Day 25: Favourite book you read in school
Day 26: A book that changed your opinion about something
Day 27: The most surprising plot twist or ending
Day 28: Favourite title
Day 29: A book everyone hates but you like
Day 30: Favourite book

Comments

[umadoshi]

I adored Unspoken so much. *^^*

[dolorosa_12]

I personally think her Demon's Lexicon trilogy is slightly better, but Unspoken is wonderful too, and I'm really looking forward to the next book.

[isigfethera.livejournal.com]

I finally read this! Really enjoyed it and am so looking forward to the second book! I feel kind of guilty, but I totally ship Kami and Jared. :)

[dolorosa-12.livejournal.com]

It's fantastic, isn't it? I saw your review and was planning on commenting on it at some point. And I ship Kami and Jared too, so I wouldn't feel too bad!