Goodbye 2011!

Dear 2011,

You and I have had a love-hate relationship all year. There have been some seriously awesome high points: I finished my doctorate (yay!), I got a book deal, and I didn't die. We finally managed to settle the car accident case from years ago, and we weren't royally screwed. These were all good things and I thank you for them.

In terms of books, I didn't get to as many as I would have liked. My total is 55 books for the year, not including the many manuscripts I critiqued, the book I wrote, the dissertation I finished. I guess I shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth, right? 55 is more than a book a week. Not too shabby. I also blogged a lot more, got a bunch of awesome followers, and have been slowly getting my name, and my book's name, out there.

But, there were a few personal things I could have done without this past year. I won't get into it too much here, but being left at the end of the year, jobless and very shortly homeless, well, let's just say that sucks. Way to shove it off onto 2012, 2011. Way to go. I could have dealt with a few less nights crying, a little more kindness from loved ones, and more support at home. But, who knows, maybe 2012 will turn it all around. Here's to hoping!

So, 2011, I hope you decide to take a long walk tonight and fade off into the distance. I'm ready for 2012. I'm ready for all the crazy changes it might bring (or, I hope I am!), and let's get this party started!

Best,
-Meradeth

Day 4 of the YA Superlative Blogfest

Last day of the blogfest! This has been a lot of fun :) Again, if you want to check it out, pop over here, and join in!

Favorite Cover: This is a hard one! I'm super picky about covers. Heaven help my cover artist! I'm going to have to go with Forever by Maggie Steifvater. I love the colors and the simplicity of it.

Cutest Couple: Clara & Tucker in Unearthly. I adored how things were set up between them, especially because it totally wasn't some 'love at first sight' thing, which is become a bit of an annoyance to me.

Most Likely to Succeed (Or, pick a Printz Winner): Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor, because, ya know, it rocked!

Most Likely to Make You Miss Your Bedtime (The book you just couldn't put down!): Passion by Lauren Kate. I love, love, love this series. This last book wasn't my fav, but it's still epic. I can't wait for the next one!!!

Best Repeat Performance (Your favorite sequel or follow-up.): Vanish by Sophie Jordan. Because we all love some dragons. Right? Right?

Romance Most Worthy of an Ice Bath: Original Sin by Lisa Desrochers. Umm, wow! I love Gabe, but I seriously would like to be warmed up by Luc :) (wow, that didn't sound so dirty in my head, haha!)

Pair Most Likely to Stay Best Friends Till They’re 80: Jenna & her friend who is also turned in The Adoration of Jenna Fox. What is it with me and forgetting names? Also, if you've read the book, this is a bit of a joke :)

Breakout Novel (Favorite Book by a Debut Author): Hourglass by Myra McEntire. Such a fun book!

Best Old-Timer (Your favorite read of the year, published BEFORE 2011.): Eer, I've been breaking the rules on this so much already, I'm leaving this blank :)

Most Likely to Make a Grown Man Cry: Okay, I'm breaking the rules now, but I feel it my duty to pimp this book some--A Certain Slant of Light. Read it? Holy crap, I sobbed at this one!

Most Creative Use of a Love Triangle: I'm going to repeat Unearthly here. I liked how the triangle was used here--there was more to it than the normal "oh no, I have two boys I love, whatever shall I do?" sort of thing :)

Sleeper Hit (Book you found so awesome you wish it had been hyped more.): Angel Burn by LA Weatherly. It was a great read, but I didn't hear a whole lot about it! Definitely worth reading!


Okay, so here's my category for you all: What was your favorite paranormal ability from books you've read this year? Would you want to time travel? See ghosts? Talk to the dead?


For me, it's always been wishing I could fly. That's probably why I totally adored Daughter of Smoke & Bone!

Day 3 of the YA Superlative Blogfest

Umm, so I totally missed day 2. Oops! I did have a good reason though--yesterday was my 9 year anniversary. Blogging kind of fell low on the priority list :) Anyhow, on to day 3! And again, if you want to join in, go check here!

Most Envy-Inducing Plot (Or, the plot you wish you’d thought of yourself.) & Most Wonderful World-Building & Most Formidable World (Or, the setting you most definitely would NOT want to travel to.): Yeah, I'm totally lumping these together, because Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor is just that freaking awesome. Do go read it. And hide your wip, because you might have the urge to delete everything when you're done :)  


Wanderlust-Inducing (Or, the setting you'd happily travel to.): Okay, I'm going to totally break the rules here and say a movie (I know, I know, it's about books, but Go See This Film. You won't regret it!), The Way. Dude. This movie made me want to move!  


Loveliest Prose: Chime by Franny Billingsley

Most Jaw-Dropping Finale: Possession by Elana Johnson. I still think about this ending. Just, wow!

Best Performance in a Supporting Role: in Hex Hall, I really loved Sophie's roommate was wonderful. Why on earth I'm blanking on her name right now is making me nuts, but I do remember how much I liked her!


Best Use of Theme: Forever by Maggie Steifvater. I have some serious author envy when it comes to her books--not only do they have some amazing writing, but there are always so many lovely layers to the world, and the theme!

So, what do you think? Any to add to the list??

Day 1 of the Superlative Blogfest

So, over at Jessica Love's blog, I came across this fun blog-fest talking about their favorite books of 2011. Even though it's really, really hard for me to come up with my favorite books (ah, there are soooo many!), I thought it would be fun to jump in. Anyhow, today's post is supposed to be about my favorite best books. (I have no idea if I'm doing this right, but here's my list, haha!)

Links go to my reviews of each of these books!

Favorite Dystopian: Divergent (ooooh, this one rocked!)
Favorite Science Fiction: Black Hole Sun by David Gill (was this 2011? Still was a great read!)
Favorite Fantasy: Vanish by Sophie Jordan
Favorite Contemporary: Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles (again, not 2011, but I haven't gotten to the rest of the series...)
Favorite Action/Adventure: Untraceable by Shellie R. Johannes
Favorite Historical Fiction: Soulless by Gail Carriger (not totally YA, but I'd argue that for the most part, it could easily fit into this category--with the exception of the last page or so :)
Favorite Comedy: Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins (not exactly a comedy, but still made me laugh a lot!)
Favorite Mystery: The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong
Favorite Romance: Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini
Favorite Paranormal Romance: Supernaturally by Kiersten White
Favorite Family Drama: Red Glove by Holly Black
Favorite Genre Bender: Original Sin by Lisa Derochers (kind of adult/YA bender)

I know a few of these aren't YA, or 2011 books, but it's hard to sift through everything I've read this year. So many awesome books, so little time!


Anyone have a favorite to add to the list??