Review of Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine

Title: Mockingbird
Author: Kathryn Erskine
Published by: Philomel
Pages: 224
Source: Borrowed for a friend
Format: ARC
Rating: ★★★★

From Goodreads: In Caitlin's world, everything is black or white. Things are good or bad. Anything in between is confusing. That's the stuff Caitlin's older brother, Devon, has always explained. But now Devon's dead and Dad is no help at all. Caitlin wants to get over it, but as an eleven-year-old girl with Asperger's, she doesn't know how. When she reads the definition of closure, she realizes that is what she needs. In her search for it, Caitlin discovers that not everything is black and white - the world is full of colors - messy and beautiful.

This is a beautiful and heartfelt story about a girl with Asperger's syndrome.  It's told in her voice and gives us insight into her condition and feelings.  At first it was difficult to read, but once you put yourself in Caitlin's mindset this novel is full of wonder and grief, frustration and understanding. 

Caitlin and her father are going through a difficult time with the loss of Caitlin's brother Devon.  Caitlin doesn't know how to handle her feelings and find closure.  She ends up befriending a boy who has also lost his mother and together they try to find answers.

Not only is this a wonderful story about putting you lives back together after a horrific tragedy, but Mockingbird also helps us to understand a little bit more about Asperger's and the emotions and feelings going through Caitlin's mind.  This is a fantastic novel that will steal you heart and leave you thinking about it days after you've finished reading it. 

Books They Hated That Everyone Else Loved

Recently Huffington Post featured an article called "Books They Hated That Everyone Else Loved."  I thought this was interesting and while I don't agree with some of the books that they listed I thought it was time I fessed up and gave a chance for my friends and readers to also spill the beans.  Here are some of the books that it seemed everyone else loved, and while I didn't hate them they sure were not my favorite.

Evermore by Alyson Noel (2 stars).  I just couldn't get into this story.  There was too much going on and not enough explanations.  

Fallen by Lauren Kate (3 stars).  I absolutely love the covers of Lauren Kate's novels but the story just fell flat for me.  It was too confusing and I'm still not sure what happened.

Please don't kill me for this last one but...

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (3 stars).  Ok I completely agree that the story line was great and the novel itself was gripping, but the whole time reading it I was cringing and thinking about how bloody and gory it was.  The whole point of The Hunger Games arena was to kill other people for the pleasure of others.  My weak stomach couldn't handle it.

Now it's your turn for confession.  What novels do you dislike but it seems everyone else loves them? 

Review of Let's Take The Long Way Home by Gail Caldwell

Author: Gail CaldwellPublished by: Random House
Pages: 224
Source: Own
Format: Hardcover
Rating: ★★★★

Summary from Goodreads: With her signature exquisite prose, Caldwell mines the deepest levels of devotion and grief in this moving memoir about treasuring and losing a best friend. Let’s Take the Long Way Home is a celebration of life and of the transformations that come from intimate connection—and it affirms, once again, why Gail Caldwell is recognized as one of our bravest and most honest literary voices.

This novel was extremely hard emotionally for me to read.  Gail Caldwell brings such emotion into her writing that I felt as if I was losing my best friend along with her.  Her grief escaped the pages and buried itself into my heart.  Her story is not one of hope, but more a story of what she had and will continue to cherish for the rest of her life. 

This story is about best friends both of the human and the canine sort.  It goes through Gail's love and devotion to both and how she coped with the grief of losing them.  This was the hardest part of the novel for me.  Death is hard, but the thing most people don't realize is that grief is harder.  It's something that you don't have that person or animal there for to help you through and sometimes it something you must go through alone. 

Let's Take The Long Way Home is a beautiful and heartbreaking story that is told in the most truthful and sincere voice.  It will have you laughing one moment, crying the next and the whole time examining your relationships to the people (and animals) who are closest to you.    

Review of The Coven's Daughter by Lucy Jago

Title: The Coven's Daughter
Author: Lucy Jago
Published by: Hyperion Book CH
Pages: 256
Source: Library
Format: Hardcover
Rating: ★★★

Summary from Goodreads: On her thirteenth birthday, Cess finds a precious locket in one of her chicken coops, a strange discovery that’s quickly overshadowed by her best friend William's disappearance two days later.  The parson has already started planting rumors that the missing boys were bewitched, and the villagers think Cecily may be the culprit.  The only way Cess can prove her innocence is by finding William, but she’s soon embroiled in a plot that threatens her world and forces her to draw upon powers she never knew she possessed. Witchcraft, politics and religious ambition combine in this gripping and wonderfully realized novel set in the Somerset of the 1500s.

When I started reading this novel I really felt for Cess.  She was poor, fatherless, and almost friendless, except for William the other town outcast.  Throughout the story she develops into a strong and fierce young women.  I am proud of her defiance against the ignorance of others.  She stood up for her beliefs in a time when that was not done and for that is a hero in my book.   

During her quest to find William, she meets Jasper.  I really like Jasper and Cess's relationship.  It is cute and natural.  There was no instant love connection, more of a friendship turned into a crush kind of relationship. 

The Coven's Daughter had an intriguing storyline, but that actual story feel a little flat for me.  I think one of the things I didn't enjoy was knowing who the bad guy was right away.  I would have liked a little more mystery and some more guessing games. 

What about you?  Do you like knowing 'who did it' at the beginning or would you rather have the mystery slowly unfold throughout the story?

Top Ten Tuesday

Today I'm participating in Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Top Ten Books Tackling "Tough" Issues (social, cultural, etc.)

1. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson.  I'm assuming most people know what this is about but if not I won't ruin it for anyone since you don't figure it out until the end.

2. Wither by Lauren DeStefano.  Polygamy, child pregnancy, and ignorance are all issues featured in this novel.

3. Shine by Lauren Myracle.  Poverty, prejudices, physical abuse, and drug abuse are all discussed in this gripping mystery.

4. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie.  This novel deals with Junior's life both on the Native American reservation and in the 'white' town where he is trying to better his education.

5. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson.  This is the story of Lia's struggles with an eating disorder and how it controls her life.

6. Thirteen Reason Why by Jay Asher.  A heart-breaking story about bullying and how people's actions affect others. 

7. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan.  A novel about how different people come in different shapes, sizes, personalities and sexual orientations.

8. The Help by Kathyrn Stockett.  Amazing novel about how African American maids were treated in the 1960s by their employers and those who defied the norm of the times.

9. Animal Farm by George Orwell.  This was my first political, over-throw the government book.  It still sticks with me after reading over a decade ago. 

10. The Hunger Games Triology by Suzanne Collins.  Another set of books with the message to stand up for yourself, fight for what you believe in and challenge the government if you belive it's wrong. 

Review of Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

Title: Revolution
Author: Jennifer Donnelly
Published by: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Pages: 472
Source: Own
Format: ARC
Rating: ★★★★★

Summary from Goodreads: BROOKLYN: Andi Alpers is on the edge. She’s angry at her father for leaving, angry at her mother for not being able to cope, and heartbroken by the loss of her younger brother, Truman. Rage and grief are destroying her. And she’s about to be expelled from Brooklyn Heights’ most prestigious private school when her father intervenes. Now Andi must accompany him to Paris for winter break.

PARIS: Alexandrine Paradis lived over two centuries ago. She dreamed of making her mark on the Paris stage, but a fateful encounter with a doomed prince of France cast her in a tragic role she didn’t want—and couldn’t escape.

Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine’s diary, she recognizes something in her words and is moved to the point of obsession. There’s comfort and distraction for Andi in the journal’s antique pages—until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris, Alexandrine’s words transcend paper and time, and the past becomes suddenly, terrifyingly present.

One of my best friends gave me this book for Christmas.  We had both read A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly for our Young Adult book club and loved her writing.  I was really excited to read this novel, but like usual it got pushed to the bottom of my TBR pile.  I finally picked it up and I can't believe I waited this long to read it.

This novel is simply stunning.  Jennifer Donnelly's writing is so beautiful that it really transports you to another place.  She has a poetic style that weaves melodies and words throughout the novel and you feel as if you are reading lyrics instead of story. 

The characters in this novel, especially Andi, Alex, Virgil and Louis-Charles, steal your heart and become part of your life.  They may not be perfect but they are real and courageous.  I really grew to care for them and hoped, no craved, for their stories to turn out happy. 

With new surprises on every page, this novel with take your breath away and find a place in your heart.  

Follow My Blog Friday

Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee's View.

           My answer to this week's Follow Friday question:

Name 3 authors that you would love to sit down and spend an hour or a meal with just talking about either their books or get advice on writing from?

I just did a post very similar to this for Top Ten Tuesday.  You can view my entire list here.  As for my top three they would be

1. J.K. Rowling.  I'm sure this is a popular answer so there is really no need for an explanation.

2. Stephanie Perkins.  She seems like she'd be so much fun to hang out with...plus she's got blue hair (and pulls it off really well), how cool is that?

3. Pittacus Lore (and yes I mean the actual Pittacus Lore and not James Frey and Jobie Hughes).  I'd be the first person to have dinner with an alian...I wonder what we'd eat?

How about you?  What authors would you like to have dinner with?

Review of Ape House by Sara Gruen

Title: Ape House
Author: Sara Gruen
Published by: Bond Street Books
Pages: 306
Source: Library
Format: Audiobook
Rating: ★★★★

Summary: When six bonobos are kidnapped after an explosion at the Great Apes Language Lab and turned into reality T.V. stars against their will Isabel, a scientist who previously worked with the apes, will stop at nothing to get them back.  With the help of John, a reporter researching Great Apes, and Cecelia a spunky intern at the Great Apes Language Lab, race against the clock to save the bonobos. 

This novel captivated me from the beginning with the descriptive narrative about the Bonobo apes.  Gruen not only described their physical attributes and behaviors, but gave each of the apes a personality.  They were so realistic and it felt as it they were human beings with their comprehensive language skills and attitudes.  Gruen did an amazing job describing the little things such as their favorite foods (like m&ms and pizza) and activities.  As far as the characters went in this novel I loved the apes the best.

As I look back on the story I didn't really connect to any of the characters besides the apes.  They were so vivid and real to me that I formed an instant connection with them.  I loved learning about them and in fact researched them a little bit in between reading this novel.  I can't believe how sexual they are.  I didn't believe it when Gruen had this in her novel but one stop at youtube and I needed no further convincing.  

I did have a hard time at a couple places in the novel because of the cruelty and treatment of apes at different facilities.  I hate to think that those sections of the novel were realistic, but I'm sure I'm being naive. 

Overall I really enjoyed this book and now I want to switch careers and go into something with Great Ape Linguistics.  (I'd never actually do this, but it's fun to imagine, right?)

Review of The Magnolia League by Katie Crouch

Title: The Magnolia League

Author: Katie Crouch
Published by: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Pages: 368
Source: NetGalley/Publisher
Format: ARC
Rating: ★★★★

Summary from Goodreads: After the death of her free-spirited mother, sixteen-year-old Alex Lee must leave her home in northern California to live with her wealthy grandmother in Savannah, Georgia. By birth, Alex is a rightful, if unwilling, member of the Magnolia League, Savannah's long-standing debutante society. She quickly discovers that the Magnolias have made a pact with a legendary hoodoo family, the Buzzards. The Magnolias enjoy youth, beauty and power. But at what price?

There is something about novels set in the south that hook me.  Maybe it's the southern charm, the slow drawl, the heat, the history, or the drinking but I'm magically drawn to it like a fly to honey.  So not only did this novel have the perfect setting but there was also Hoodoo.  What is Hoodoo you ask (don't worry I had to look it up too)?  

According to Merriam-Webster it is "a body of practices of sympathetic magic traditional especially among blacks in the southern United States."  I apparently thought this was Voodoo/Vodou, but I guess Voodoo/Vodou is a religion.  It's great when novels teach you something new. 

As much as I love the south, I also love novels that revolve around any sort of magic.  Hoodoo was the perfect magical element to create an exciting and illicit practice to these Stepford-type southern ladies.  Just when you think they are too good to be true you learn the real truth behind their beauty, money, youth, and attraction.  

Alex was a wonderful main character who was spunky and easy to love.  She came from a hippy commune and was tossed in this high class society (gotta love those "rags-to-riches" story lines).  She's tough and sticks to her unconventional ways as best as she can.  

The one thing I didn't care for about this novel was the cliffhanger ending.  Don't get me wrong, I love cliffhangers but lately it seems that the whole story builds up to a crucial part and then guess what...that crucial part is not in this novel it's in the next one.  I understand the purpose of cliffhangers but I enjoyed the old stories where the current issue was solved but the big overall issue carried on throughout the series.  
Am I the only one who feels this way?  What's your opinion on Cliffhangers? 

Top Ten Tuesday

Today I'm participating in Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

 Top Ten Books You Believe Should Be Required Reading For Teens (contemporary, YA, adult fic, whatever you fancy)

1. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson.  This is such a powerful novel and I think it would be a great discussion book for teens.

2. Thirteen Reason Why by Jay Asher.  I think this would help students understand how their actions, no matter how small they are, affect others.

3.To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.  I was required to read this novel and I love the message it gives out.  I still re-read it to this day.

4. Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank.  This was another book that I was required to read and it changed how I viewed the Holocoust.

5. Little Bee by Chris Cleave.  Often required reading focuses on the "big" events in history, but this novel would help with some of the current issues including genocide.

6. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson.  This is a novel about a girl with an eating disorder and her day to day struggles.  The only thing that would make me apprehensive is that it could give some people who were battling these diseases certain ideas that would aid their sickness instead of help to over come it. 

7. Number the Stars by Lois Lowry.  Amazing novel!

8. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.  This has one of the most beautiful discriptions of grief and death I have ever read.  Death is so gentle when he comes to claim his victums that it's heartbreaking.

9. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver.  This is another great book to discuss how your actions affect others and how to learn there are some things you just have to accept.

10. The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E Pearson.  I would have loved to have read this and discussed the sitations that arose in my ethics course.  It brings a lot of important issues to the table. 

What about you?  I'd love to hear what you think should be required reading for teens.

Review of Thief Eyes by Janni Lee Simner

Title: Thief Eyes
Author Janni Lee Simner
Published by: Random House
Pages: 272
Format: ARC
Source: Borrowed from a friend
Rating: 4/5

From Goodreads:  After her mother mysteriously disappears, sixteen-year-old Haley convinces her father to take her to Iceland, where her mother was last seen. There, amidst the ancient fissures and crevices of that volcanic island, Haley meets gorgeous Ari, a boy with a dangerous side who appoints himself her protector. When Haley picks up a silver coin that entangles her in a spell cast by her ancestor Hallgerd, she discovers that Hallgerd's spell and her mother's disappearance are connected to a chain of events that could unleash terrifying powers and consume the world. Haley must find a way to contain the growing fires of the spell—and her growing attraction to Ari.

Janni Lee Simner takes us into a world like none you can imagine. Thief Eyes starts many generations ago with a young girl being forced to marry the first guy who asks for her hand.  She creates a curse that affects her daughter's daughters and travels down the line until it finds Haley. 

The main character, Haley, is a fierce and determined young women.  She is heart-broken over her mothers disappearance and wants some answers from her silent and resistant father.  This part of Thief Eyes greatly upset me.  If I had just lost my mother and my father knew something about it, I would go crazy being kept in the dark like she was.  Haley wanted answers, but whenever she sought them she hit an emotional wall.  I felt it was a little unfair of her father to keep something this important from her and I understand why she 'rebelled' like she did.  Even though Haley got into some trouble she showed an inner strength and intelligence that keeps her and those around her safe.

Haley and Ari's journey is one of magic, sorcery, curses and surprises.  The story line is a bit complex, so I found myself rereading parts, but it really worked for this novel.  It kept me intrigued and always guessing what would happen next. 

Review of The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney

Title: The Iron Witch
Author: Karen Mahoney
Published by: Flux
Pages: 290
Source: Own
Rating: 3 stars

Summary from Goodreads: When she was seven, a horrific fey attack killed her father and drove her mother mad. Donna's own nearly fatal injuries from the assault were fixed by magic—the iron tattoos branding her hands and arms. The child of alchemists, Donna feels cursed by the magical heritage that destroyed her parents and any chance she had for a normal life. The only thing that keeps her sane and grounded is her relationship with her best friend, Navin Sharma. When the darkest outcasts of Faerie—the vicious wood elves—abduct Navin, Donna finally has to accept her role in the centuries old war between the humans and the fey.

I've always been interested in Alchemy so I was excited to hear about a young adult book mixing alchemy with other paranormal aspects.  Donna belonged to a group of alchemists called The Order of the Dragon whose mission is to find a way to cheat death.  Soon Donna's involvement with the order puts her and her friends lives in danger. 

I like the unique take on faeries that Karen Mahoney created.  It was interesting to hear about the wood elves and other various creatures involved throughout The Iron Witch.  Some of these creatures were so vicious that I'm sure they'll haunt my dreams along with Donna's.

The characters fell a little flat for me.  I felt I didn't really get to know any of them and hence didn't feel a strong connection to them.  I liked the relationships between Navin and Donna and also between Donna and Xan, but I think with a little more character development they could have been stellar.

I liked that this book hints at a lot of different areas including alchemy, the order, faeries, etc.  I felt there was just enough information to keep me engaged but I hope the next book in the series really gives us some more information and delves into these topics.

Review of Always A Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

Book:  Always A Witch
By:  Carolyn MacCullough
Published by:  Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Pages:  288
Available:  August 1st, 2011

From Goodreads:  Since the gripping conclusion of Once A Witch, Tamsin Greene has been haunted by her grandmother's prophecy that she will soon be forced to make a crucial decision—one so terrible that it could harm her family forever. When she discovers that her enemy, Alistair Knight, went back in time to Victorian-era New York in order to destroy her family, Tamsin is forced to follow him into the past. Stranded all alone in the nineteenth century, Tamsin soon finds herself disguised as a lady's maid in the terrifying mansion of the evil Knight family, avoiding the watchful eye of the vicious matron, La Spider, and fending off the advances of Liam Knight. As time runs out, both families square off in a thrilling display of magic. And to her horror, Tamsin finally understands the nature of her fateful choice.

This novel started right where the previous novel, Once A Witch, left off.  Alistair Knight went back in time to change the past and give his family power, while stripping the Greene family of theirs.  Tamsin, being the only one who can stop Knight and save her family, travels back to 1887 and the adventure begins.  

This was a fun and entertaining sequel.  The plot was gripping and there was enough action to keep you on the seat of your chair.  There were many new characters who had interesting and sometimes completely scary talents.  I loved unfolding the story to see how each person's talent was used in the 'good' vs. 'evil' battle.  


The magic itself was written wonderfully in the novel.  It was a subtle touch that wasn't complex or confusing.  MacCullough made it interesting to learn about each person's talent.  Some talents were fun and cute and would definitely help in hide-and-seek, while others were powerful and often frightening.  I really loved this twist on witchcraft.

Tamsin herself is a strong, selfless individual who will do anything to save her family.  She not only uses her power but also her mind to overcome the difficulties in her path.  She can sometimes be headstrong and confused, but she has Gabriel there to help her out.  I must say that I absolutely adore the relationship between Tamsin and Gabriel.  I feel they have a very real and honest relationship.  There is no love triangle, instead it's a partnership where they greatly compliment each other.  It's refreshing to see a relationship so balanced and without obstacles.   

Overall I really enjoyed this book and would give it ★★★★ and 1/2

Follow My Blog Friday

What do I do when I am not reading?

Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee's View.

           My answer to this week's Follow Friday question:

I'm usually at school.  I know that sounds incredibly boring but I'm a chemistry doctoral student so most of my time is taken up by teaching and doing research.  Sometimes I joke that I should just put a cot in my lab next to my instrument so I never have to leave.  If I'm not reading or at school, I'm hanging out with my family and friends.  They are so amazing and I love them to death.

What about you?   

Review of Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins

Title: Demonglass (Hex Hall #2)

Author: Rachel Hawkins

Published by: Hyperion Books
Pages: 359
Source: Borrowed from the library
Rating: 4/5

Summary from Goodreads:  [As it] Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers. But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Archer to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?

Sophie Mercer is definitely someone you'd want on your side of a fight...stay on her good side or her claws may come out (literally and figuratively). 

After reading Hex Hall I was a bit heartbroken.  My charming male lead, Archer, disappointed me, but I still held out hope.  Does Archer redeem himself in Demonglass...I guess you'll just have to read it and find out!  I'm not giving that priceless information away.

Hawkins transports you to a different world where fairies, werewolves and witches are the norm.  Demonglass was packed full of magic, fighting and deceit.  Sophie works more with her powers while trying to discover who is raising demons and for what purpose.  With twists, turns and dark spooky hallways you're sure to get sucked into the adventure. 

I loved spending time with Sophie and her dad, but the other characters were a little lacking for me.  I didn't feel like I got to know them as well as I wanted, especially Cal.  He's such a unique and gentle soul that I wish more time could have been devoted to him. 

And this review wouldn't be complete if I didn't comment on the massive cliffhanger ending.  Seriously?!?  I felt as if we left off at the height of the action.  It was like ending a war movie just when the first shots were fired.  I can't believe I have to wait another 8 months to know what happens.  Oh the anticipation.    

By the way how gorgeous is the white dress on this cover?  Can I have a copy of this made for my wedding dress?

Review of Shine by Lauren Myracle

Title: Shine

Author: Lauren Myracle
Published by: Amulet Books
Pages: 350
Source: ARC from Publisher/NetGalley
Rating: 5/5

Summary from Goodreads:  When her best guy friend falls victim to a vicious hate crime, sixteen-year-old Cat sets out to discover who in her small town did it. Richly atmospheric, this daring mystery mines the secrets of a tightly knit Southern community and examines the strength of will it takes to go against everyone you know in the name of justice. 

I just love that last line of the summary.  It describes this book perfectly.  When I first started reading this novel I hadn't heard much about it, but after the first couple of pages I was hooked.

I was so intrigued by the people living in Black Creek.  It was not only their lifestyles but their actions that drew me in.  Myracle creates a community where lips are sealed and eyes are shut.  Not only do you have the town trying to protect it's own, you also have bigotry, prejudices, alcoholism, abuse, and meth (that is of course cooked in the double-wide trailer in the woods).
 
This is a tale interwoven with hurt and compassion.  Complex emotions overtake every page as you start to learn more and more and the truth doesn't seem as simple anymore.  This was a wonderfully written story portraying not only the ugly in people but also the beauty that can be found too.     

Top Ten Tuesday

Today I'm participating in Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Top Ten Authors I Would DIE to meet (living or dead):

1. J.K. Rowling.  This women is a creative genius and I'd love to hear her talk about the HP series and what her experience was like.

2. Richelle Mead.  I want to make sure that she has a happy ending for Adrian somewhere in her next series of novels.  He is too great of a guy to end up with everything he was dealt.

3. Melina Marchetta.  I love her novels so much and it would be really exciting to meet her...plus I wouldn't mind a trip to Australia.

4. Charlaine Harris.  I want to know if there is a 'real-life' Eric and if so where can I get him...err meet him I mean. 

5. Laurie Halse Anderson.  I want to let her know how powerful her novels are and that I think every person should read at least one of her 'contemporary/issues' novels.

6. William Shakespeare.  I want to know if there is a real couple behind the story of Romeo and Juliet. 

7. Ally Carter.  I want to hear more spy stories and to know if there is a spy school and how do I apply. 

8. Dee Henderson.  She is an amazing Christian fiction writer.  Her novels are very inspiring, uplifting and full of action.  They are the perfect mix of suspense and hope.  

9. Gayle Forman.  I want to know if she cries when she is writing her novels, because I'm sure that I bawled the entire way through If I Stay.

10. Andrea Cremer.  I want to let her know that I would appreciate it if she has Calla end up with Ren in the end of her Nightshade series.