Thanks to Cheri Chesley, aspiring writer, for her review of Alma here. She read Alma first, then Abinadi (as I saw on GoodReads). So it can be done :)
Also, thanks to author Tristi Pinkston, who also reviewed Alma here. I've really enjoyed all of Tristi's books and you can see my review of her mystery, Agent in Old Lace, here.
Okay, so I read a lot of books, and I review quite a few. Mostly I just rate them on GoodReads. It's been a very handy tool to find out what my "friends" are reading and what they recommend. It's easy to put together a "to-read" list and then to print it out and stick it in my purse. I often make purchase requests at my library or I buy the books through Amazon, Costco, sometimes Target. Reading has always been a passion of mine, and I really credit reading to starting my journey to becoming a published writer.
The Whitney Awards is an academy that recognizes excellence in fiction written by LDS writers (not to be confused with the LDS genre, but it encompasses that as well). Anyone can nominate a book by an LDS writer by going to http://www.whitneyawards.com/. There are several categories, including Suspense, Romance, Speculative, Historical, General, YA, etc. etc. The deadline to nominate is December 31, 2009, so I am assessing my list of books that I still have to read. A complete (and continually updated) list of books by LDS writers can be found on the LDS Publisher blog.
I know I won't be able to read every book, but I'm trying to make a dent so that I can nominate the best of the best for 2009.
Just for fun, here is a list of the books I've read so far this year that qualify for the Whitney nomination. My reviews of these books are on GoodReads or LDSReaders. I haven't turned in my nominations yet, because I think there are still about 6-7 must-reads before I make a final decision.
Far World 2: Land Keep by J. Scott Savage
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Hunt for the Dark Infinity by James Dashner
The Hourglass Door by Lisa Mangum
Tower of Strength by Annette Lyon
The Last Waltz by GG Vandagriff
All the Stars in Heaven by Michele Paige Holmes
Lemon Tart by Josi S. Kilpack
English Trifle by Josi S. Kilpack
Methods of Madness by Stephanie Black
Agent in Old Lace by Tristi Pinkston
The Forgotten Warrior by Kathi Oram Peterson
Eyes Like Mine by Julie Wright
Everything is Fine by Ann Dee Ellis
Dragon Spear by Jessica Day George
Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George
The Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale
Forest Born by Shannon Hale
The Chosen One by Carole Lynch Williams
Pursued by Lynn Gardner
Illuminations of the Heart by Joyce diPastena
The Sister Pact by Cami Checketts
Torn Apart by Diony George
Trail of Storms by Marsha Ward
Wings by Aprilynne Pike
Heroes of the Fallen by David West
Alma by H.B. Moore (of course!)
The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
Christmas Jars Reunion by Jason F. Wright
On my immediate to-read list, I have:
Shudder by Jennie Hansen
Saving Madeline by Rachel Ann Nunes
Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson
My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison
The Ball’s In Her Court by Heather Justesen
The Christmas List by Richard Paul Evans
I know that books are still coming out--what are the books that you think are must-reads? I will add them to my list!
8 comments:
Wow. When you put the list out there like that I'm so glad I'm not a Whitney judge. There's so many good books for 2009. Your reading list and mine were remarkably similar this year. I can't think of another book. Being a part of the group of aspiring authors, I get the books coming out and the ones already out mixed up sometimes.
I do want to get hold of Julie Wright's Eyes Like Mine. Though I may have spent my book allowance twice over already this year...:)
I've got "Santa Maybe" and "Ghost Waves" on my list.po
I forgot Ronda Hinrichsen's Missing. Silly me. That should be on your to read list.
Oh yeah, I've heard of Santa Maybe and I have Missing on my GoodReads to-read list. I'll have to transfer it over. Thanks.
Wow,I'm looking at that list and wondering when you have time to write! What a good list. Some of those I have sitting on my shelf but haven't gotten to.
Yeah, these are all books by LDS writers I've read this year--mostly in the summer when I do a lot of reading. I always have a book with me, in the car, or in my purse when I'm sitting around waiting for one of my kids ;)
Previously Engaged by Elodia Strain is one you should read. It's a great one.
Thanks, Marcia. I just read it this week in fact! Very funny characters. And you--Marcia--you have at least 2 books out this year, right? I just put Pickup Games on my list, but isn't there one more?
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