Best in Books | June 2016


Best in Books is a monthly feature created by BookTuber Hope Ortego
A playlist of her Best In Books videos can be found HERE.
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My friend Hope does a fun monthly feature on her YouTube channel called Best In Books. It's a little different than the usual monthly wrap-up and I look forward to them every month. I asked for permission to use her feature on my blog and she was sweet enough to say yes! If you're not already following Hope on YouTube (or anywhere on social media!) you're missing out. Hope and I became friends last year and I am so glad to know her. She is an absolute ray of sunshine, so full of happiness and positivity - and who doesn't need more of that in their life? :) 

The topics for Best In Books can change month to month but for my first month I'm going to go with a few of Hope's regulars along with one or two of my own. Here we go...
Maddy from Everything Everything
As a teenage girl confined to her home due to a rare illness, Maddy could have been the poster girl for self-pity. But instead she was thoughtful, intelligent and self-aware to a degree that had me in awe of her. Maddy rarely wallowed in her situation. Instead, she had a manner of acceptance that was inspiring and a sense of humor that kept her grounded.
Rider from The Problem with Forever
I have a real soft spot for YA male characters who show maturity and shoulder great responsibility - whether it is forced upon them or they take it on willingly. Rider is a great example of this. Placed in a horrific foster home, Rider acts as protector to young Mallory and when reunited several years later is still supportive, protective, and her biggest champion.
The Edge of Juniper
I'm pretty choosy about what I accept for review so when I was contacted by the author to read The Edge of Juniper I wasn't sure what to expect. But what I got was an amazing, emotional and completely realistic tale of a girl spending a pivotal summer with her cousin and learning more than she anticipated about family and first love. This was an absolute gem.
The Way I Used to Be
So powerful. Eden's story made quite an impact on me. Told in first person, her story covers her four years of high school after being raped by her brother's best friend. Being a witness to Eden's journey was often heartbreaking, sometimes frustrating, and tragic. 
Daemon Black
Need I say more? I think not.









I have two quotes - and both are from Everything Everything:

"You're all the good things wrapped into one good thing."

"I was happy before I met him. But I'm alive now, and those are not the same thing."
The Problem with Forever

I'm not surprised that my favorite book of the month was one by Jennifer L. Armentrout. Her books are just so readable. TPWF was no exception and once I started it I didn't want to put it down. I loved watching the growth in Mallory as the story progressed, her struggle to find her voice, and the power to stand up for herself. It was hard-won and Rider was almost always by her side, enouraging her and providing support, and, with their shared history, knowing her in a way that no one else could. I enjoyed the depiction of Mallory's adoptive parents, the secondary characters and the hopefulness that showed when even just one person takes the time to champion another.
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Now it's your turn... what was your best book of the month in June? 
Or the best surprise? Pick a category and tell me your answer below. :)

12 comments

  1. My niece also loved The Way I Used to Be. Clearly I need to pick that one up!

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    1. Definitely, Lora! It was such a gripping story. I listened to it on audio and hearing Eden's voice tell her own story was sometimes brutal and heartbreaking - but so, so good.

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  2. Cool feature.
    I mean Daemon Black is pretty much always the answer.
    I swear to whomever I will read TPWF this month. Probably after I reread Wicked and read Torn.
    I really liked Everything Everything too. You're right, Maddy was quite a postie girl considering her reality.
    I can't even remember what I read in June. Haha. I know it was a good reading month. *scratches head*

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    1. Daemon Black is always the answer.
      I have it here in writing, folks. She's gonna read TPWF this month. *cue waiting*

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  3. I really want to read The Way I Used to Be! I loved this in blog format!! I'm so happy you're doing this. I look forward to seeing more of your best in book choices in the near future. :) As for me, my best book this month was Amour Amour hehehe

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    1. Aw, thank you, thank you, Hope! And thanks for allowing me to hijack your feature! :) You know I've always loved your Best In Books videos and I was so happy you agreed to letting me use it here. The Way I Used to Be was so unexpected! I downloaded it on a whim from Overdrive to have something to listen to on my commute. And I'd find myself just sitting in the car when I got to the office because I didn't want to stop listening. And you have me so incredibly psyched for Amour Amour!

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  4. I LOVED Everything, Everything, so I am glad that you enjoyed it too! I really loved Maddy :) I also thought that The Way I Used to Be was so, so sad. I really want to read The Problem With Forever too!

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    1. I couldn't help but admire Maddy. I tried to put myself in her shoes and I'm afraid I would have been a self-pitying mess. And Eden from The Way I Used to Be... oh that girl. Hurt my heart. Can't wait till you read The Problem with Forever and hear what you think of it! I've yet to write my review... I struggle with the ones I love!

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  5. ♥ this -- what a fun way to do a monthly recap! You needn't say anything beyond Daemon Black !!

    My June Recap!

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  6. I can't wait to read the problem with forever! Such good books on here, and some I haven't read!

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    1. So excited to hear what you think of The Problem with Forever. I've yet to write my review. It's one of those that I want the review to do the story justice but I fear it's just going to be me gushing. :)

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