Welcome to Blogmas 2019!
Blogmas is the creation of Sophie @ Beware of the Reader. This is her third year (I think) doing Blogmas and my second year participating. Sophie has provided some great prompts for this month and I'm excited to participate as often as possible. I'll probably be combining days fairly often, like today. If you'd like to participate, be sure to use the hashtags #Blogmas2019 and #BestBooksof2019.
DAY 1: BEST YA
This should be fairly easy because by my count I've only read ten YA novels this year. One was kind of meh but the other nine were all varying degrees of good/great. But if I had to choose just one, it would be Hope and Other Punch Lines by Julie Buxbaum.
I already knew I loved Buxbaum's storytelling so I had high hopes for this one. And it did not disappoint. The two main characters were both so well-written and fully-realized and their story - both separately and together - packed an emotional punch. My wonderful friend Sam (We Live and Breathe Books) gifted me a hardcover copy of this book and that makes it even more special to me.
DAY 2: SOUL DESTROYER/HUGE BOOK HANGOVER
Coincidentally, my pick for the book that destroyed my soul is another YA novel. I didn't even have to think about this one because there was only one book that hurt my heart so much that I could only read small amounts at a time. That book is Birthday by Meredith Russo.
Morgan and Eric's story was incredibly emotional. And it was Morgan's story in particular that broke me. Morgan was going through the heartbreaking process of struggling with gender identity. And that struggle was shared in heart-wrenching detail. Morgan's pain was palpable and so many times I wanted to grab this kid, give a crushing hug, and swear it would all be okay.
HAVE YOU READ EITHER OF THESE BOOKS?
WHAT BOOK DESTROYED YOUR SOUL THIS YEAR?
I really enjoyed Hope and Other Punch Lines! I think we've talked it about before... maybe? Birthday is new to me, but this is the second time I've seen it today. Coincidence? Or the blogosphere telling me to read this book ASAP? ;) Loved your choices! <3
ReplyDeleteLindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬
Hope and Other Punch Lines was such a good read. I really fell hard for that one. I want to read everything from Julie Buxbaum.
DeleteThese both sound really good and Birthday sounds so emotional.
ReplyDeleteBirthday was definitely emotional. I can't say I *enjoyed* it but I'm so glad I read it (if that makes any sense).
DeleteI unfortunately didn't enjoy Hope and Other Punch Lines as much as you did, but it was still a good read!
ReplyDeleteAw, sorry it wasn't a bigger hit for you.
DeleteI am so happy to see Buxbaum's book as one of your faves. I loved that book! I don't know if it hit me harder, because of how much 9/11 affected people where I live, but I adored it.
ReplyDeleteThat one was just so powerful, but without being maudlin. Buxbaum did an amazing job.
DeleteHi there, just found your reading blog. I really like the layout of your blog and it's one of my favorite in my research. I'm trying to start a reading blog as well. I was wondering if #blogmas2019 was something anyone could participate in or do we need permission from someone. Any help you could provide a fellow blogger would be so appreciated. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! Anyone can join in... no permission needed. :) I look forward to seeing your answers to the prompts. :)
DeleteBirthday is firmly on my "never, not even if you paid me a small fortune, will I read" list. I try to avoid soul destroying books where I can because I hate the feeling but if I'm suitably curious (and it takes a LOT) then I'll give it a try but with this one I've found the author v. annoying on twitter so I'm thoroughly put off. And it makes me feel guilty saying that. :(
ReplyDeleteI really want to read Hope and Other Punchlines. That's a gut punch I'm willing to receive as I've seen nothing but love for the book floating around the blogosphere.
I'm so rarely on Twitter that I never see any of the author drama or idiot tweets that go around. So I'm glad I missed whatever Russo was posting. LOL I actually find t hard to separate the art from the artist so I'm often happy to know little about the authors in case it taints my opinion of their work.
DeleteBuxbaum's books always look kinda fun, from what I've seen.
ReplyDeleteBuxbaum does an excellent job of balancing humor and emotional impact.
DeleteMy library just got a copy of Hope and Other Punch Lines by Julie Buxbaum! I'm so happy to hear it's your favorite of the year. Fingers crossed I love it as much as you!
ReplyDeleteJen @ Star-Crossed Book Blog
I hope you'll love it, Jen! It really made an impact on me.
DeleteI have Long Shot on my Kindle and Josh & Hazel still makes me happy just thinking about it.
ReplyDeleteKaren @ For What It's worth
Long Shot is one I just can't/won't forget. So powerful and I loved it so much.
DeleteI haven't read either of these but I do agree that books that are given to you by a good friend are always special.
ReplyDeleteOne of those gifts that keep on giving. :)
DeleteI loved Hope and Other Punchlines, too! It was laced with humor which helped with the tougher parts, something I really appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, Rachel. Buxbaum balanced the raw, emotional parts with just enough lightness and humor.
DeleteI'm still thinking about Birthday. So much. It was such a beautiful read. I'm so desperately upset about the allegations against the author that have risen up the last few week but I'm so grateful that Birthday came into my life. It is truly unforgettable and painful but truly beautiful art. ALSO, I need to get to Hope and Other Punchlines. SO badly.
ReplyDeleteSomeone else commented about the author but I am completely oblivious to whatever is going on (I spend very little time on social media). I'm kind of glad I don't know because I don't want anything to taint my feelings for Birthday.
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