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CRISS CROSS BY LYNNE RAE PERKINS
A Newberry Award winner or Honor book
A coming-of-age novel that traces the lives of several young people (and some older members of the community), Criss Cross is a whimsical read about growing up, exploring new possibilities, and gaining new life experiences. This novel isn’t packed with action or drama, but it’s an important read for its message that may not know where we’re going, but the future is filled with limitless possibilities. So stop and appreciate the moment.
TBD
A book in translation: Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak?
Migrated to 2018 reading challenge
TBD
A book that’s more than 600 pages
Migrated to 2018 reading challenge
CHRISTIAN COSMO BY PHYLICIA MASONHEIMER
A book of poetry, a play, or an essay collection
There are many secular reads out there that talk about sex. There are few Christian reads in comparison. Phylicia compiles some of her most popular blog posts that highlight Biblical truths on sex. She is one of my favorite Christian bloggers because her posts are relatable; she’s been in our position before, and she’s combines research with her personal experience to provide the Biblical perspective on on sex.
BECOMING A WOMAN WHO LISTENS TO GOD BY SHARON JAYNE
A book of any genre that addresses current events
A good read about different ways to listen and learn from God’s revelations.
TBD
An immigrant story:
Migrated to 2018 reading challenge
TBD
A book published before I was born:
Migrated to 2018 reading challenge
NEIL GAIMAN
Three books by the same author: The Graveyard Book, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, and
I read and loved Coraline as a child, and I watched Stardust. I actually have the latter on my bookshelf, though I have yet to read it. I’ve heard a lot about Neil Gaiman’s writing. This reading challenge provided a good opportunity to finally read some of his other books.
The Graveyard Book is a beautiful coming of age story with a well-thought-out plot and storyline that readers of all ages can enjoy. I appreciate how it focuses on Bod’s life as he matures; the supernatural elements are a natural part of the setting, not the focus.
Migrated to 2018 reading challenge: American Gods by Neil Gaiman
ALLEGEDLY BY TIFFANY D. JACKSON
A book by an #ownvoices or #diversebooks author
It’s easy to point fingers and judge others. If we took the time to get to know someone, however, what would their story reveal to us? Allegedly raises these questions even as it draws us into some of the heavy-hitting issues of contemporary society. Due to the nature of these issues, mature content is pervasive in this story. If you can get through it, however, this would be worth a read.
What to Say Next by Julie Buxbaum
A book with an unreliable narrator or ambiguous ending
Read my review on the blog.
THE GIRL WHO DRANK THE MOON BY KELLY BARNHILL
A book nominated for an award in 2017: Newberry Medal winner
A cute, whimsical story with a fairytale feel. It reminds me of the types of fantasy reads that I used to read as a child.
TBD
A Pulitzer Prize or National Book Award winner: All the Pretty Horses?
Migrated to 2018 reading challenge.
ELIZA AND HER MONSTERS BY FRANCESCA ZAPPIA
A book I chose for the cover
The drawing on the cover reminded me of anime art; the title suggests that the MC creates worlds. Being an anime lover and a writer (mostly in my head), I felt drawn to read this book.
I love how the story deals with issues of learning to love yourself and what you do and how family is present (though there are missed opportunities for the MC to mature).
SAVING MY ASSASSIN BY VIRGINIA PRODAN
A book with a reputation for being un-put-down-able
I first heard about this memoir from the ladies in my church group. Many loved it so much that they bought additional copies as Christmas presents for friends and family. Virginia’s story testifies to the power of faith and the redeeming love of Christ. Set in the last years of Nicolae Ceaușescu’s communist regime, it gives us a glimpse into Romanian persecution of Christians and raises concern over the increasing persecution of Christians in other countries that, like Ceaușescu’s regime, outwardly support religious freedom.
The Fallen Star by Tracey Hecht
A book set somewhere I’ve never been but would like to visit
Tracey Hecht’s The Nocturnals series takes place in Australia. I discovered this series when I received a review request in my inbox. Being a longtime animal lover, I knew I was in!
I love this series because it provides a safe place for young readers to explore real world issues, and it teaches them to look at a situation from the other party’s point of view. (The enemies always turn out to be good guys handling a situation the wrong way.)
TBD
A book I’ve already read
Migrated to 2018 reading challenge.
The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher
A juicy memoir
DNFed. I read half but couldn’t get into it.
HOW TO READ THE BIBLE LIKE A SEMINARY PROFESSOR BY MARK YARBROUGH
A book about books or reading
I purchased this book for a class on Bible study. What made this stand out compared to the other book that I could have purchased is the way Yarbrough uses to open each chapter: highly entertaining anecdotes that help readers understand concepts for Bible study. The best part? These stories come from Yarbrough’s personal life.
INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE BY ANNE RICE
A book in a genre I usually avoid
I’m not a big horror fan, but I heard that this is a novel to read if you’re interested in seeing how vampires used to be before . . . well, Twilight. There’s a lot of mature content with which I was uncomfortable in this novel (click on the title link above for a full list), but Anne Rice has a talent for poetic writing in prose and has built an entrancing world with compelling characters. She is a literary talent.
Dreamland by Sarah Dessen
A book I don’t want to admit I’m dying to read
I enjoyed this one a lot more than I was expecting! Read my full review here.
TBD
A book in the backlist of a new favorite author
Migrated to 2018 reading challenge.
WHO STOLE FEMINISM? BY CHRISTINA HOFF SOMMERS
A book recommended by someone with great taste: recommended by Phylicia Masonheimer
Read half of this book.
DREAMLAND BY SARAH DESSEN
A book I was excited to buy or borrow but haven’t read yet
I fell in love with Dessen’s writing several years in The Truth About Forever and Just Listen. I bought this book along with several others soon after but never got around to reading it until now.
While this isn’t a book that I would reread, it’s definitely worth the first read. Dreamland addresses relationship issues with which many women can relate and / or should educate themselves about. (Like how to say no and how to recognize when a relationship is turning abusive.)
XANDER AND THE LOST ISLAND OF MONSTERS BY MARGARET DILLOWAY
A book about a topic or subject I already love
I love Asian mythology. When I received an email about the second novel of this series, I immediately requested a copy of this book for review along with the new release.
This novel features strong family relations, gorgeous artwork, and of course, asian mythology. I especially appreciate the theme that heroes aren’t born but forged through trials.
What were some of your favorite reads in 2017? Feel free to link to your reading challenge. I’d love to take a look!
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
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