Book Snapshots: Quick Thoughts on Recent Reads

Hey y'all! I know it's been quiet around these parts as of late--I have no excuses except that my workload has been CRAZYPANTS as of late. We do have a new podcast episode coming at you, basically a follow up to some of the discussion around the first two episodes of this season and I'm also working on retooling the focus of CEFS a bit as well, so it is in more alignment with what feels more "right" for us these days. 

But, I have been reading and posting some quick thoughts on Instagram, but since most of you aren't over there, I thought I'd share some of my recent reads over here with recommendations for who'd like them. Enjoy!

Currently reading one of my #bea15 finds. Super engaging point of view and format--I bet TFIOS fans will love this when it's released in September. #bookstagram #reading #nowreading #everythingeverything

A photo posted by Sarah Moon (@sarahbethmoon) on Jun 10, 2015 at 8:22pm PDT

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Recommended for folks who love it when authors play with different formats amidst traditional prose and and clever dialog. 

Find it @ Amazon | Goodreads

I just finished reading What's Broken Between Us by Alexis Bass (out this winter) and it was such a surprise--a family/sibling story that's kind of dark and gritty, with a messy romance subplot. The middle bit of the story got a bit unwieldy, but overall, it was really fresh in a YA landscape that's been feeling devoid of freshness as of late. #bookstagram

A photo posted by Sarah Moon (@sarahbethmoon) on Jul 5, 2015 at 1:01pm PDT

What's Broken Between Us by Alexis Bass

Recommended if you're looking for something fresh with a gritty edge. 

Find it @ Amazon | Goodreads

I know folks are burned out on dystopian-type novels, but I've really enjoyed Catherine Linka's creepy, fast-paced, thriller-ish duology, A Girl Called Fearless and A Girl Undone (just out). I think it's the underlying cultural critique in this series that really grips me, more than the story (though I think the narrative voice is quite strong and the main character grows interesting ways). The overarching theme of the personal being political is pretty timely and resonant, too. #bookstagram #yalit #reading

A photo posted by Sarah Moon (@sarahbethmoon) on Jul 9, 2015 at 10:27pm PDT

A Girl Undone by Catherine Linka

Recommended for fans of smart adventures with feminist overtones. (Note this is the second in a series, read my review of the first here.)

Find it @ Amazon | Goodreads

Finally done with work for the day. So I'm going to sit on my back porch with a book and a glass of sparkling wine. And then fall asleep. #freelancelife #bookstagram #reading #wine

A photo posted by Sarah Moon (@sarahbethmoon) on Jul 14, 2015 at 8:53pm PDT

Daughter of Deep Silence by Carrie Ryan

Recommended if you loved Christopher Pike's bonkers, yet compelling, teen thrillers when you were in high school. (I'm guilty as charged.)

Find it @ Amazon | Goodreads

As much as I really want to read the ARC of the new Jennifer Donnelly book that's calling my name, I'm going to be good and read my book club book first. #anemberintheashes #bookstagram #reading

A photo posted by Sarah Moon (@sarahbethmoon) on Jul 16, 2015 at 10:15pm PDT

After not really having a day off for two weeks (ugh, I'm a dummy for over scheduling myself), today I slept in, ate a croissant and have spent most of the afternoon reading this book, which is totally gripping in a big, cinematic sort of way.

A photo posted by Sarah Moon (@sarahbethmoon) on Jul 19, 2015 at 3:08pm PDT

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Recommended if you loved the big, cinematic style of The Hunger Games, love high stakes and enjoy well-executed dual points-of-view. 

Find it @ Amazon | Goodreads

I really liked this book! Girl Underwater by Claire Kells. It's about a plane crash survivor and swimming and other interesting stuff. Grumble at Multnomah County Library for covering up the title with the barcode. (I mean, I get why it's in that spot, but it always drives me bonkers.) #bookstagram #reading

A photo posted by Sarah Moon (@sarahbethmoon) on Jul 21, 2015 at 12:05am PDT

Girl Underwater by Claire Kells

Recommended if you're more intrigued by the concept of New Adult than the execution, for fans of Elizabeth Scott's Miracle and of character-driven stories. 

Find it @ Amazon | Goodreads