Book Recommendations for 2011

First, I want to mention how massively sorry I am for the lack of posts. It has been.. ah-em.. a [cough] week [cough cough]. My darn finals are to blame. If you could teleport me from school to a bookstore of your choice, let me know. I would be happy to oblige.
   On to more important topics. Guess what friends? We have a mere 13 days left in 2011! Also, it's the Holiday Season, and for many of us, it means we are looking at the shelves of various stores going "What in the world should I buy this person?!" [I'm experiencing this. On a very tight budget of what I call "a teenage book nerd".]
   And so, I present my first ever Book Recommendations for the year.

Like the picture? I think it's cute.

How this is going to work:

   The books are in totally random order, because I hate numbering books. I think it's mean to the last ones. All these images are not made by me - they're taken from whatever site I find them at from Google.  Also, not all of these were published in 2011 - I either have read them then, or since it's my first one, I love them a ton. Lastly: feel free to do one for your blog! I've included a little linky to submit your link and let us all connect! Now find a good book.

1. Paper Towns by John Green: This. book. rocks. my. world. I laughed so much I that I thought he had run out of jokes. He didn't. Green is funny, the book is beautiful, and the characters are incredible. A review will be up later in the week! [Okay, I broke my numbering in order of love. But only this one.] 

Genre: Contemporary

2. Ashes by Isla J. Bick: One of my favorites of the year. The story is incredible, and the dystopian concepts Bick put into the book are original and thought provoking. 

Genre: Dystopian

Ashes Book Review

3. The Beginning of After by Jennifer Castle: This book is so beautiful, heart-wrenching, thoughtful, and amazing. One of my favorite debut novels of the year! The characters are fantastic, and it is a book I constantly recommend.

Genre: Contemporary

The Beginning of After Book Review

4. Beauty Queens by Libba Bray: If you haven't read this, you are missing out. Bray had me laughing, stunned, and craving more at the end of each chapter. The characters are so unique, and the topic is one that I believe is quite thought-provoking and current.

Genre: Humor, Adventure/Survival

Beauty Queens Book Review

5. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins: Again, if you haven't read this, you must be living under a rock. Anna and the French Kiss isn't just good - it's addicting! Perkins is an amazing author!

Genre: Contemporary, Romance

Anna and the French Kiss Book Review

6. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins: The companion novel to Anna! You don't have to read Anna first, but I would. It's just at sweet and gooey as Anna and just as fantastic!

Genre: Contemporary, Romance

Lola and the Boy Next Door Book Review

7. All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin: Amazing dystopian set in New York City. The topic of a family illegally making chocolate is such a interesting concept, and the book is beautifully written with twists and turns at every corner!

Genre: Dystopian

All These Things I've Done Book Review 

8. Supernaturally by Kiersten White: The second book in a trilogy, the first novel being Paranormalcy, the New York Times Bestseller. It's romantic and hilarious all at the same time! One of my favorites!

Genre: Paranormal

Supernaturally Book Review

9. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater: This book blew me away and left me craving for more. It's romantic and amazing and mind-blowingly addictive. It's a paranormal about werewolves, and a girl named Grace who falls for one... I would recommend having the second and third at your side when you finish!

Genre: Paranormal

10. The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson: I love the setting in this one and the historical-ness of it! Set in London and filled heavily with historical references to the Jack The Ripper era, it is a wonderful mix! And of course there's some romance. 

Genre: Supernatural/Horror/Mystery/Suspense

The Name of the Star Book Review

11. Don't Stop Now by Julie Halpern: Don't Stop Now was so fantastic! The main characters go on this road trip where they end up wondering if their relationship is something more - and along the way you get to see America with them!

Genre: Contemporary

Don't Stop Now Book Review

12. Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson: Also set on a road trip! Amy's father has recently died in a car accident, and her mother is moving Amy and herself to Connecticut, just in time for senior year. Her mother's old friend's son Roger drives her, much to Amy's dismay, and together they face the road, and they learn that there might be more than a simple "friendship" between them.

Genre: Contemporary

13. Divergent by Veronica Roth: A fantastic debut for 2011! Divergent is on my favorites list, and one I always suggest to Dystopian lovers of romance. Tris is such a strong character, and the issues she faces relate to present as well as future.

Genre: Dystopian

Divergent Book Review

14. The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May & June by Robin Benway: The story of three sisters with powers and the problems they encounter. I don't really think this book was all about the sister's powers for me - much more about sisterhood and the humor! 

Genre: Supernatural, Contemporary

The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May & June Book Review

15. Eve by Anna Carey: I loved this debut novel! It was a fantastic read, and I highly recommend it for fans of dystopian or readers trying to find a good dystopian to get the ball rolling for this genre. I read Eve in... A day? The romance is to die for!
Genre: Dystopian
A book review should be up soon, but for now, go check out the Remarkable Reads Review!

16. My Life Undecided by Jessica Brody: I just finished it a few days ago and WOW! It was amazing! So funny and has such a great message behind it. You can't help but root for Brooklyn as she navigates her way through life.
Genre: Contemporary
Book review up soon - but go check out Anna from Anna Reads' review!

17. What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen: This book is my second favorite Sarah Dessen book, and such a great read. Anyone who hasn't read Sarah Dessen - go check this one out! It's a great rainy day or holiday read.
Genre: Contemporary
What Happened to Goodbye Book Review

18. Angel Burn by Lee Weatherly: This is the only angel book I've read, and only because it was so beautiful. The characters, the romance - the whole thing was so enthralling! Fantastic!
Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy
Go check out Mint Tea and a Good Book's review of Angel Burn!

19. Bunheads by Sophie Flack: I had never read a book about a ballet dancer, and this one changed the way I thought about ballet. Hannah (the main character) is someone you immediately care about, and her drive to dance is so inspiring. I suggest it for any reader, but definitely young adult.
Genre: Contemporary
Bunheads Book Review

20. The Fox Inheritance by Mary Pearson: The sequel to The Adoration of Jenna Fox, and equally as wonderful. The Fox Inheritance blew my mind away, just like Jenna Fox did. These books are about cloning and the implications to three teenagers. One of my favorites!
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

I hope this helped some of you buyers or curious readers! Now for the linky for all of the bloggers joining in.