Faves of 2011 (so far): The Books

I'm a little late the party (I am woefully behind on my google reader), but after stopping by Inkcrush yesterday and checking out Nomes' awesome Faves of 2011 (so far) lists, I just had to join in all the fun. This set-up is especially perfect for me since I have been an extreme slacker of late and haven't sat down to write full reviews for many of the unforgettable books I've read recently. In all total, for the first half of 2011, I have read 78 books - not a good as last year, but hey, I did just have a baby...

So I'm a week late, but here are my picks for The Books.

Favorite book read so far in 2011

This one is toughie so I chose two:

Chime - I cannot even begin to tell you how much I love, adore and cherish this book. Really. Briony and Eldric are superb and the narrative style is simply unforgettable. 

The Piper's Son - Melina Marchetta is a genius. But of course you already know this, right? Tom is so much more than what you expect and my love for him is boundless. I just want to spend a day with him and Tara and Francesca and Georgie and really the entire Mackee family. Read this one. You will cry. And laugh. And then you'll hug it. 

Most powerful book - A Solitary Blue

Jeff Greene and The Professor fumbling around each other trying to figure out what it means to be a family. I hadn't read the incredible Tillerman Cycle until this past year and once again I am stunned by Cynthia Voigt's brillance.

Brilliantly funny - Magic Slays

One of the many things I love about Kate Daniels is that she always ready with a blindingly witty retort for His Furriness at a moment's notice. Their banter is priceless and is a major selling point for Magic Slays.

Best ache-y, heart-breaking, tear-jerker read - Unsticky

Another one that I could not get out of my head. Grace and Vaughn have issues upon issues but I still wanted them to be more than just okay by the end. This book is one heck of a emotional ride, but one I promise you won't want to put down.

Most beautiful story - The Piper's Son

Switching from Tom and Georige's perspective does unimaginable (good) things for this book. Two different people at different (yet crucial) times in their lives just trying to make it through the next day. 

Delicious rainy day comfort read - Stealing Heaven

Dani's reluctant acceptance of the goofy Greg could not be any sweeter. These two just put a big 'ole grin on my face. 

Adrenalin-fuelled, unputdownable award - Red Glove

Holly Black writes some incredibly twisty-turny-cross-and-double-cross cons. The entire book was one surprise after another but never in an 'i'm trying too hard to fool you' way. Cassel is one sharp dude.

The beautiful prose award - Chime

Unlike any other book (or author) out there, Chime has this crazy, forceful yet subtle way of pulling you into Briony's story. I was effortlessly caught up in the Swampsea and the mythology of the creatures there. Simply incredible.

Most atmospheric and vivid setting and Most original and imaginative - Eon

Take elements of historic China, add a bit of Dragon mythology, a cross-dressing girl, some truly nefarious Evil Doers and a empire on the brink of collapse and you basically get the idea of the awesomeness of Eon. Fantastic storytelling that kept me up till the wee hours of the night.

Best under-appreciated, hidden gem book and I-had-no-idea-I-would-love this-so award - Seeing Me Naked

So not your average chick lit novel. Family DRAMA, a lovely relationship and endless descriptions of mouthwatering desserts. Plus witty banter. Love.

Most haunting story - Stolen

The tale of what happens when a 16 year old is kidnapped by a guy who has been watching her for years and is taken to the Middle of Nowhere Australia. Nothing is black and white in this one - not even my possible Stockholm Syndrome.

Series that I’m loving

Magic Slays (Kate Daniels series) and River Marked (Mercy Thompson series) - It's a major tie between these two. They both feature worlds and characters I simply cannot get enough of. 

Most memorable voice award - Chime

I've already mentioned this but Briony is unlike any other narrator you will ever encounter. Her humor and feelings of self-doubt are brillant. 

Completely Awesome Premise Award - Tiger and Del books

I'm going to cheat here and award this to the entire Tiger and Del series which begins with Sword Dancer. It flips every gender convention on it's head by featuring a female sword master fighting her way thru a mans world. But it's told from a chauvinistic (at least at first) male perspective. Clever, clever.

Would make the best movie - 84, Charing Cross Road

I know this is a bit of a cop out since they already made it into a movie, but hey, I simply adored it.

Want to re-read already - The Piper's Son & Chime

I think I've gushed about these two enough already...

BBAW: First Treasure

It's that time of year again folks! Today marks the starting line for this years Book Blogger Appreciation Week so adjust your party hats and let the festivities begin! The good folks hosting the week-long extravaganza have prepared an incredible schedule and to kick things off right, today is called First Treasure:

We invite you to share with us about a great new book blog you’ve discovered since BBAW last year!  If you are new to BBAW or book blogging, share with us the very first book blog you discovered.  Tell us why this blog rocks your socks off and why you keep going back for more.

I've happened to come across a few really great blogs this year, but both of my two favorites are blogs that are fairly recent discoveries for me.

Inkcrush - I first happened upon Inkcrush and the wonderful Nomes who runs it after my red letter discovery of the fabulous Jaclyn Moriarty books (Nomes loves her too!). She's an Australian blogger with many fabulous recommendations and always keeps me up to date with the latest in Aussie YA lit news. Plus I love her entire page dedicated to Australian authors complete with highlighted favorites - I so want to read almost every single starred book on that page.

YA Highway - Even though I'm not an aspiring YA author, I still love to drop in at the fantastic YA Highway. It's run by a group of actual authors(!) so you know these ladies know what they're talking about y'all. I'm a sucker for their how-to writing posts but I truly get excited for the Road Trip Friday feature which pulls interesting tidbits from all over the YA interwebs. I can always count on those posts for interesting links and lol funny content.

So, these are my new favorite blogging stops - what new-to-you blogs are you currently crushing on?