Tuesday, June 05, 2012

Armchair BEA - Day 2 - The Crem Della Crem

I mentioned them in my post yesterday, but I thought I would mention them again on a separate post.
In February, I read John Green's newest book The Fault in Our Stars. First of all, I tend to avoid books about cancer, but I have read all of John Green's books and didn't want to miss out on the new one. I have to admit that I read John Green because of other bloggers. I wasn't even entirely sure if I was a big fan necessarily, but I kept trying. I feel like with this book I finally got it. The timing was right for him to finally click with me. You can read my full review by clicking here.
Then, things got kind of quiet for a while. I have read a lot of books that I enjoyed, but then there were many others that were just okay. I was starting to think it was going to be a 'just okay' reading year, but then I read Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein. I think the funniest part of that read was I had read Wein before and basically hated the book. I kept thinking the name was familiar, but I didn't put two and two together. I am glad, though. It might have clouded my reading of this book. Instead, I kind of want to go back and read her again to see if my opinions have changed. You can see my review by clicking here.
After that I was in a World War II frame of mind, so I picked up Shadows Walking by Douglas Skopp. I haven't had a chance to review it yet, but wow, it was an awesome book! It is about two doctors before, during, and then sort of after World War II. One of them is Jewish and the other becomes an SS Doctor. It was an aspect of history that I had never read much about and I thought that Skopp did an amazing job. I think part of the reason why I haven't reviewed it yet is because I am worried about doing the book justice. It is definitely worth checking out!

There you have it. Those are my 3 top reads so far in 2012. The prompt for today also mentions what books you are hoping will be your top reads in relation to BEA. I actually all ready did a post about the books I am looking forward to. You can check it out here. Be sure to chime in on your own picks!

25 comments:

  1. I've seen Code Name Verity everywhere lately. I'll have to check that one out. Thanks for sharing your faves :-)

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  2. ALL of these books sound awesome, and I have NONE of them. This makes me sad :-( As I told you before, Shadows Walking sounds really, really great. Can't wait for your review!

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  3. I read John Green on the advice of Dewey and started with Looking for Alaska. I loved it. It is still my favorite. But this book might be our next book club choice and I am thrilled.

    The Verity book sure is getting a ton of press.

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  4. Anonymous2:16 PM

    I've not heard of Shadows Walking but it sould like something I'd like. Thanks for letting us know about it!

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  5. We have pretty much the same favourites :D Well, except for the last, but only because I haven't read it :P

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  6. Definitely agree with John Green!

    I've not heard of Shadows Walking, but am going to check it out!

    I'm really wanting to read Code Name Verity. I've heard so many wonderful things about it.

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  7. I totally agree about Shadows Walking, and you already know your review of Code Name Verity is the reason why I had to get my hands on that book!

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  8. Anonymous3:31 PM

    Thanks for the recommendations...they are all new to me books so I love that I have some fresh picks to add to my TBR pile!

    Courtney
    Stiletto Storytime

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  9. I totally loved The Fault in Our Stars! It was my first John Green book, unlike you! It's impressive that you've read all his books. I've heard some fabulous things about Code Name Verity, I definitely need to get that one soon!

    Fabulous list! =)

    -Aneeqah @ My Not So Real Life

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  10. I've read and loved TFiOS and am currently reading Code Name Verity but I've never heard of Shadows Walking. It sounds really interesting, WWII from a Dr.'s perspective is definitely new to me! Thanks for the recommendation :)

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  11. I really need to pick-up the John Green book, but have been avoiding doing it. Not in the mood to cry while reading a book at the moment and I know I'll cry if I read that books. :P

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  12. I'm interested in reading all 3 of these books!
    I've read many reviews of The Fault in Our Stars that rave about this book. It sounds sad but also beautifully written. I really want to read it.
    I didn't think I'd be interested in Code Name Verity until I learned that it was about a young woman who's a spy during WW II and gets captured. (I thought it was about something completely different)
    I won Shadows Walking from Anna (Diary of an Eccentric blog). I was captivated by Anna's review of the book and really wanted to read this powerful and disturbing book. I am really looking forward to your review now and I'm happy to hear you liked it so much.

    Great post!

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  13. I just ordered Code Name Verity - can't wait!

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  14. I'm seeing The Fault of Our Stars on a lot of lists today. Kinda making me want to read it. I'm asking everyone if it's sad though because I don't know if I want to read something depressing. I love your header btw. It looks like it's actually glowing! Do you have a twitter? Mine is @HarleyBearBooks.
    -Melissa @Harley Bear Book Blog

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  15. I really need to read The Fault is in Our Stars soon! Fingers crossed that I get to it this summer.

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  16. I don't think I have heard about Shadow's Walking but it sounds interesting. I have not many books set during that time actually so it might be a nice change of pace for me!

    I am looking forward to reading Code Name Verity. It sounds like something that is very unique and I love that!

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  17. Good to see The Fault In Our Stars on your favs. I have it on my stacks.

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  18. Everyone is picking the John Green book and I keep resisting! I'm leaning toward Code Name Verity though. I'm thinking I'll need to read that one.

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  19. The Fault in our Stars is one of the best books ever written!! I love it so much <3 <3 Enjoy aBEA! :) ;)

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  20. I've seen two of those all over the place! I won't read the John Green book (will have to wait for his next) but Code Name Verity has piqued my interest. And, a WWII book? Uh-oh, one of my weaknesses! Must look that one up. The WWII book I'm reading right now is wunderbar. It's going to take me forever, though. Guess what, Kelly? We made an offer on a house, today! I am so freaked. I hate debt! My crazy husband wants to buy it because he's in love with the attic. Seriously! It does have an awesome attic, I must confess.

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  21. I really need to read Code Name Verity. Maybe it should be one I purchase. And then...Shadows Walking is another book I need to read. Sigh...must pick up my reading pace.

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  22. I keep hearing such good things about Code Name Verity and The Fault in Our Stars! I'm excited because I actually have to read The Fault in Our Stars for a summer school class I'm taking on young adult reading materials. :)

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  23. Man, everyone is talking about that John Green book and I haven't read anything by him yet! I'm so behind!

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  24. I'm especially interested in the last two books. I still haven't read John Green, but don't think I'm up to a book about cancer right now.

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  25. I'm excited to hear that you enjoyed Code Named Verity so much! I have it downloaded to my Kindle and am anxious to read it!

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