Top Five Choices for Christmas Gifts

I figured since my comback week was Christmas week, I'd start things off for those of you that are last minute shoppers -- my Top Five Choices for Books that make AWESOME Christmas presents. Now, anyone can copy and paste the bestsellers out there just because that's something they know a lot of people buy. But I went through and picked some of my favorite novels that I consider worthy of Bestseller status and wrote why I thought they'd be great.

These are in no particular order, so don't assume I'm rating them according to which is my favorite:

1. Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink -- This book is the start to what I feel will be a spectacular series. It's filled with mystery, love, and lyrical writing, and is sure to be a favorite of anyone that reads it.

2. The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King -- One of my favorite books of all time. Perfect for those that love a good adventure. Filled with Irish history, pirates, dogs, and a world full of other things I love -- this book is even loved by boyfriends. (Mine is reading it right now and loves it!)

3. I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone and Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert -- Okay, this is TWO books, but really -- I couldn't choose between the two. I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone is perfect for the punk rockers of your life, as well as anyone else. And Ballads of Suburbia is just about the most perfect book you could ask for -- it fills you with hope, makes you ball your eyes out, and really breaks your heart when you finish because you just want to keep reading. Stephanie Kuehnert is one of my favorite authors of all time. And that is REALLY saying something.

4. A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb -- This book really haunted me. The writing is beautiful, and the idea is very original. It might be my favorite book of all time, if not one of my top favorites. Either way -- this book is an ideal gift for anyone in your life.

And, last but not least --

5. Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev -- A FANTASTIC book, perfect for the theatre lovers in your life. It's another example of an ideal blend -- adventure, love, humor, heartbreak, and hope. I'm dying to read the next book in the series -- and so will whoever you give this book to.

Hoepfully, this helps you in your quest for last minute gifts for that avid reader in your life!

~Angel

Review: I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone by Stephanie Kuehnert

[Description:]

Punk rock is in Emily Black's blood. Her mother, Louisa, hit the road to follow the incendiary music scene when Emily was four months old and never came back. Now Emily's all grown up with a punk band of her own, determined to find the tune that will bring her mother home. Because if Louisa really is following the music, shouldn't it lead her right back to Emily?

[Info:]

{Title} I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone

{By} Stephanie Kuehnert

{Publisher} MTV Books

{Release Date} July 8, 2008

{Pages} 352

[Angel's Thoughts:]

Now this, my dear readers, is the book I'm always pleased to find when I buy new books. Stephanie Kuehnert has a gift when it comes to writing. Especially writing books that feel unbelievably real. In her debut novel, I WANNA BE YOUR JOEY RAMONE, Stephanie introduces us to Emily Black, a girl born to rock. You journey through her life, the formation of her band -- She Laughs -- and her desire to find her mother again, and understand just why she left in the first place.

When I started reading I WANNA BE YOUR JOEY RAMONE, I was working the 9 to 5 life as a volunteer in a medical clinic. I would take books in to read on my break. Needless to say, I hid out whenever I could once I began reading, and somehow managed to read every page in one day. There were times in which I completely forgot I was reading fiction because it felt so absolutely real and raw. There were times that I felt like I knew exactly what the characters felt, and times where I felt like I was being shown a life unlike my own. All the while, I still couldn't get a grasp on the fact I was reading a fictional story about a fictional girl, though I'm sure her story is likely to be lived out somewhere.

If I could, I'd kick Twilight off the "Bestseller" list and place I WANNA BE YOUR JOEY RAMONE where it should be -- on the Bestseller list. This is a book for the young, and the old. For the reader, and for the one that is searching for something that really speaks out to them about the chaos in their life.

So, if you haven't read I WANNA BE YOUR JOEY RAMONE, do so. Stephanie Kuehnert does not disappoint. Look forward to my review of her second novel, BALLADS OF SUBURBIA, as soon as I get it read. I've got to tell you, I was so excited to buy it, I went to Borders on my VACATION in Boston to pick up my copy.

And if you want to read my interview with Stephanie Kuehnert, go here:

http://angelyoungreviews.blogspot.com/2008/09/interview-stephanie-kuehnert.html

~Angel