#lowkeywriting

[electricarmchair]

Secret Santa

The perfect gift I could give on Christmas

Can not be purchased in a shopping mall.

Though thoughtful, it is often overlooked

Because it can not be purchased at all.

/

The perfect gift I could give on Christmas

Is the safe and simple present of Love,

A good luck wish for a Happy New Year,

Wrapped in the palms of my warm-hearted gloves.

/

Wishing @lowkeywriting a merry Happy New Year!

[lakecountylibrary]

Hi, I'd like two book recommendations if possible! I'm planning to write some book reviews for my blog, the target audience are young adults; what books are hyped right now that it'd be good to start with and will be a fun interesting read? And, is there a must-read Christmas book you can think of? Thank you!

My friend, you may have as many as you like, and probably more. Several of our reader’s advisory bloggers had suggestions for you. Let’s dig in!

For YA novels that live up to the hype:

Chris recommends The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzie Lee as both fun and interesting. She’s got a quick review of it here.

Chris and Beth both recommend One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus as interesting, though they are reticent on the “fun” factor, probably because it’s about, you know, murder (Chris reviewed it here, if you’d like more details).

Amy: The Hate U Give by @writerzambitionz​ (Angie Thomas). It’s not necessarily a fun title to read, but it’s very timely right now. I have a feeling it will win YALSA awards in January.

Kate (who is not one of our regular readers advisors but IS one of our assistant librarians who overheard what we were looking for and wanted to help) suggests Turtles All the Way Down by John Green, War Cross by @marielubooks, and The Sun is Also a Star by @nicolayoon. She also seconds Amy’s The Hate U Give rec and would like to add that she doesn’t know how fun these all are, but they’re definitely popular and interesting.

For must-read Christmas books:

Chris: A Christmas Carol is probably too obvious, right? Still my all-time favorite book to re-read though.(Robin seconds this rec and adds that once you’ve read it, you simply must listen to @neil-gaiman​ perform it live using Charles Dickens’ own annotated performance notes.)

Beth: My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories. It’s a collection of short stories (perfect for the busy holiday season) by YA authors. Some of them are so-so but some really shine!        Also: I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Roisin Meaney. I have a weakness for anything set in Ireland. Meaney’s tale was a perfect read for December and relaxing during a busy holiday preparation season.

I think… that *might* be enough to get you started… have fun, and feel free to come back for more if you need!