Wednesday, September 26, 2012

RTW: Best Book of September

Almost at the end of September? No way, Say it ain't so! And it's Wednesday, which means Road Trip Wednesday! If you're new to RTW, it's a blog hop hosted by YA Highway and is one of my favourite times of each week!
 
 This week the topic is - What is the best book you read in September

I haven't had a lot of variety in my reading this month. In fact for most of the month I've really been reading a long running series - The Pretty Little Liars books. (I'm only up to book 5 of 12 or something crazy.) I'm obsessed with the TV show, kind of sad really, but it's addictive, and this was my way of getting through the hiatus - reading the series. Quite interesting being able to compare the books to the show, the book is more like a dramatic soap opera than the show (although the show does come close at times....)! So that's been filling up my September, however there was one book that was released at the start of the month that I read in a few short days.

Origin, by Jessica Khoury, is a book that I'd been waiting for for quite a number of months. I'd read Jessica's blog, I'd read the preview in the Penguin Breathless Reads and I entered the competitions to win Arcs - I was so looking forward to reading it, and my wait paid off.

The setting of the novel was by far a stand out feature. It's set in the middle of the lush Amazon rainforest, and the descriptions of this setting really transported me into Pia's world. When I couldn't sleep my mind would take me to the rainforest. It almost had a calming effect!

I loved the fact the main character had a pet jaguar. I was insanely jealous but thought that was a super cool touch. I also liked that the story had essentially two different 'worlds'. Two different cultures, lifestyles....however you want to describe it. I liked being able to recognise the stark contrast in Pia's world with the male character, Eio's world.

There are a number of twists in the book that unless you're super alert you really won't see coming. It'll have you sitting on the edge of your seat, desperate to find out what happens next. The beginning is a little slow, BUT don't stop reading, I promise you, it's worth it. It's a really original story, with some characters you'll love, and some you'll hate. Definitely give it a try!

So that would be my best book in September, but now I'm keen to hear yours. As soon as this Pretty Little Liars series is out of the way I'll be pushing forward onto lots more so would love your suggestions!


28 comments:

  1. Thanks! I hadn't heard of this one!

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  2. Sara Shepard gave a keynote at the summer SCBWI conference, and she was so sweet. I haven't read the books, but after hearing her, I think I'll have to pick them up. And Origin sounds really good. Thanks for the rec!

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    1. Yeah, to come up with the 'A' concept is so awesome, the books are really addictive, as is the TV show! haha!

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  3. This one's been on my list for awhile because it sounds fantastic but I haven't gotten my hands on it yet. I really need to!

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    1. It's very unique which is what I love about it! Enjoy!

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  4. I've heard great things about this book. Will definitely have to add it to my TBR.

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  5. I haven't read any of the Pretty Little Liars books. And I've got Origin on my TBR, which is huge!
    Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Haha I know that feeling, my TBR list is scary big!

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  6. I chose Origin this month too. I loved it. Thanks for sharing. :D

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  7. I'm considering watching Pretty Little Liars since it's on Netflix instant play now. I probably should have done that over the summer instead of watching Dawson's Creek, which I'd never seen before (stalled halfway in season 2).

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    1. Oh you should. I only started watching in February... it's so addictive! I have Dawson's Creek on my 'must watch one day' list, along with Roswell!

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  8. I just looked up ORIGIN on Goodreads. Definitely intriguing. And given your recommendation, I'm adding it to my TBR. Thanks!

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  9. I didn´t hear about ORIGIN before but need to go check it out :D And I still haven´t read PRETTY LITTLE LIARS...but I might very soon :D

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    1. You should read PLL! I cheated and read the wiki page and the upcoming ones it seems like the story gets crazy, but at the moment i'm so addicted!

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  10. Origin sounds interesting--not what I typically read, but I'm intrigued! Thanks for sharing :)

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    1. Not my usual read either but I'm trying to have a 'try everything three times' approach at the moment!

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  11. Oringin in going on my list! Thanks for the suggestion. It sounds unique and love edge-of-my-seat stuff!

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  12. I have not heard of 'Origin' before, but that sounds fun (even if just for the pet jaguar thing).

    Don't feel bad about the TV guilty pleasures -- I watch so much 'Top Model' that it's kind of sad, really.

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    1. Haha they're addictive though aren't they? Once you watch one you have to watch them all!

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  13. I have heard of Origin, but the rec wasn't particularly enthusiastic. Perhaps you've swayed me! And maybe start on Westerfield's Uglies series next?

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    1. Uglies is definitely on my list already, it's such an interesting concept...!

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  14. I'm glad you stuck with it and enjoyed the book!

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  15. Good to know about Pretty Little Liars. Netflix keeps recommending the series to me, but I haven't seen it yet. I'm always looking for addictive books and shows.

    Happy reading!

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