Rebecca Phillips's Blog
September 5, 2023
The End of Always
Well, it's been a minute, hasn't it?
I'm back and thrilled to announce that my latest book, The End of Always, is being published by the wonderful Second Story Press. It's due out on April 16, 2024, and I can't wait to share it with all of you. Details are below, including the stunning cover designed by talented artist Erin McCluskey and Laura Atherton, the production manager at Second Story Press.
But Isobel has no interest in it. She has enough to deal with between finishing high school and trying to shield her little sister April from their dad’s increasing paranoia. She’s managing to cope—until their dad decides to move them all to Endurance Ranch, a survivalist community in the middle of nowhere. When Isobel meets Dane, the son of a hardcore prepper couple, she doesn’t feel as isolated at the ranch as she first thought. But she wants to be in control of her own future. She realizes it’s going to be up to her to save her sister—and herself—from a life underground.
The paperback is available for preorder now!
bookmanager.com
amazon.ca
Barnes and Noble
Add to Goodreads
May 23, 2021
The Next Whatever -- Available June 9th!
New book alert!
I wrote The Next Whatever in 2018. I called it "my healing book," because writing it made me feel the joy again after a year of major writing burn-out. Drafting went really slowly as I waded back into my almost-empty well of creativity. Soon, that well filled up as I got to know the characters and their stories, and before I knew it, I had another book!
And in a little over two weeks, I get to share it with you all. 💗
Avery is used to saying goodbye to people. When your father builds bridges all over the country, frequent moves are a requirement. While her parents love the “adventure” of it all, Avery is counting down the days until she can head off to college and finally stay put for a while.
But first she has to survive a year in Granesville, where the residents aren’t exactly welcoming. Avery is determined to get through senior year without any attachments or distractions…until she accidentally crashes into Liam, breaking his ankle and ruining his plans to work and save money for a trip to Ireland that has some secret, personal meaning to him.
Avery’s solution? Take over Liam’s position in the town sandwich shop while he heals.
Adjusting to the job and small town life isn’t easy, but soon she finds something worth fighting for. Real friends. A sense of place. Or…she could close off her heart again before she has a chance to make a real connection. And maybe fall in love.
You can pre-order The Next Whatever from the following retailers now (I'll add more links as it becomes available on more retailers):
And you can add it on Goodreads here.
July 31, 2018
THE GIRL YOU THOUGHT I WAS (aka The Book That Almost Killed Me) is here!
I think most authors have heard the horror stories about the Second Book. The often-dreaded Book #2 in a two-book contract. The book that you're contractually obligated to produce for the publisher whether you feel like writing it or not. The book that has a deadline attached and may or may not be approved by your editor once it's finished. The book that tries to kill you.
THE GIRL YOU THOUGHT I WAS was that book for me. When I signed that two-book deal, it wasn't even an idea in my head yet. I had other ideas, one of which I tried to make work and failed. Nothing was clicking. I was getting desperate.
Then, with my deadline a scary five months away, I came across this article about teenage shoplifters. An outline took form, and I spent weeks researching shoplifting, how it's done, and the psychology behind it (I'm surprised the police didn't show up at my door). I read people's stories about being caught, sought out articles by mental health professionals about the personality traits of shoplifters and the reasons why they do it, and I paid attention to things like security cameras and blind spots whenever I was in stores (again, it's amazing that I didn't get arrested). By the end of it, I knew way more about shoplifting than I probably should have, and my narrator Morgan--and her story--emerged and took shape.
Luckily, my editor was into the idea. I spent the next four months drafting, and to be completely honest and transparent here, it was awful. Still burned out from my last book and stressed from other things going on in my life, I had little motivation. I doubted the story at every turn. I doubted myself. I had to force myself to write almost every day. Usually, once I got into it, I was fine, but sometimes I wasn't, and no words came. I longed to finish it and be done with it forever. I told my husband, numerous times, that this would probably be the last book I ever wrote.
That's right. This book almost made me quit writing.
But I got through it. I finished the draft two weeks before my deadline and a huge weight lifted off me. When I sent it to my agent, I was so physically and mentally drained, I wasn't sure if I was sending him a document full of garbage, or if I actually had something workable. A few days later, I woke up to a glowing email from him, gushing about how good it was and how much he loved it. I remember lying in bed with my phone, reading and re-reading his email and crying. Just thinking about that now made me tear up again. I don't think he has any idea how much his words meant to me at that moment. Authors reading this--find yourself an agent who makes you believe in yourself again.
When the manuscript was accepted by HarperTeen, I cried again. When revision time came around, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. The Second Book Curse lifted and, finally, I began to fall in love with the story. With each read (and there were a lot), I connected more and more, and the stress of the past few months faded away.
After revisions, I didn't feel like writing anything new for a long time. I still wasn't sure I ever would again. I was completely past the point of burned out. But gradually, it got better. I knew I was healed when in the shower one day, I got an idea for a book about a boy and a girl who meet during a car accident and eventually fall in love. So, free from deadlines and contracts, and armed with the unwavering support of my amazing family and agent, I wrote another book and enjoyed every minute of it. I'd found the joy again.
As much as it tried to, THE GIRL YOU THOUGHT I WAS didn't kill me. In fact, it made me a stronger writer. I'm proud of it, and proud of myself for not giving up, even when it felt impossible. Today, I can honestly say I love this book, and I hope you all love it too.
THE GIRL YOU THOUGHT I WAS is now available wherever books are sold!
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
IndieBound
Book Depository
THE GIRL YOU THOUGHT I WAS was that book for me. When I signed that two-book deal, it wasn't even an idea in my head yet. I had other ideas, one of which I tried to make work and failed. Nothing was clicking. I was getting desperate.
Then, with my deadline a scary five months away, I came across this article about teenage shoplifters. An outline took form, and I spent weeks researching shoplifting, how it's done, and the psychology behind it (I'm surprised the police didn't show up at my door). I read people's stories about being caught, sought out articles by mental health professionals about the personality traits of shoplifters and the reasons why they do it, and I paid attention to things like security cameras and blind spots whenever I was in stores (again, it's amazing that I didn't get arrested). By the end of it, I knew way more about shoplifting than I probably should have, and my narrator Morgan--and her story--emerged and took shape.
Luckily, my editor was into the idea. I spent the next four months drafting, and to be completely honest and transparent here, it was awful. Still burned out from my last book and stressed from other things going on in my life, I had little motivation. I doubted the story at every turn. I doubted myself. I had to force myself to write almost every day. Usually, once I got into it, I was fine, but sometimes I wasn't, and no words came. I longed to finish it and be done with it forever. I told my husband, numerous times, that this would probably be the last book I ever wrote.
That's right. This book almost made me quit writing.
But I got through it. I finished the draft two weeks before my deadline and a huge weight lifted off me. When I sent it to my agent, I was so physically and mentally drained, I wasn't sure if I was sending him a document full of garbage, or if I actually had something workable. A few days later, I woke up to a glowing email from him, gushing about how good it was and how much he loved it. I remember lying in bed with my phone, reading and re-reading his email and crying. Just thinking about that now made me tear up again. I don't think he has any idea how much his words meant to me at that moment. Authors reading this--find yourself an agent who makes you believe in yourself again.
When the manuscript was accepted by HarperTeen, I cried again. When revision time came around, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. The Second Book Curse lifted and, finally, I began to fall in love with the story. With each read (and there were a lot), I connected more and more, and the stress of the past few months faded away.
After revisions, I didn't feel like writing anything new for a long time. I still wasn't sure I ever would again. I was completely past the point of burned out. But gradually, it got better. I knew I was healed when in the shower one day, I got an idea for a book about a boy and a girl who meet during a car accident and eventually fall in love. So, free from deadlines and contracts, and armed with the unwavering support of my amazing family and agent, I wrote another book and enjoyed every minute of it. I'd found the joy again.
As much as it tried to, THE GIRL YOU THOUGHT I WAS didn't kill me. In fact, it made me a stronger writer. I'm proud of it, and proud of myself for not giving up, even when it felt impossible. Today, I can honestly say I love this book, and I hope you all love it too.
THE GIRL YOU THOUGHT I WAS is now available wherever books are sold!
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
IndieBound
Book Depository
October 4, 2017
THE GIRL YOU THOUGHT I WAS cover!
This morning, Jen at Pop! Goes the Reader revealed the cover for my upcoming book, THE GIRL YOU THOUGHT I WAS! This is my second book with HarperTeen, and it's due out on July 31, 2018.
I'm so thrilled with what the cover design team came up with. Isn't it pretty?
What's it about? Well...
No one looking at Morgan Kemper would think that she had a secret — at least not one that she was deeply ashamed of. To everyone she meets, she comes across as pretty, sweet, and put together. But Morgan knows that looks can be deceiving. For over a year, she has shoplifted countless pieces of clothing and makeup. Each time she tells herself it will be the last, and each time it never is.
But when she is caught and sentenced to thirty hours of community service, the image Moran has carefully constructed starts to crumble. She is determined to complete her punishment without her friends discovering the truth about her sticky fingers, but that is easier said than done… Especially once she meets Eli, the charming, handsome nephew of the owner of the charity shop where Morgan is volunteering. Soon Morgan is faced with an impossible decision: continue to conceal the truth, or admit that she has lied to everyone in her life, including the boy she is falling for.
Don't forget to add The Girl You Thought I Was on Goodreads! Preorder links should be up soon too, not to mention ARCs and giveaways and maybe even some book swag!
I'm so thrilled with what the cover design team came up with. Isn't it pretty?
What's it about? Well...
No one looking at Morgan Kemper would think that she had a secret — at least not one that she was deeply ashamed of. To everyone she meets, she comes across as pretty, sweet, and put together. But Morgan knows that looks can be deceiving. For over a year, she has shoplifted countless pieces of clothing and makeup. Each time she tells herself it will be the last, and each time it never is.
But when she is caught and sentenced to thirty hours of community service, the image Moran has carefully constructed starts to crumble. She is determined to complete her punishment without her friends discovering the truth about her sticky fingers, but that is easier said than done… Especially once she meets Eli, the charming, handsome nephew of the owner of the charity shop where Morgan is volunteering. Soon Morgan is faced with an impossible decision: continue to conceal the truth, or admit that she has lied to everyone in her life, including the boy she is falling for.
Don't forget to add The Girl You Thought I Was on Goodreads! Preorder links should be up soon too, not to mention ARCs and giveaways and maybe even some book swag!
August 1, 2017
THESE THINGS I'VE DONE IS HERE!
It's been about a year and a half since my agent and I accepted a two-book deal with HarperTeen. Now, after many months of waiting, THESE THINGS I'VE DONE is officially out in the world!I'm extremely proud of this book. It was my most challenging one to date, and I worked so hard on it. Seeing it on shelves is pure joy.
I'm forever grateful to my wonderful agent, Eric Smith. These past almost-two-years as Eric's client have been such a pleasure, and I'm so excited for whatever's next on this journey of ours. Being part of #TeamRocks is the absolute best.
I've thanked Cara Bertrand 1000 times already, and I'll probably thank her 1000 times more. This book started in her brain, and I was just lucky enough to have her share it with me.
Thank you all the amazing bloggers who are participating in my blog tour this week! Keep an eye on my Twitter, because I'll be sharing some cool giveaways over the next few days!
Here's where you can buy THESE THINGS I'VE DONE:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
Indie Bound
As always, thanks to my family and friends for their supportive messages, RTs, Facebook posts, and just generally being awesome. I appreciate you all!
June 1, 2017
Two more months!
THESE THINGS I'VE DONE, my first book with HarperTeen, will be out two months from today! I can't believe it's so soon. While we wait, I thought I'd give you all some important links:Want to pre-order? Head over to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or IndieBound.
Want to review a digital ARC? Request a copy on Edelweiss.
Want to win an advance copy? Enter the giveaway on Goodreads.
Want to join me at my book launch? Info is here.
Want me to do an interview or guest post for your blog? Let me know.
October 24, 2016
THESE THING I'VE DONE cover!
Today, the cover for THESE THINGS I'VE DONE, my first book with HarperTeen, was revealed on YA Interrobang. I'd like to also post it here so I can properly gush over it:
*happy sigh*
YOU GUYS, this cover. TTID is my eighth book and therefore my eighth cover, but damn, out of the eight of them, I think I love this one best. Because LOOK AT IT.
While I was writing Dara, I pictured her in my mind as this tall, blond, curvy girl who wasn't very comfortable with her height and build. I was binging Friday Night Lights for the first time while drafting this book, so after a while she sort of started to look like Julie Taylor in my head. But anyway.
As soon as I saw the girl on this cover, I was like THAT'S DARA. And she's sitting on dead fall leaves, which is also perfect. The after/present tense chapters take place mostly in the fall, and this girl, whoever she is in real life, is my Present Dara to a T.
What's this book all about, you may ask? Well, here's the official description:
Before:
Dara and Aubrey have been inseparable since they became best friends in sixth grade. Dara is the fearless one, Aubrey the prodigy, yet despite their differences they support each other, unconditionally. However, as they begin their sophomore year in high school, cracks in their friendship begin to form, testing the bond they always thought was unbreakable.
After:
It has been fifteen months since the accident that killed Aubrey, and not a day goes by that Dara isn’t racked with guilt over her role in her best friend’s death. Now, after spending a year in California in order to escape the constant reminders of what happened, Dara is back at her old high school to start her senior year. Dara thought the worst thing about coming home would be confronting the memories of Aubrey that relentlessly haunt her, but she soon realizes that that’s not half as difficult as seeing Ethan, Aubrey’s brother, every day. Not just because he is a walking reminder of what she did, but because the more her feelings for him change, the more she knows she is betraying her best friend one final time.
If you haven't already, you can add THESE THINGS I'VE DONE on Goodreads.
Stay tuned for more news and other awesome stuff as we count down to the release on August 1, 2017!
*happy sigh*
YOU GUYS, this cover. TTID is my eighth book and therefore my eighth cover, but damn, out of the eight of them, I think I love this one best. Because LOOK AT IT.
While I was writing Dara, I pictured her in my mind as this tall, blond, curvy girl who wasn't very comfortable with her height and build. I was binging Friday Night Lights for the first time while drafting this book, so after a while she sort of started to look like Julie Taylor in my head. But anyway.
As soon as I saw the girl on this cover, I was like THAT'S DARA. And she's sitting on dead fall leaves, which is also perfect. The after/present tense chapters take place mostly in the fall, and this girl, whoever she is in real life, is my Present Dara to a T.
What's this book all about, you may ask? Well, here's the official description:
Before:
Dara and Aubrey have been inseparable since they became best friends in sixth grade. Dara is the fearless one, Aubrey the prodigy, yet despite their differences they support each other, unconditionally. However, as they begin their sophomore year in high school, cracks in their friendship begin to form, testing the bond they always thought was unbreakable.
After:
It has been fifteen months since the accident that killed Aubrey, and not a day goes by that Dara isn’t racked with guilt over her role in her best friend’s death. Now, after spending a year in California in order to escape the constant reminders of what happened, Dara is back at her old high school to start her senior year. Dara thought the worst thing about coming home would be confronting the memories of Aubrey that relentlessly haunt her, but she soon realizes that that’s not half as difficult as seeing Ethan, Aubrey’s brother, every day. Not just because he is a walking reminder of what she did, but because the more her feelings for him change, the more she knows she is betraying her best friend one final time.
If you haven't already, you can add THESE THINGS I'VE DONE on Goodreads.
Stay tuned for more news and other awesome stuff as we count down to the release on August 1, 2017!
July 14, 2016
THESE THINGS I'VE DONE
It started back in September 2014, when I received this email (reposted here with permission) from my friend Cara, the talented author of the amazing Sententia series and fellow ABNA alum:
My first response? I loved the idea, but I wasn't sure if I could write something so dark and heavy. Then I thought about it. Then thought about it some more. Ideas took shape. A lot of brainstorming occurred between Cara and me. And suddenly, I had an outline. It was happening. This would be Dara's story, like Cara said in her email (backstory: a little while before this, she told me she wanted to have a main character named Dara, but it was too close to her name, so maybe I should use it instead. I promised her that my next main character would be Dara).
So I created Dara Shepard, a girl struggling with guilt. And Aubrey, the best friend she accidentally killed. And Ethan, Aubrey's younger brother who, after a year away, Dara returns to and discovers he's not the same boy she once knew. I decided on a format--non-linear with two separate timelines: sophomore year (past tense), which leads up to the tragedy, and senior year (present tense), which takes place over a year after the tragedy occurred. Two separate storylines, before and after, weaved together.
TTID is the most challenging book I've ever written. It was the first book that made me cry. I ate, slept, and breathed the characters for months. They never left my head. When I finished I cried again, because I was so happy to be done, and also because I knew I'd miss the characters. Never had I been so invested in a manuscript.
I hoped it would someday pay off.
Fast-forward to January. My agent called to tell me we had an offer. A wonderful two-book deal with HarperTeen. It was lunchtime, I remember, and I'd been eating soup when Eric called. My soup got cold. I don't recall everything Eric said on the phone. I think he cried (he's kind of famous for that). I remember writing down the deal details on a piece of paper for my husband while I was talking. I remember having to sit down as Eric described this amazing offer. I remember crying and hugging my husband when I hung up. It was probably the best phone call I've ever gotten. I never did get back to my soup.
Now, finally, I can show you this:
A lot of people worked hard on this book, but I'll never forget how it all started. Cara and her email. None of this would be happening if it weren't for her, and even though I've thanked her repeatedly, I feel like it's not enough. So once again: Cara, thank you, Thank you for the idea. Thank you for helping me flesh out the story. Thank you for critiqued it for me, and for assured me that I did it justice. Thank you for Dara.
Also, none of this would be happening without my amazing agent, Eric Smith. Thank you so much for loving this book and agreeing to take on little old me. #TeamRocks rules!
Next post, I'll tell you more about the inspiration and writing/editing process for THESE THINGS I'VE DONE. Teaser: Friday Night Lights and Ed Sheeran are involved.
My first response? I loved the idea, but I wasn't sure if I could write something so dark and heavy. Then I thought about it. Then thought about it some more. Ideas took shape. A lot of brainstorming occurred between Cara and me. And suddenly, I had an outline. It was happening. This would be Dara's story, like Cara said in her email (backstory: a little while before this, she told me she wanted to have a main character named Dara, but it was too close to her name, so maybe I should use it instead. I promised her that my next main character would be Dara).
So I created Dara Shepard, a girl struggling with guilt. And Aubrey, the best friend she accidentally killed. And Ethan, Aubrey's younger brother who, after a year away, Dara returns to and discovers he's not the same boy she once knew. I decided on a format--non-linear with two separate timelines: sophomore year (past tense), which leads up to the tragedy, and senior year (present tense), which takes place over a year after the tragedy occurred. Two separate storylines, before and after, weaved together.
TTID is the most challenging book I've ever written. It was the first book that made me cry. I ate, slept, and breathed the characters for months. They never left my head. When I finished I cried again, because I was so happy to be done, and also because I knew I'd miss the characters. Never had I been so invested in a manuscript.
I hoped it would someday pay off.
Fast-forward to January. My agent called to tell me we had an offer. A wonderful two-book deal with HarperTeen. It was lunchtime, I remember, and I'd been eating soup when Eric called. My soup got cold. I don't recall everything Eric said on the phone. I think he cried (he's kind of famous for that). I remember writing down the deal details on a piece of paper for my husband while I was talking. I remember having to sit down as Eric described this amazing offer. I remember crying and hugging my husband when I hung up. It was probably the best phone call I've ever gotten. I never did get back to my soup.
Now, finally, I can show you this:
A lot of people worked hard on this book, but I'll never forget how it all started. Cara and her email. None of this would be happening if it weren't for her, and even though I've thanked her repeatedly, I feel like it's not enough. So once again: Cara, thank you, Thank you for the idea. Thank you for helping me flesh out the story. Thank you for critiqued it for me, and for assured me that I did it justice. Thank you for Dara.
Also, none of this would be happening without my amazing agent, Eric Smith. Thank you so much for loving this book and agreeing to take on little old me. #TeamRocks rules!
Next post, I'll tell you more about the inspiration and writing/editing process for THESE THINGS I'VE DONE. Teaser: Friday Night Lights and Ed Sheeran are involved.
January 26, 2016
ANY OTHER GIRL is here!
I heard there was a big snow storm a few days ago for some of you. Maybe beat the winter blues with a light, breezy, romantic, summer-on-the-lake book?
This novel was a complete joy to write. I hope you all enjoy your time with Kat and her wonderful dads as much as I did.
ANY OTHER GIRL is now ready to buy and read:
AMAZONKOBOBARNES AND NOBLE
If you happen to see my little book in the wild, I'd LOVE to see a pic!
This novel was a complete joy to write. I hope you all enjoy your time with Kat and her wonderful dads as much as I did.
ANY OTHER GIRL is now ready to buy and read:
AMAZONKOBOBARNES AND NOBLE
If you happen to see my little book in the wild, I'd LOVE to see a pic!
December 21, 2015
Best Reads of 2015
It's the most wonderful time of the year....because I get to make a list of books!
In no particular order, here are my Top 10 reads of 2015:
1. I'LL MEET YOU THERE by Heather Demetrios
An emotional, character-driven story that grabbed me immediately. The characters are flawed and real and sometimes frustrating, and the romance is messy and intense. The acknowledgements are just as touching as the book's ending.
2. LITTLE PEACH by Peggy Kern
This is a short but incredibly powerful read. I haven't heard much buzz around this book. It's definitely worth a read. Disturbing as hell, but I powered through it in one short afternoon, then thought about it for days afterwards.
3. SIMON VS. THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA by Becky Albertalli
What can I say about this book that hasn't already been said a million times? It's freaking adorable and made me smile so hard my cheeks hurt. Absolutely delightful in every way.
4. 99 DAYS by Katie Cotugno
Katie's characters are so incredibly frustrating and flawed, but so real that you get sucked into their lives and stories even while you feel like screaming at them. Her prose is beautiful and honest, the dialogue spot-on.
5. EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING by Nicola Yoon
I was lucky enough to score an ARC of this book months before release. There was so much pre-release buzz for this book, and no wonder. It's everything, everything you'd expect, plus more. Beautiful and unique.
6. EMMY & OLIVER by Robin Benway
There are some books I know from the first few pages that I'm going to love, just from the writing and voice. Emmy & Oliver has everything I love in a good YA--realistic dialogue, relatable characters, amazing friendships, a sweet romance, honest emotion, humor, and heart. Just lovely.
7. WHAT YOU LEFT BEHIND by Jessica Verdi
Jessica Verdi is my go-to author for unique YA that tackles really tough subjects in an honest, completely readable way. Just like with her last two books, this one deals with something not often seen in YA--in this case, teen fatherhood. And it's my favorite Jessica book yet.
8. DUMPLIN' by Julie Murphy
Man, 2015 was a good year for YA. This book is fun, poignant, and hilarious. I enjoyed every minute I spent with its fantastic heroine, Willowdean.
9. MORE HAPPY THAN NOT by Adam Silvera
This one emotionally chewed me up and spit me out. I felt like I needed a hug after finishing it. Heart-breaking and unique.
This last one is not YA, but I had to include it because it had such an effect on me:
10. A LITTLE LIFE by Hanya Yanagihara
I read this book almost two months ago and it still haunts me. It's so well-written, the characters and emotions so vivid that it makes you feel like you're living in the story, witnessing it all and feeling every frustration, horror, and happiness right along with the characters. Unforgettable.
What were YOUR favorite books of 2015?
In no particular order, here are my Top 10 reads of 2015:
1. I'LL MEET YOU THERE by Heather DemetriosAn emotional, character-driven story that grabbed me immediately. The characters are flawed and real and sometimes frustrating, and the romance is messy and intense. The acknowledgements are just as touching as the book's ending.
2. LITTLE PEACH by Peggy KernThis is a short but incredibly powerful read. I haven't heard much buzz around this book. It's definitely worth a read. Disturbing as hell, but I powered through it in one short afternoon, then thought about it for days afterwards.
3. SIMON VS. THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA by Becky AlbertalliWhat can I say about this book that hasn't already been said a million times? It's freaking adorable and made me smile so hard my cheeks hurt. Absolutely delightful in every way.
4. 99 DAYS by Katie CotugnoKatie's characters are so incredibly frustrating and flawed, but so real that you get sucked into their lives and stories even while you feel like screaming at them. Her prose is beautiful and honest, the dialogue spot-on.
5. EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING by Nicola YoonI was lucky enough to score an ARC of this book months before release. There was so much pre-release buzz for this book, and no wonder. It's everything, everything you'd expect, plus more. Beautiful and unique.
6. EMMY & OLIVER by Robin BenwayThere are some books I know from the first few pages that I'm going to love, just from the writing and voice. Emmy & Oliver has everything I love in a good YA--realistic dialogue, relatable characters, amazing friendships, a sweet romance, honest emotion, humor, and heart. Just lovely.
7. WHAT YOU LEFT BEHIND by Jessica VerdiJessica Verdi is my go-to author for unique YA that tackles really tough subjects in an honest, completely readable way. Just like with her last two books, this one deals with something not often seen in YA--in this case, teen fatherhood. And it's my favorite Jessica book yet.
8. DUMPLIN' by Julie MurphyMan, 2015 was a good year for YA. This book is fun, poignant, and hilarious. I enjoyed every minute I spent with its fantastic heroine, Willowdean.
9. MORE HAPPY THAN NOT by Adam SilveraThis one emotionally chewed me up and spit me out. I felt like I needed a hug after finishing it. Heart-breaking and unique.
This last one is not YA, but I had to include it because it had such an effect on me:
10. A LITTLE LIFE by Hanya YanagiharaI read this book almost two months ago and it still haunts me. It's so well-written, the characters and emotions so vivid that it makes you feel like you're living in the story, witnessing it all and feeling every frustration, horror, and happiness right along with the characters. Unforgettable.
What were YOUR favorite books of 2015?
