Best Books of 2011 - Kat's picks

I have compiled the best books that I read in 2011!*

*these are actually the best teen fiction that were published in 2011 that I read. I did read some fantastic adult fiction and some older teen fiction too, but they were left off this list. If you're curious you can always ask.

These are in no particular order, except vaguely in the order that I read them. Links go to the print copy but keep in mind that some of these also have e-books or audiobooks too.

Across the Universe by Beth Revis - part science fiction, part murder mystery, part coming-of-age, all awesome. I really liked the setting - a ship that's been in space for 250 years - and the ins and outs of how that might work. Really intriguing read.

Shine by Lauren Myracle - a heavier book about a hate crime in small town America. Beautifully written with fleshed out characters. If you're looking for something with a little bit of substance, this is for you.

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray - beauty pageant contestants crash on an island and have to not only survive, but discover who is behind their crash. It's a witty, smart book that has lots of laugh out loud moments but lots of poignant moments too. 

Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt - A boy moves to a new town and has to deal with trying to fit in and also deal with his dysfunctional family. Another book where I really loved the characters. Nobody is as they seem including the narrator, Doug. This felt like one of those books your teacher might make you read and at first you don't really want to like it but then you end up realizing that your teacher knows what they're talking about after all. Just a really, really good book. Don't let the kind-of-boring cover fool you.

Red Glove by Holly Black - I know you're all shocked to find this here. I only talk about this series every five seconds or so. It involves two of my favourite things - magic and organized crime. If you haven't read the first one in the series, White Cat, I urge you to do so immediately.

Divergent by Veronica Roth - I bought this on a whim at an airport and I'm so glad I did. It's a dystopian book set in a really interesting version of Chicago.The pacing was fast enough to keep me awake through my flight and the plot was enough to distract me once I got to my destination. I also have to say that I really loved the relationships in the book. The romance was perfect but I also really enjoyed the family and friend relationships too. If you've finished Mockingjay, pick this one up. 

Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater - Scorpio Races takes place on an island where they race flesh-eating water horses every fall. This island itself feels so real that by the time you're done reading you'll feel like you've been there. I really loved the mythology behind these dangerous creatures and the two main characters who each had their own conflicts going on. It's different than her usual paranormal romance stuff, but in a good way.

Chime by Franny Billingsley - More magic but a historical setting this time. The main character is sure she should be hung because she has done awful things. As you read though, you realize that things aren't always as they seem. The characters in this book are extremely charming. Its wit and wordplay won me over. Recommended to readers who don't mind romance with their magic.

Death Cure by James Dashner - The last in the Maze Runner series. I don't think I quite loved this one as much as Scorch Trials but I did like it lots (obviously. It's on this list). It's really intense and we finally get some answers to the questions but at a fairly high cost. If you're looking for a good dystopian read, I definitely recommend this one.

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins - My review on Goodreads says one word: Perfection. If you are looking for something lighter after reading all the dystopian books (which, let's face it, are a bit of a downer), pick up Lola and the Boy Next Door. It has all the feel-good of a rom com with none of the annoying actresses. I even liked it better than the book before it, Anna and the French Kiss, though I recommend that one too.

PHEW! That was a lot of gushing about books. Now give me your favourites!

(also: make sure you have a good new year!)