Highlights of 2010, Part I: For Hopeless Romantics

It’s that time of year again, and the recent spate of ‘recommended’ lists appearing on book blogs and media sites everywhere has prompted me to devise one of my own. I’m going to do things a little differently though, with those of you who haven’t bought Christmas gifts yet in mind—the books below will be sorted by who might enjoy them. I’ll also talk about why I did!


Keep in mind that seeing as I read mostly YA, this list is aimed at teens, but some of these would make great gifts for adults too! :)

For the Hopeless Romantic

2010 has indeed been a great year for hopeless romantics (myself included!)—We’ve had stunning debuts and a few amazing books brought to the attention of overseas readers like me. Here are a few of my favourites:

Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

If anyone asked me which book I’m totally evangelical about, this would be it. Morgan Matson tells the tale of grieving and guarded Amy’s road trip across the US with Roger, my all time favorite book crush, not just through conventional narrative but also through receipts, doodles, playlists and other road trip paraphernalia. Not only did I love the incredible growth the characters experienced through the book, I also appreciated that in a bookworld full to the brim of torrid, fast paced affairs where people decide they’re in love after an average of 2.5 hours, the relationship in this book progressed realistically, was simple and incredibly sweet. An absolute winner!

Buy it on Amazon
Find it on Goodreads
Buy it on Book Depository (free international shipping!)
Read my review

  

The Clearing by Heather Davis

This one held onto my heart for quite a while before ‘Amy & Roger’ stole it. Heather Davis mixes a time-travel edge with very real characters and relationships in a story that’s truly timeless. This time the protagonist (also called Amy!) meets and starts to fall for an old-fashioned, charming and genuinely nice guy named Henry. Problem is, on his side of the clearing behind her Aunt Mae’s house, it’s still 1944! There’s a tragic reason for the time gap that makes you feel for the characters even more than you already did, and you just desperately hope that it all works out for them.


Buy it on Amazon
Find it on Goodreads
Buy it on Book Depository (free international shipping!)
Read my review







Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles.

What is it with dangerous, attractive guys named Alex in YA fiction today? In any case, it’s a trend I’m not complaining about. Mexican gang-member Alex Fuentes was my original Alex-crush, and still holds a special place in my heart- he's also the reason a friend of mine starting reading again! Perfect Chemistry is the story of his fractious relationship (they start out as enemies) with the pretty and perfect Britanny Ellis. Except, Brittany’s not as perfect as she seems, and Alex isn’t the arrogant and gun-toting guy she thinks he is. (In fact, he’s pretty darned sweet….) Both characters have their flaws, which made me love them even more! Elkeles also crafted a fantastic cast of supporting characters for her Romeo and Juliet-esque romance that asks some hard questions about social and racial divides.

Watch the book trailer for the sequel, Rules of Attraction (that’s what got me into the series in the first place!)
Buy it on Amazon
Find it on Goodreads
Buy it on Book Depository (free international shipping!)
Read my review


Anna and the French Kiss- Stephanie Perkins

I absolutely had to edit this post to include Anna, because it's hands down the best romance I've read all year- with plenty of funny to go around! It follows the story of Anna Oliphant, who's shipped from Atlanta to a Parisian boarding school for her senior year, and her relationship with the gorgeous (and actually nice!) Etienne St. Clair. The romance is slow-going and realistic- there are awkward moments, mistakes are made, and characters embarrass themselves. This, added to a healthy amount of adventure, makes for a great mix of comedy, romance and coming-of-age-story. (Plus, I've mentioned it's in PARIS, right?) Highly, highly recommended.

Buy it on Amazon
Find it on Goodreads
Buy it on Book Depository
Read my review

That’s it for now, but sit tight; the best books for those who enjoy the nitty-gritty of life will be up soon!