Smugglivus 2011 Guest Blogger/Author: Lenore of Presenting Lenore

Welcome to Smugglivus 2011! Throughout this month, we will have daily guests – authors and bloggers alike – looking back at their favorite reads of 2011, and looking forward to events and upcoming books in 2012.

Who: Lenore Appelhans of Presenting Lenore, a blog devoted to YA awesomeness, usually of the Dystopian persuasion. Though we all know Lenore as a fellow book blogger, last year she announced the massively exciting news that she was writing a YA dystopian novel of her own, and that the book had been purchased by Simon & Schuster (with a whopping 200,000 first print), optioned in a bazillion countries, and the film rights purchased by CBS Films. Needless to say, we are all excited for her forthcoming book, Level 2.

Give a warm welcome to Lenore!

Because of all the writing I did this year, I only managed to read half the amount of books I usually do. Still, thanks to two dystopian theme months on the blog, I read about the same amount in the dystopian genre.

I already mentioned DELIRIUM by Lauren Oliver and WITHER by Lauren DeStefano as 2011 books I loved in the preview section of my Smugglivus post last year, so I’ll give you five other 2011 favorites today.

BUMPED by Megan McCafferty

I’m aware that reviews were mixed on this one, but to me, it was a breath of fresh air on the dystopian landscape. I adored McCafferty’s dedication to fleshing out a world where only teens can have babies and all that might entail: pregging for profit, funbumps, and more. We get a look at all angles of the issues via vastly different twins Melody and Harmony and their reactions to their peers and the utterly fabulous celebrity sperm donor Jondoe. I am foaming at the mouth to read the sequel THUMPED.

LEGEND by Marie Lu

Ever since the THE HUNGER GAMES, I’ve been craving a book that would so completely suck me in, and LEGEND has come the closest. Day and June are the power couple of dystopian fiction, super smart teens on opposite sides of the law who join forces to expose the ills of their society. Totally cinematic.

ASHES by Ilsa J. Bick

I read this on the heels of watching a season 1 FRINGE marathon, and loved the way Bick incorporated fringe science in this high-octane survival story. I want more!!

WHEN SHE WOKE by Hilary Jordan

A dystopian retelling of THE SCARLET LETTER? Heck yeah! Even though this got overly preachy against religion at times, I was enthralled by Hannah’s character journey and the twists and turns on her road to redemption.

DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth

Despite my problems with the ending, I fell hard for bad-ass Tris and her trainer with a past, Four. The society may be wildly implausible, but the novel is so imaginative and immersive, you can’t help but believe.

Five debut author picks for 2012

It’s no secret I love my fellow Apocalypsies, and so I hope to love all their books too. Here are three I’ve read and two others I’m dying to read.

UNDER THE NEVER SKY by Veronica Rossi

This romantic thriller pairs tough outsider Perry with coddled Realms dweller Aria. Amazing world building and chemistry between the leads.

INCARNATE by Jodi Meadows

I adore the concept of “new soul” Ana fighting for acceptance in a society of “old souls” (people who have been reincarnated for thousands of years and retain all their knowledge across lifetimes). A very thought-provoking read.

GLITCH by Heather Anastasiu

Zoe Gray should be an automaton worker bee like everyone else in her underground society, but she’s not. And because she glitches, she’s able to long for something more than her dreary existence. This one goes to unexpected places. A thrilling, emotional ride.

STARTERS by Lissa Price

I’m super intrigued by the idea of a girl renting out her body to someone else’s mind, only to wake up in the middle and discover said renter doing dastardly deeds.

THE SELECTION by Kiera Cass

Pitched as a cross between THE HUNGER GAMES and THE BACHELOR. How can I resist?

Thanks for having me again, Ana and Thea!! Happy reading in 2012 and beyond …

Thank you, Lenore!