FIVE Challenge:Ten YA Titles of 2009

My selections for the books that I enjoyed most this year. They had to have been published in 2009, here or in other parts of the world. It's purely subjective but I have seen at least half of the titles pop up on most other lists I think I am thinking correctly.

IF I STAY - Gayle Forman

The tears came in buckets with this gem. Even in the worst situations there is hope, this was an element that was tackled well in this story of tragic circumstances and the pain of loss. A touching, hopeful and affecting story with a lovely voice.

Favourite moment: Gramps sitting by Mia's bedside and telling her it was okay if she wanted to leave. I think my heart shuffled like an accordion during that scene.

Review

FIRE - Kristin Cashore

After reading Graceling I actively avoided Fire for weeks. Why? I didn't think Cashore would be able to wrap me in a story as well as she had for a second time. After finally biting the bullet I realised that it is possible, in fact Cashore surpassed the original. Fantasy elements cloak a story that is ultimately about a woman accepting her specialness, as a monster and as a human, to connect with the world.

Favourite moment: I am partial to Fire's horseback diversionary bolt to save the army.

Review

GOING TOO FAR - Jennifer Echols

My favourite book of the year, Going Too Far is the epitome of YA perfection. It's fast paced without sacrificing authentic character development, the two central characters exchange fantastically quick and smart banter and revelations are sprinkled throughout. Snarky and steamy, the best of both worlds.

Favourite moment: Too hard...any scene that occurs in the front of the police car.

Review

LOVE YOU HATE YOU MISS YOU - Elizabeth Scott

Elizabeth Scott is fantastic at the warm, amusing romantic reads but LYHYMY has bite. Amy is a brittle and hurting young woman who's best friend died tragically. It's in working through her grief, guilt and anger that she is able to grow. One of the most interesting depictions of parents in recent years.

Review

THE ASK AND THE ANSWER - Patrick Ness

If you've read it you know. Second titles in trilogy's usually act as a lacklustre bridge between establishing characters and a big finale. This is not the case here, political intrigue, guerrilla warfare and the annihilation of a species make this a spectacularly exciting and crafted read.

Favourite moment: Davy's arc and the resolution to that.

Review

EYES LIKE STARS - Lisa Mantchev

Reading this book was like being dunked in a bath of classic literary characters, impish delight and roguish charm - basically it was delicious. The magical Theatre Illuminata is a world where the surprising is always creeping up behind you, the bizarre is whirling around and in its centre is the spunky Bertie. Eyes Like Stars has great heart and humour amidst the distracting glitter and that's what makes this title such a smashing read.

Favourite moment: Anytime Ophelia sloshes into Bertie's sphere.

Review

THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH - Carrie Ryan

Gripping, tense and featuring one of the most matter of fact protagonist's of the year. Demonstrated that paranormal YA doesn't have to be limp, predictable and poorly executed - Ryan's debut is a wonderful post-apocalyptic world where hope is a dream.

Favourite moment: It involves a bow and arrow and zombie heads.

Review

HOLLYWOOD ENDING - Kathy Charles

Two words...death hags. We are all preoccupied with death in some ways and in Hilda's case it's due in large part to her parent's death, she's just projected that onto celebrity deaths in Hollywood. It's a fascinating world that Charles has crafted, one where the unsettling is quite normal. An unlikely friendship develops while another falls apart. An unique exploration of death, grief, guilt and the healing that takes place when we connect with others.

Favourite moment: Hank and Benji's scene in the beginning.

Review

JESSICA'S GUIDE TO DATING ON THE DARK SIDE - Beth Fantaskey

I enjoyed this title so much in large part to the beautifully realised protagonist, she's strong and capable with an enormous amount of heart. It's the humour that makes this such an enjoyable read, specifically the miscommunication that abounds and the spark between Jessica and Lucius.

Favourite moment: Lucius' letters and a certain kick in the shins.

Review

CATCHING FIRE -Suzanne Collins

A great continuance of the world of Panem and Katniss' needing to deal with the consequences of her actions in the Hunger Games. The political machinations and the building rebellion fascinated me. The events of the games were quickly paced and are building to what it sure to be a spectacular conclusion.

Favourite moment: It involves a dummy and some rope.

Review.

This is the conclusion to my FIVE Challenge for 2009. Should you wish for further explanation of the FIVE Challenge, you can follow the link here.

Previously...

FIVE Great Aussie Titles

FIVE Great YA Author Moments

FIVE Great YA Movie Deals

FIVE Hopes for YA in 2010

FIVE Most Anticipated Titles

FIVE Great Re-reads

FIVE Great Series

FIVE Great Covers

FIVE Great Debuts