BEA: Droolworthy books (Best of 2011)

There are some fantastic books available this year, a lot of them are from debut authors, that I just can't find enough time to read everything. But, here are some of the ones that have really caught my attention:

The Liar Society by Lisa and Laura Roeker

I was anxious to get this as soon as I heard about it and I was not let down. Kate is a modern day Nancy Drew complete with pink hair and pearls. Full of intrigue and mystery as Kate gets drawn into the mystery surrounding her best friend's death. She is pulled into this mystery by the person she leasts suspects, her dead friend. A perfect book for anyone who loves mysteries.

Die for Me by Amy Plum

A paranormal that takes place in Paris, what more can anyone want? It's at the top of my reading list and after finding it down at the book store, I just need to find time to read it.

Burn Bright by Marianne de Pierres

A debut YA from popular adult Australian author. I have taken workshops with this author and she is fantastic, so I really wanted to get this story without knowing what it was about. But now I do, it really makes me want to read it more. Late night parties and night creatures, just check out the tag line "Into a world of wild secrets and deadly pleasures comes a girl whose innocence may be her greatest strength."

Possession by Elana Johnson

This is a book I'm eager to read. I'm loving the range and quality of dystopian novels available at the moment and I've heard really good things about Vi and the controlling society she has been forced to endure. And I did a little happy dance when the Arc I won arrived in the post today. I can't wait to read it.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

I love mysteries and a girl surviving a car accident that killed her best friends but has no memories of how she ended up in hospital... now, what can go wrong with that? 

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

I'm currently reading Last Sacrifice and love the world that Richelle Mead has created. I really look forward to seeing where this spin off of Vampire Academy leads, especially seeing more of Sydney who is one of my favourite characters.

The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

Ooh, witch stories. I love everything paranormal, especially witches. I remember sitting around with my friends making up stories about witches and haunted houses that belonged around the block from where I was growing up. Just a premise of a story like that being more than a story really captures my interest.

So, what are you looking forward to this year? 

Armchair BEA: Introductions

BEA, also known as Book Expo America, is happening in New York and, alas, I could not make it... this could have something to do with it being in a whole different country on the opposite side of the world thing (although I did get the sudden inspiration to dip into my brother's savings for a couple of plane tickets... he did not like that idea much though). 

Instead I'll be participating in armchair BEA. Why? Because it costs nothing and I can participate at home.

Today's post is all about introductions. I'm an Aussie book blogger who is currently studying to become a high school English teacher. I read way too much and have over 50 books (not including those on my iPad) that are sitting on my bookshelves just waiting for me to read.

So, here's a little big about me for all those wanting to know (even those who really don't):

1. I read everything and all in YA (just call me a big kid at heart).
2. I really want to go to Japan... planning to get there at the end of the year.
3. I love everything Horror (but more of the psychological than the slasher).
4. I write YA and am working on several projects at the moment.
5. I play the guitar and dabble in writing my own songs.
6. I am very impulsive... especially when it comes to buying books (hey, I can't help that the book store was having a closing down sale with 75% off and I walked away with over 10 books).
7. I've already purchased my tickets for the midnight Harry Potter... can't wait to see the concluding movie.

I look forward to meeting up with anyone else doing the armchair BEA. It's going to be just as good as being there (and that's me acting positive).

So, who else is participating in armchair BEA?