Top Ten Books That I Wish Were Taught In Schools

Hosted by The Broke and The Bookish!

1.  DREAMLAND by Sarah Dessen
2.  THIRTEEN REASONS WHY by Jay Asher
3.  CODE NAME VERITY by Elizabeth Wein
4.  BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY by Ruta Sepetys
5.  BEFORE I FALL by Lauren Oliver
6.  THE MOCKINGBIRDS by Daisy Whitney
7.  THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green
8.  HARRY POTTER by JK Rowling
9.  SPLIT by Swati Avasthi
10.  WINTERGIRLS by Laurie Halse Anderson

I was going to include a reason for each book, but it ended up sounding very fangirl-y, so I'll only say that all ten books are incredible and worth discussing in a classroom setting.

What are your top ten choices?

Top Ten Tuesday (3)

For more information on how to participate in Top Ten Tuesday and this week's topic, visit The Broke and Bookish for details! 

Top Ten Authors I'd Love to Have at my Thanksgiving Feast

1. JK Rowling - Not saying I'd be coherent enough to actually speak to her, but she would definitely be the first author I'd invite. 
2. Laini Taylor - She has awesome pink hair, therefore, she is invited. 
3. Lauren Oliver - She's a favorite author of mine, so naturally, I'd love to have her as a Thanksgiving guest. Plus, maybe I could manage to get some insider info on Pandemonium ;)
4. Meg Cabot - I'd mostly want Meg over just to say how I'm thankful for the books she's written. Even in the worst moments of my life, where everything was just terrible, Meg's books were a comfort zone that I'm eternally thankful for. 
5. Sarah Dessen - Same reasoning as above. I am a long-time Dessen fan :)
6. Maggie Stiefvater - She's Maggie freaking Stiefvater. That's reason enough for wanting her over.  

7. Daisy Whitney - Loved her debut, and Daisy always seems so cheerful. Who wouldn't want someone like her at their Thanksgiving feast? The mood in the room would brighten immediately. 
8. Jay Asher - Poor Jay, he's the only guy I picked! Anyway, he's an awesome writer and he always seems so amusing on Facebook & his blog, so he would definitely have a place at my (very small) table. 
9. Maureen Johnson - She's kinda crazy, especially on Twitter, and therefore would make an amusing addition to the guest list. Maureen is practically all the entertainment you'd need during Thanksgiving dinner. 
10. Nancy Holder - Nancy is just so nice online! How could I not invite her? It'd be great to actually meet her in person. 

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Book: Thirteen Reasons Why

Author: Jay Asher

Release: October, 2007

Source: Borrowed

Summary:

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a strange package with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker -- his classmate and crush -- who committed suicide two weeks earlier. 

Hannah's voice tells him that there are thirteen reasons she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out why. 

Clay spends the night crisscrossing his town with Hannah as his guide. He becomes a first-hand witness to Hannah's pain, and learns the truth about himself -- a truth he never wanted to face. 

Review: Thirteen Reasons Why is the most heartbreaking novel I've read in awhile.

Admittedly, I avoided this story ever since it came out. But then a friend brought it one day for me to read, and I trust her judgement in books, so I gave it shot. And Thirteen Reasons Why blew my mind, tore my heart out, and patched it all together again.

The main character role, I would have to say, is split between the obvious choice Clay, and then Hannah. I feel like we got to know Hannah more, because she really is the main speaker throughout the story. Yet, I also feel like Clay is a solid character, but Hannah seems more prominent.

If you want to read a story that will take you through a whirlwind of emotions, then read Thirteen Reasons Why. 

Highlights: This book is like nothing I've ever read. It's emotional, and it left me with a heavy feeling once I was done (I can't even describe it past that, but it's a book that made an impression on me). This story is powerful, and I know I'll be looking forward to whatever Asher comes up with next. 

I also love how if  you take off the book jacket and look inside, it's a map (and it fits with the story). Definitely an interesting touch. 

Lowlights: I don't even know. Maybe some more depth to Clay?

Rating:   

In My Mailbox 34

IMM is hosted by The Story Siren and inspired by Pop Culture Junkie. 

For review:

When I Was Joe by Keren David

Pre-ordered back in March:

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins 

(I think I'm still in shock about how it ended)

Borrowed from a friend:

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Received:

Swag from Denise Jaden

Thanks to Jessica (and Keren for contacting me), Theresa, and Denise! =)

What did you guys get this week?