Top Ten Books I've Read So Far In 2013

1. Sea Hearts by Margo Lanagan. Gorgeous, descriptive writing telling a beautiful, harrowing, whimsical story about selkies.

2. This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers. A zombie novel focused on human relationships and emotions. So many feels.

3. Adorkable by Sarra Manning. Realistic characters + authentic romance = pure fun.

4. A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin. After loving the show for two years, I actually got around to reading the first book this year. It was a bit of a slog, but worth it. Westeros is such a rich world, populated by wonderful, flawed characters.

5. Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley. An all-in-one-night story (my favourite kind) featuring a smart girl and mysterious boy wandering around the streets of Melbourne. Le swoon.

6. The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner. After enjoying the first book and being disappointed with the second in The Queens Thief series, I finally saw what all the fuss was about with this third book. I loved the twisty plot and awesome characters, especially the King of the title, Eugenides.

7. Liar by Justine Larbalestier. The kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve read it. Mostly because the unreliable narrator totally messes with your head.

8. Between the Lives by Jessica Shirvington. I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would. What could have been clichéd was actually quite lovely, and the idea of one girl living two lives simultaneously was unique and interesting.

9. In Falling Snow by Mary-Rose MacColl. A moving historical novel spanning generations and countries, with a tale of the relationships between women at its heart.

10. Alaska by Sue Saliba. Beautifully written and designed, this book is about finding yourself.

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and The Bookish.

Ten Reasons You Should Read Graffiti Moon By Cath Crowley

1. It takes place all in one night, which adds at least 70% more awesomeness.
2. It's told from two (and a half) perspectives: Lucy, who is on the hunt for graffiti artist Shadow and Ed, who secretly is Shadow. Seeing both points of view as they get to know one another, keep secrets and miscommunicate is a lot of fun. The half perspective is the occasional poetic insight from the mind of Leo, a.k.a. Shadow's partner in crime, Poet.
3. The writing is gorgeous. It reminds me of Melina Marchetta in its raw beauty.
4. The characters are all well fleshed-out, unique and likable. Even when they're planning to do kind of terrible things, you can't help but root for this bunch.
5. There are so many adorable interactions that will make you want to squee. Ed and Lucy have a strong chemistry from the start, even when they supposedly hate each other.
6. It's about art and the way it touches your soul. Crowley paints colours with her words as vividly as Shadow does with his spray cans.
7. It's also about love and finding yourself, but not in a cheesy, naff way. It's incredibly authentic in its untidiness while still being uplifting and hopeful.
8. It's set in the beautiful city of Melbourne. I want to go to there (seriously, I can't believe I've never been!).
9. You won't want to put it down. It's one of those books you devour every chance you get.
10. It won't take long to read, but it will leave a lasting impression. It's lovely and brilliant and wonderful and every good adjective you can think of.

Rating: 5/5