FAVORITE FRIDAY (#18)~ Don't Die, My Love by Lurlene McDaniel

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where they spotlight some of their favorite reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on their linky or leave them a comment.

This week's Favorite Read is:

Don't Die, My Love by Lurlene McDaniel

Release Date: July 1, 1995

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

Julie Ellis and Luke Muldenhower have always been school sweethearts. Now both are in high school and deeply in love. Luke, a talented football player, is almost certain to receive an athletic scholarship to a top college. And no matter what her parents say, wherever Luke goes, Julie intends to follow. When Luke can’t shake what he thinks is a virus, Julie persuades him to see a doctor. Luke’s test results are alarming, but Julie believes their love is stronger than anything. Can love survive, now and forever?

Why it's one of my Favorite Reads:

Okay so here's my book version of Flashback Friday. Before there was Nicholas Sparks there was Lurlene McDaniel, the original heartbreak master. I started reading Lurlene's books in junior high school and instantly fell in love with them. There's just something about a book making you want to cry all the time that makes me love it. I consider that the signs of a great writer. Of all of the Lurlene McDaniel books i've read this one is definitely my favorite. Like all of her books, it involves love and heartbreak and sickness. Perfect combination of happiness and sorrow.

What's YOUR Favorite Book? Stop by Books and Swoons to share yours :)

FAVORITE FRIDAY (#17)~ Nowhere But Here (Thunder Road #1) by Katie McGarry

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where they spotlight some of their favorite reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on their linky or leave them a comment.

This week's Favorite Read is:

Nowhere But Here (Thunder Road #1) by Katie McGarry

Release Date: May 26, 2015

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old Emily likes her life the way it is: doting parents, good friends, good school in a safe neighborhood. Sure, she's curious about her biological father--the one who chose life in a motorcycle club, the Reign of Terror, over being a parent--but that doesn't mean she wants to be a part of his world. But when a reluctant visit turns to an extended summer vacation among relatives she never knew she had, one thing becomes clear: nothing is what it seems. Not the club, not her secret-keeping father and not Oz, a guy with suck-me-in blue eyes who can help her understand them both.

Oz wants one thing: to join the Reign of Terror. They're the good guys. They protect people. They're...family. And while Emily--the gorgeous and sheltered daughter of the club's most respected member--is in town, he's gonna prove it to her. So when her father asks him to keep her safe from a rival club with a score to settle, Oz knows it's his shot at his dream. What he doesn't count on is that Emily just might turn that dream upside down.

No one wants them to be together. But sometimes the right person is the one you least expect, and the road you fear the most is the one that leads you home.

Why it's one of my Favorite Reads:

I love how easy this book was to read. The author did such a great job with the flow of the story and the character progression. Plus it introduced me to a world that I knew nothing about and have pretty much become obsessed with since reading this book: Motorcycle Clubs. I read somewhere that this book is like a combination of West Side Story and Sons of Anarchy. So imagine this:

PLUS THIS

And just know that this is 100% ACCURATE!!! 

What's YOUR Favorite Book? Stop by Books and Swoons to share yours :)

FAVORITE FRIDAY (#16)~ The Program (The Program #1) by Suzanne Young

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where they spotlight some of their favorite reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on their linky or leave them a comment.

This week's Favorite Read is:

The Program (The Program #1) by Suzanne Young

Release Date: April 30, 2013

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blanks slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. and The Program is coming for them.

Why it's one of my Favorite Reads:

This book was such a great story. I think it appealed to me the most because it seems like something that can actually happen. That thought alone is pretty scary. The author did an amazing job writing the characters and scenes.

What's YOUR Favorite Book? Stop by Books and Swoons to share yours :)

FAVORITE FRIDAY (#15)~ Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where they spotlight some of their favorite reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on their linky or leave them a comment.

This week's Favorite Read is:

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins

Release Date: August 24, 2010

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

My name is Katniss Everdeen.

Why am I not dead?

I should be dead.

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss’s family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel ad haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans—except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss’s willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels’ Mockingjay—no matter what the personal cost.

Why it's one of my Favorite Reads:

This book broke many hearts and broke my heart many times. I think it's the first YA book that made me cry. It definitely holds a special place in my heart!

What's YOUR Favorite Book? Stop by Books and Swoons to share yours :)

FAVORITE FRIDAY (#14)~ The Program by Suzanne Young

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where they spotlight some of their favorite reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on their linky or leave them a comment.

This week's Favorite Read is:

The Program (The Program #1) by Suzanne Young

Release Date: April 30, 2013

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

In Sloane’s world, true feelings are forbidden, teen suicide is an epidemic, and the only solution of The Program.

Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He's promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. and The Program is coming for them.

Why it's one of my Favorite Reads:

This book was such a great read! The story line is so realistic and the characters are so greatly written. Plus, James is totally swoony! I was addicted after the first chapter!

What's YOUR Favorite Book? Stop by Books and Swoons to share yours :)

FAVORITE FRIDAY (#13)~ Oh, the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where they spotlight some of their favorite reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on their linky or leave them a comment.

This week's Favorite Read is:

Oh, the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss

Release Date: January 22, 1990

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

In this joyous ode to life, Dr. Seuss addresses graduates of all ages, from nursery school to medical school, and gives them the get-up-and-go to move mountains with the unrivaled exuberance and charm that have made Dr. Seuss’s books favorites for years.

Why it's one of my Favorite Reads:

This is probably the most inspirational book I have ever read... and it isn't even more than 50 pages. Like the synopsis says, this books encourages people of all ages and I am definitely one of those people.

What's YOUR Favorite Book? Stop by Books and Swoons to share yours :)

FAVORITE FRIDAY (#12)~ Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where they spotlight some of their favorite reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on their linky or leave them a comment.

This week's Favorite Read is:

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Release Date: 1937

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

The tragic story of the complex bond between two migrant laborers in Central California. They are George Milton and Lennie Small, itinerant ranch hands who dream of one day owning a small farm. George acts as a father figure to Lennie, who is a very large, simple-minded man, calming him and helping to rein in his immense physical strength.

Why it's one of my Favorite Reads:

I love this book because the main characters, George and Lennie are so great to follow. They're just two friends trying to get a bit of their own stake so they can live a peaceful life, but like many things in life, it doesn't work out the way they planned. The story is beautiful and the ending is tragic. It's just truly a great story.

What's YOUR Favorite Book? Stop by Books and Swoons to share yours :)

FAVORITE FRIDAY (11)~ The Evolution of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer #2) by Michelle Hodkin

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where they spotlight some of their favorite reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on their linky or leave them a comment.

This week's Favorite Read is:

The Evolution of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer #2) by Michelle Hodkin

Release Date: October 3, 2012

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.

She cant.

She used to think her problems were all in her head.

They aren't.

She couldn't imagine that after everything she's been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets.

She’s wrong.

In tis gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer?

Why it's one of my Favorite Reads:

The twists and turns this book takes will leave you breathless and gasping for more. I LOVE exciting and fun reads like this! Plus, NOAH SHAW! That is all.

What's YOUR Favorite Book? Stop by Books and Swoons to share yours :)

FAVORITE FRIDAY (10)~ Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where they spotlight some of their favorite reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on their linky or leave them a comment.

This week's Favorite Read is:

Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Release Date: July 3, 2012

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

Before Peter Pan belonged to Wendy, he belonged to the girl with the crow feather in her hair…Tiger Lily. When fifteen-year-old Tiger Lily meets the alluring teenage Peter Pan deep in the forbidden woods of Neverland, the two form a bond that’s impossible to break, but also impossible to hold on to. As the leader of the Lost Boys, the most fearsome of Neverland’s inhabitants, Peter is an unthinkable match for Tiger Lily. However, when Wendy Darling, a girl who is everything Tiger Lily is not, arrives on the island, Tiger Lily discovers how far she is willing to go to keep Peter with her, and in Neverland.

Why it's one of my Favorite Reads:

It was such a beautiful rendition of the Peter Pan story and I just truly loved the authors take on it. Focusing not on Peter, but on Tiger Lily. Giving a back story for her that we never could have imagined. Beautiful twist to a classic fairy tale.

What's YOUR Favorite Book? Stop by Books and Swoons to share yours :)

FAVORITE FRIDAY (#9)~ The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1) by Rick Riordan

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where they spotlight some of their favorite reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on their linky or leave them a comment.

This week's Favorite Read is:

The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1) by Rick Riordan

Release Date: June 28, 2005

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can’t seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worse-Percy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him. When Percy’s mom finds out, she knows it’s time that he knew the truth about where he came from, and that he go to the one place he’ll be safe. She sends Percy to Camp Halfblood, a summer camp for demigods (on Long Island), where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon, God of the Sea. Soon a mystery unfolds and together with his friends—one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena—Percy sets out on a quest across the United States to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods.

Why it's one of my Favorite Reads:

Okay, so even though the synopsis sucks I promise you that this book is AH-MAY-ZING!!! It's pretty much what started my Greek Mythology addiction. And the author, Rick Riordan, definitely did his research because his analysis of the Greek Gods in this series is pretty spot on! So now i'm pretty much obsessed with Greek Mythology and even more obsessed with anything Rick Riordan writes!

What's YOUR Favorite Book? Stop by Books and Swoons to share yours :)

FAVORITE FRIDAY (#6)~ Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where they spotlight some of their favorite reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on their linky or leave them a comment.

This week's Favorite Read is:

Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth

Release Date: October 22, 2013

Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered-fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature-and of herself-while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

Why it's one of my Favorite Reads:

Okay so this book has been a toss up for me from day one. I completely love this book AND completely hate it! But I guess when it comes down to it, I lean more towards the love side of the spectrum. Without saying too much about the book (for the rare few that haven't read it yet), I really feel like the author did a great job with the emotional aspect of it. I mean seriously, I cried my eyes out for weeks and my book handover was more like a book coma. I was broken to the world and nothing could bring me back. To this day, I can't read a quote from the book without fighting back tears and Pinterest has become my enemy. So for better or worse, that is the making of a great book, something that can take complete control of your emotions and make you feel like you've lost something too. Allegiant did that for me.

Read my review of Allegiant here

What's YOUR Favorite Book? Stop by Books and Swoons to share yours :)