In My Mailbox (58)

This week, I've made a discovery: when I put myself on a book-buying ban, there's a side-effect. And that side-effect is rapid pre-ordering syndrome. It goes kinda like this....

A bookstore. My lunch hour. Enter Me, 'just browsing'. Also enter brand new shiny books just inviting me to snap them up.
Imaginary Angel On My Left Shoulder: But Lauren, you made yourself a promise. A sacred oath. No more books while there are so many waiting for you at home.
Me: Hmmm, you're right. Buying any more would be book gluttony. And conspicuous consumption. I can exercise some willpower here. Bye bye for now, new books.

Evening. My desk. Enter Me, 'just browsing' an online store for brand new shiny books to add to my wishlist.
Imaginary Devil On My Right Shoulder: Y'know, 'pre-ordering' isn't exactly 'buying'.
Me: Um, I'm not sure about that. It feels like cheating.
Imaginary Angel: It IS cheating. Be strong, Lauren. You can do this.
Imaginary Devil: Cheating, schmeating. These books are not out until NEXT YEAR, goody-two-wings. Her TBR pile will be long-read by then.
Me: Hell yeah! I'll have this one, and this one, and this one -
Imaginary Angel: But -
Me: Shut it, feather-brain. I'm a pre-order machine. Ain't no stopping me now.

The moral of this? I didn't technically buy any new books this week, but I'm not exactly guilt-free. The forces of darkness win again. But I do have lots of yummy new books for review.... (All links go to Goodreads.com)

For review:

Boys Don't Cry - Malorie Blackman

This has been on my most wanted list ever since I first heard about it a couple of months back, so I was psyched to be offered the chance to review it. I've read surprisingly few books about teenage parenthood, and none at all about male teen protagonists who are left literally holding the baby, so this has must-read written all over it. Thanks Random House for this one!

You Against Me - Jenny Downham

I'm sure most enthusiasts of YA fiction have heard of, if not read for themselves, Jenny Downham's last YA novel Before I Die. It's beautiful and honest and so moving I just about cried my eyes out reading it. This one sounds a little edgier, and I'm crazy excited to read it. Thanks again Random House.

Behemoth - Scott Westerfeld

If I had author crushes, Scott Westerfeld would be a likely candidate. Why? Because the man has such an amazing imagination. This follow-up to steampunk masterpiece Leviathan is another one I've been eagerly anticipating. Thanks S&S UK for this.

Raised By Wolves - Jennifer Lynn Barnes

These days, YA paranormal romances have to be truly outstanding to uh, stand out among the huge number of new titles in this genre. Every review I've read of Raised By Wolves suggests that this one really does. Also, JLB's website reminds me that I quite enjoyed her upbeat, light-hearted contemporary fantasy Tattoo, so I've got high hopes for this one. Thanks to Quercus!

The Weirdstone of Brisingamen - Alan Garner

The cover blurb on this children's fantasy tells me it was first published fifty years ago, so I'm not at all sure how I've never read it before. At first glance it looks old school in an awesome way - there's even a map of the book's world at the front, which I always appreciate. ThanksHarperCollins for this.

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