we're magan + estelle -- two girls who live miles apart, but connect daily over our love for books. we share thoughtful + honest reviews of the books we read, but enjoy talking about our crazy lives and other interests, too (style! diy! zac efron!). join us!
Friends, I can’t believe I am writing my 12th Big Kids’ Table post right now. When I started up this idea in January, I wanted to open up my reading world to new books, even though I had found a new and lovely home in the young adult genre. For me, it’s always best for me to switch up the books that I’m reading. That way my feelings for one don’t have much of a chance of meshing into the other. Here’s where some of my “big kid reads” have come in (and the occasional dystopian too).
For December, I decided not to focus on NEW adult fiction/non-fiction releases but maybe some of the books I think deserve another mention and might be suitable for your holiday shopping needs. I have read every single book on this list and I totally stand by them.
Enjoy! And definitely let me know in the comments if you have any suggestions for me or our readers! See you in 2013!
titles you shouldn’t be afraid to give mom
My mom has always been a fan of romance novels and I keep thinking of books I may want to gift her… but I’m a little uncomfy giving her ones with super sexytimes. Is that mean? I mean, my mom, for example, loves The Vampire Diaries. She also watches Parenthood where sexytimes do exist. But you know, for my heart and my sanity… here are two titles I would not think twice about giving her. (In fact, I bought her Baby Proof for Mother’s Day this year and hoped she wouldn’t think I was “telling her something.” [I wasn't. Sometimes a book is just a book.] P.S. She loved it.)
A Fool’s Gold Christmas by Susan Mallery [ my review ] dancing, cats, two Scrooges.
Gosh, this was a toughie. Elena from Novel Sounds surprised me with a fabulous copy of Attachments a few months ago, and I finally finished it this week. Wow. It’s the kind of book you want to buy for 10 of your friends. I love the writing style, the male POV, the inserted emails, the throwback to 1999. It’s perfect. It made me feel warm inside. (Also this book is perfect for your mom and your best friend.)
Attachments by Rainbow Rowell [ goodreads | novel sounds review ] an office setting, love at first email, mystery!
Saving Ruth has a few heavy elements — eating disorders, sibling rivalry — but the author’s voice is really refreshing and the age group is great… a kid home on her first break from college. This was a pick on Big Kids’ Table in the beginning, and I’m so glad I got a copy at the the library. While I hate dislike the term “new adult”, this kind of falls into the category and could engage a wide range of age groups.
Saving Ruth by Zoe Fishman [ my review ] a girl home from college dealing with some heavy issues, befriending a sweet kid, a dash of romance
to be gifted with a cold shower (or 2)
Let’s go back to my sexytimes comments before as in not safe for work or while operating heavy machinery or maybe even gifting to your mother. These two titles made my toes curl, but they had nice stories too. (I liked Victoria Dahl’s approach to the romance novel a bit more than Susan Mallery’s… but both will sure satisfy your desire for a solid romance novel.)
Summer Nights by Susan Mallery [ my review ] a cowboy and a librarian meet in a bar (really, sort of)
Close Enough to Touch by Victoria Dahl [ goodreads ] a cowboy and a makeup artist meet in a beautiful place
…okay seriously, I may have a thing for cowboys.
haunting + captivating
Despite slow starts with each of these picks, I got to a point where I could not put either down. So different but so well written, and so addicting.
City of Women by David Gillham [ my review ] Set during World War 2, a woman separated from her lover may be hiding his wife and children. (Warning: sexual themes.)
The Empty Glass by J.I. Baker [ my review ] A man is determined to figure out what really happened to Marilyn Monroe… and someone really doesn’t want him to find out.
bonus: YA picks for the wary grownup
You know the type I’m talking about… the kind of person who loves to read but looks down at your love for young adult literature? Just because it’s written for younger people does not mean that it is not LITERATURE. Because it really is. This list was probably the most difficult for me to make, because when I finalized it, I kept coming up with more. What do you think?
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson [ magan's review] beautiful writing, a story about family
Endangered by Eliot Schrefer [ my review] lush setting, solid writing, mothers/daughters, bonds
The Survival Kit by Donna Freitas [ magan's review] grief, a story about family and moving forward
The Pursuit of Happiness by Tara Altebrando [ my review ] dealing with change in a family, well-developed characters
I’ll Be There by Holly Goldberg Sloane [ my review ] the feel of a vintage YA, family, fate, etc.
For some more ideas, check out Jamie’s post on picks for a picky reader over at The Perpetual Page Turner!
Alexa Y.-I am ashamed to admit that I have not read any of the adult titles in this post, even though a bunch of them are on my TBR! I really should remedy that…
December 11, 2012 - 5:26 am
Hemborgwife-You cracked me up about the mom safe books because my grandma loves to read and loves to read Nora Roberts and the like and some of the books she has given me when she was done I was like ummmmmm yeah that was some serious sexy-time going on and I do not want to think my grandma just read this!
Jess-What a great list. I want to check out The Empty Glass.
December 8, 2012 - 4:55 am
Rebecca @ Reading Wishes-“My mom has always been a fan of romance novels and I keep thinking of books I may want to gift her… but I’m a little uncomfy giving her ones with super sexytimes.” YES. Yes, yes, yes! I TOTALLY get where your coming from. My mum’s the same and loves romance novels and I’m often recommending her titles I think sound good or I’ve heard about through book bloggers who read a bit of Adult like Ginger from Greads. I know there’s sexytimes in all the books she reads but when I’m the one choosing her a book I’m a little cautious and go for more subtle titles that don’t ooze too super sexytimes in the premise and one’s where the covers aren’t of half naked people (although she does like those, I must admit). Thanks for all the great adult recommendations! I think my mum will love all these so I’ll be sure to look into them further. I’ve heard great things about Rainbow Rowell and I know her titles are available at my local library so I think when she’s reading Attachments, I’ll be reading Eleanor & Park – sounds like a plan!
December 8, 2012 - 1:51 am
Melissa @ Writer Grrl Reads-Another great list! Everytime I see you tweet about another Big Kids’ Table post, I always hurry over to see what you’ve recommended. I don’t read nearly enough big kids’ books, but I totally should. And I LOVED your YA picks for the big kids’ table — especially Second Chance Summer. I think the themes in that book will resonate with readers of all ages. Great choices!
December 7, 2012 - 6:56 pm
elena-I’m so glad you enjoyed Attachments so much. I still need to read Saving Ruth, it sounds FANTASTIC! Hooray for Second Chance Summer.
December 7, 2012 - 4:56 pm
Allison (Allure of Books)-Attachments, City of Women and I’ll Be There are all on my list – sigh. I waaaaant them.
Also thanks for the reminder that I need to get The Empty Glass from the library.
December 7, 2012 - 12:50 pm
Sharon @ The Book Barbies-Ooh, thanks for the list! I just discovered Susan Mallery this year, and I need to read more of her books. I could see her writing a fantastic Christmas novel.
I heard about Attachments quite a while ago and was hesitant to read it. It sounded like it could be good, but I probably wasn’t going to jump in and actually read it. After reading your thoughts, though, I just might!
Also, YES. I am so glad someone else hates the term “new adult!” I have always wished for more books with that age group, and I love that it is finally becoming recognized as a credible genre. But I can’t stand the name.
December 7, 2012 - 12:19 pm
Tara-How have I only read one of these?!?! I seriously need to read your copy of City of Women stat because it’s borderline ridiculous that I haven’t yet.
December 7, 2012 - 11:53 am
Anna-My sister would pee her pants if she saw this but I’m not going to show her because she will start in on the Harry Potter thing! She was the big sister so when a new book would come out, we’d go out at midnight and get it, but then SHE would get to read it first. I distinctly remember this — Little Sister Syndrome! So the books were our “shared” books and therefore I do not have custody of them and they’re at our parents house wahhh!
Welcome, readers! Estelle and I are so excited to be doing something fun over the next couple of weeks to help you guys get creative with your gift purchases. We’re choosing books that we loved and pairing them with items you could give along with it. The items we’ve chosen are drawn from the books — the character’s style, activities, musical preferences, etc. We hope you love it as much as we’ve loved putting these together.
First up is a book Estelle and I have both loved, Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe by Shelley Coriell. (My Review) Chloe is a spunky character with a lot of personality. She made us laugh out loud and really feel for her as she went through a bad breakup with her friends. We loved her grandmother and swooned over her love interest, Duncan. Pick up a copy of the book and maybe an item or two from below and gift this Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe themed gift-pack to a friend!
01. MMM… Burritos Shirt, $21.00 — Chloe works in a fast-food Mexican restaurant. She spends a bunch of time dressed up like a burrito, on the streets passing out coupons to passerby. Any Chloe-themed gift pack would need a burrito t-shirt. Some of the scenes where Chloe was at work had my mouth watering for Mexican food.
02. Blue Retro Headphones — This Chloe-themed gift pack would be perfect for a music lover. Chloe works at the school’s dying radio station and has to fight to keep it from being shut down. Inspired by the awesome blue headphones she’s wearing on the cover, I think these would be awesome to include as a gift.
03. iTunes Gift Card — If you’re not sure what kind of music your friend is into, gift cards are awesome. You can customize your gift cards from Apple and they have really cute Christmas-y ones available right now.
04 and 05. The Lumineers Album, Mumford and Sons’ Babel – Maybe you need some music recommendations and would rather include albums instead of a gift card (I always prefer giving something I’ve chosen instead of handing over a gift card. It feels more personal, like I put more time into purchasing the gift.) These are a few of my current favorites I’m sure Chloe would approve of.
06. Dainty Dramatist Heel in Cream, $80.00 — So these aren’t true vintage like the ones Chloe scours for, but um, I kind of love them. They have these shoes in cream or in fun a fun mint color. Want, want, want. Please notify my husband. Size seven and a half, please.
07. Red Loofa, Pink Light Up Rubber Ducky, Stress Relief Bar Soap, and Bubble Bath — Chloe and her grandmother (whom she’s extremely close to) keep up with their soaps. Maybe you could include these and see if your friend could figure out their significance after reading the book?
08. Microphone iPhone Case Cover, $8.85 — Chloe is a girl who likes to talk. She gives advice to callers and helps them fix their problems. Sometimes her talking gets her in trouble, but she’s overall kind and extremely thoughtful.
Melissa @ Writer Grrl Reads-This is such a cute idea! And those shoes — drool, drool. How I miss my high heels =(
December 6, 2012 - 5:58 pm
Jamie-Based on this post, I need to read this book! FOR REAL.
December 6, 2012 - 4:32 pm
VeganYANerds-Love this! I cannot wait to read this book, I’ve been saving it for over summer ;D
December 6, 2012 - 1:54 pm
Alexa Y.-This new series from you guys is AMAZING. I am loving all the picks you’ve both presented so far! In this post, my favorite bit is the headphones because they’re just AWESOME.
December 6, 2012 - 12:00 pm
elena-AHH I LOVE THIS IDEA! All of these are perfect for a Chloe fan and I can’t wait to see what other gift packs you two will make up.
Kissing Snowflakes by Abby Sher Publication Date: November 1, 2007 Publisher: Point Pages: 256 Target audience: Young adult Keywords: winter break, skiiing, stepmoms, boys! Where I heard about it: Ashley Loves Books Format read: Paperback from the library.
Summary: Sam and her brother are off to a ski lodge for their dad’s honeymoon to a cute, spunky lady (who, of course, Sam can’t stand). Trying to distract herself from being away from her best friend during her winter break and watching her dad make puppy dog eyes at his new bride, Sam decides she is going to find a boy on this trip.
This is the perfect book to curl up with when you have a few hours to spare and some peppermint mocha at your side.
It’s not a holiday book, exactly. Sam’s family is Jewish and they are spending winter break up in the mountains. But there is snow, hot chocolate, karaoke and cute boys.
While Sam is on the prowl for her first real kiss (and maybe a little more than that), she is also coming to terms with her dad being married to someone she hardly knows and watching the two being so much more affectionate than she has ever seen him and her own mother. Sher is spot on with the changing dynamic in Sam’s family, and while sometimes she is over-dramatic when it comes to certain aspects of this remarriage, I totally understand where she is coming from.
One thing that really surprised me was how open this book was about sex. From the fluffy title, I had no idea sex would be so openly discussed but I really liked how Sam was not shy with us readers about how she felt, what she wanted, and who else was doing it.
Enter Drew, the hot ski instructor, who is totally interested in Sam. The shared moments between the two range from sizzling to uncomfortable, and I really liked how Sam handled herself in this situation. I certainly had a hunch where all of this was going but I was proud of the way that Sam was able to come into her own and be herself.
One missed opportunity in the book is Sam’s brother, Jeremy. He’s two years older than Sam, and would rather watch wrestling than hang out with some cute girls. That was odd to me because he is 18 and I could swear I nailed his storyline but Sher left him hanging and Jeremy (sadly) remains a mystery.
Unexpected drama from back home manages to wiggle its way into Sam’s trip, and practically collide with all of the misadventures she’s experiencing on and off the slopes. It may be pretty predictable but it is fun nonetheless. With a picturesque lodge, lively main character, and some risque moments, Kissing Snowflakes is a guaranteed speedy and sweet read!
Someone I knew once said, “The best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.” Now, trust me, you don’t want to hear me sing so instead I’m going to pick a tune by someone much more talented than me that best fits the winter/holiday book I’m reviewing. Today I’m going for something sweet, sexy, and chilly. So how about the soulful sounds of Boyz II Men crooning “Let It Snow”?
Source for image used in graphics comes from ShowMeOKC.
Jamie-OH YAY. I’m going to see if this is at my library because this looks like a great winter read! Thanks for sharing!
December 5, 2012 - 9:59 pm
The Bumble Girl-This sounds like the perfect sweet read for the winter, and of course, even better if paired with some peppermint mocha, yum!
Will have to look it up during break at the library – thanks for the rec
December 5, 2012 - 2:06 pm
elena-yum yum peppermint mocha! also I’m glad that sex was such an open topic in this book, that’s certainly not what you typically see in YA. this sounds like a cute book overall! <3
December 5, 2012 - 12:34 pm
Alexa Y.-I would really want to read this one! It sounds like a nice book for December, and I love that they went on a Christmas-y vacation (especially since I would like to go on one too!)
Hi friends! Estelle and I are going to be chiming in this month about WEverb12 every now and then. We hope you’ll stop over at the website and check it out for yourself. A team of bloggers has collected some prompts to help us think about the last year and also look ahead to 2013. We thought this might be a nice way for us to challenge ourselves writing wise and also to share a little more about who we are on the blog.
What did you do in 2012 that you had never done before? Will you do it again?
Growing up, we didn’t have a whole lot of money. My parents worked really hard to make sure we were well taken care of, but vacations were a luxury for sure. We occasionally went to a Texas beach with my extended family, but until this summer, my family had never gone on a trip together where we left the state of Texas. My parents celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in July. For over a year, we planned and saved for the cruise to Alaska.
It was awesome to get away to spend time with my family (Mom, Dad, brother, sister, grandparents, and aunt and uncle). I’m probably always, always going to reflect on this trip because I learned that my grandpa’s health is deteriorating. It was really eye-opening for me and though I shed some tears over the news, I was so extremely grateful to have the time with everyone.
Throughout the trip, I kept thinking, “I’m never going to forget this.”
We did a lot of fun things: whale watching, climbing and hiking through snowy mountains, reading in quiet nooks on the ships, riding a train, gambling (I’d never, ever gambled before in my life. So fun… but I can see how this could be addicting for some people!), etc.
Being away was so relaxing and.. peaceful. My family is full of readers so it was 100% acceptable that I filled my kindle up with tons of books and read my little heart out. (And so did they.)
I think there are moments that can be stressful for any trip (even one with just Dustyn and myself), but ultimately, memories are made and new things are experienced.
Would I ever do something like this again?
For sure. Life is short and I’m happy to spend it with the people I love. Maybe for my parent’s 50th (or mine & Dustyn’s 25th!) we’ll rally up the family to go on another big trip!
Click on the Pike Place photo to enlarge each of the other photos below. You can use your left and right cursors to go through the images! We flew into Seattle and left for Alaska from there, so the first few are a few from there.
Jasmine Rose-Yay, Seattle!
Awesome pictures, by the way. The seals are adorable and I really love the one of your family in the snow.
I never realized how lucky I was that my parents made it a point to take us on one big vacation a year. Sometimes it was just camping, but we also got to go to places like Silverwood (Idaho theme park), Nevada, Yellowstone, and even Disneyland. I’m glad your family got the chance to get together and make some memories :]
December 9, 2012 - 1:06 am
Estelle: Shelve It from Rather Be Reading Blog (12/9/2012)-[...] Edition Welcome Caller This is Chloe Themed Gift Pack Review: Kissing Snowflakes by Abby Sher weVerb4: New Experiences for Magan in 2012 The Baby-Sitters Club is Back Review: Where You Are by J.H. Trumble (one of my favorite reads from [...]
December 7, 2012 - 9:13 pm
Leah-Everything about this post made me smile. Growing up, I don’t remember going on too many vacations. It wasn’t until just a few years ago that I started going places (& by that, I mean plane rides/10+ hour car trips). Alaska has always intrigued me and that’s awesome you not only got to visit, but also share the experience with your family. My family – even the in-laws – are all super close, so it’d be wonderful to go on a big vacation like that with them.
Also: your pictures are GORGEOUS.
December 7, 2012 - 7:02 pm
Kelly-I think it’s adorable that your parents wanted to make their anniversary a family trip! Growing up was similar for me…we did our yearly trip to PEI (which I thought was nothing extravagant), but after my husband and I went camping there for a weekend, I got to see just how expensive it is – and we were only two people! It definitely made me appreciate all those family vacations, that I might have taken for granted growing up.
Your pictures are absolutely gorgeous – what kind of camera did you use?
December 5, 2012 - 11:18 pm
Melissa @ Writer Grrl Reads-Awww — this is such a great, heartfelt post! I totally know what you mean. My family didn’t go on many vacations when I was growing up either; we’d usually just pile into the van and go camping for a few days as our annual summer holiday. The summer after high school graduation, we went on a two week trip to the Maritime provinces in eastern Canada and that was one of the BEST trips in my memory. I was right in between high school and university, teetering on the edge of being a grown-up, but not quite there yet. Trips like that always make for the best memories, and I’m glad that yours was no exception. Plus, next time you’re back in this part of the world, we are totally going to make plans to meet up. Right? =)
December 4, 2012 - 7:08 pm
elena-WOW, your photo are incredibly beautiful and I’m so glad you can do this trip with your family! My trips tend to be a stressful but hooray for your trip being mostly relaxing & calm. It sounds like you really did have great memories and I hope you can do it again soon.
December 4, 2012 - 2:36 pm
Heather Self-SO fun! Brad and I did a big trip last year (our honeymoon that only took 14 years)and it was the first time we’d ever been away together. Trips like this are so fabulous.
December 4, 2012 - 1:49 pm
Cynthia-That’s how we are, we never really go on vacations outside of Texas since we’re a one income only family. Hopefully when the kids get a little older we’ll be able to do something like this, we’ve always wanted to go on a cruise. I’m sure the kids will love it too. Thanks for sharing Magan!
December 4, 2012 - 1:46 pm
Alexa Y.-Your cruise looks AMAZING, and I’m glad you got to spend some quality time with your family. Alaska is a place I’ve always wanted to visit – and your pictures have further convinced me that I must!
December 4, 2012 - 10:53 am
Hemborgwife-That sounds amazing, I would love to see Alaska one day as well!
December 4, 2012 - 8:29 am
Ginger @ GReads! -I love that your parents wanted to spend their 25th wedding anniversary with the family & do something memorable. I, too, have had moments where I can reflect back (even in that moment) and say to myself: I’ll never forget this. I think it’s important to have those little moments from time to time. I even take a mental photograph so the memory will always be there, just for me, to go back to.
P.S. I still think it’s funny how we were both in Seattle, just a week a part! ha
When I was a kid, I was a pretty big reader. My dad was constantly reading newspapers and my mom was always taking me to the library to pick out books, as well as taking out piles of her own. One Christmas, when I was in second grade, Santa brought me a boxed set of the first four Baby-Sitters Club books and started an obsession.
I read them back to front pretty quickly, and couldn’t believe how much I related to those girls. Like Kristy, I liked baseball. Like Claudia, I loved art. Like Stacey, I loved New York. And like Mary Anne, I was sort of shy but organized and a good listener. Because the books were released in 1986, I had about 9 years of books of stories and characters to catch up on.
And my reading was changed forever. I brought the books with me on vacation and to my grandma’s house. I searched for them in the library and used book stores, I made checklists of what books I had so I could maintain a full collection,and I read them on Christmas morning when I was waiting for everyone to wake up. I even wrote Ann M. Martin a fan letter one day, and I got a very lovely response with a signed picture. I wanted to change my name to Dawn because, well, at the time, I liked it better than Estelle. I saw the movie with my best friends when it first came out and my dad even took me to the bookstore to meet some of the actresses who were starring in the movie!
As I got older and finally reached that desired age of 13, I still felt like all the BSC members were older and more mature than I was. They felt like big sisters and older cousins or something. Even though they were perpetually frozen in time in eighth grade (so cruel!) I looked up to them no matter how old I got. In high school, I was gobbling up the California Diaries series with one of my best friends. I loved how the girls were finally acting a bit older, dealing with darker situations (abuse, cancer, eating disorders, growing out of friendships) and then those ended abruptly. Around the same time, the BSC finally graduated middle school and I ran to the bookstore to pick up that book. The ever-illustrious series display was dwindling and barely looked like the place where I spent so much time.
I know I would never have become such an obsessive reader, a budding writer, or the kind of friend I’ve tried to be without the influence of Ann M. Martin and the Baby-Sitters. Every time I read through blogs and see another person influenced by these series, my heart feels a bit fuller because I know exactly how they feel and it’s amazing to see just how many people were touched by these characters. I’m even more thrilled that Scholastic has decided to re-release the series through eBooks with the original covers. (I was not a fan of the recent redesign, although I did love The Summer Before.) Now, brand new generations of guys and gals are going to get a chance to follow Kristy and the gang on their adventures and to me, that feels like a wonderful thing.
So today Rather Be Reading is celebrating the return of the Baby-Sitter’s Club and the kick off our themed holiday shopping lists!
1. The Summer Before: The really well-done prequel to The Baby-sitters Club series. It was nice to hear what the girls were up to the summer before they started the club.
2. Kristy’s Great Idea: The Graphic Novel: When I read Drama by Raina Telgemeier I was totally convinced that this reincarnation of the BSC was in the very best hands. Her drawings are amazing, and I love how this kind of book breaths new life into a 26 year-old book.
3. The Baby-Sitters Club Movie: Even though they took some liberties, I thought this was a pretty well-written and well casted movie. I loved the music, and could probably watch it over and over again. (Who doesn’t love that greenhouse office the girls work on?)
4. You Are So Loved Print from TheWheatfield Shop: It all comes down to love in his series: friends, parents, siblings, pets, romance, and more. Magan and I both have prints from this shop and love love them.
5. BSC notepads: How adorable are these little writing pads? You pick the character you want, and have a nostalgic notebook to throw in your purse. Love this as a stocking stuffer!
6. Kristy’s Great Idea (eBook): The brand sparkley new eBook, just released on December 1. The covers throwback to the original cover (although true fans will know it’s not really the original one) and the price is so right! ($4.99!)
7. Fossil Glitz Bracelet: I have been searching like crazy for an awesome friendship bracelet, and didn’t find much to be honest. I did just buy this bracelet for one of my best friends (she used to like the BSC too!) a few months ago, and I can’t help but think how sweet it would be to have a matching one.
Now, because I am desperate to know, who was your favorite Baby-sitter??
Estelle: Shelve It from Rather Be Reading Blog (12/9/2012)-[...] Themed Gift Pack Review: Kissing Snowflakes by Abby Sher weVerb4: New Experiences for Magan in 2012 The Baby-Sitters Club is Back Review: Where You Are by J.H. Trumble (one of my favorite reads from the [...]
December 5, 2012 - 4:38 pm
Jen-I loved loved loved this series. For my birthday one year, my mom let me skip school and we went and had two of my BSC books signed by Ann M. Martin. My younger sister got her copy of the Little Sister series signed….how apropos. I’d love to re-read these!
December 4, 2012 - 1:54 pm
Cynthia-Can you believe that I’ve never read this series? I know shame on me! I wish I would’ve been more of a reading during my middle school years, I really didn’t get into it until I was in high school. I wonder if my daughter would like these books though, she’s not a book lover like me but maybe she would be able to get into these. I think I’ll try it anyways! =)
December 4, 2012 - 1:45 pm
Alexa Y.-I loved The Baby-Sitters Club! Reading your post made me extremely nostalgic for my own collection. I remember that I used to be very excited whenever I went to a bookstore, just because it gave me the opportunity to buy a new book from the series! I’m happy they’re releasing it in eBook – and that the covers are the same as the originals.
December 4, 2012 - 12:51 am
Brie @ Eat Books-This post makes me want to re-read the entire series. Like right now! I wish I still had all my BSC books from childhood I still keep an eye out for original covers when I’m at thrift stores, but I’ve yet to come across any of the first few in the series (it’s always higher numbers in the series, and I want the first few!). Like, you, I liked all the BSC members. I think that’s why I loved them so much – you could find a little of yourself in all of them, which made the series so amazing and relatable. And desperately made me want to be a part of their club. I loved the movie too! Aw, now I feel all warm and fuzzy inside!
December 4, 2012 - 12:10 am
Maggie @ Young Adult Anonymous-I love this post so much, Estelle! BSC4LIFE. I loved Claudia and Stacey but I was probably more Kristy/Mary Anne. Haha. Do you remember the BSC videos from book order?? I must track them down.
December 3, 2012 - 10:22 pm
elena-eee I love this post! I totally know what you mean about growing up but having the characters still feel older even though they’re technically younger. I remember reading the California Diaries but not much about them, haha. I used to devour these books! I think I would be a Claudia.
December 3, 2012 - 9:31 pm
Tara-This is one of my favorite childhood series EVER! I named my dog Claudia after the BSC character (even though Mary Anne was my favorite). I still have all of these books at my mom’s house, right next to my collections of The Little Baby-Sitters Club books and Goosebumps
December 3, 2012 - 7:55 pm
Emma @ Hopeful Happiness-LOVED the BSC! I was bummed when I reached their age and wasn’t nearly as awesome as they were. I had not heard of the California Diaries before. I may just ahve to check them out! In addition to all of the books I also had the BSC board game. My sister and I spent hours playing and tried to play it again a little while ago only to find it was not nearly as fun as it was when we were little.
December 3, 2012 - 1:05 pm
Kristin-Thank you for celebrating this wonderful series. It was a favorite of mine growing up and one I re-read over and over.
.jpg "Kissing Snowflakes by Abby Sher")
Kissing Snowflakes by 
I still keep an eye out for original covers when I’m at thrift stores, but I’ve yet to come across any of the first few in the series (it’s always higher numbers in the series, and I want the first few!). Like, you, I liked all the BSC members. I think that’s why I loved them so much – you could find a little of yourself in all of them, which made the series so amazing and relatable. And desperately made me want to be a part of their club. I loved the movie too! Aw, now I feel all warm and fuzzy inside! 
by Estelle
Alexa Y. - I am ashamed to admit that I have not read any of the adult titles in this post, even though a bunch of them are on my TBR! I really should remedy that…
Hemborgwife - You cracked me up about the mom safe books because my grandma loves to read and loves to read Nora Roberts and the like and some of the books she has given me when she was done I was like ummmmmm yeah that was some serious sexy-time going on and I do not want to think my grandma just read this!
Estelle: Shelve It from Rather Be Reading Blog (12/9/2012) - [...] 2012 YA Book Releases The Big Kids’ Table: Holiday Edition Welcome Caller This is Chloe Themed Gift Pack Review: Kissing Snowflakes by Abby Sher weVerb4: New [...]
Jess - What a great list. I want to check out The Empty Glass.
Rebecca @ Reading Wishes - “My mom has always been a fan of romance novels and I keep thinking of books I may want to gift her… but I’m a little uncomfy giving her ones with super sexytimes.” YES. Yes, yes, yes! I TOTALLY get where your coming from. My mum’s the same and loves romance novels and I’m often recommending her titles I think sound good or I’ve heard about through book bloggers who read a bit of Adult like Ginger from Greads. I know there’s sexytimes in all the books she reads but when I’m the one choosing her a book I’m a little cautious and go for more subtle titles that don’t ooze too super sexytimes in the premise and one’s where the covers aren’t of half naked people (although she does like those, I must admit). Thanks for all the great adult recommendations! I think my mum will love all these so I’ll be sure to look into them further. I’ve heard great things about Rainbow Rowell and I know her titles are available at my local library so I think when she’s reading Attachments, I’ll be reading Eleanor & Park – sounds like a plan!
Melissa @ Writer Grrl Reads - Another great list! Everytime I see you tweet about another Big Kids’ Table post, I always hurry over to see what you’ve recommended. I don’t read nearly enough big kids’ books, but I totally should. And I LOVED your YA picks for the big kids’ table — especially Second Chance Summer. I think the themes in that book will resonate with readers of all ages. Great choices!
elena - I’m so glad you enjoyed Attachments so much. I still need to read Saving Ruth, it sounds FANTASTIC! Hooray for Second Chance Summer.
Allison (Allure of Books) - Attachments, City of Women and I’ll Be There are all on my list – sigh. I waaaaant them.
I love LOVE that you feature adult books <3
Lisa is Busy Nerding - I LOVE that you share adult titles! You rock my world.
Also thanks for the reminder that I need to get The Empty Glass from the library.
Sharon @ The Book Barbies - Ooh, thanks for the list! I just discovered Susan Mallery this year, and I need to read more of her books. I could see her writing a fantastic Christmas novel.
I heard about Attachments quite a while ago and was hesitant to read it. It sounded like it could be good, but I probably wasn’t going to jump in and actually read it. After reading your thoughts, though, I just might!
Also, YES. I am so glad someone else hates the term “new adult!” I have always wished for more books with that age group, and I love that it is finally becoming recognized as a credible genre. But I can’t stand the name.
Tara - How have I only read one of these?!?! I seriously need to read your copy of City of Women stat because it’s borderline ridiculous that I haven’t yet.
Anna - My sister would pee her pants if she saw this but I’m not going to show her because she will start in on the Harry Potter thing! She was the big sister so when a new book would come out, we’d go out at midnight and get it, but then SHE would get to read it first. I distinctly remember this — Little Sister Syndrome! So the books were our “shared” books and therefore I do not have custody of them and they’re at our parents house wahhh!