There are all sorts of books I wish I’d written. It’s hard to choose, and if you were to ask me again a year from now, I’d probably have a whole different list. But these are the ones that I immediately think of now.
How I live Now by Meg Rosoff
This novel is a more intimate take on the whole the world is ending. Against the back drop of WWIII, it zeros in on a girl learning to love and to be loved. It’s understated and beautifully written.
American Born Chinese by Gene Leun Yang
I don’t write graphic novels, but if I did, I’d want it to look like this. Yang expertly weaves three parallel stories about finding one’s identity. They eventually merge together in a unique and powerful way. The last image is perfect and makes me tear up every time.
Feed by M.T. Anderson
This book is scary good, scary because Anderson writes with, like most great SF writers, a prophetic voice. The book is a great satire on commercialism, our political system, the Internet, so many things. I wish I could have the same crystal ball and the same bite as Anderson.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
There are lots of reasons I’d love to have written this one, but mainly because of the plotting. I remember thinking that it was perfectly plotted, and I read back through to see how she did that. Such a great read, each chapter ending with a push and pull to move you forward. I didn’t feel the same with the rest of the series. But the first is excellent.
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
One day I’m going to write a fantasy novel. I’d love for it to be as good as this debut. Bardugo skillfully creates an alternate Russia filled with magic, folklore, a brave, flawed heroine, a foil who might not be as evil as we think and romance. Looking forward to seeing how she wraps up the series.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Shermine Alexie
I loved this book right away. The voice is perfect. The pace is perfect. The pathos and humor are spot on. I’ve taught this book before and students are surprised at how much they identify with Arnold. Alexie can get you laughing and then suddenly you’re crying on the same page. Genius.
About The Author
Carrie Arcos is a National Book Award Finalist for Young People’s Literature for OUT OF REACH. She lives in Los Angeles with her family. THERE WILL COME A TIME will be available May 6, 2014.
About The Book
Mark knows grief. Ever since the accident that killed his twin sister, Grace, the only time he feels at peace is when he visits the bridge on which she died. Comfort is fleeting, but it’s almost within reach when he’s standing on the wrong side of the suicide bars. Almost.
Grace’s best friend, Hanna, says she understands what he’s going through. But she doesn’t. She can’t. It’s not just the enormity of his loss. As her twin, Mark should have known Grace as well as he knows himself. Yet when he reads her journal, it’s as if he didn’t know her at all.
As a way to remember Grace, Hanna convinces Mark to complete Grace’s bucket list from her journal. Mark’s sadness, anger, and his growing feelings for Hannah threaten to overwhelm him. But Mark can’t back out. He made a promise to honor Grace—and it’s his one chance to set things right.
