Best Book Ever: Good Guy Gets the Girl
Welcome
to Best Book Ever! In honor of Valentine's Day- we wanted to talk about some of our favorite books where the "dark brooding bad boy" doesn't always win. Sometimes it seems like that never happens- but trust us, it does!
Warning: Obviously if you are reading that the Good Guy wins- you are reading spoilers. You have been warned.
Week 11: The Good Guy (Gets the Girl)
Del is a sexual offender and a victim of the legal system.
You ask how a sex offender can be a victim? Well, Del is only fourteen. His
crime? Taking pictures with his cell phone. Because of one poor choice with her
girl friend (who initiated the pictures), he spends his entire high school
years as a social pariah. Del could be pissed off about his situation, but he
isn’t. He takes the abuse from people that only know what the news published.
He doesn’t tell anyone the true story. Until he meets a girl… She captivates
him, but she’s untouchable. Or is she? Despite unbelievable odds and with the
help of this mystery girl, Del overcomes his scarlet letter. I absolutely LOVED
this book. I think every teenager (or parent of a teen) should read this one. The
subject matter is strikingly real and relevant. Del’s character is perfectly
written, and offers insight into a male teenager’s mind that reminds me of
something I would find in a Chris Crutcher book. In fact, I think so highly of
this book that I would put it next to Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak and Twisted. By the end of this book, you will be cheering for Del as
he starts the next phase of his life! Alanna @ The Flashlight Reader
It's a toss up between 2 books for this one. SHATTERED SOULS by Mary Lindsey and CARRIER OF THE MARK by Leigh Fallon.
I say SHATTERED SOULS because Alden is such a great guy and I fell
for him instantly. Though it isn't your typical romance, I feel the
connection between Alden and Rose and I love it.
CARRIER OF
THE MARK, well that's in their because it was a wonderful story (it was
my best magic book ever on here previously) and I loved the romance of
it all. Adam is a great guy who I couldn't help falling for. Though we
see that all is not simple for him and Megan, I do see that the romance
between them is beautiful and haunting, the kind of love to last a
lifetime. I really do hope it turns out to be a case of "Love Conquers
All"
Keren @ Gothic Angel Book Reviews
Cricket
is the quintessential good guy. Not only is he loyal and devoted to Lola, but he's dedicated to his family too. This, despite the fact that
his twin sister's ice skating career has kept them moving from
place-to-place and her competition schedule dictates much of his time.
Add
in the fact that he's quirky, brainy, and funny and you'll see why
Cricket makes me swoon! He is definitely the type of good guy character
who would've won my teenage heart.
Tiffany Schmidt, debut author of Send Me a Sign (2012 by Walker- Bloomsbury)
This is an easy one. It has to be JELLICOE ROAD by Melina Marchetta. It's one of those books where the beginning
is a little confusing, but when everything comes together in the end,
it's so worth it. But one thing I was never confused about was the
characters and how much I loved Taylor and Jonah. He was a good guy when
he helped Taylor years ago, and he's a good guy when he comes to her
aid during the book. He's definitely the kind of guy who makes girls
swoon.
Elizabeth Norris, author of Unraveling (2012, Baltzer and Bray)
I'm totally cheating by
choosing UNEARTHLY by Cynthia Hand for this week's book, because the
love triangle involves two good boys. Both guys have their moments where
they're good or a little less good, but neither is "the good boy" or
"the bad boy."
Jodi Meadows, debut author of Incarnate (2012, Harper Collins Children's)
You know those guys who are nothing like you picture "Mr. Right," but
there's something that keeps drawing you closer? In This Lullaby, Remy
meets one of those guys. Dexter seems the opposite of every rule Remy's
put in place to protect herself, and yet he's persistently, consistently
still there. All the time. When she needs him, and even when she
doesn't. He'll win the hearts of readers, but does he win Remy's too?
Rebecca @ A Word's Worth
