Top 5 - Vacation Reads

It's been a while since I've done a Top 5 list! After much deliberation and angst, I've narrowed down my vacation reads. These fine books win the vacation of a lifetime aboard Carnival Cruise lines. They'll bask by the Lido deck, soaking in the rays from the Caribbean sun and the occasional smear of my SPF 50+.

The winners are:

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
GoodReads

Ever since The Last Time We Say Goodbye left me with an epic book hangover, I knew I would definitely take this one--and it would most likely be the book I crack open first. Cynthia's writing is gorgeous and I can't get enough of it.

Shooting Stars: My life as a paparazza by Jennifer Buhl
GoodReads

I picked this one up at ALA last January and unfortunately didn't get to read as quickly as I wanted. I love that it's an autobiography about the world of paparazzi and should fend off all my TMZ addictions while I am away from the Internet. I hear Adrian Grenier makes an appearance too--so!

All That Glows by Ryan Graudin
GoodReads

I don't care what anyone says--I love faeries. I love that this is a twist on gender in that the girl soldier is sent to protect the prince. And I love that it's a Ryan Graudin book because The Walled City was absolute perfection.

Shadow and Bone by Lauren Bardugo
GoodReads

I am so late to the party. I am beyond late. Like, I got there and crumbled SOLO cups were all over the yard and the only people left were puking in the bushes. I'm finally getting to this one.

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
GoodReads

HAHA! But I am so early to this party! Half of me wants to go, "Nah nah nah! Look what I have!" and the other half is like, "Be an adult, Valerie. It's just a book." But I'm excited to dive into this one....and I'm considering leaving it on the cruise ship for someone else to enjoy (Carnival Glory, just saying).