We met Alex on Twitter, where we knew she’d make a perfect YA Junkie. Now that’s we’ve read her submission, she’s clearly a kindred spirit, because anyone who loves Jonah Griggs is a friend of ours!
Name, if you’re out about your addiction: Alejandra Marisol but Alex works too. Or Mary, that seems to be what I get called the most.
Age: Almost 28
How long have you been reading YA: Seriously? For about 10 years. It all started when I took a trip to the south of Spain the spring after I turned 18. I needed something to keep me sane during the plane ride home. Meg Cabot kept me sane during those 11 hours. I read the book twice.
Who are some of your “must-read-everything-they-write” authors: Melina Marchetta (I even read fantasy because of her and I’m SO NOT a fantasy girl), Meg Cabot, Sarah Dessen, and lately Rachel Hawkins and Kiesten White.
Favorite fictional boyfriend(s): I love Jonah Griggs (from (On the) “Jellicoe Road”) though I don’t think I could ever be able to lure him away from Taylor. Oh, and Rob Wilkins from Meg Cabot’s “1-800” series. My longest standing fictional crush is from an anime/manga series called “Rayearth”; his name is Lantis, he’s hot, he has a deep voice and a big… sword… lol. Been in love with the man since was 13.
What’s the last YA book that blew you away and why? Absolutely blew me away? “Where She Went” (and “If I Stay”) by Gayle Forman. I was so reluctant to give into this series; I heard too many good things about it. I didn’t think I would love it as much as I did but it was really awesome, heart wrenching but hopeful.
Which YA books will you forever keep on your bookshelves: There are too many to name but the short list would be something like this: “Jellicoe Road” and everything Melina Marchetta will ever write. The “Bard Academy” Series by Cara Lockwood. The “Mediator” Series by Meg Cabot. Books 3 and 5 of “Harry Potter” (like if I couldn’t take the whole series I would keep these two). “Good Oil” by Laura Buzo. “The True Meaning of Cleavage” by Mariah Fredericks. And “The Earth, My Butt and other Big Round Things” by Carolyn Mackler.
If you could force Hollywood to adapt one YA book into a movie, which would it be? The “Luxe” Series by Anna Godbersen – those dresses alone would make me watch the show. The “Bard Academy” Series by Cara Lockwood – boarding school staffed with the ghosts of dead authors!!!!. And, the “Gallagher Girls” Series by Ally Carter.
What’s at the top of your TBR pile? Right now? My e-galleys that are about to expire: “Geek Girl” by Cindy C. Bennett and Addison Blakely: “Confessions of a PK” by Betsy St. Amant. And I’m taking the plunge and reading “Beauty” by Robin McKinley. Plus all my dead-tree books that I have bought in the last couple of years but haven’t read yet. Stuff like: “My Most Excellent Year” by Steve Kluger, “Fat Cat” by Robin Brande and “Bright Young Things” by Anna Godbersen. I aim to get them all read before Christmas.
Almost 28? xD!
It’s great to learn more about Alex—she’s one of my favorite people in the blogosphere 🙂
Great interview! Jellicoe Road is one of my all time favorite YA novels. I also agree with you–The Luxe series would be great on the big screen!
Holy TBR-growing book list! You rock, Alex! I SO need to get around to reading the 1-800 series by Meg Cabot and Beauty by Robin McKinley. Those books have been on my TBR for so long. I think the Luxe series would make a great TV show. Like Gossip Girl, but with even more fantastic clothes. 🙂 Great interview, hun!