Armchair BEA Day 2: The Best of 2011

Tuesday's Armchair BEA is all about the books we loved from 2011.  In my opinion, the year is not yet halfway so I cannot really say that I already have an ultimate favorite, and besides, I haven't gotten around to most of my 2011-released books yet.  

But though that may be the case, there have been some 2011 releases I've read that really blew me away and let me share their awesomeness with you:

These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf - This book was given to me via Random Acts of Kindness hosted by The Book Soulmates.  I have been watching out for this book long before its release and I was so excited to be able to read it, and for free!  Thank you so much Ash from The English Major's Junk Food for sending me a copy.  

But it's not just because I got it free that I loved it.  The story was very emotional and multidimensional.  Every character had their own story but they all came full circle in the end.  It was very touching and riveting and really, it blew me away!

Bandits by LM Preston - This was an ARC copy given to me by the author, LM Preston, who was so nice and so awesome.  This book was nothing like I'd expected - it could have been a video game!  It was so exciting, action-packed, and fast-paced that I really felt my pulse and my respirations increase as I turned the pages.

Diagnosis Death by Richard Mabry, MD - this was another book that blew me away.  I loved medical fiction because I'm a nurse and although health care has been on my mind for most of the day, it's interesting to read about the drama behind the scenes.  What's more exciting is that this book was part of the Prescription for Trouble series by the same author that showcased other equally amazing books.  Richard Mabry, a retired physician, was able to breathe life into his books and it was really awesome how he was able to effectively evoke fear within the readers' minds with scenes as simple as looking out a window.  It was awesome!

Where She Went by Gayle Forman - I loved Adam from the first book, If I Stay, and I was obsessing about what would happen next with Mia so I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book.  I did not even wait to get my own copy, when I saw this on a friend's shelf, I immediately asked to borrow it and finished it in one sitting.  The next day, my own copy arrived :D

And just because I want to, here are books from 2011 that I have on my shelf and can't wait read:

The Big Crunch by Pete Hautman - I crossed the line between book lovin' and book addiction for this one and bought this at a staggeringly high price but I know it will be so worth it!

Slice of Cherry by Dia Reeves - I have Bleeding Violet, the first Twisted novel and I was so curious about this one as well, I jumped when I saw this on display at my favorite book store.

The Mountains Bow Down by Sibella Giorello - This was sent to me via Booksneeze and I'm pretty sure this will be so enjoyable!

And for everyone who's attending the real BEA, I just want to let you know that Steve Piacente, author of the awesome book Bella has set up a booth, number 4780.  Visit his booth, I promise you won't be disappointed, especially when you can get his book at a special price of USD10.00!  He told me so!