These Things I've Done • Rebecca's Top 5 YA Reads (+ Giveaway)

These Things I've Done is a story of grief, guilt and growth. Dara has returned to her hometown in order to face her demons - specifically the memory of the way her best friend died in a tragic car accident, and how she played a part in that. Dealing with PTSD, specifically her guilt and grief, Dara is determined to never forget what she's done and spend the rest of her life atoning for it. But as she settles back into life at home, including rekindling her friendship with Aubrey's brother Ethan, Dara finds herself coming to terms with everything she's done.

It's interesting for me to contemplate my overall reaction to These Things I've Done. On the one hand, I liked the writing, the narrative structure, and the actual character conflict that main character Dara was experiencing and trying to work through all throughout this novel. It was really compelling stuff, and I couldn't stop thinking about how I would feel, what I would do, and the myriad ways that this story could have played out. On the other hand, there was a good chunk of the novel where I was very wary about the way certain portions of the plot were framed (though to be completely fair, it turned out to be a little unexpected), I'm not one hundred percent comfortable with everything that goes on and I would have liked more familial involvement. But overall, I liked this one. I couldn't stop reading it, I'm still thinking about the characters and I thought the writing was really good.

These Things I've Done by Rebecca Phillips

Publisher: Harper Teen | Publication Date: August 1, 2017

Source: ARC received from the publisher (Thanks!)

Buy the Book: Book Depository | Amazon | IndieBound | Barnes and Noble

I've got the honor of being the very last stop on the blog tour for These Things I've Done! Rebecca was kind enough to offer to host a giveaway of five of her favorite YA reads in recent years, and she's sharing a little about why she picked these five titles below. Take it away, Rebecca!

Here are some of my favorite YA reads from the past few years:

• POINTE by Brandy Colbert - My favorite contemporary YA of 2014. Sometimes, I read a book and the voice just clicks with me, and that's what happened here. (Add on Goodreads!)
• BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY by Ruta Sepetys - Gah, this book killed me. I love historical fiction. This book hooked me from page one, and I spent most of it crying. (Add on Goodreads!)
• THE HATE U GIVE by Angie Thomas - It's not often a book lives up to its hype, but this one definitely does. I read it in one sitting and enjoyed every thought-provoking minute. (Add on Goodreads!)
• THE FIRST TIME SHE DROWNED by Kerry Kletter - A haunting, heartbreaking read. The mother-daughter relationship is fascinating. I thought about this book for weeks after I finished it. (Add on Goodreads!)
• MORE HAPPY THAN NOT by Adam Silvera - This book shredded my heart. So many feelings. Gritty and sad, yet hopeful. (Add on Goodreads!)

Thank you so much, Rebecca! I've only read More Happy Than Not (which I enjoyed), and I'm looking forward to checking out the other titles you've shared about when I get the chance.

Now, if you're interested in winning copies of all five books, you're in luck! As I mentioned, Rebecca is generously giving away a set of all five of these reads! This giveaway is US ONLY, and you can enter via the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And don't forget to check out the rest of the stops on the tour!

7/31: The Book Bratz - Win Dara's satchel! 

8/1: Willas Ramblings - An Interview with Rebecca Phillips

8/2: YA Wednesdays: Guest Post, The Evolution of These Things I've Done

8/3: YA and Wine: Guest Post, A Playlist for These Things I've Done

8/4: Off Color Lit: A Q&A with Rebecca

8/7: Serial Bibliophile: Guest Post, Top Ten Couples in YA

8/8: Alexa Loves Books: Win Five of Rebecca's Favorite YA Reads