In the lead up to Valentine’s Day yaReads is talking all things LOVE. In love, out of love or not a fan of love, we’re hearing from different people every day to get their thoughts on the touchy feely subject.

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New Love

Monique and Michael first met in high school, and at the time, anything more than friendship didn’t even cross their minds. Sometimes the suggestion from others would come up that maybe they should get together but it was always brushed off as a crazy idea.

After going through university together it wasn’t till the end of their studies that the thought of dating finally clicked in and 5 months later they’re the cutest couple you’ll ever meet

We got to speak with Monique about her thoughts on  love & Valentine’s Day…

Now that you’re dating how do you feel about Valentines day?

My boyfriend and I are two of those people who think it is mostly a money making scheme for card companies and florists! Although we are exchanging cards this year! But I think it is because it’s our first Valentines Day, I can’t see us keeping up with the tradition.
How does it compare to what you used to think about it when you were single?

Not much has changed because I still don’t think it is a day that necessarily has to be celebrated.  It is also my best friend’s birthday on that day, so now the day is about two people! I don’t think people should be ridiculed for celebrating it but I don’t like how it can make single people feel bad about themselves (I’ve been there!).

What’s the best part about being with someone?

Only one part? Well, then I’d have to say how he makes me feel- happy and beautiful. Also, you pay for less!

Describe your relationship in three words

Unlike anyone else’s (courtesy of Michael).
Do you agree with – “Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all?”

Yes, I’m starting to agree with it. It reminds me of another saying, ‘don’t regret something that once made you happy’, which I think is very true.

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Aww, see! So sweet, thanks Monique!

Book Recommendations

For those of you with that special someone then these books are for you…

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins -  especially if you were best friends before you became something more.
100 Love Sonnets by Pablo Neruda – translated from Spanish. I’m not really a poetry person but I make the exception when it comes to Neruda, especially this collection. If Sonnet XVII doesn’t steal your heart then you must be already dead.
Delirium by Lauren Oliver – “I love you. Remember. They cannot take it”

You should never judge a book by its cover.

Sure….but they never said we couldn’t admire them. Cover of the Week pays homage to the beautiful and eye catching graphics that grace the covers of our young adult titles.

This week’s cover of the week goes to Entwined by Heather Dixon

Release Date: March 2011

2010 is slowly drawing to a close and let me tell you, this year has been HUGE. Not only did we have many, many incredible new books and were introduced to some amazingly talented debut authors, but this was also the year that I went from blog reader to book reviewer. It’s been the best six months being part of the team and I’m looking forward to that continuing in 2011

So what are our top 5 picks for 2010 you may ask? It was tough to narrow it down but these 5 were completely amazing…

5. The Piper’s Son by Melina Marchetta
review here

4. If I Stay by Gayle Forman
review here

3. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
review here

2. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins (review coming soon)

1. Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead
review here