We would like to wish Bethany Neal a huge congrats on the official publication of her debut novel My Last Kiss available now on paperback and Kindle.

In celebration of the release, we would like to share Bethany’s five books that have inspired her most as an author.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

“The Great Gatsby was the first reading assignment I got in school that I completed without utilizing my go-to power skimming method. It was the first novel I’d ever read that had characters who spoke not only through dialogue, but through movements and actions, and I liked them all—even the scoundrels! To this day, Jordan Baker is one of my all-time favorite fictional characters and she has maybe six lines of dialogue in the whole book. Fitzgerald is genius!”

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

“Not even ashamed to say Twilight was the book that inspired me to start writing. When I was a teenager I had about three choices of “teen” books: R.L. Stine’s Fear Street, Sweet Valley High (which my mom wouldn’t let me read), and The Baby-sitter’s Club. I devoured those series, but I never felt a connection with any of the characters the way I related to Bella and many YA heroines of today. I formed such a strong connection—or some might say obsession—to the Cullens that when I finished the final book in the saga, I physically couldn’t let that feeling go. So I started to write my own obsession-worthy stories. And in case you’re wondering, I’m Team Edward.”

All Unquiet Things by Anna Jarzab

“I bought All Unquiet Things solely because there was a super creepy dead girl on the cover. (This is semi-worrisome habit of mine.) This book inspired me to write my first mystery-thriller YA novel that landed me my agent. It also taught me a lot about how to write from two different character’s points of view.”

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

“All the feels with this one! This was the first book that made me cry about something other than a beloved pet dying. (Thanks a lot Where the Red Fern Grows and Charlotte’s Web!) One of the narrators being dead isn’t what got to me though. The depth of emotions the characters experience is so visceral and true. I strive to recreate that truth every day when I sit down to write. Plus, Jay Asher is basically the nicest guy ever. So that helps.”

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

“Oh, man, when I first read this book… If I’d discovered Shirley Jackson when I was younger, I would most likely be living in an attic apartment with Wednesday Addams somewhere south of the Bermuda Triangle plotting ways to slip cyanide tablets into our landlord’s coffee so we wouldn’t have to pay anymore rent. I haven’t thought about this at all. Nope, not one bit.”

PINTEREST PS!  Follow along with our Summer Reading Challenge Pinterest Board!