Set in modern-day New York, Jenny Lee’s debut is a retelling of the widely known Russian classic, Anna Karenina, and it follows the story of Anna K., a Korean-American girl that seems to have it all in life. Anna was born into privilege with exquisite beauty and has the perfect boyfriend for the past few years, everyone knows all about her and her family, including her little brother, Steven, who has caused her too many troubles to count, but she loves him dearly. Although she’s perfectly in control of navigating her life, the tables have turned when she unexpectedly meets a boy, Alexia “Count” Vronsky, at Grand Central. Before this, she was completely confident that she knows what she wants and what’s best for her. But now, her mind keeps going to the Count and she starts to question everything that she’s so fiercely sure before.

It all begins with uncovered infidelity committed by Steven to his girlfriend, Lolly. Determined to make up for his mistake and knowing Lolly’s admiration for his older sister, Steven desperately calls for Anna to come back home and get an apology from Lolly. Anna, being a good older sister, immediately takes a train to reach her brother and she amuses herself by talking to a lady. When they finally arrive, Anna finds her brother had been waiting for him, but along with him, there was another lad that she never met before. Turns out, the lad was Alexia ‘Count’ Vronsky, who happened to be the son of the lady that took the train with Anna earlier.

Since that moment, it was clear that the two of them were taking an interest in each other. But Anna has a lot to handle first, most importantly, saving his brother’s failing relationship, dealing with her distant parents, and maintaining a relationship that she has had for years, but lately feels insecure about. Being a teen and juggling all of these problems while unexpectedly being thrown into the spotlight of New York and Manhattan’s elite society for an incident that she never expected. Will Anna K. solve it all and discover who she really is at the end of the day?

There’s no denying that the first impression that I got from reading the earlier chapters from Anna K. was its cast of characters. And not only that, but the story was also told from multiple perspectives (around four or five!). It was quite shocking at first, sure, but the second I got used to the flow, which happened pretty fast by the way, it was incredibly fun. I enjoyed every single point of view that shaped this story. Each character got their very own personality and their voice really shined through. With that being said, I applaud Lee for her wonderful work at creating and developing these diverse characters.

While the characters were marvellous, the plot didn’t fail to amaze me as well. Obviously, since this is a retelling, the general storyline was adapted from its original book. But, the few minor adjustments and changes to today’s modernity and trend was incorporated amazingly. It never felt forced, not even once. Anna’s journey along with everyone around her was believable, especially since this book heavily centered around teenage dramas and struggles, which is at great risk of being cliché if it’s not executed properly. Instead, Anna K. was discussing the sensitive matter of drug use, infidelity, racism, and parents’ abuse with not only grace, but also with an offer of taking a deeper look to see these issues more comprehensively. The book never supports the idea of abusing and cheating, but it helps us to discover the wider perspectives of these cases.

In terms of writing, though this book was written from the third-person point of view (which has never been my favourite for a long time) and Lee managed to do it effectively. This perspective is my least favourite because most of the time, it makes me feel like I was being told a story instead of experiencing it myself. No matter how awesome the characters were or how delightful the plot was, if I couldn’t experience the whole narratives, then it simply won’t work. But with Lee’s Anna K., it hits differently and it definitely works.

In conclusion, Anna K. being promoted as the mix of Crazy Rich Asians and Gossip Girl couldn’t be more accurate. Lee’s fresh take on the classic Anna Karenina, which she delivered through an enticing diverse group of characters and witty narratives, will leave you wanting more.

Anna K is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.

Will you be picking up Anna K? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Every happy teenage girl is the same, while every unhappy teenage girl is miserable in her own special way.

Meet Anna K. At seventeen, she is at the top of Manhattan and Greenwich society (even if she prefers the company of her horses and Newfoundland dogs); she has the perfect (if perfectly boring) boyfriend, Alexander W.; and she has always made her Korean-American father proud (even if he can be a little controlling). Meanwhile, Anna’s brother, Steven, and his girlfriend, Lolly, are trying to weather a sexting scandal; Lolly’s little sister, Kimmie, is struggling to recalibrate to normal life after an injury derails her ice dancing career; and Steven’s best friend, Dustin, is madly (and one-sidedly) in love with Kimmie.

As her friends struggle with the pitfalls of ordinary teenage life, Anna always seems to be able to sail gracefully above it all. That is…until the night she meets Alexia “Count” Vronsky at Grand Central. A notorious playboy who has bounced around boarding schools and who lives for his own pleasure, Alexia is everything Anna is not. But he has never been in love until he meets Anna, and maybe she hasn’t, either. As Alexia and Anna are pulled irresistibly together, she has to decide how much of her life she is willing to let go for the chance to be with him. And when a shocking revelation threatens to shatter their relationship, she is forced to question if she has ever known herself at all.

Dazzlingly opulent and emotionally riveting, Anna K.: A Love Story is a brilliant reimagining of Leo Tolstoy’s timeless love story, Anna Karenina―but above all, it is a novel about the dizzying, glorious, heart-stopping experience of first love and first heartbreak.

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Your newest contemporary, Anna K.: A Love Story, is going to be published on March 3, 2020! Can you tell us about it and why everyone should include this book in their reading list?

Anna K is a modern-day retelling of one of my favorite books, Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina. I wanted to capture the rollercoaster of young love in all its forms but update it for a 2020 audience with an ensemble cast of diverse characters. I think people should include it in their reading list because even if you’ve never been in love (I hadn’t when I first read Anna Karenina), there is something so mesmerizing about the ups and downs of people who will do anything to follow their heart.

As a modern take of the classic Anna Karenina, what ultimately inspired you when you started writing this story? Is it the plot, the characters, or the general idea of Anna Karenina?

I’ve always loved the classic, but it wasn’t until I saw the 2012 film adaptation that the idea came to me. I was in New York City at the time, staying at a fancy hotel, and I realized just how well the story would translate to teenagers today. Anna Karenina is about first loves, and these days, most people have their first love as a teenager. I knew it would resonate with young people today. Part I of the book really follows the main plot of the original, but in Parts 2 and 3 I started to diverge and my story took on a life of its own. But if you have read Anna Karenina before you read Anna K, there are a lot of Easter Eggs sprinkled throughout.

As a well-known television writer and producer, how does your experiences in those fields help you in writing this story?

When I was feeling stuck in my writing process of the book (for years I was experimenting with the structure of my story), I decided to write each chapter short and sweet, like it was a scene in a TV script. This helped me keep the momentum going, as in a script you have to get a certain amount of information communicated to your audience in a short amount of time. I love a good slow burn with the characters and the story that starts to burn bigger and brighter as the reader keeps going.

Can you share if there were any parts or scenes that you decided to leave out and why?

I wanted to make sure I updated the story to make my female characters very strong and independent. Any chance I got I highlighted how women can be in love and still be feminists.

What would you consider the same between the classic tale of Anna Karenina and your very own retelling of Anna K.? And also how are these two stories different?

Something I knew I had to keep was the famous train imagery—hence why I chose NYC and Greenwich, CT for the modern-day setting. The love triangles are very directly inspired by the original, but in Anna K the cast is diverse (Anna is half Korean, for example). They also have new technology at their fingertips, which changes the way the characters get information.

What would you say was the biggest challenge when you were writing this retelling? How did you overcome it?

Writing a novel can be an isolating experience, whereas when you’re working on a television project you have lots of voices giving you notes and feedback. The research and drafting process is exciting, but the editing process can be slow and painful. My husband helped me a lot with those slower, tougher times… he was a great first reader and editor for me during the process, I’m lucky that way!

We couldn’t do this interview without mentioning the wonderful news that Anna K. is being adapted into a TV series. Congratulations! Can you share any updates regarding the adaptation process so far and what can the readers expect from the TV version of this story?

We have a great team in eOne, SB Projects, Creative Engine and HBO Max! It’s been fun and difficult to fit all those main characters into a fast paced story telling environment, but I think readers will love seeing the characters come to life on the screen. Also, the sets and wardrobe for the show will be amazing.

Now, we’re not sure if we’re allowed to ask this, but we’ll take our shot because we’re so excited! Is anyone in talks for casting or do you have any hopes for the casting?

Nothing has been decided in this arena, but of course I have fun talking about it. In my opinion Anna K should be an unknown, and of course we’re going to try to find a Korean-American actress for this part for authenticity. I will say that when I think about the character Beatrice I always think about Maisie Williams who played Arya Stark in Game of Thrones. She just seems to have the right intensity and I saw a pick of her with cool pink hair and was like… yessss!

Now, back to the bookish talk. We’re incredibly excited for this book, as it’s in our list for most anticipated 2020 releases. For you, what’s your most anticipated titles for next year?

Charlie Kaufman the screenwriter has his first novel coming out and since I love his quirky yet super specific characters that she showcases on the big screen, I’m so curious to see how will translate this into a novel.

Lastly, what’s next for you?

I’m currently working on another book that may or may not feature characters you know and love from Anna K… hint hint….

You can find Jenny on Instagram and her website.

Will you be picking up Anna K? Tell us in the comments below!

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House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

#1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas launches her brand-new CRESCENT CITY series with House of Earth and Blood: the story of half-Fae and half-human Bryce Quinlan as she seeks revenge in a contemporary fantasy world of magic, danger, and searing romance.

The Vanishing Deep by Astrid Scholte
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Bestselling author Astrid Scholte, returns with a thrilling adventure in which the dead can be revived…for a price.

Docile by K.M. Szpara
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Docile is a science fiction parable about love and sex, wealth and debt, abuse and power, a challenging tour de force that at turns seduces and startles.

My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Exploring the psychological dynamics of the relationship between a precocious yet naïve teenage girl and her magnetic and manipulative teacher, a brilliant, all-consuming read that marks the explosive debut of an extraordinary new writer.

Anna K.: A Love Story by Jenny Lee
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Dazzlingly opulent and emotionally riveting, Anna K.: A Love Story is a brilliant reimagining of Leo Tolstoy’s timeless love story, Anna Karenina―but above all, it is a novel about the dizzying, glorious, heart-stopping experience of first love and first heartbreak.

The Honey-Don’t List by Christina Lauren
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From the New York Times bestselling author behind The Unhoneymooners comes a delightfully charming love story about what happens when two assistants tasked with keeping a rocky relationship from explosion start to feel sparks of their own.

When We Were Magic by Sarah Gailey
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A sly, witchy dark comedy about six teens whose magic goes wildly awry from Magic for Liars author Sarah Gailey, who Chuck Wendig calls an “author to watch.”

Precious You by Helen Monks Takhar
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An obsessive power struggle between an editor and her millennial intern turns dangerous in this debut psychological thriller–for readers of Luckiest Girl Alive and You.

You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
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The #1 Bestselling authors of The Wife Between Us and An Anonymous Girl deliver a thriller about a circle of friends with deadly intentions–where trust is their weapon and revenge is their trigger….

Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare
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Chain of Gold is the first novel in a new trilogy that stars the Shadowhunters of Edwardian London.

Undercover Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams
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Inspired by the romantic suspense novel they’re reading, the book club assist Liv in setting up a sting operation to take down the chef. But they’re just as eager to help Mack figure out the way to Liv’s heart… even while she’s determined to squelch the sparks between them before she gets burned.

The Boy from the Woods by Harlan Coben
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In the shocking new thriller from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Run Away, a man whose past is shrouded in mystery must find a missing teenage girl before her disappearance brings about disastrous consequences for her community . . . and the world.

What March book releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

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Soon to be a TV show on HBO Max, ANNA K is a modern retelling of Anna Karenina that follows Anna K., a seventeen-year-old at the top of Manhattan and Greenwich society who has the perfect boyfriend, perfect grades, and perfect reputation. Until it is all upended when she meets Alexia “Count” Vronsky, a notorious playboy who has bounced around boarding schools and who lives for his own pleasure. The two are polar opposites, and their attraction will threaten to shake up their well established social circle, and themselves, beyond recognition.

Filled with more fashion references than you can count and the opulent lives of Upper East Side socialites, ANNA K is Crazy Rich Asians meets Gossip Girl. 

The post ‘Glee’ Star Jenna Ushkowitz Narrates ‘Anna K’ by Jenny Lee appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Who’s ready to get their hands on some new YA releases!? We definitely are and we bet you can’t wait too! We love a new year because that means there’s going to be so many new books coming out over the next 12 months from authors we already love as well as authors releasing their very first novel into the wild!

Naturally there’s many books being released, so we’ve narrowed it down to 48 titles that we are really looking forward to being released between the months of January and June!

So, what can we expect from 2020? Well there’s new books from familiar names such as Cassandra Clare, Melissa de la Cruz, Suzanne Collins,  Alwyn Hamilton, and many more! In terms of content, there’s gender-swapped retellings, vampires, assassins, magic, thrillers, dragons, sweet contemporaries, stories of friendship, tales of love and revenge, and much, much more!

Read on to discover just a few of our favourites and tell us in the comments if you are looking forward to any of these releases!

JANUARY

Oasis by Katya de Becerra
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this young adult thriller for fans of Lost and The Twilight Zone, a group of teens are saved when they come across a mysterious oasis. But who will save them from the oasis?

Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Sarah Dessen, and praised as “an intense rush of rebellion and romance” by #1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Garber, this romantic and layered Own Voices debut from Abigail Hing Wen is a dazzling, fun-filled romp.

Dark and Deepest Red by Anna-Marie McLemore
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

With Anna-Marie McLemore’s signature lush prose, Dark and Deepest Red pairs the forbidding magic of a fairy tale with a modern story of passion and betrayal.

Rogue Princess by B.R. Myers
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A princess fleeing an arranged marriage teams up with a snarky commoner to foil a rebel plot in B. R. Myers’ Rogue Princess, a gender-swapped sci-fi YA retelling of Cinderella.

Woven in Moonlight by Isabel Ibañez
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A lush tapestry of magic, romance, and revolución, drawing inspiration from Bolivian politics and history.

Black Girl Unlimited: The Remarkable Story of a Teenage Wizard by Echo Brown
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Heavily autobiographical and infused with magical realism, Black Girl Unlimited fearlessly explores the intersections of poverty, sexual violence, depression, racism, and sexism―all through the arc of a transcendent coming-of-age story for fans of Renee Watson’s Piecing Me Together and Ibi Zoboi’s American Street.

Blood Countess by Lana Popović
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A historical YA horror novel based on the infamous real-life inspiration for Countess Dracula.

Don’t Read the Comments by Eric Smith
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Slay meets Eliza and Her Monsters in Eric Smith’s Don’t Read the Comments, an #ownvoices story in which two teen gamers find their virtual worlds – and blossoming romance – invaded by the real-world issues of trolling and doxing in the gaming community.

FEBRUARY

The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
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Tricia Levenseller, author of Daughter of the Pirate King, is back with an epic YA tale of ambition and love in The Shadows Between Us…

The Gravity of Us by Phil Stamper
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Teen boys find love when their parents’ NASA mission uproots their lives in this sweet debut perfect for Adam Silvera fans.

The Queen’s Assassin by Melissa de la Cruz
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Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Red Queen, this is the first novel in a sweeping YA fantasy-romance duet about a deadly assassin, his mysterious apprentice, and the country they are sworn to protect from #1 NYT bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz.

Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed
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New York Times bestselling authors Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed have crafted a resonant, funny, and memorable story about the power of love and resistance.

Belle Révolte by Linsey Miller
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From the author of the Mask of Shadows duology comes a standalone fantasy where two young women must trade lives, work together to stay alive, and end a war caused by magic and greed.

The Last Confession of Autumn Casterly by Meredith Tate
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If I Stay meets One of Us is Lying in this gripping contemporary thriller.

Ink in the Blood by Kim Smejkal
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A lush, dark YA fantasy debut that weaves together tattoo magic, faith, and eccentric theater in a world where lies are currency and ink is a weapon, perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Kendare Blake.

Foul Is Fair by Hannah Capin
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Foul is Fair is a bloody, thrilling revenge fantasy for the girls who have had enough. Golden boys beware: something wicked this way comes.

MARCH

Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Chain of Gold is the first novel in a new trilogy that stars the Shadowhunters of Edwardian London.

Bone ​Crier’s Moon by Kathryn Purdie
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From #1 New York Times bestselling author Kathryn Purdie comes a high-stakes fantasy duology flush with doomed romance and macabre magic, perfect for fans of Stephanie Garber and Roshani Chokshi.

Anna K.: A Love Story by Jenny Lee
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Dazzlingly opulent and emotionally riveting, Anna K.: A Love Story is a brilliant reimagining of Leo Tolstoy’s timeless love story, Anna Karenina―but above all, it is a novel about the dizzying, glorious, heart-stopping experience of first love and first heartbreak.

Greythorne by Crystal Smith
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Brimming with deliciously mysterious magic, political intrigue, and a passionate heroine who will do anything to save the ones she loves—this highly anticipated sequel to Bloodleaf won’t disappoint.

Harley in the Sky by Akemi Dawn Bowman
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The Greatest Showman meets This Is Us by way of Sarah Dessen in this heart-wrenching, hopeful contemporary novel about a multiracial teen who risks it all to follow her dreams by joining the circus, from the critically acclaimed author of Starfish.

Havenfall by Sara Holland
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A safe haven between four realms. The girl sworn to protect it–at any cost. New York Times bestselling author Sara Holland crafts a breathtaking new contemporary fantasy perfect for fans of Melissa Albert and Holly Black.

Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzales
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Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda meets Clueless in this boy-meets-boy spin on Grease.

When We Were Magic by Sarah Gailey
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A sly, witchy dark comedy about four teens whose magic goes wildly awry from Magic for Liars author Sarah Gailey, who Chuck Wendig calls an “author to watch.”

APRIL

Incendiary by Zoraida Córdova
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Jack Kerouac Is Dead to Me by Gae Polisner
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Gae Polisner’s Jack Kerouac is Dead to Me is a story about the fragility of female friendship, of falling in love and wondering if you are ready for more, and of the glimmers of hope we find by taking stock in ourselves.

Time of Our Lives by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka
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A reflective, romantic coming-of-age novel that explores life after high school–perfect for fans of Fangirl and Emergency Contact.

The Lucky Ones by Liz Lawson
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For fans of Thirteen Reasons Why, This Is How It Ends, and All the Bright Places, comes a new novel about life after. How do you put yourself back together when it seems like you’ve lost it all?

Clique Bait by Ann Valett
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Pretty Little Liars meets Burn for Burn in this thrilling debut from Wattpad star Ann Valett.

Verona Comics by Jennifer Dugan
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From the author of Hot Dog Girl comes a fresh and funny YA contemporary romance about two teens who fall in love in an indie comic book shop.

Late to the Party by Kelly Quindlen
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From author Kelly Quindlen comes a poignant and deeply relatable story about friendship, self-acceptance, what it means to be a Real Teenager. Late to the Party is an ode to late bloomers and wallflowers everywhere.

Loveless by Alice Oseman
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Loveless is a journey of identity, self-acceptance, and finding out how many different types of love there really are. And that no one is really loveless after all.

MAY

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The post 48 YA Book Releases To Look Out For In 2020 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.