Top Ten Books I Bought and Haven't Read Yet

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. 

Top Ten Books I Just HAD To Buy... 

But Are Still Sitting On My Bookshelf

Top Ten Tuesday by Kayla 

Since this is the freebie week, I thought I would highlight those left behind. I am the absolute world’s worst about going “OMGOMGOMG!!! I… MUST… HAVE…!!!!”, and then it’s still on my shelf a year later. Here are the main ones sitting within reaching distance that stare at me, trying to make me feel as guilty as possible.

1. 2030: The Real Story of What Happens to America by Albert Brooks

I follow Albert Brooks on Twitter, and there are days where I literally laugh out loud. I finally broke down and preordered his book because I knew it would be amazing. I’ve read raving reviews about how wonderful it is. I was so utterly excited that it was on its way to me.

A year later, it’s still sitting in the window ledge on the back of my couch.

2. The Warlock: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott

This is one of my absolute favorite book series. I have no idea how I even started reading them. I think I came across The Alchemyst while doing a library transit box. Anyways, I checked it out and loved it. I’ve bought every book in the series since then. The cliffhanger at the end of The Necromancer was almost more than I could take. I considered stalking Michael Scott to find out what was going to happen.

For whatever reason, this book sat right along 2030, waiting on me to get around to reading it. Which leads us to…

3. The Enchantress: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott

I’ve only had this one a short period of time, but hopefully it will join forces with The Warlock in guilt-tripping me into reading them.

4. Tricked by Kevin Hearne

This is one of my all-time favorite series, but I haven’t read this installment yet! I’ve been busy with All The Things, and it’s at that perch of death also known as the back of my couch.

5. A Touch Morbid by Leah Clifford

I preordered this book at least six months before its release. I was dying to read it. DYING!!! And I still am, but there is just so much ahead of it right now. I feel like a terrible fan and an even worse friend. I’m going to read it, but damn… The work stuff… The everything… *sigh* Does it make it okay that I bought it for my library branch, and everyone else is raving about how wonderful it is?

6. The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan

I don’t have all of these books, but I have at least eight in my house. Not reading them is killing me, but there are just so damn many. And the wait… I saw my friends suffering the wait between books, so I figured that I would just start when he was close to finishing the series. Twenty-two years later after the series began, we’re still waiting. Oh, and Robert Jordan died before he could even finish this! If I ever decide to write epic fantasy, hopefully it’s not so epic that I’ll be unable to finish writing it in my lifetime.

7. The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor

I love Alice in Wonderland, and I knew that this series was for me. I have the first two books in this series, but they’re just kinda hanging out here…

8. Sins of the Angels by Linda Poitevin

I follow Linda on Twitter, and she’s another one of those authors that I adore. I preordered this book, and I couldn’t wait to read it. Unfortunately, it came in right when I had a lot of research to work on for my degree. I never got around to reading it. And then it ended up on the back of the couch…

9. Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert

I like to make deals with myself. I will allow myself to indulge in an epic fantasy if I read a “classic” next. I had never read any of the Sword of Truth books by Terry Goodkind, so I promised myself that I would read Madame Bovary when I went as far as I could with them. I was so P.O.’d at the formula usage in Goodkind’s books (I made it through three or four, I think) that I never read my classic. I felt cheated. Maybe I’ll read it in exchange for my Hobbit reread.

10. Storm Front by Jim Butcher

Ugh, I own it, okay? Now if only I could get my friends to ease up from breathing down my neck about reading it… 

So what are some books YOU have bought but haven't read yet?

Top Ten Blogs/Sites I Read That AREN'T About Books

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

Top Ten Blogs/Sites I Read That AREN'T About Books

by Kayla

1. Hyperbole and a Half

This is probably my all-time favorite site. One of my friends is an English professor, and she introduced it to me after a discussion about The Alot. I checked out the site, and it was hilarious. I then proceeded to spend four hours reading various posts that she had made previous to that one. I put the RSS feed (or whatever you call it) on the bookmarks bar on my browser. I LIVED for new posts.

She posted God of Cake in October 2010. This described my child in a way that none of you can truly understand unless you have met her. I was crying so hard I could not breathe before I made it halfway down the post. My grandmother thought I had finally snapped – until I let her read it. Everyone in my family and all of my friends had the exact same reaction.

Unfortunately, this site has only had five posts since January 2011. First, Allie was working on a book, and then she had a post about dealing with depression in October. This is one lady that I am really rooting for, and I hope to see her writing on the site again. Yes, I do miss a stranger.

2. Sh*t My Kids Ruined

This is a site where people submit pictures of what life is really like with children at home. Not everyone may post them, but ALL parents have a picture or story. And if you think that I’m exaggerating about Bug’s (my daughter) shenanigans, take a glance at the submit button. That’s her when she was three. *smiles proudly*

3. b*tches gotta eat

If you’re not a crude adult with a twisted sense of humor, I would suggest against you checking out this site. This post is profound and made me rethink some things. (I didn’t put the title of the post there because Tami would kill me.) How to Survive a Break-Up is a really great post that every single woman should read, whether the language offends her or not. Suck up the cursing, and listen to Samantha.

4. Monday Motions

This is a blog ran by a super-cool dude that I went to college with. A lot of us b*tch about the way the world is, but Chris works at changing what he thinks is a problem. He’s actually in Haiti right now, helping out. He also raises money for clean water in third world countries and does One Day Without Shoes every year. Chris is a very inspirational young man. You should check him out sometime.

5. Brian’s Backpacking Blog

I don’t read this all the time, but he’s had some really great posts like Single Use Antibiotic Packs and Plastic Soda Bottle Lid Capsule – pretty cool, huh?

6. Dandelions & Daydreams

This is my friend Kim’s personal blog. She writes really fantastic poetry on it, and it’s pretty much the only way for me to keep up with her after breaking up with Facebook last year.

7. Stuff White People Like

This is another hilarious blog that has fallen by the wayside. It’s not as racist as you think (okay, it is). Anyway, The Ted Conference and Asian Girls are both terrible posts that will make you laugh if you are as awful as me.

8. Snopes

I live on this site. I joined Facebook back in 2005, when there were only college students hanging around on there. (It was VERY quiet and completely lovely.) However, once everyone got on there, it became a breeding ground for urban legends. Seriously, it was worse than those forwarded emails that your Aunt Nancy would send you. I started just leaving links to Snopes for the various crap that was unloaded on the site.

While I have your attention, Facebook Charges are never going to happen. People laugh at you when you post that or join the groups – no lie. Also, a girl did not kill herself after her dad posted something on her wall. *shakes head*

9. Google

I live here. If my phone only did one thing, I would want it to be able to give me instant access to all of the information the Google Monster will vomit at me. I’m addicted.

10. Cooks.com

I live on this site. I am always cooking or baking, and this is so much easier than digging out my recipe boxes or cookbooks. I usually get a variety of recipes of a certain dish and change it around to suit my needs and pantry contents. I’m fairly sure that I visit this site every day.

Top Ten Favorite Quotes from Books

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created and hosted byThe Broke and the Bookish.

Top Ten Favorite Quotes from Books

by Kayla

1. “There is a theory which states that if ever anyone discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable. There is another theory which states that this has already happened.”
– Douglas Adams, The Restaurant at the End of the Universe

2. "The sun was shining on the sea,
Shining with all his might:
He did his very best to make
The billows smooth and bright —
And this was odd, because it was
The middle of the night.
– Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There

3. “There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it.”
– C.S. Lewis, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

4. “So it goes.”
– Kurt Vonnegut, Slaughterhouse Five

5. “In the world according to Garp, we are all terminal cases.”
– John Irving, The World According to Garp

6. “It may help to understand human affairs to be clear that most of the great triumphs and tragedies of history are caused, not by people being fundamentally good or fundamentally bad, but by people being fundamentally people.”
– Neil Gaiman, Good Omens

7. “I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind except that you happen to be insane.”
– George Orwell, 1984

8. “It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.”
– J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings

9. “The bravest people are the ones who don’t mind looking like cowards.”
– T.H. White, The Once and Future King

10. “Now go and stake some vamps. Especially the sparkly, emo ones.”
– Kevin Hearne*, Hammered

*Did you REALLY think I’d skip him?

Top Ten Books I'd Like to See Made Into a Movie

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Top Ten Books I’d Like to See Made into a Movie

by Kayla

Uh oh, I bet you guys can’t guess which two books are probably going to end up on this list! I’m sure Tami is already cringing and sucking her breath in through her teeth. Since I’m always repeating myself, I’ll go ahead and get those two out of the way first.

1. A Touch Morbid by Leah Clifford

*gush* Dark *gush* Angels *gush* Sexy *gush*

2. Hounded by Kevin Hearne

I’ll be honest – I only want to see Atticus on the big screen. Yes, Oberon is hilarious, but I want some Irish deliciousness. I’m thinking we can dye Kit Harington’s hair red…

3. Red-Headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells

This is one of my favorite urban fantasy series, and I think Sabina has enough crazy mess going in her life that it would make a great movie. Plus, it’s a unique spin on vampires. I’d be there opening night, and I’ll buy the popcorn.

4. Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

This so dark and grotesque that I think it would be a movie with some fantastic cinematography going on, if done correctly.

5. Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

I think this just needs to be turned into a good, old slice and dice horror movie. Make it PG-13, and we’ll be golden.

6. A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead

My daughter and I both adore this book, and I think it can be made into a really sweet children’s movie if it gets the right screenwriter and director. My fingers are crossed!

7. Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison

Rachel Morgan is a hot mess. I think her screwed up life and terrible luck would make for an incredible movie. This is a post-apocalyptic, paranormal book that is more for adults, but I think any age (even toddlers! – just kidding) would flock to the movie.

8. Across the Universe by Beth Revis

In space, no one can hear you scream. I think we need a good sci-fi movie for the next generation. This one may not have aliens, but it has an AWESOME mystery.

9. Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers

I’m not even finished with this book yet, but I would love to see an ass-kicking nun-assassin bust some heads on the big screen. Who wouldn’t?

10. Pure by Julianna Baggott

Pressia Belze lives in an ugly, twisted world. She is also ugly and twisted after the Detonations. This book scared the crap out of me, and it deserves just as much attention, if not more than, The Hunger Games. There, I said it.

What are your movie choices?

Top Ten Tips for New Book Bloggers

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Top Ten Tips for New Book Bloggers

By Tami and Kayla

Kayla and I have decided to team up for this Top Ten Tuesday, and we are each providing you with 5 tips we have learned along the way.

Tami's Tips:

1. Provide contact information on your blog! Granted, this isn't necessary if you don't want people contacting you with review requests. If that is the case, it would be nice if you put a note somewhere fairly prominent to tell people you don't. I cannot even begin to tell you the number of blogs I have visited where there is no contact information. If you want people to contact you with review requests, then for the love of God, provide your email!

2. There are always books available to be reviewed. Unlike what some of the "big" book bloggers will tell you, you do not have to go to the library to check out books in order to get started reviewing. It may take a while to get the big publishing houses to send you ARCs because they have limited copies they are willing to part with and many bloggers requesting them, but there are tons of indie authors who would absolutely love to help you get started with a book review blog. Trust me. Personally, I think indie authors are great. In fact, I have read many self-published books since I started blogging that were just as good as, or in some cases better than, some of the books that were traditionally published. Join social networking sites like Book Blogs, and you will easily find authors who are looking for reviewers. Or like Kayla also mentions, there are many great books on Net Galley. If you spend some time looking, you WILL find more than enough books. 

3. Be careful, or you will get TOO many books! (Yes, this tip is also given by Kayla, but it cannot be stressed enough.) In the beginning, you may be eager to accept any review request sent to you simply because you want to have books to review or because you feel like you are being mean if you say no. You will quickly get more than you can read. Please trust me on this one. I learned the hard way.

4. Provide an honest review! Maybe some people think this one goes without saying, but I disagree. Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to try to point out what was good about the book. However, please don't rave about a book that, quite frankly, doesn't deserve it. You are doing a disservice to your readers and the author if you do that. On the flip side, there is no reason to bash a book (or an author) even if the book is really bad. Providing a neutral review is perfectly acceptable, because there is a chance that others will like it even if you didn't.

5. Social networking is very, very good. And very, very bad! Yes, it is a good thing to network with other bloggers and authors. It can also be very time consuming. It is the quality of your social networking that is beneficial, not the quantity. Of course, during social networking with other bloggers, you are always going to see ones that were able to get their hands on that highly coveted ARC that you missed out on. Then you may start wondering what they are doing that you aren't or what you are doing wrong. Or you will see buzz about the newest social networking craze that everyone is doing, and you will be tempted to try to do everything. This is stressful! Don't let it get to you. Take social media for what it is worth - to make new connections. Don't let it consume you so much that you are taking away time from your blog, or from your family.

Kayla's Tips:

I almost find the idea of me giving advice to new book bloggers laughable because I am a new book blogger myself. I am still learning new things every day, and there are many occasions when I stare at the computer screen and ask myself, “What in the world are you doing?!” Luckily, I have had Tami supporting me and sharing what she’s learned along the way. How can I do anything but pass on what has been done for me?

1. NetGalley is your friend. If you don’t want to review only books that have been released, I would suggest that you check out this site. There are loads of books on there, and many of the publishers want you to read and review their books just as badly as you do. The worst thing that can happen is that they tell you no.

2. NetGalley is a dangerous place. This is a bit of advice that NO ONE told me. When I joined NetGalley, I was told that publishers were hateful, stingy beasts who hoarded their books. Bearing that in mind, I requested lots of books hoping that I would get one or two. I have only had two requests decline. I have not been able to read hardly anything but NetGalley books since I’ve started because of that mass approval of an insane number of books. I will never admit to how many it was, but I will say that I cried a little in horror. Please, do not do that.

3. Only request and accept books that you REALLY want to read. You’re going to get lots of requests approved and asked of you if you do things correctly. If you say yes to anything that sounds remotely interesting, you’re going to get bogged down. You’re going to be stuck reading stuff that you don’t really enjoy. If you are anything like me, you’re going to look at your pile with fear and loathing, and you just may start to avoid it. Reading is something that we love (it’s why we’re doing this, right?), so it shouldn’t become a chore. 

4. WRITE A REVIEW FOR EVERYTHING YOU SPECIFICALLY REQUEST. You’re the one who wanted it. These ARCs and eARCs are not free books. They are given to you in exchange for a review. If it’s a DNF (did not finish), it’s a DNF. You at least owe the publisher or author that much, because they could’ve sent your copy to someone else instead (who may have actually wanted to read and review it). I personally try to avoid DNF posts on my blog as I’m a librarian, but I do email the publisher with an explanation of what did not work for me in the book.

5. Only write well-thought out and professional reviews. These books are the authors’ babies and represent months (years, even) of hard work and dedication. The least you can do is give it a little respect and hard work. It’ll endear you to publishers and authors alike, and you’ll keep getting books that you love. You get back what you put in.

Top Ten Books To Read In A Day

Top Ten Books To Read In A Day

by Kayla

Before we get started, I want you guys to know something about me – I am a very picky reader. Just because I can read a book in a day, doesn’t mean that it was my favorite. (I won’t say which of them falls into this category. I didn’t like it because I didn’t like it.) If the storytelling is good, I will probably not be able to put it down. You know how it is.

1. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J. K. Rowling

This was the first HP book that I had to wait to be released, as I did not the series until shortly after The Goblet of Fire was published. I did not do the midnight thing because my paramour at the time wanted to buy it for me to show his undying affection. I loved the other books in the series, but this was the first one that I found truly gripping. I could not put it down, and then it broke my heart. Oh, the pain… *sobs*

2. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling

I was working at a very large bookstore when this was released, so naturally I was there for the midnight thing. I even did face-painting and all of that other crap to kill time until I could get the squatters out of the way and my hands on the book. I stayed up all night reading it. And that Snape thing? I almost doubted him for a minute. Almost. However, my love for him was pure, and it still is. After all this time. ;-)

3. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling

I volunteered at the bookstore I mentioned earlier to help with the midnight release. I was no longer working there, due to my daughter becoming desperately ill soon after she was born. A HP Release Party was my idea of a Mommy’s Night Out, so I got a sitter and embraced the madness. Since I was no longer working at the bookstore, and I was not getting paid for my services, I left as soon as I got my book. I read the book in a record five and a half hours, and the next day was absolutely miserable because of my all-night reading session. Note to self: don’t skip sleep when you have a newborn for any reason.

4. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I found this book both disturbing and extremely terrifying, as a parent. However, I could not tear myself away from it. It was an all-nighter.

5. A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford

I did not stay up all night reading it, but I read it in less than twenty-four hours.

6. Hexed by Kevin Hearne

It was my least favorite in the series, but I read it the fastest. I think I was okay with reading it so quickly because I knew Hammered would be along shortly. Oh, when I say “least favorite”, it does not mean that I did not love it. It’s like saying chocolate with citrus is my least favorite sort of chocolate. Would I still binge on it? Heck to the yes.

7. Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

I waited forever for this book – and that was well before I paid any attention to the blogosphere! I saw the cover and descriptions in one of the library magazines we get at work, and I fell in lurve with it. It did not disappoint me in the slightest.

8. Cinder by Marissa Meyer

I am a sucker for fairy tales, so I knew that I would like this. I am a sucker for science fiction, so I knew that I would like this. I am a sucker for post-apocalyptic, so I knew that I would like this. What I did not know was that I would love it, and it would be one of my favorite books of 2012.

Yes, I realize the cover in the collage looks a little different than the one you've probably seen on American bookshelves. I recently saw the Spanish cover (I believe) of the book, and it is by far my favorite. It captures the essence of the book magnificently.

9. Everneath by Brodi Ashton

I think I described this best in my Goodreads review:

"The story itself was like a vortex, sucking me in and stealing my entire day…It holds the perfect formula for escape into this beautiful and heartbreaking literary world. It is a story worth experiencing, but be sure that you have a time block to set aside for it, as it is impossible to put down."

Seriously, don’t read this book unless you have some spare time for it.

10. Dust Girl by Sarah Zettel

I am not going to say too much about this one since it’s not coming out until this summer. Let’s just say that I took my Nook with me to the bathtub for the first time because I couldn’t stop reading it.

Top Ten Books I'd Play Hooky With

Top Ten Books I’d Play Hooky With

by Kayla

Since I am not in school, I have decided to list the books that I would want to throw down my review books to pick up again or for the first time. The top row (#1-5) are the ones that I would like to reread, and the bottom row (#6-10) are the ones that I wish I had the time to get my hands on immediately. The list is much longer than these, but it is the top ten after all. Do you want to know a secret? I got a great idea from Cassi the Galavanting Girl Scout – I’m taking a month off to read nothing but what I want to read. No, I’m not saying that I don’t want to read my review books – I’m saying that I want to read just random crap that I see and pick up. I haven’t had that luxury in a LONG time because of college and then reading for my library. It’ll be my Mother’s Day gift to myself in May. Anywho, you’re here for the list, right?

1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I’m not sure if you have heard, but some weird place called Hollywood decided to turn this into a small, independent film. I should probably reread this barely-known book that is yet to manage to really take off, popularity-wise.

2. Hounded by Kevin Hearne

This is one of my favorite books in one of my favorite series that I never gush about. Tricked, the fourth installment in the Iron Druid Chronicles, is being released in April, and I should reread the series to get ready for it. *squee*

3. The Magic of Recluce by L. E. Modesitt, Jr.

This is the first book in one of the best epic fantasy series out right now. There is not a lot of violence, and the characters are all so very endearing. I have probably read this book at least ten times, and I’m good for at least three dozen more rereads. I probably won’t get to TMoR this spring because it would cause me to reread the entire series, too. I wish I had the time, but I’ve already given up television, and I’m not quitting my job.

4. The Gunslinger by Stephen King

I haven’t read the first book in The Dark Tower series in at least nine years. I finished The Dark Tower when it came out in 2004. I still think of Roland all the time. It’s time for Mama to go back and visit her literary crush.

5. A Spell for Chameleon by Piers Anthony

The Hobbit may have inspired my love of reading, but Piers Anthony made me obsessed with it. It was his books that would make the class pet/goody-two-shoes skip school to be at the bookstore on release day. This is the first book in his beloved Xanth series, and I’d like to go back home sometime and revisit the scenery. Yes, kittens, Xanth will always be home to me.

6. A Touch Morbid by Leah Clifford

I have had the sequel to A Touch Mortal sitting in my house FOR OVER A MONTH, and I have not read it yet because of obligations. It is making me bitter, but it’s my own fault for allowing myself get behind. I just really really really really really want to read this. Yesterday.

7. A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

I tried to listen to the audiobook of this, but I find thick British accents distracting when it’s one actor voicing several characters. I need to read the actual book because I won’t let myself watch the television series until I do. And, hello?! It’s epic fantasy! My. Favorite. Genre.

8. Harbinger by Sara Wilson Etienne

I want to read a stand-alone book so bad, it’s disgusting. Plus, the synopsis for this is absolutely fascinating. I have the book sitting on the back of my couch, waiting for me to be naughty and pick it up. *stares at it*

9. Scholar by L. E. Modesitt, Jr.

This installment in Modesitt’s Imager series somehow managed to evade me. I have been peeved ever since I noticed that this happened, and I will be annoyed with myself until this book is in my brain. Plus, the fifth one is coming out in May! è Cue massive freakout.

10. Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie

Before all else, whether I like it or not, I am a historian wannabe. I study history, I devour history. I live history. If I say otherwise, I’m lying. This has been the last twelve or so years of my life. So when I tell you that a non-fiction book excites me, you had better hope that you’re not standing in front of it when I decide to make the mad dash to grab it. And friends, I’ve been wanting this book for quite some time. Catherine the Great has always made me giggle because she is so AWESOME, and I hope this biography does her justice.

Top Ten Books on My Spring To-Be-Read List

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Top Ten Books on My Spring TBR

Kayla and I are both going to honor you with our top to-be-read lists. Therefore, to keep this post from being way too long, I am going to forgo including the blurbs and simply provide you with a link to Goodreads in case you would like to read more about any of our choices.

Kayla's Top TBR:

You say “My Spring TBR”, I say “THESE BOOKS HAVE TO BE READ ASAP”. Yes, I meant for that to be completely in caps because it is just that pressing. Most of these books are from NetGalley and one is from Galley Grab, so there are expiration dates. That are looming. Upon my head. *flails*

1. Dust Girl by Sarah Zettel - June 26, 2012

2. The Book of Lost Fragrances by M. J. Rose - March 13, 2012

3. Seraphina by Rachel Hartman - July 10, 2012

4. The Prince Who Fell from the Sky by Jean Claude Bemis - May 22, 2012

5. Captain Awesome to the Rescue by Stan Kirby, George O’Connor (Illustrator) - April 3, 2012

6. Shadows on the Moon by Zoë Marriott - April 24, 2012

Yes, I know the cover I featured isn’t the one being used by Candlewick in the US, but I like this one.

7. Lies, Knives, and Girls in Red Dresses by Ron Koertge, Andrea Dezso (Illustrator) - July 10, 2012

8. The Obsidian Blade by Pete Hautman - April 10, 2012

9. Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin - April 24, 2012

10. The Selection by Kiera Cass - April 24, 2012

Tami's Top TBR:

There are many more that I could have added to my list, but it had to stop somewhere. These are just a few of the ones that I have to finish soon for one reason or other. I hope you enjoy my list!

1. Glimmer by Phoebe Kitanidis - April 17, 2012

2. Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown - June 12, 2012

3. Revived by Cat Patrick - May 8, 2012

4. Pretty Amy by Lisa Burstein - May 15, 2012

5. Whisper by Alyson Noel - April 24, 2012

6. Nate Rocks the Boat by Karen Pokras Toz - May 1, 2012
You can get to know Nate in the first Nate Rocks book (Nate Rocks the World).

7. Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin - April 24, 2012 - I will be borrowing this one from Kayla!

8. Witch Hunt by Patti Larsen - Released November 19, 2012

I read the first one in this series (Family Magic), and I am ready to continue it to find out what happens next.

9. Veiled Virtues by Jan Fischer Wade - Released February 1, 2012

10. Perigee Moon by Tara A. Fuller - Released January 12, 2012

We would love to hear what you think about these books. Have you read any of these. What is on your TBR list?

Top Ten Urban Fantasy Books

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Top Ten Urban Fantasy Books

by Kayla

Urban fantasy is a sub-genre of fantasy defined by place; the fantastic narrative has an urban setting. Many urban fantasies are set in contemporary times and contain supernatural elements. However, the stories can take place in historical, modern, or futuristic periods. The prerequisite is that they must be primarily set in a city.

Okay, I know this is supposed to be the best books in a particular genre, but most of these are going to be series because they all contribute so much to the story as a whole. Yes, it is cheating, but I do what I want. {{sticks out tongue}}

1. The Hollows Series by Kim Harrison

There is absolutely no way in the world that I could choose just one of these that I like the best. However, I don’t think I liked Black Magic Sanction. (It was one or two books ago that came out a few years ago.) Whichever one it was, it didn’t really impress me.

2. The Southern Vampire Series by Charlaine Harris

Okay, I’ll admit that they start to drag around book 8, but they are amazing up until that point. I know there are a few people that have given up on the series altogether, but I will not leave Eric Northman until the very end. (Maybe you should take a page out of MY book, Sookie.)

3. The Mercedes Thompson Series by Patricia Briggs

I love, love, love some Mercy Thompson! This series is fun, fresh, and you’re not ready to bash the characters heads in, even though book seven is coming along soon. (Okay, I was kind of mad about how something went down in Iron Kissed, but we’re not going there today.)

4. The Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter Series (Book 1-5) by Laurell K. Hamilton

These books are fantastically great, but I had to quit reading them after the sixth book because she turned into a simpering little puppy. It wasn’t necessarily bad or anything, she just stopped being a bad a**. I just lost all respect for her and interest in the series. I was all “blah blah blah” about it and moved on about my business.

5. American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Mythology + Mystery + Action = Awesome – I’m totally marrying this guy when Amanda Palmer is done playing with him.

6. The Sabina Kane Series by Jaye Wells

This is a very interesting spin on vampire, witch (okay, mage), and [some] werewolf mythology. The world-building is exceptional, and the heroine is one of my favorites. Jaye Wells is not afraid of doing what is necessary to move the series along (I don’t want to spoil anything), and the books are not suffering any sort of blandness because of it.

7. The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne

You guys should have known that Atticus O’Sullivan will be on every list that could possibly pertain to anything about that man. He is a hot, 2000 year old Druid on the run from the various pantheons of gods. And he’s hot. {{swoons}} Okay, now that I have that out of the way, I can tell you that it is a great, funny read. Oberon, Atticus’ Irish Wolfhound, is a fantastic sidekick and a fan favorite. However, my heart belongs to Atticus fully. Well, maybe I’d leave him for Perun (see Hammered).

8. Ariel by Steven R. Boyett

I don’t know if I’ve mentioned the book on this blog or mine, but this is one of my all-time favorites. It’s a post-apocalyptic novel about a boy and his unicorn. Yep, a unicorn. All of the rules of science suddenly stop working for no apparent reason, and magic takes over. It is a gripping read, and I did a lot of thinking/fantasizing about what I would do if I was faced with the same situation as the characters.

9. The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice

This book chronicles the life of Lestat de Lioncourt from his birth in the 1760s to present day (which was the late 1980s when it was written). This is what inspired my love of vampires, and I would one day love to see a cage match between Lestat and Edward. Just sayin’.

10. A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford

This book is about suicide victim, Eden, and her struggle to adjust to “life” as a Sider – an individual caught between life and death. She’s fallen in love with a fallen angel, dies, and is thrown into a different world within our own that has a completely new set of rules. Yes, there is some of the teen angst thing going on that I usually detest (passionately), but it works in this dark novel. Awesome. Sauce.

Top Ten Favorite Book Covers

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Top Ten Favorite Book Covers

Kayla's Favorite Covers:

I’ll be honest – covers make or break a book for me. Yes, I am well aware that I should not judge a book by its cover, but why should I waste my time on a book that does not look appealing? I am a visual person, and to me, a cover is a pictorial summary of the book. I will not pick up a book that does not have a great cover. There. I said it. Now, I want you to know that this is only if I am book shopping without a particular book in mind or if I don’t have any recommendations. These are the books that came to mind when I thought about my favorite covers – in no particular order.

1. Hexed by Kevin Hearne

Atticus is just so utterly delicious. See those eyes? He’s looking at me. No, I don’t care if you think he’s looking at you. That druid is ALL mine.

2. A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford

I do not know why it is that I love this cover so much. I am not a fan of pink, but it’s hard for me to stop staring at this model. The back of the cover is really awesome, too.

3. Even White Trash Zombies Get the Blues by Diana Rowland

This is just genius, a million times over. The cover artist just captured the trashiness of a public bathroom and a former druggie oh so well.

4. Duma Key by Stephen King

I had to show the full cover on this one. Duma Key is one of my all-time favorite novels, and art plays a huge part in the story. The way the different props are used on the bloody, watery canvas is genius. There is nothing shown on the cover that does not play a part in the story.

5. Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden (Movie Tie-In Cover)

Yes, it is just a beautiful face. But isn’t that what a Geisha is supposed to be? It’s a beautiful cover for a beautiful book.

6. Eragon by Christopher Paolini

I love the way Saphira is drawn here. There is such elaborate detailing on the dragon. She is able to look intelligent, kind, and fierce all at the same time, while still giving a slight smirk. This is one of my favorite illustrations of a dragon.

7. Across the Universe by Beth Revis

I love the hourglass/sleeping beauty thing going on here. This just might be my all-time favorite science fiction book cover.

7. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

It’s creepy. I never intended to read this book. I had other things to do. Finally, I just had to find up what was up with that little girl. I did not read the summary before reading the book. I downloaded the ebook and read it because I liked the cover. Yes, I really do that.

9. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll and Camille Rose Garcia, Illustrator

I love the sloppy, smeared mess. I can totally relate to Alice in this picture. I look like her in the morning after madness. That’s what I would look like in Wonderland. I have no doubt of this.

10. Art & Max by David Wiesner

I’m a sucker for paint. And pixels. And David Wiesner. If I had not loved A Sick Day for Amos McGhee so much, I would have probably written an angry letter to the Caldecott voters. And that is just for the cover.

Tami's Choices:

Since I am getting this post up late, and it is getting pretty long already, I'm just going to add a few that are my favorite covers from books I have recently read or ones I am waiting to read. I sort of have tunnel vision and can only think of current ones. I'm sure there are a lot I am missing. Like Kayla, a cover can really draw me in and make me want to read the book or make me skip over it completely.

Family Magic by Patti Larsen

I love this cover! Patti Larsen has some great covers, but this is my favorite one. Her covers are an example of how an indie author can also have great book covers.

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

I am just drawn in by the whole butterfly-look. I admit the main reason I want to read this book is the cover.

Starters by Lissa Price

Why do I like this cover? I don't know. But I'm drawn to it anyway.

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Another one that I don't really know why. I just know I like it! 

So, between the two of us, we showed more than 10, but there are so many great covers out there. What do you think? What are your favorite book covers?

Top Ten Books to Which I'd Give a Theme Song

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Top Ten Books to Which I'd Give a Theme Song

Top Ten Tuesday post by Kayla

Call me crazy, but I do not listen to a lot of music anymore. If I’m in the car, I’m listening to an audiobook. If I’m hanging out around the house, I like to have peace and quiet when I’m reading. Also, I am one of those people that needs to be in a windowless, soundproof room to write. I do not do background noise. All of that being said, I do have an iPod and my phone filled with awesome songs that I love. In order to do this list, I’m going to put my Droid music collection on random and pick a book for each song. Brace yourselves.

1. “Set Fire to the Third Bar” Snow Patrol – Stone of Tears by Terry Goodkind

Don’t ask me, I honestly do not know. When the song started playing, I immediately thought of this book. I haven’t read it since I was pregnant with the aforementioned five year old, and I have forgotten most of it. I guess it is because of Richard and Kahlen’s love for each other and their fight to be together.

2. “Rape Me” Nirvana – The Witching Hour by Anne Rice

Just trust me – it fits.

3. “Enter Sandman” Metallica – Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell

This is the scariest dystopian that I have ever read. Here are some lyrics that will explain a little why these two fit together:

Dreams of war, dreams of liars

Dreams of dragon's fire

And of things that will bite

Dreams of war: Oceania has always been at war with Eurasia

Dreams of liars: It is Winston Smith’s job consists of “historical revisionism”, which means that he changes various historical works, photographs, and other important documents to reflect that the government is always right and always has been.

Dreams of dragon’s fire: This can totally be Julia and Winston’s bowchickabowwow. (It was first published in 1949 – there’s hardly anything shocking or distasteful.)

And of things that will bite: Oh man, the rats…

4. “Here’s A Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares)” Travis Tritt – New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

I’m not a fan of the series, but if Bella wasn’t so twitterpated, she would have gone with Jacob. Edward, you should have just stayed gone.

5. “Apologize” Timbaland ft. One Republic – Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris

Oh Bill, I never liked you from the start. “It's too late to apologize, it's too late. I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late. Woahooo woah!” Hopefully Sookie never looks back to you.

6. “Hey Jude” The Beatles – The Gunslinger by Stephen King

First, let me ask you not to judge me. I’m not a music person. It interrupts my reading. So when I say that I had never heard of this song before reading The Gunslinger, please don’t start gathering your pitchforks and torches. I mean, I recognized the song but never paid any attention to it before. And it’s a major player in my playlist now! The best thing about this situation is I can get all swoony over Roland Deschain every time I hear it.

What? He’s the ultimate unattainable bad boy.

7. “Vienna” The Fray – The Diary of Anne Frank

There has been a lot of discussion as to what this song is really about. I liked the explanation given about it relating to the Holocaust (that many do not agree with), so right now I’m thinking about Anne Frank. This portion has been explained as the individuals being shipped the concentration camps:

The day's last one-way ticket train pulls in.

We smile for the casual closure capturing.

There goes the downpour.

There goes my fare thee well.

And this explaining that those people couldn’t be reached and then it was too late:

There's really no way to reach me.

There's really no way to reach me.

There's really no way to reach me,

'Cause I'm already gone.

It works for this exercise, no?

***

That’s all I could come up with this week, folks. I’ll be back on my game next week.