Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Retellings

Aug 4

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Favorite Retellings (Plus Two Still on my TBR)

YAY I love this topic! Because I adore retellings of any kind, friends. There’s something really satisfying to me as a reader when a classic tale is given a fresh spin, whether that means changing the setting, changing the details, updating the plot…anything. These ten books are some of my favorite retellings, plus two more that I’m really looking forward to reading soon!
RetellingTIGER LILY is one of the most gorgeous, heart-wrenching books I’ve ever read. I cried, I raged, I felt the bittersweet sting of first love. One of the best retellings of a classic tale I’ve ever read.

RetellingTHE GOOSE GIRL is one of my favorite books. I remember the first time I read it, the tone and atmosphere instantly captivated me. It FEELS old, but in a really magical sort of way. The language has a really vintage feeling and that makes this book something pretty special: a retelling that has the same feel as the original (but is maybe not as dark).

RetellingBeauty and the Beast is one of my FAVORITE fairy tales. Like, hello. Thanks to Disney, I have a huge soft spot for it. CRUEL BEAUTY is dark and twisty and I loved it.

RetellingPRINCESS OF THORNS was kind of a surprise to me. It sounded like something I would really enjoy, but was a little anxious about it. I shouldn’t have been. This was really good. BIG fan. Wish there was going to be more.

RetellingThis is obviously a stand-in for this entire series. DUH I LOVE THESE BOOKS. This series is, hands down, the most inventive retelling I’ve ever read.

RetellingI devoured THE WRATH AND THE DAWN. I’ve never read A THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS, but I know a little bit about the story. This retelling was vibrant and emotional and full of conflict. DYINGGG for book 2.

RetellingWhat a gorgeous book EAST is! The bear is an amazing character, and I love how Edith Pattou was able to imbue him with the personality of a human. This is another one where the language kills me as much as the characters do.

Retelling

LOL these books are FANTASTIC. They’re funny, charming, imaginative, and so much fun. Reading classic fairy tales from the perspective of the princes is a blast, but it’s also great to read about princesses who don’t need rescuing and who maybe like another prince more than their own. I still need to read the last book in this series, but all of these books are some of my favorite middle grades.

RetellingSo. Mermaids. I have a love-hate relationship with them. Mostly, I don’t like them. Well, I LOVE mermaids as creatures, but in books? Eh. I don’t have a lot of success reading about them. HOWEVER, I do enjoy Sarah Ockler’s books and I’ve heard great things about this retelling. I’m kind of excited about it, but wary too.

RetellingI didn’t realize that I knew the story of The Wild Swans until I looked it up and realized that DAUGHTER OF THE FOREST retells that same story. SPINNING STARLIGHT takes it to a whole different place, though (interplanetary goodness!), and I’m looking forward to it.

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Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Hyped Books I’ve Never Read

Jul 7

Top Ten TuesdayTop Ten Hyped Books I’ve Never Read

I had a spot of trouble putting this list together because, one, there are so many books I haven’t read and, at least for books that are out already, they ALL have fanbases that spread the word; and two because I struggle with what hype means to me. Like, is it just a book that is popular with a smaller but very loud group, or THIS BOOK HAS TAKEN OVER THE INTERNETS HYPE MONSTER RAWR? I think I settled on books that were really popular among the people I follow and interact with on social media. I’ve got a pretty good slash embarrassing list here!

hyped books

CHAOS WALKING series | So, I don’t think I’ll ever read this series, guys. I’m so sorry. I don’t think I’ve ever come into contact with someone who didn’t love these books, but there’s a THING that someone spoiled for me (I have no issues with spoilers, and I’m glad I was spoiled in this case) that I really have an incredibly hard time reading, and it happens in one of these books. It’s turned me right off ever since.

UNRAVEL ME & IGNITE ME | I enjoyed SHATTER ME, that’s true enough. But when UNRAVEL ME came out, I never felt the urge to grab it. I told myself, “Just wait for the last one and then read them both.” I never do that, though. If I want to read a book–hyped or not–in a series, I grab it when it comes out and suffer horribly until the next one is released. Then when IGNITE ME came out, I didn’t feel the urge to read either of them. I’m still kind of hovering around “meh” when it comes to finishing this series, despite all the hype.

UNTOLD & UNMADE | GIMME THESE THO. I was a big fan of UNSPOKEN; I just haven’t gotten around to getting copies of the next two installments in Sarah Rees Brennan’s series yet. This isn’t from any ambivalence on my part, though. I WANT to read these. Just haven’t gotten there yet.

SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY | So…this is kind of zombie-ish, right? Man, that’s just not my jam. I know a lot of people who love these books, though, and I’ve always been super intrigued. Until I remember “zombies” and am all “ugh” again. Maybe one day.

THE FILL-IN BOYFRIEND & ON THE FENCE | I see so much love and hype for Kasie West, and I can dig it. I’ve read THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US but nothing else of hers yet. I am always down for a butterfly-inducing contemporary, though, so I know that I’ll be reading these two soon.

MORE HAPPY THAN NOT | I also almost put SIMON VS. THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA on this list, but went with MORE HAPPY THAN NOT because, well, I own it. They’ve both gotten some great hype and love from people I know, so that goes a looong way toward recommending them.

WE WERE LIARS | Do you guys remember the HUMONGOUS Twitter campaign that went with this book? I can’t remember the hashtag right now, but it was bananas and there was all of this “OMG OMG THIS BOOK IS A MIND FUCK” exclaiming everywhere. I need to be in the mood for that sometimes, though, so I haven’t picked up this hype monster yet.

LADY THIEF & LION HEART | You guys are getting a good glimpse at a theme of my TBR right now: unfinished series. I have so many. This is one. LION HEART got lots of hype when it came out recently, but I’m still behind. I liked SCARLET, but it wasn’t an all-time favorite, so I didn’t rush to read any more. I do want to, though. Because Robin Hood.

TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE | I do love Jenny Han, friends. Her Summer series is both swoony and really serious, and really heart-wrenching and -fixing. This new series gets lots of hype, and thanks to my OTSP Secret Sister, I own this book! YAY! Definitely looking forward to reading it soon.

JELLICOE ROAD | Sigh. One day. I want to so badly!! I feel like I NEED Jonah Griggs in my life, but I’m also sooo wary. I tried reading this once and COULD NOT HACK IT through the beginning. I think this has become my white whale. Maybe. As soon as I decide to dive back in, you guys will be the first to know.

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Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Books I’ve Read So Far in 2015

Jun 30

Top Ten TuesdayTop Ten Books I’ve Read So Far in 2015

I don’t know about you all, but I’ve read some pretty great books so far this year. I have really fond memories of reading all of these books–and I’m actually rereading one of them already. #sorrynotsorry. This Top Ten Tuesday makes me pretty excited about the rest of the year, too, because if these ten books are any indication of what’s on tap, I’m in for a world of awesome. In no particular order, here are my top ten books that I’ve read so far this year!
Book cover The Start of Me and You Emery LordTHE START OF ME AND YOU • Emery Lord | Guys, this book was just so adorable. I loved Paige and Max so much, and I loved their very slowly growing relationship. One of my favorite things, though? Ryan. Because he might be the early focus of Paige’s romantic attention, but he’s clueless about it, and a complete doll on top of that.

Book cover Saint Anything Sarah DessenSAINT ANYTHING • Sarah Dessen | The more I read of Sarah Dessen’s catalog, the more I fall for her stories and her writing. I felt such strong connections with Sydney and Mac and the Chathams, and that’s because of how amazingly real Sarah Dessen made them. I have a big chunk of Sarah’s back catalog to get to, and I AM READY.

Book Cover I'll Meet You There Heather DemetriosI’LL MEET YOU THERE • Heather Demetrios | GUYSSS THIS BOOK. No question, this is one of my favorite books of the year. Josh and Sky are two of my most favorite people, and the story of their “I used to hate you but now you’re kind of my best friend slash I wanna make out with you” relationship is amazing.

Book cover A Court of Thorns and Roses Sarah J. MaasA COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES • Sarah J. Maas | This is the book that I’m rereading right now so that I can remember all of the awesomeness better before I write my (sure to be glowing) review. There’s basically nothing about this book that I didn’t love.

Book cover All the Bright Places Jennifer NivenALL THE BRIGHT PLACES • Jennifer Niven | Talk about SOBFEST. I cried so hard reading this book. It’s so sad and beautiful and made an indelible mark on me. I can’t think of Finch and Violet now without some of that intensity bubbling up to the surface.

Book cover A Darker Shade of Magic V.E. SchwabA DARKER SHADE OF MAGIC • V.E. Schwab | I haven’t gotten around to reviewing this one yet, but it’s my favorite book of Victoria’s. I sometimes struggle with her books, but this one…the world-building was excellent and I loved Kell and Lila.

Book cover Every Move Ellie MarneyEVERY MOVE • Ellie Marney | I’ve been trying to hold off reviewing the second and third books in this amazing series because they aren’t out in the US yet, but I bought them all from the Aussie publisher and devoured them and adored them. Mycroft and Watts are a forever OTP.

Book cover Midwinterblood Marcus SedgwickMIDWINTERBLOOD • Marcus Sedgwick | I read this book with my girls for our On the Same Page feature, and it kind of blew my mind. There’s really no way to categorize it, but the slowly unravelling tale was bewitching. There were excellent passages, too, about souls and fate and connections that span lifetimes.

Book cover The Wrath and the Dawn Renee AhdiehTHE WRATH AND THE DAWN • Renée Ahdieh | Another book in my review pipeline, and another On the Same Page read. I loved this story. I loved Shazi and Khalid and their powerful relationship. I loved the vibrant culture so much that my OTSP post was a Pinterest board full of images that reminded me of this world and these characters. There’s a lot up in the air for book 2, and I really can’t wait for it.

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Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Books on my Summer TBR

Jun 16

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Books on my Summer TBR

Reading during the summer is one of my favorite things to do. Well, I love reading ALL THE TIME LITERALLY, but there’s something extra fun about spending the day sitting outside, working on my tan, deep in a good book. These 10 books are just a few of the ones I’m most excited to bring outside with me this summer! I’m just now realizing that there’s lots of fantasies here. Not usually my go-to summer reading fare (that would be contemporaries), but I’ll go with it.

Summer TBR

THE ROYAL WE | I’ve been seeing lots of people reading this and enjoying it, so it’s been on a few of my lists about books I’m looking forward to reading soon. Because HELLO, a princess romance. Who doesn’t want this.

ARCHANGEL | Guys, I don’t know if you can see it in this smallish image, but I don’t know WHAT is going on with this girl’s facial expression. What does it mean? It’s like…ecstasy? And a feather? *is puzzled* But I found a copy at The Book Barn a few weeks ago when I was visiting Alyssa and I’ve heard great things about it and about Sharon Shinn.

BETTER WHEN HE’S BRAVE | Jay Crownover. ‘Nuff said. Although I will add that I like her Marked Men series a little better than Welcome to the Point. It hardly signifies. I’ve had this one preordered for months in two different formats, so….

THE BOY MOST LIKELY TO | DYING to read about Tim. SO MUCH DYING. I’m planning on doing a little reread of Huntley Fitzpatrick’s books before this one comes out, and I’m dying for that, too.

REPUBLIC OF THIEVES | I’m a little ways into this third book in the Gentlemen Bastards series and will probably be reading it in small bits for a few months. I like to take my time with these.

THE CURIOUS WORLD OF CALPURNIA TATE | Have I mentioned lately how refreshing and admirable and incorrigible Calpurnia Tate is? I loved her in her first book, THE EVOLUTION OF CALPURNIA TATE, and was BESIDE myself when I found out there was going to be a sequel. One of my favorite middle grades, friends.

COURT OF FIVES | Kate Elliott is an author that I am just fidgety with excitement to read. I’ve never read any of her books, but am so excited to dive into her catalog.

REBEL MECHANICS | Umm, did you say Revolutionary War? You did? Oh, ok. *grabs book instantly* But also, spies? *trips over self to get to book faster* God, I hope this book lives up to my expectations, even a little bit. PRETTY PLEASE, BOOK.

HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE | This is one of our summer On the Same Page books, and I. AM. STOKED. Never read any Dianna Wynne Jones, but this one just sounds so magical and imaginative. Can’t wait.

THE HEART OF BETRAYAL | Book one in this series was (well, is) legit. I should probably reread it so I can get all up in the vibe before I pick up book 2. But I definitely remember the ending and the jaw-drop and the world-building.

What books are you guys reading this summer?

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. It’s awesome. Every Tuesday, the lovely folks over at The Broke and the Bookish post a top ten list topic so that book lovers like you and me can pour over our shelves and make our own lists. You can check out all the other Top Ten Tuesday‘s on their site!
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Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Most Anticipated Books in the Second Half of 2015

Jun 9

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Most Anticipated Books in the Second Half of 2015

Wooo, guys. Sometimes I can’t even with these lists. The “ten” just feels SO CONSTRICTING. It’s SQUEEZING THE LIFE OUT OF MY LIST. There’s way more than 10 books that I’m dying to read in the second half of 2015. Nothing out of the ordinary here. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, then, that there are books I’m excited about that didn’t make the cut. But, like, barely because I want to read them ALL.

Top Ten Tuesday

Guys, I’m starting the dog days of summer off RIGHT. I’m dying for THE BOY MOST LIKELY TO. I can’t wait to read about Tim. COURT OF FIVES will probably be my first Kate Elliott book, unless I dive into one of her old-school fantasies before then. THE WOLF WILDER just sounds…so beyond amazing, I can’t even deal. I DO NOT EVER pass up on new Jay Crownover books, like BETTER WHEN HE’S BRAVE, even though I prefer her Marked Men series to Welcome to the Point. And DUH QUEEN OF SHADOWS. DUH.

Top Ten Tuesday

I just really read the synopsis for SORCERER TO THE CROWN the other day even though it’s been on my TBR for a while now, and it blew me away. NEED IT. VENGEANCE ROAD is pushing all of my Western buttons. A MADNESS SO DISCREET sounds creepy and perfect for fall. WALK ON EARTH A STRANGER = see VENGEANCE ROAD + Rae Carson. And I’ve been solidly in Marie Lu’s corner since her Legend series. Book 1 in The Young Elites was good, but ended so strongly, I can’t wait to get my hands on THE ROSE SOCIETY.

Top Ten Tuesday

Lots of contemps here! YAY! ROMANCING THE DARK IN THE CITY OF LIGHT…I mean, PARIS. And feelings. I am in. FIRST & THEN sounds adorable, adorable, adorable. When I found out that Rick Riordan was tackling Norse gods in MAGNUS CHASE AND THE GODS OF ASGARD, I died for a few seconds. Legit needed resuscitation. WINTER. WINTER. OMG. I am a big fan of Brigid Kemmerer’s Elementals series, even though the last book was a let down. I’m still excited to read THICKER THAN WATER, though. She does relationships really well.

What books are you guys looking forward to in the second half of 2015? I left SO MANY good ones off my list! WAHHH!

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Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Books I’ll Have in My Beach Bag This Summer

May 26

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Books I’ll Have in My Beach Bag This Summer

Reading outside near any body of water is always high on my list of things to do in the summer. Sure, sometimes I can’t get the positioning right so that my book doesn’t block the sun that would hit my neck, thus resulting in reader’s tan (you all know this). But that never stops me from packing at least one book and my kindle whenever I’m hitting the sand or the pool. This summer, my beach bag is going to have these books (and probably lots of others) stashed away inside. Can’t go ANYWHERE without my books!

Top Ten Tuesday Beach Bag

THE HEART OF BETRAYAL: THE REMNANT CHRONICLES #2 • Mary E. Pearson | I was a big fan of the first book in this series, THE KISS OF DECEPTION, so I’m definitely looking forward to where things go. I need to reread book 1, though, I think.

TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE: TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE #1 • Jenny Han | I got a copy of this book from my OTSP Secret Sister and I’m stoked to read it. I really enjoyed Jenny Han’s Summer series, and I’ve heard good things about this one! Contemps are always good books to have in your beach bag.

THE ROYAL WE • Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan | GUYSSS, this sounds so adorable and swoony and I love the cover so much and I can’t wait to read it. I looove the British monarchy and am a big Anglophile, so this one appeals to me on so many levels.

COURT OF FIVES: COURT OF FIVES #1 • Kate Elliott | I’ve never read any books by Kate Elliott, but this one sounds legit. Some people might think a fantasy is a bit heavy for a beach bag, but not me! BRING IT.

HOLD ME LIKE A BREATH: ONCE UPON A CRIME FAMILY #1 • Tiffany Schmidt | I’m intrigued by this one. The black market for organs? EEP.

REBEL MECHANICS • Shanna Swendson | WORD. Historical fiction steampunk spies during the American Revolution? STOP.

TANGLED WEBS: TANGLED WEBS #1 • Lee Bross | Another historical fiction, this time in England, also about spies and secrets and dangerous-sounding stuff. Getting a little serious up in my beach bag this summer!

HEIR TO SEVENWATERS: SEVENWATERS #4 • Juliet Mariller | So, talk about serious, guys. I’m going to be reading this one with Alyssa eventually, so I’m going to assume that means this summer.

MY LIFE NEXT DOOR • Huntley Fitzpatrick | I want to reread this book before THE BOY MOST LIKELY TO comes out in August. Plus, I miss Jase and Samantha and their relationship.

THE BOY MOST LIKELY TO • Huntley Fitzpatrick | SUUUUPER excited to read about Tim, you guys.

THE FILL-IN BOYFRIEND • Kasie West | I’ve actually only read one book by Kasie West, but it was adorable so I’m generally excited for all her books now. Is this not perfect for reading while soaking up the sun and trying not to get sand stuck to your sunscreen? I agree.

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Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Books Featuring Girls Disguised as Boys

Apr 28

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Books Featuring Girls Disguised as Boys

So I’m pretty excited about this list, guys, but I’m going to tell you right now: Some of these books feature girls who merely favor dressing like boys as opposed to deliberately trying to pass themselves off as boys. Mostly I put those books on here because they loosely meet my topic and I wanted to have 10 books. And also I really loved them and want to talk about them.

Also, there’s a few books on here that aren’t out yet, but whose synopses talk about girls disguising themselves as boys, so I’m SUPER excited to read them!


Girls disguised as boys
PRINCESS OF THORNS | STACEY JAY • Friends, if you love fantasies and haven’t read this book, I can’t recommend it enough. It was well-written, fun, dramatic, and very swoony. The main character, Aurora, spends nearly the entire book passing herself off as her brother, Ror, and it makes her relationship with Niklaas verrrry interesting.
THE BURNING SKY | SHERRY THOMAS • This entire series–well the first two books, anyway–belong on this list. Iolanthe Seaborn attends Eton College with Titus as a way to keep her under the radar of Atlantis. If none of that makes any sense, these books are just WAITING for you to pick them up. I personally love seeing Iolanthe, under the name Archer Fairfax, interacting with the boys at Eton and fitting right in.
LEVIATHAN | SCOTT WESTERFELD • I wasn’t a big fan of steampunk until I read this series about Deryn Sharpe and her escapades during a reimagined World War I that saw the two sides as Darwinists (think radically altered natural species) and Clankers (machines). But there is almost NO character more awesome than Deryn. Legit. She’s confident and tough and so smart, and in order to get herself firmly entrenched in fighting the war like she wants, she’s got to do a little faking.
SCARLET | A.C. GAUGHEN • To be honest, I’ve only read the first book in this series and I don’t remember too much. But I DO recall that Scarlet, in order to perform her duties as a super thief for Robin Hood’s band of men, she has to pose as a boy. Definitely have plans to catch up on this series, guys.
EON: DRAGONEYE REBORN | ALISON GOODMAN • I have such wonderful memories of reading this series. It’s one of the most awesome takes on dragons that I’ve ever read since the dragons aren’t physical creatures. Rather, they are spiritual beings that are controlled by specific masters. One dragon in particular has been inaccessible for ages until a young boy named Eon shows up. BUT! LO! Eon is actually EONA. She’s disguised herself as a boy so that she would be allowed to train as a Dragoneye. This story is pretty amazing.
A GAME OF THRONES | GEORGE R.R. MARTIN • Who has read these books and doesn’t remember Arry, Arya’s male identity that she uses after she leaves King’s Landing and heads north towards the Wall? In order to keep herself safe from people looking for Eddard Stark’s children, Arya chops off her hair and becomes Arry, and so begins her long journey.
ALANNA: THE FIRST ADVENTURE | TAMORA PIERCE • I’m beyond excited to reread these books soon, friends, and it’s mostly down to how awesome Alanna is. In order to train as a knight, she has to appear as Alan of Trebond. Of course, she KILLS IT.
REVOLUTION | JENNIFER DONNELLY • So, this is one of the stretches, guys. But this book is wonderful and I still think about it over a year later. It’s told across two timelines: One a modern girl struggling with depression after the death of her younger brother, and the other of a girl during the worst days of the French Revolution, who spends her nights setting off fireworks and becomes known as The Green Man. Not a light book, but still really lovely. Plus, more French Revolution, pls.
GRACELING | KRISTIN CASHORE • Another stretch! But like, this is kind of a big one. Katsa never overtly pretends to be a boy or tries to hide the fact that she’s female. But she does keep her hair short and favors dressing in boys clothing. I told you, a stretch. Anytime I can work in a GRACELING mention, though, is an effort well-made as far as I’m concerned.
NEVER JUDGE A ROGUE BY HIS COVER | SARAH MACLEAN • So I don’t want to talk too much about this one because when the truth is revealed in one of the previous volumes of this series, it’s kind of a huge deal. It belongs, though. I love historical romances, and Sarah MacLean does them exceptionally well.
VENGEANCE ROAD | ERIN BOWMAN • And now we reach the portion of the list that features books I haven’t read yet or are unreleased. I’m incredibly excited to read this one. IT’S THE WILD WEST. WITH DRAMA. The main character, Kate, assumes the identity of a boy to search out her father’s killers. It just sounds SO FANTASTIC!
UNDER A PAINTED SKY | STACEY LEE • I CAN’T WITH THIS. Historical fiction that takes place on the OREGON EFFING TRAIL. STOP. Not only is it set in one of my favorite, most underrepresented time periods, it’s about two girls who disguise themselves as boys while they’re on the trail, running from their pasts together. Dying to read this one.
TANGLED WEBS | LEE BROSS • Another one that I can’t wait for. It takes place in another one of my favorite time periods: 18th century England. It’s got secrets and fancy parties, but also a young girl who has to dress as a boy to keep herself safe on the streets of London. GIMME IT.
BLOODY JACK | L.A. MEYER • Can you guys believe that I haven’t read any of these books? Ever? A girl disguised as a boy so that she can serve on a pirate ship? Not sure what I’ve been thinking, not picking this one up ASAP.
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Top Ten Tuesday | All-Time Favorite Authors

Apr 21

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten All-Time Favorite Authors

Would you guys believe me when I tell you that this list was actually really hard? ALL-TIME FAVORITE? That’s a huge deal. How do I determine this? Author’s I read and loved when I was a wee thing whose work has stuck with me? Authors I love who are still writing books? Author’s who’ve written my favorite books, but maybe not necessarily authors whose entire catalog I’ve read? THE DECISIONS! So I kind of just threw a list together. I still think it’s a pretty accurate list, though. BUT AHH THE PRESSURE!

 

TTT_grrmIt’s only been about four years since I started reading A Song of Ice and Fire, but it’s already assumed a huge role in my fandom life. When I first read these books, I hadn’t started blogging yet and I read nothing else–literally–for almost a year. I completely immersed myself in the world of Westeros and House Stark and dragons and The Wall. Any time the world-building in a book is this good and this consuming, I’ll be that author’s biggest fan for always.

TTT_dianaLike there’s any way the author who created James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser wasn’t going to be on this list. You guys know me better than that, I hope. On a serious note, I can pinpoint my love for all things Scottish to the Outlander series. For real. And I love the relationship that Diana has crafted between Jamie and Claire.

TTT_maggieI’ve read all of Maggie’s currently released work, and her books are some of my all-time favorites. If you guys can tell me the last time I went more than a week or two without mentioning THE SCORPIO RACES, I’ll be shocked. I feel like I talk about it all the time. Understandable, though, once you’ve read it and met Puck Connolly and Sean Kendrick. I LOVE Maggie Stiefvater. There’s nothing she could write that I wouldn’t want to read.

TTT_jk rowlingWhat do you guys think the odds are of basically every Top Ten Tuesday including J.K. Rowling on it? I think those odds are high. Although she’s on my list of all-time favorite authors, I basically only mean Harry Potter. I don’t really have any desire to read her adult books. Soooo, take from that what you will, but I can’t have this list without J.K. Rowling on it.

TTT_jandy nelsonJandy Nelson has written only two books, but they’ve both been so lovely and so heartbreaking and have stayed with me so long that I can’t NOT have her on my list of all-time favorite authors. She cemented her place on this list after just one book!

TTT_rothfussI’m getting the feeling that a lot of authors on this list are here because their characters are some of the most amazing I’ve ever read, and Patrick Rothfuss is no exception. Kvothe is in a league all his own, but I also love Wil and Simmon and Fela (let’s just pretend that Denna doesn’t really exist, mmkay?). Like GRRM, Patrick Rothfuss is on this list as much for Kvothe as he is for his stellar world-building. If I could live in the world where Kvothe lives, I’d be a happy camper.

TTT_kristin cashoreI’m getting ants in my pants for something new from Kristin Cashore. GRACELING was one of the first YA books I ever read, and it essentially hooked me. I loved all three books in that series for different reasons, and I’ve been eagerly awaiting the announcement of her next book ever since.

TTT_morgan matsonWhen I try and think of an author who’s a sure thing, Morgan Matson is one that usually comes to mind pretty quickly. I just LOVE her stories and her characters and her everything. I’ve been moved by all of her books, and I just can’t gobble her books up fast enough. GIMME ALL OF THEM.

TTT_tolkienWhen I was younger, I didn’t really read a lot of fantasy, which seems crazy because I love it so much now. It’s probably a cliche that Tolkien is on this list but he really deserves a spot. I read The Lord of the Rings in college (*piles on more cliche*) and would, like, stay home on the weekends while my friends went out drinking so that I could read these books in peace. This was also right around the time when the movies were coming out, so I was totally invested. If I’d never read these books, I’m not sure how my love of the genre would exist.

TTT_rainbowTalk about an author whose work is super poignant and lovely. I don’t think I’ve ever read a Rainbow Rowell book and not been moved by it. I’ve laughed and swooned and cried–basically I run the gamut of feels when I read her stuff. I have just one book from her catalog left to read (THE ATTACHMENTS), and I have to admit that I’m a little nervous about CARRY ON. But one thing that all of the authors on this list share is their instant readability for me: I’ll never not read a book they write. Rainbow is a “no duh” author for me.

 

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Top Ten Tuesday | Most Inspiring Quotes

Apr 14

Top Ten Tuesday

 Top Ten Most Inspiring Quotes

Friends, I do love quotes. I’ve got journals filled with them, random scraps of paper covered in them, and a woefully incomplete Goodreads list that barely scratches the surface. But honestly, is there anything better than reading a passage–long or short–that just makes you go, “OMG. I’VE BEEN STRUCK BY LIGHTNING JUST NOW. WORD LIGHTNING.”? I don’t think so. Some of the bookish quotes that’ve stuck with me the longest came from exactly these kinds of moments. Not just because they’re pretty and well-said, but because they actually meant something to me.  So this list isn’t just my favorite quotes, nor the ones that I think are the prettiest. They’re the ones that, when I read them, they make me think a little bit more about myself: the things I’m afraid of, the things that give me warm fuzzies, the things that remind me not to be so hard on others or myself, the things that make me different and, frankly, super cool. (You guys, too.)

quotesSooo, I’ve never read this book. BUT! It just strikes a major chord with me, especially when I’m afraid, which is often. I’m a scaredy cat. But this reminds me to be kind. To try to understand where others are coming from. To make an effort to turn dragons into princesses, if they want to be, and to leave the dragons that want to be dragons as they are.

quotesI love this quote. LOVE IT. I love the way Jandy Nelson explains GROWING. Screwing up and learning from mistakes. Making sure to keep all of the shitty parts so that we can remember how far we’ve come.

quotes“In many ways, unwise love is the truest love.” BOOM, PROPHET ROTHFUSS HAS SPOKEN. This quote is such an important thing to remember in relationships of all kinds, for me. How love is true when you see the nasty parts and love it (or him or her or whomever) anyway. I also love how this quote urges me to not always THINK. FEEL sometimes, Amy.

quotesListen, when GRRM tells you to WAR UP, you obey. I remember exactly what’s happening when this quote is spoken by Tyrion Lannister. He’s at Winterfell, outside at night talking to Jon Snow, who’s emoing about being a bastard. Tyrion’s like, “DUDE, take it from me: Being dealt a crap hand doesn’t meant you have to fold.” Best. And I love the message. Toughen up. Don’t let the (ahem) bastards get you down.

quotesAs someone who reads all the books, words are important to me. I’m better at expressing myself with written words than spoken ones. But words can also be hollow, and this quote is a great reminder that words often need to be backed up. DOING instead of SAYING.

quotes

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE, YO. Can’t get much more inspiring than this. God, this book made me weep like an infant.

quotesOMG. Ok. So, I read THE POISONWOOD BIBLE in college when I was going through an Oprah’s book club phase. Of all the books I read then, this is the one that burrowed into my deepest parts, especially this line. Maybe it’s not inspiring so much as it is frank about life. Sometimes good things happen to bad people, and sometimes good people still get screwed. Sometimes, shit’s just not fair. I take it to the next step in my head, though: Don’t get discouraged. Even when things suck, life is fickle. The chances of things being better in five minutes or a day are pretty good.

quotesI always try to see things in a positive light. Being hopeful is something I try to do every day because I do believe that hope has its own magic.

quotesAnother quote that inspires me to be tough. To not let me troubles get the best of me. One of these days, I’m actually going to ENVISION this. Me lining up all the crap that’s bugging me and punching each one in the face. I can imagine how awesome that would feel.

quotesThere are SOOO many quotes from Harry Potter that are thoughtful and inspiring, but I’ve always loved this one for so many reasons. I think it’s important not to lose some of your childish sense of magic. Which is cheesy, but I believe it’s important. I also love this quote because it reminds me that kids are going to be kids, and it’s important to remember that I was a kid once too, screwing up and barely having any cares in the world. So when those brats in the souped up cars barrel down my street going 50 mph in a 25 at 2 am, I think of this quote and remind myself that I once did annoying things too. … Then I curse them out and call them horrible names and complain for a day that they woke me up in the middle of the night.

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Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Characters I Want to Check in on

Apr 7

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Characters I Want to Check in on

I don’t know about you all, but this checking in thing is something I do ALL THE TIME. I’m constantly wondering about characters from books I’ve loved as if they were real people–How are they now? What are they up to? Are things still the way they were when I last saw them? Are they still together? (The answer to this is OBVS always yes.) So this Top Ten Tuesday is exciting for me. It’s also mostly couples. Can’t help myself. But the truth is, it’s mostly couples because I love them both and want them both to be OK. Better than OK.

Top Ten TuesdayElisa & Hector | Girl of Fire and Thorns | If you’ve read this series–and if you haven’t, I can’t recommend it enough–you’re probably wondering how things are going for Elisa and Hector. They’re two of my favorite characters who’ve dealt with so much: war, death, love, responsibility, priorities. The evolution of their romance is really special, and their loyalty to one another is solid.

Isla & Josh | Isla and the Happily Ever After | I just reread this book and rediscovered that I LOVE IT SO MUCH. These two. They’re so passionate and intense. Different from Anna and Etienne, who are such AMAZING friends that their love burns slowly. Isla and Josh burn quickly and HOPEFULLY FOREVER. I just want to make sure they’re still in love and living their dreams together up in New Hampshire.

Sean & Puck | The Scorpio Races | DUH. I want to see Sean and Puck, I want to see Corr and Dove, I want to see Thisby, I want to see Sean’s house that they’re inevitably living in. I wish I lived in Thisby so that I could see these two every day.

Lennie & Joe | The Sky Is Everywhere | Another DUH. Talk about two people saving each other from grief and stress with an all-consuming connection. I think we left these two in a really great place, but I still want to see how they are. I want to make sure Lennie is doing what she wants for herself, playing her clarinet or not. I hope she finds some trace of her mother. I hope Joe’s dad isn’t such a tool, and maybe that he’s in a well-respected and awesome indie band with his brothers. I hope they’re happy, together. I’d love to see them again.

Karou & Akiva | Daughter of Smoke and Bone | I got the distinct feeling that this series was over but not OVER, you know? Like there’s maybe more to be told about this world and these people. Because I know that there was so much to repair between the angels and the chimera, I wonder if Karou and Akiva have been able to bridge the hatred a little more.

Eleanor & Park | Eleanor & Park | I heard a rumor that was hopefully not a rumor that Rainbow Rowell was writing a book about Eleanor and Park in their 30s. YES. YES A MILLION TIMES. Their story, even though it’s sad sometimes, is always a little brighter in those moments when their troubles are taking a back seat to THEM.

Josh & Sky | I’ll Meet You There | Ever since I finished this book, and then since I got the special letter from Heather Demetrios, I’ve been ever more convinced that I need to live in a world where these two are real. How is Sky doing at school? How is Josh doing with his puppy? These are really important things. I want to know them.

Violet Markey | All the Bright Places | Oh, Violet. I don’t worry about Violet because I think Finch saved her from her grief. But that doesn’t mean I still don’t want to make sure she’s ok, that she’s learning and moving forward and cherishing all the times she visited unassuming spots across Indiana with a boy she loved.

Michael Merrick | The Elementals | I still haven’t worked up the nerve/desire to write my review of this book because it let me down pretty majorly. Which is devastating because Michael Merrick was my favorite brother. I want to go back and see what’s going on with him and Hannah and his brothers. I also want more kissing this time.

Day & June | Legend | UGH the ending of this series was OUTSTANDING. I loved that Day and June found each other again and that everything was filled with such promise. So even though the ending was pretty perfect, I’d never turn away the opportunity to see how things are with them now.

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