Top Ten Books I Really Want to Read But Don't Own Yet (36)

Tuesday, August 26, 2014 12:00 AM
Top Ten Tuesday is hosted over at The Broke and the Bookish. Top Ten Tuesday is where book bloggers can share a top ten list based on a bookish prompt. This week's topic is...

Top Ten Books I Really Want to Read But Don't Own Yet
There are so many books I could include on this list; I seriously could go on and on but I'll limit myself to just the ones I really think I'll enjoy or ones that are the last book in a favorite series. 


1-2. The Cuckoo's Calling and The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith (Pseudonym), J.K. Rowling - It's pretty much a given that I'll like anything written by J.K. Rowling, and it's only a matter of time before I own these. I hope sooner rather than later. 


3. Let Me In by John Ajvide Lindqvist, Ebba Sergerberg (translator) - I loved both the American and the Swedish film versions, so I'm excited to read the actual book. It's one vampire tale that seems to be truly horrific like The Passage.

4. Sorrow's Knot by Erin Bow - I've been looking forward to reading this one for some time, and I'm hoping it meets my high expectations. The premise sounds so intriguing, and like nothing I've read before.


5. Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott - I want to start writing again sometime soon, and I think this book will be helpful. I've heard so many good things about it, and I'm hoping to read it eventually.

6. The Girl From the Well by Rin Chupeco - This book sounds absolutely terrifying, and therefore, like my kind of book. I don't know if I'll actually end up buying it, but I'd love to read it soon, and it's not available at my library. At least not yet...


7. The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima - I am always up for a good fantasy, and I've heard so many good things about this series. Yes, I'm reluctant to start yet another series, but I think this might be a new favorite. I just don't have any of the books in this series...I might borrow it from the library though to make sure I'm a fan.

8. Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi - I own the first two books in the Under the Never Sky series, and I just need to buy the third book to complete the series. I'm anxious to read this one, but I'm also sad to see this series come to an end.


9. The Final Descent by Rick Yancey - I'm both nervous and excited to read this final book in The Monstrumologist series, a favorite series of mine. I have all of the other books in paperback, so I'm just waiting for this one to come out in paperback, as ridiculous as it sounds. I want them all to match on my shelves.

10. Raging Star by Moira Young - This is yet another book I need to complete a series on my bookshelves. I've been putting off reading this one because Rebel Heart just didn't compare to Blood Red Road. But it would bug me not having the full series on my shelves, and I hope to read this one during the fall.

What about everyone else? What books have you been dying to read but still don't own? And don't forget to link up to your Top Ten Tuesday in the comments!



Review: Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Monday, August 25, 2014 11:47 AM
Title: Dairy Queen
Author: Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Narrator: Natalie Moore
Published: May 23, 2006  (first published April 30, 2006)
Publisher: Listening Library
Series: Dairy Queen #1
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Length: 6 hours and 7 minutes
Source: Borrowed
Rating: 4.5 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
“Everyone I looked at, their whole lives, did exactly what they were supposed to do without even questioning it, without even wondering if they could do something different.”
― Catherine Gilbert Murdock, Dairy Queen

Synopsis
When you don’t talk, there’s a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said.
Harsh words indeed, from Brian Nelson of all people. But, D. J. can’t help admitting, maybe he’s right.

When you don’t talk, there’s a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said.
Stuff like why her best friend, Amber, isn’t so friendly anymore. Or why her little brother, Curtis, never opens his mouth. Why her mom has two jobs and a big secret. Why her college-football-star brothers won’t even call home. Why her dad would go ballistic if she tried out for the high school football team herself. And why Brian is so, so out of her league.

When you don’t talk, there’s a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said.
Welcome to the summer that fifteen-year-old D. J. Schwenk of Red Bend, Wisconsin, learns to talk, and ends up having an awful lot of stuff to say. (Goodreads)
My Thoughts
When I picked up Dairy Queen, I wasn’t expecting it to be a new favorite. Since this book has a lot to do with football and dairy farming, subjects I have very little interest in and know absolutely nothing about, I went into Dairy Queen skeptical but also hopeful that it would take me by surprise given all of the positive feedback it received. And lo and behold, Dairy Queen ended up being a delightful read, filled with wholesome, heart-warming scenes while at the same time fraught with so much tension and emotional feels.

Review: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Wednesday, August 13, 2014 7:25 PM
Title: Throne of Glass
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Published: August 2, 2012
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's
Series: Throne of Glass #1
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Pages: 404
Source: Gifted
Rating: 2 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
“Libraries were full of ideas–perhaps the most dangerous and powerful of all weapons.”
― Sarah J. Maas, Throne of Glass

Synopsis
In a land without magic, where the king rules with an iron hand, an assassin is summoned to the castle. She comes not to kill the king, but to win her freedom. If she defeats twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition, she is released from prison to serve as the king's champion. Her name is Celaena Sardothien.

The Crown Prince will provoke her. The Captain of the Guard will protect her. But something evil dwells in the castle of glass--and it's there to kill. When her competitors start dying one by one, Celaena's fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival, and a desperate quest to root out the evil before it destroys her world. (Goodreads)
My Thoughts
Given the hype surrounding this series, I went into Throne of Glass with high expectations. As you most likely know by now, I am a huge fan of anything fantasy, so I thought this book was a perfect Courtney read. I mean, how could it not be? There’s magic, court scandals, assassins and so many elements that should make for a wonderful fantasy! Unfortunately, it did not impress. I think if I had gone into this expecting nothing, I would have enjoyed it more, but, alas, that was not the case. Throne of Glass was a fast-paced, entertaining read, and I was never bored, but it was just way too dramatic for my tastes.

Top Ten Books I'm Not Sure I Want to Read (35)

Tuesday, August 12, 2014 12:00 AM
Top Ten Tuesday is hosted over at The Broke and the Bookish. Every Tuesday, book bloggers share a top ten list based on a bookish prompt. This week’s Top Ten Tuesday is…

Top Ten Books I'm Not Sure I Want to Read 
This week’s Top Ten Tuesday really made me think about what books I've been avoiding, and what books I really need to get to since I already own them. I’m so indecisive when it comes to reading books because I’m a mood reader, and I always worry that it won’t be my type of book. I should just get over this and pick up books without overthinking it. I divided this week’s Top Ten list into books I don’t own but have been considering reading and books I do own but I’m unsure about reading.

Books I Don’t Own


1. Legend by Marie Lu – This is one of those books that I’ve thought about reading, but I’m not so sure. It seems to be a very popular series, but I’m not sure if it’s for me or not. Plus, I’m kind of getting tired of reading dystopian series.

2. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn – I remember liking her Dark Places, but I keep going back and forth as to whether or not I’ll read this one. I’ve read a mix of positive and negative reviews, which leaves me even more undecided.


3. On the Fence by Kasie West – This is another book I’m on the fence with (ha!). I’m not usually a big YA contemporary reader, so I have to decide if this one is for me. I’ve heard so many good things, so I’m leaning towards yes. I’m also unsure about The Distance Between Us and Pivot Point, but we’ll see.

4. What I Thought Was True by Huntley Fitzpatrick – Once again, I’m not as into YA contemporary books as I am into fantasy, but this is another book I’ve heard so many good things about. I just can’t seem to decide whether or not I’ll read this one or her debut My Life Next Door.


5. The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend by Kody Keplinger – I’ve considered reading this one before, but I’m still undecided. I haven’t read anything by this author before, and I’m not sure if I’d be a fan. I think I would like it but maybe not? Sigh.

Books I Already Own


6. Partials by Dan Wells – I actually own this book because I just couldn’t resist buying it when the Kindle edition was on sale. Now that I’ve considered this book at length, I’m not so sure I’ll like it. But I do hope to read it in the future…especially since I already own it.


7. Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin – This is another book that I own but I’m unsure about. I’ve seen some negative reviews, and I’m wondering if it’s for me. But this was another Kindle deal I just had to buy. I should avoid those more often.

8. Enclave by Ann Aguire – Here’s another series I’m indecisive about even though I own this first book. I think the main reason I’m unsure is because I don’t want to start yet another series. And also I’m not sure it’s for me.


9. Entwined by Heather Dixon – The premise for this book sounds so amazing, and I love fairy tale retellings. So what’s the problem? I own the book, so why am I still unsure about reading it? I have no idea. Just me being my indecisive self again.

10. Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George – Another book I bought for my Kindle app on sale, and another book that I have yet to read. I’m still unsure about it, and I should just read it already. I’ll most likely love it since it’s a retelling of a Norwegian folk tale and also of one of my favorite childhood books, East o' The Sun, West o' The Moon by P.J. Lynch.

So that's my top ten this week. What about you guys? If you've read these books, what did you think about them? Please motivate me to read them!



Review: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Friday, August 8, 2014 5:46 PM
Title: Jane Eyre
Author: Charlotte Brontë
Published: May 5, 1992  (first published 1847)
Publisher: Wordsworth Editions
Genre: Classic Literature
Pages: 409
Source: Purchased
Ranking: 5 stars
“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.”
― Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre

Synopsis
Having grown up an orphan in the home of her cruel aunt and at a harsh charity school, Jane Eyre becomes an independent and spirited survivor - qualities that serve her well as governess at Thornfield Hall. But when she finds love with her sardonic employer, Rochester, the discovery of his terrible secret forces her to make a choice. Should she stay with him whatever the consequences or follow her convictions, even if it means leaving her beloved? (Goodreads)
My Thoughts
You would think that after reading or listening to Jane Eyre four, maybe five times, I would have grown tired of this story, but I don’t think that’s possible. If anything, I've grown even fonder of the story with each reading. I love revisiting Thornfield Hall, and meeting Mr. Rochester all over again, and watching as this all too familiar tale unfolds. Every time I read Jane Eyre, I feel like I've returned to a place near and dear to me, like I've ran into an old friend and we’re catching up, and it’s a lovely feeling. I know everything that happens, there are obviously no surprises, but I'm always deeply affected by this story nonetheless.

Top Ten Books I’d Give to Readers Who Have Never Read Fantasy Books (34)

Tuesday, August 5, 2014 12:00 AM
Top Ten Tuesday is hosted over at The Broke and the Bookish. This weekly feature has book bloggers write a top ten list based on a bookish prompt. This week’s Top Ten Tuesday was "Top Ten Books I'd Give to Readers Who Have Never Read X," where X could be any genre you want to choose. I picked…

Top Ten Books I’d Give to Readers Who Have Never Read Fantasy Books
It’s hard for me to imagine that there are people out there who have not read fantasy books. I know it’s not for everyone, but it seriously breaks my heart, given that it’s my favorite genre of fiction and my favorite genre period. So, if I were to recommend any books for newbies to fantasy, these would be my top ten. I have so many favorites, so it was difficult just picking 10, but I managed somehow.


1. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien – This one is an obvious choice, but I have to include it on this list. I’m sure I’m in the minority here when I say I’m a bigger fan of The Lord of the Rings series than The Hobbit though I love them all. But for someone who hasn’t read fantasy before, I think The Hobbit is a better place to start, since The Lord of the Rings books are very dense and, well, long. Also, The Hobbit is written with a younger audience in mind and makes for a more light-hearted read overall.


2. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling – This is another obvious choice, but I can’t ignore it. These books have followed me throughout my life. I grew up with them, eagerly buying each new release and devouring them immediately, and I hope to reread them soon. I think they are a great start for any new fantasy reader, as I’m sure they’ll become a new favorite for anyone.


3. Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones – I loved the Miyazaki film, but the book, if possible, is so much better. This is a must read for any lover of fantasy, and I think it’s a great first choice for newcomers to the genre. I’d also recommend reading the other books in the trilogy, Castle in the Air and House of Many Ways. All of them are fantastic!



4-6. Alanna: The First Adventure, First Test, and Wild Magic by Tamora Pierce – Yes, I’m recommending Wild Magic even though I have yet to read the Immortals series. I own all of the books but just haven’t found the time to read them. Having loved all of the Song of the Lioness and the Protector of the Small series, I am sure I’ll also love the Immortals series, so I decided to include it. I would recommend any of Pierce’s books for a fantasy newbie. The earlier books of these series read almost like middle grade books, and then the later books grow substantially darker in tone as the protagonist matures and grows as an individual, and then there are enemies to contend with. I would also recommend Trickster’s Choice from the Daughter of the Lioness series, but I would suggest reading one of the other series first. The Daughter of the Lioness books are larger in size (though it’s a duology and not a quartet like the others), and in chronological order, they happen much later. And, honestly, I liked the other series just a little bit more though I've loved every book of hers that I've read so far.


7. Sabriel by Garth Nix – An old favorite of mine, I’d recommend Sabriel to anyone who would like to try fantasy. The entire Abhorsen trilogy is simply amazing, and I plan on rereading it soon. It does deal with a darker subject matter, given that there are Necromancers raising the dead, but most fantasy books do have some darker elements so I’d say it’s a good start.


8. Graceling by Kristin Cashore – Yet another series I wouldn't mind rereading! I need more time. This one has adventure, assassins, magic and romance! So it has a little bit of everything! And I’d also recommend reading the companion book Fire and the sequel Bitterblue if you enjoy Graceling. My favorite of the three is Graceling, with Bitterblue coming in for a close second, and Fire last of all, but you really can’t go wrong with any of these.


9. The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson – The Girl of Fire and Thorns starts off slow, but once the pace picks up, it’s an incredible read, and the later installments only get better. I just finished the series, and I already want to reread these books. I think the Fire and Thorns series is worth checking out, especially if you’re first trying out fantasy.


10. Tamsin by Peter S. Beagle – I read Tamsin years ago, YEARS, and it still haunts me to this day. This is another book I hope to reread soon, and seriously, I cannot imagine anyone disliking this book. It is such an enchanting read, filled with folklore and ghosts and cats! There’s even a Pooka!

So those are my recommendations for new fantasy readers, but there are many runner-ups I had to leave out. I also considered Finnikin of the Rock, but I think that’s a book to read later on, after deciding fantasy is for you. How about everyone else? What fantasy books would you recommend for someone new to the genre? Did you like any of these?



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