Random Reads January

Basically I have too many books on my to-read list that have been getting more and more buried every day. So I thought it would be fun to use random.org to pick a random book on my Goodreads to-read list and I would read that book NOW.
The only exceptions are if it’s a book that’s in the middle of a series you’re reading and you haven’t gotten to that book yet then you can pass and pick another random book. Or, if it’s a book you look at and realize it’s something you’re no longer interested in then you can DELETE it from your to-read list and pick another. You can also obviously skip it if it’s a coming soon book that hasn’t been released yet. I actually keep my coming soon books on a separate exclusive shelf so that’s not an issue for me here.
Want to join in on Random Reads?
It’s easy…
If you’re on Goodreads enable sorting to your to-read shelf (you should see numbers next to each book now).
Go to Random.org and type in the Min as 1 and the Max as how many ever books are on your to-read shelf.
Scroll down to the book matching the number Random.org picks.
Link up to your Random Reads post (below).
Read and be merry.

So, I've decided to join this fun meme. I thought this would be a great way to par down my TBR shelf and read some books I might not pick up right away. I used the Goodreads sorter and Random.org to find my Random Read.

This month's winner:

#79 The Magicians by Lev Grossman

Pretty funny... I was actually planning of reading this one in the near future. I already own this one, so I'm putting it on tap for after Bout of Books Readathon 3.0 (Jan. 9-15).

2011 Wrap-Up

Favorite Books of the Year

Fables Series
Autumn and Autumn: The City by David Moody
The Affinity Bridge by George Mann
The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
The Parasol Protectorate Series by Gail Carriger
The Walking Dead Series by Robert Kirkman
The Prestige by Christopher Priest
At the Scent of Water by Linda Nichols
Have Spacesuit--Will Travel by Robert Heinlein
The Russian Concubine by Kate Furnivall

Total Books Read -- 202

Total Pages Read -- 55,636 pages

Book Rating Stats

5 stars -- 97 books
4 stars --67 books
3 stars -- 17 books
2 stars -- 3 books
1 star -- 0 books
Multiple non-reviewed books

Special Projects/Features

NaNoWriMo -- Failed Miserably... I really don't think I will be trying this again any time soon. It was interesting to hear about others' experiences.
Day Zero Project -- Loving this project. I have 910 days left to complete 96 tasks.
Meal Plans -- I really focused on this for awhile and then I got lazy. I think for next year, I will only be highlighting interesting recipes I try.
Readathons -- I have really come to love these. I am recommitting to at least one readathon per quarter.
Friday Fill-in -- Got bored with these, I'm done with them.
Quote Wednesday -- Somehow I just dropped this. I am recommitting to Quote Wednesdays especially since a list of inspirational quotes is one of my Day Zero Project tasks.
Music Monday -- Keeping... I really like doing this. But this year, I want to search out some new bands to enjoy.
Booking Through Thursday -- I had fun with this at first, but grew tired of the questions. I think I am done with this.
Top Ten Tuesday -- I've done probably 85% of these since starting blogging. I usually love the topic, so this will definitely be continuing into the next year.

Reading Challenges

Science Fiction -- 6/10 didn't finish, but enjoyed the books I did read.
Steampunk -- 9/12 Great books, just ran out of time.
Young Adult -- 12/12 Lots of great books
Historical Fiction -- 6/10 Another one I ran out of time
A to Z: Authors -- 19/26 Moving along until I got stuck.
A to Z: Titles -- 24/26 Almost got there.
Fantasy -- 12/12 Always love this genre.
Vampire -- 20/20 Always love these books.
Page to Screen -- 10/10 Bring on the movies!
Zombie -- 10/10 Loved it!
Fables -- 20/20 Love this series!
2011 -- 21/21 Interesting mix of books.
Amazon Best of 2010 -- 3/20 Really bad showing on this one.
Georgette Heyer -- 1/5 Good book just got really distracted.
Outlander -- 0/7 Failed miserably! Retrying next year.
Graphic Novel -- 10/10 Upped this one for next year!
Contemporary Romance -- 10/10 Mixed bag on this one, just not really my cup of tea.
Summer Romance -- 24/24 Didn't think I would complete this one, but did it right at the wire.
Support Your Local Library -- 100/100 So easy to finish!
Year of Reading -- 43/43 I quit this one after May, because I got really bored. But I kept with it up until then.

Total: 16 / 24 challenges 66.7% done

Total: 360/ 408 slots 88.2% done

Overall Thoughts/Reflections/Musings/Ideas

I was disappointed that I didn't finish all my reading challenges this year. however, I think my reading was significant and the numbers show it. I challenged myself to read lots of different books and genre. I challenged myself to commit to writing reviews. I am happy with my progress and

I've come a long way in the one year I've been blogging. I'm really excited by my record of documenting my reading, activities, thoughts, etc. I think I'll give this blogging thing another go for the upcoming year!

Top Ten Tuesday -- Looking Forward to in 2012

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We’d love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!Each week we will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of our bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join. If you can’t come up with ten, don’t worry about it—post as many as you can!

1. Timeless by Gail Carriger -- I am desperately waiting for the fifth book in the Parasol Protectorate series. I want to see what happens with Alexia, Lord Maccon, and the baby. Such mysteries!

2. Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale -- I loved Austenland and just heard that there is going ot be a sequel. Can't wait.

3. New volumes of Fables -- My favorite series. I've read most of the volumes out already. There's just a few left. Thankfully the next volume is slated for release in the spring.

4. New volumes of The Boys -- Thankfully, J keeps up with the buying of the new volumes. We have the ninth volume sitting in the dining room. The tenth volume will be out sometime in the spring.

5. The Hunger Games trilogy -- I feel like the only person that hasn't read these yet. Thanks to my wonderful Secret Santas, I now have the entire series just waiting to be read. These are on the short list.

6. Lots of zombie books -- I went a little crazy at the library and checked out 6 zombie novels. I also have about 6 more sitting in my TBR pile. I feel a zombie marathon coming up. Maybe with a zombie movie marathon to count towards my Day Zero Project.

7. Miss Peregrine's School for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs -- I won this at the end of last year and it's been tempting me since.

8. Nonfiction -- Nonfiction in general. I didn't read much last year and I really want to get back into some interesting books.

Top Ten Tuesday -- Gift Books

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We’d love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!Each week we will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of our bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join. If you can’t come up with ten, don’t worry about it—post as many as you can!

1. Any Jane Austen -- My absolute favorite author. I love all six of her completed novels. I've convinced a few people of awesomeness that is Austen by giving them as gifts.

2. The Awakening by Kate Chopin -- My favorite book of all time. It's pretty heavy and definitely has a shocker of an ending. But what I loved was the voice: so modern yet still a part of Victorian Creole Louisiana. Chopin was ahead of her time.

3. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald -- Another one of my favorite books. If the guys say he doesn't like "romance" like Austen, Gatsby is the perfect choice.

4. Harry Potter / Percy Jackson series -- Two great young adult series that can be enjoyed by all ages. I loved both of these series. And my 8 year old twins loved both these series. They're fun for the whole family.

5. Various picture books -- Not just for babies who can't read. I love the art and whimsical nature of pictures.

Beautiful Presents!

Look what I got from one of my Secret Santas, Julie!!! I've been wanting these two books forever. And she even bought little gifts for my boys! Thank you so much!

Top Ten Tuesday -- Winter TBR

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We’d love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!Each week we will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of our bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on our post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share with us and all those who are participating. If you don’t have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. If you can’t come up with ten, don’t worry about it—post as many as you can!

I have a list of books I need to finish by the end of the year. I really got behind on some of these reading challenges. The list may be long, but I am determined to try and finish...

1. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke -- 2011: Bablefish Challenge

2. Finish Fables series for the year (~8 volumes) -- Fables challenge

3. Contact by Carl Sagan -- Science Fiction challenge

4. Boneshaker and Dreadnought by Cherie Priest -- Steampunk challenge

5. The Dress Lodger by Holman -- Historical Fiction challenge

6. The Girl from Jungchow by Kate Furnivall -- Historical Fiction challenge; A to Z Author F

7. Heart of Iron by Ekaterine Sedia -- Steampunk challenge

8. The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein -- Science Fiction challenge

9. The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury -- Science Fiction challenge

10. Snow Crash by Larry Niven -- Science Fiction Challenge

11. Another two historical fiction novels

There's a few more random books and spots to fill, but this is the bulk of it! Already looking forward to January's new reading challenges.

Top Ten Tuesday -- Thanksgiving Guests

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We’d love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!Each week we will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of our bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on our post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share with us and all those who are participating. If you don’t have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. If you can’t come up with ten, don’t worry about it—post as many as you can!

Great topic for this week. I've picked a variety of authers, but made myself pick only ones that were currently alive. The restriction made it harder, but I found myself picking some authors I've been reading (and loving of course). In general, I think any of these authors would be make for interesting dinner conversation. They write very different kinds of books, but I think they are all amazing.

1. Jill Mansell -- Awesome British contemporary romance

2. David Moody -- Zombie novels Autumn and Autum: The City are currently in my 2011 favorites list

3. Carrie Ryan -- More zombie novels. Different from Moody's but still amazing.

4. Gail Carriger -- The Parasol Protectorate series is just great steampunk fun

5. Rick Riordan -- Percy Jackson, need I say more?

6. J.K. Rowling -- HP, duh!

7. Shannon Hale -- Loved her updated take on Pride and Prejudice in Austenland (and the sequel is coming out next year!)

8. Garth Ennis -- Writer behind comic series The Boys... very dark, but very intriguing.

9. Jesse Petersen -- Author of the Married with Zombies series. A comedic take on zombies? Sure!

10. Bill Willingham -- Creator of the comic series Fables. Currently my absolute favorite series. I am addicted to it!

Top Ten Tuesday -- On My Shelf the Longest

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We’d love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!Each week we will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of our bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on our post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share with us and all those who are participating. If you don’t have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. If you can’t come up with ten, don’t worry about it—post as many as you can!

I need to preface this week's Top Ten with a big confession... I have six file boxes in the garage full of books that I haven't read yet. I am a book hoarder. There, I said it. But I am trying to change my ways. After I read a book, if I don't absolutely love it, I'm getting rid of it (selling, giving, Goodwilling). And next year, I have a book reward program for myself. If this topic comes around next year, hopefully I the shelf life will be weeks instead of months and years...

1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins -- I know, I know. I'm dying to read it, but I know I'll want to read the other two books right after and I don't have them yet. They are both on my wish list this Christmas.

2. Entire Outlander series -- I read the first one and was blown away. I promptly scoured the used book stores for the rest of the series. And then, they sat on my shelf. I even had a reading challenge this year and I have read zero... I'm going to try again next year.

3. The Magicians by Lev Grossman -- J's recommendation. He loved it, I've heard amazing things. I really want to read this and yet I kept finding other things to read instead.

4. Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare -- Last Christmas gift card purchase. I found a boxed set for an awesome price. I've heard some great things about this series. On my list for next year.

5. Charles Dickens -- I went on a huge classics book buying kick about two years ago and then I didn't read 80% of them. So there are a ton of classics sitting in the garage right now.

6. The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton -- Classic

7-10. Classic book -- Pick a classic, it should probably go on this list...

Top Ten Tuesday -- Outside My Comfort Zone

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We’d love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!Each week we will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of our bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on our post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share with us and all those who are participating. If you don’t have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. If you can’t come up with ten, don’t worry about it—post as many as you can!

This week's Top Ten is an interesting one. I had some trouble thinking of specific books without listing about 50. Instead, I thought I would list the new to me genres and my thoughts. Previous to this year, I read mostly classics and nonfiction. Because of my reading challenges and following bloggers, I have really branched out.

1. Christian Fiction -- I picked up a few Christian Historical Romance books because I wanted a bit of romance without all the graphic sex. Some I liked and some I found way to predictable and preachy. To me, there has to be balance between the plot and the Christian elements. I don't think this will be a genre that I actively pursue, but I might pick one up here and there.

2. Science Fiction -- J's influence. I've always tended to fall on the fantasy side of the divide. J convinced me to join a scifi reading challenge and gave me recommendations. I have to say that I haven't delved completely into the genre, but I have found some great books so far. I still have four to read for this year and I'm contemplating doing another challenge next year.

3. Young Adult -- Definitely a prejudice from my own young adult time. Then one's choices were Christopher Pike and Sweet Valley High. I'm oversimplifying, but in reality very few actually enticed me. Now, I am finding so many great books. I will definitely be pursuing this genre. I already have a ton of books my TBR list.

4. Mystery -- Other than Sherlock Holmes, I've never read much mystery. I tried a few contemporary mysteries out earlier this year and just wasn't impressed. I think I'm going to have to try and get some recommendations on this one.

5. Contemporary Romance -- I was never excited about the girl meets boys yada yada. I joined a reading challenge this year and have had mixed results. Some good, some bad, some I couldn't even finish. I'm really on the fence about this genre...

6. Historical Romance -- I am a history teacher by trade and have always loved reading history books. This just seemed like a natural progression for me. And I love this genre! I'm definitely reading more this year and going to add this challenge next year.

7. Graphic Novels and Comics -- Again, J's recommendation. And I am loving his choices. I was always very wary of this genre, but now it's one of my favorites.

Top Ten Tuesday - Irresistible Covers

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!Each week we will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of our bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on our post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share with us and all those who are participating. If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. If you can't come up with ten, don't worry about it---post as many as you can!

Author note: Computer was acting up so no pretty pictures...

This week's topic is Irrestible Covers and Titles, but I have a confession to make. I am a sucker for a pretty covers. They matter much more to me than the titles. I know that's a bit shallow for a dedicated reader. But they're so pretty! Therefore, I am making this list Irresitible Covers...

1. Twilight Saga -- I know that I've seen this style over and over lately, but I really loved the Twilight saga covers when they were released. They're simplistic, yet engaging. They have meaning, but aren't overwhleming. I love the look of these.

2. The Hunger Games trilogy -- Confession time, I haven't actually read these. But I just love the covers. I can't wait to get the second and third book so I can read before the movie releases.

3. Autumn by David Moody -- So creepy! I love the distorted face. It really scares the crap out of me. I don't even have to know that the story's about zombies. I'm scared already.

4. Fables series -- Each volume's cover is so intricate yet beautiul. I find them fascinating. I want copies of these to hang in my house. Yes, I am that geeky and proud of it!

5. Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger -- I'm so in love with steampunk right now. I especially am drawn to steampunk clothes. These covers have beautiful clothes amongst interesting black and white city scapes. I love the look: modern and yet old.

6. All of Jill Mansell -- I love these redone covers. They are definitely chick lit, but no half naked men or women. They're tasteful yet whimsical. I especially love Staying at Daisy's with Clarissa the dog featured.

7. Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk by David Sedaris -- Makes me giggle every time I see it. Plus, the stories are just wonderfully delightful.

8. Zombies vs. Unicorns -- Usually anthology covers are pretty blah with tons of names and writing. I love the simplicity of this cover. And I'm obsessed with zombies!

9. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan -- I've read that lots of people don't like this cover, but I love it. I usually shy away from covers with people. I like to create an image of the character in mind. But somehow this was exactly how I pictured Mary. Love it!

10. The Monsters of Templeton by Lauren Groff -- Very simplistic yet stylistic. It's not overwhelming, but there's enough going on to catch my eye. And this book is one of my favorites this year.

Top Ten Tuesday - Books with Magical First Reads

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!Each week we will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of our bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on our post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share with us and all those who are participating. If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. If you can't come up with ten, don't worry about it---post as many as you can!

I have those books that I love so much, I wish I could read them again for the first time. There's some so magical about the first dive into a book. You don't know what's coming next. You wait on the edge of your seat for the story. Will it end happy or sad? Will the characters change or stay the course? Will there be any unexpected twists?

1. Entire Harry Potter series -- How can you not get sucked into the magical world? I loved every minute of these stories. Often I read the book in one sitting, ignoring my need for food and sleep. That is the definition of a magical read!

2. Jane Austen novels -- I love her world and characters. The first time I finally read one (probably not until high school/beginning of college), I was amazed that I hadn't grabbed one of these before. I was hooked. I love J.A. I reread her books all the time. I watch all of the film/tv adaptations. I even read and/or watch Austen related stories.

3. The Awakening by Kate Chopin -- This book set my on the path to a Women's Studies degree in college. I don't think I would have ever picked this book up on my own. I'm thankful it was set in my path by a great HS English teacher. It opened my eyes to Feminist Theory!

4. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury -- I didn't read this one until college (I know crazy!). But this is one of those books that sucks you in and doesn't let go. The story is so compelling and scary. I don't ever want to live in that world!

5. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card -- J's recommendation. He was amazed that I had never read it, but to be honest, I am not a huge fan of science fiction. At least I wasn't. I am still figuring out the types of scifi that I love. I think I'm leaning more towards the soft scifi/fantasy books. Ender's Game blew me away with the world, the characters, and the storyline. I plan on passing this on to my boys this next summer. I know N would love it!

6. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll -- I am such a fan of this book now. I wish that I remembered the first time I read it. I am sure that I loved it to bits.

For the Love of Jane of Austen - Reflections

The wonderful people over at Historical Tapestry are hosting Jane Austen Week. My goodness, that's right up my alley. It's like they knew JA was my favorite author and thought it would be nice to share that fact with the blogging world. Anyway, I love Austen. As part of their week, they are hosting some interesting activities and questions. I think I should participate also! And I think I will be needing update my reading and watching list to include some Austen.

Today's post:

Do you have a story to tell about how you were introduced to Jane Austen? A review of your favourite Austen, sequel or spin off? Have you already read and reviewed JANE AUSTEN MADE ME DO IT?Anything else that is Austen related? We are looking forward to know how others enjoy Jane Austen's work and what she has inspired. If you want to participate in our week please use the Mr Linky to add a post from your blog or tell us your story in the comments field. Looking forward to chat about Austen with all of you!!

My introduction to Jane Austen came late in life. Well, not completely late in life, but definitely later for such a big reader. I probably saw some Austen adaptations during high school, but thought the books were way too old-fashioned and boring. (I know, how wrong I was.) During later high school, I started reading exclusively American classics. I went through a huge transcendentalist phase and a Emily Dickinson phase, but no Austen. In college, I finally decided that I should read this book that everyone keeps raving about: Pride and Prejudice. I read it and loved it. I loved it so much that I had to run out and rent the BBC mini series. It was beautiful. Of course Colin Firth was just amazing. But so was everyone else.

After the success of P and P, I thought I should try some of the others. I read Sense and Sensibility (pretty good!), Emma (not my favorite heroine, but good), Mansfield Park (little heavy, but interesting topics), Northanger Abbey (really fun read), and finally Persuasion. As soon as I finished it, Persuasion became my number one favorite Austen novel. I love the idea of redeemed love. Anne Elliott may be a bit withdrawn, but she has a level head. Once she realizes her mistake, nothing will stop her from reconnecting with Captain Wentworth.

Since my discovery, I have gone on to own at least one copy of all six novels. I also have two movie versions of each novel. I love Austen. I give copies of the books to people as presents. I have convinced J that Austen is a good writer. He doesn't love her like I do, but that's okay. He at least appreciates her place in the literary canon. I have read a few Austenesque novels, but in general stick with the original. I reread all the novels every couple of years. (That's even one of my goals for my Day Zero Project). I watch the movies when I need a bit of melancholy or romance or something pretty to look at.

My novel ranking:

Persuasion
Northanger Abbey
Pride and Prejudice
Sense and Sensibility
Emma
Mansfield Park

Top Ten Tuesday - Books With Endings That Left My Mouth Hanging Open

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!Each week we will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of our bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on our post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share with us and all those who are participating. If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. If you can't come up with ten, don't worry about it---post as many as you can!

Books that left my mouth hanging open, from surprise, anger, disgust, happiness, etc. There have definitely been a few that I just couldn't speak afterwords or found myself sputtering out nonsense.

1. The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa -- Such a cliffhanger. What is going to happen? I couldn't wait for The Iron Knight. Thankfully I got a Net Galley of The Iron Knight to read.

2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Loved the series. Loved the ending to the story. But the epilogue just bugs the crap out of me. I can't stand epilogues. They are too Cutesy cutesy wrap-ups. Not needed.

3. LOTR: The Two Towers -- Are Frodo and Sam going to make it? Tolkien leaves us on such a cliffhanger. OMG!

4. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies -- I didn't think I was going to like a Jane Austen retell, but I loved it. A surprising experience.

5. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan -- Such a great book. Very scary and the ending killed me. What was going to happen to Mary? We find out in the next book, but it's not quite what you think.

6. The Prestige by Christopher Priest -- I did not see that one coming. It totally threw me for a loop, but in a good way. I loved the ending.

7. Emma by Jane Austen -- Overall, I like this book. However, the ending where Frank Churchill sorta apologizes to Emma just gets me every time. I can't stand it. I then want to feel like he didn't mean to lead Emma on, but he did. I have these mixed feelings about Frank. I don't like it.

8. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald -- Such a beautifully sad ending. It is just so beautifully written. I love it!

9. The Awakening by Kate Chopin -- An unexpected ending. In retrospect, the ending completely makes sense for the story and Edna's journey. It's great.

10. This World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer -- I liked the first two books. They were interesting takes on a dystopian world and survival. However, the third one's ending just made me so upset. The tornado was so convenient. Everything just changed in the last 10 pages. I didn't like it one bit.

Top Ten Tuesday - Books to Reread

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!Each week we will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of our bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on our post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share with us and all those who are participating. If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. If you can't come up with ten, don't worry about it---post as many as you can!

So many good books, but really I only reread the really really good ones. There are a few on my shelf...

1. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley -- My favorite dystopian novel. I still haven't decided if I'm okay with the society or if I want to collapse.

2. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams -- Always a good one to reread. In fact, I should reread this every year.

3. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon -- Need to reread so I can read the rest of the series. Plus, it is amazing.

4. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald -- A high school favorite. It's on my list to reread soon.

5. The Fables Series -- Just love it!

6. All of Jane Austen -- Duh! Have you read my blog? I love JA!

7. Shakespeare -- Always something more to get out of the Bard.

8. Harry Potter series -- Always good to refresh.

9. Autumn by David Moody -- Very scary zombie book. Must read again.

10. The Host by Stephenie Meyer -- I like this better than the Twilight series. Been meaning to reread it.

BTT: In Public

Do you carry books with you when you’re out and about in the world?
And, do you ever try to hide the covers?

As J can attest (and he thinks I'm crazy), I carry a book with me every where I go. Part of my purse buying requirements is that it has to be big enough for a trade paperback. I have a few "special occasion" purses that don't meet my requirement, but every other one does. I have to have my book. I feel naked without my book. I read everywhere. There's always that moment when you get stuck waiting for something and then panic sets in. What am I going to do? Never fear! I have a book to read!

As to the covers, I don't usually try to hide the covers. But I am slightly embarrassed by the ridiculous romance covers I see. I read romance, I like a little escapism now and again. But do they have to be the most awful covers? I don't think it's necessary. Laura over at Book Chick City published a great little rant about romance covers today. Read it Here. I completely agree with her on every point. I don't hide them but I do wish they were better looking...

Top Ten Tuesday - Books Everyone Has Read But Me

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!Each week we will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of our bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on our post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share with us and all those who are participating. If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. If you can't come up with ten, don't worry about it---post as many as you can!

There's so many books out there I want to read. But there are definitely a few that everyone has read and I just haven't gotten to them. Sometimes it's because I have issues with waiting between books in a series. I want the whole series with me before I dive in. I know crazy, but I just have waiting problems. Then, there are those books that I want to read, but somehow I haven't gotten to them yet.

1. The Hunger Games -- Have The Hunger Games, but can't justify paying hardcover prices for the other two. Until I find them or somehow get them from the library (crazy long hold list), I will have to wait. Hopefully I can get to them before the movie comes out. I really want to see it, but can't do that without reading the books first. Such a dilemma.

2. Girl with the Dragon Tattoo -- I must admit that I don't have a huge interest in these, but they've gotten some much press that I feel like I should read them...

3. Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger -- I finally found the 4th book in the series at the Borders closing sale. I have them up to read before the year is out. I know there's a 5th coming, but I figure I could possibly wait a few months for that one.

4. Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost -- Almost found all of these on clearance at Half Price Books. Waiting on an opening in my reading schedule to throw these in. I've heard so many good things, I have to read soon.

5. Shiver/Linger/Fever by Maggie Stiefvater -- Intriguing and such beautfil covers. I don't have any of these, so it'll be awhile. But they're definitely on my list.

6. A Game of Thrones by George Martin -- The tv series was amazing. I need to read these. However I don't have any of these and they're so dang long. This is will be a challenge.

7. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffennegger -- It's been on my shelf for probably two years. And yet, still it sits. I have really wanted to read this one.

8. The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare -- So intrigued...

9. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead -- Another that fell onto my radar this year. Everyone seems to love them and I haven't read a single one.

BTT: Replay

Have you ever finished a book and loved it so much you went right back and started re-reading it again?
(And obviously, if so, we want titles!)

There have definitely been a couple of books I have done with.

The first was probably The Awakening by Kate Chopin. I had to read the book for an hour long presentation for my 10th grade American Literature/U.S. History class. We had to choose an American novel from a list. I picked Huckleberry Finn, but too many others had also picked it. So the teacher picked for me. I was skeptical.. But once I finished the book, I went right back and read it again. I loved it so much. It has since become my favorite book. One of those that I reread every other year or so, just to feel it again.

I've also done with this Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Twilight, and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. All from my favorites bookshelf. Some book you just have to reread and quickly!

I've Got the Funky Book Blues...

You ever have one of those weeks. You know, the one where you are just in a reading funk. the book is interesting, mildly entertaining, but somehow you get stuck. You just can't seem to finish it. It sits on your nightstand (Finally! I have a freaking nightstand after 8 weeks on backorder!). It sits there and begs to be finished. And yet, every time you pick it up and start to read something distracts you, like sleep, or a headache, or J needing something (he's very needy with his free time). You put it down after only reading ~10 pages. All in all, it ends up taking forever to read a 400 page book. Especially when in the past you have read a 400 page book in a day. Just like that... I'm having one of those weeks. I just can't seem to get over the reading funk. I contemplated joining a readathon starting this Thursday, but I just can't get over this funk. I have so many great looking books I want to get to. They sit on the bookshelf next to my reading (and everything else) chair and cry out to me: Read me! Review me! Pass me along to another deserving reader! And yet, they're still there, because I can't get through this stinkin' book. But I'm not ready to give up on it. I only have 100 pages left. I am determined to finish. Even if I only read 10 pages a night... that's only 10 days, right? I should get to reading now... but there's that style blog I was reading and my Google Reader is getting a bit out of control. Damn you distractions!

BTT: Queue

What are you reading now?
Would you recommend it?
And what’s next?

I'm currently reading Scoundrel (Blades of the Rose #2) by Zoe Archer and loving it! J described it as Lara Croftish and I agree. It has a blend of action/adventure, romance, and magic that I just can't resist. I can't wait to finish this one and get started on the next one, Rebel.