Top Ten Tuesday - Future Classics

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!

A great topic for this week! For most of my teenage and adult reading life, I've been reading the classics. You know, all those books you were supposed to read in high school and college, but probably didn't. I completely ignored contemporary books. I thought they were all crap. I admit that I was wrong. There are some great recently published books out there. Here's my list (I fudged a bit on the publication dates, supposed to be the past 10 years, but I upped it to 20):

1. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (1999) -- I adore this outcast tale. I really spoke to me in high school.

2. The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins (2008) -- Really brings up some tough issues. Great discussion starters.

3. World War Z by Max Brooks (2006) -- A beautifully constructed zombie documentary... Can't wait for the movie.

4. Coraline by Neil Gaiman (2002) -- Beautiful creepy little children's book. I want this to be on every lower elementary student's bookshelf.

5. The Fables comic series by Bill Willingham (2002-present) -- I love this reimagining of the great fairy tales. Fairy tales for grownups.

6. Sunshine by Robin McKinley (2003) -- Not just a vampire novel. I see this as a coming of age story. Sunshine ultimately finds out who she is after a frightening encounter with some vampires.

7. The Magicians by Lev Grossman (2009) -- In some ways a dark version of Harry Potter. I see it as a J.R.R. Tolkien or C.S. Lewis world. I still need to read the sequel.

8. Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan (2005) -- Another awesome children's series that all ages of adults can enjoy.

9. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (2004) -- Beautiful love letter to books and the worlds they can create. The language in this book is like poetry. And it's even a translation from Spanish!

10. The View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg (1996) -- Children's literature that just doesn't seem like children's literature. The relatable subject matter makes this slim novel an instant classic.

Top Ten Tuesday - Non Book Blogs

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!

A great topic for this week! While having tons of book blogs, my GoogleReader does have some choice nonbook blogs buried in there. Check them out...

1. The Mary Sue:A Guide to Girl Geek Culture -- must have for those geeky women out there

2. WWdN: In Exile -- Wil Wheaton's uber geeky life blog. I am so in love with this man! (Don't worry J, he's married)

3. GeekMom -- Something for every geeky mom out there.

4. Failbook -- Must read for a chuckle and sometimes a gasp and even a facepalm.

5. Cake Wrecks -- The Ultimate in Decoration Disasters. My favorites are still the carrot jockey cakes.

6. xkcd -- Sometimes uber geeky, always hilarious.

7. Savage Chickens -- Cartoons on post it notes. Zombie chickens...

8. Loop Looks -- Style blog from regular girl from Chicago. I love that she shops at many of the stores that I do. Practical style advice.

9. A Cup of Jo -- Blogger, mother, and wife living in Manhattan. She always finds the coolest products.

10. A Turtle's Life for Me -- Definitely got some future craft project ideas from here.

Honorable Mention

... This Week for Dinner -- Great easy recipes and meal plan ideas.

... Neatorama -- Round up of cool things, pictures, geeky news.

Top Ten Tuesday - Quotes From 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!

A great topic for this week! Instead of the usual way to do this week, I've decided to go with my favorite first lines from books.

1. "In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit." -- The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

2. "It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen." -- 1984 by George Orwell

3. "It began on a train, heading north through England, although I was soo to discover that the story had really begun more than a hundred years earlier." -- The Prestige by Christopher Priest

4. "It was a pleasure to burn." -- Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

5. "All children, except one, grow up." -- Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

6. "Far out in the uncharted backwaters of the unfashionable end of the Wester Spiral Arm of the Galaxy lies a small unregarded yellow sun." -- The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

7. "One thing was certain, that the white kitten had had nothing to do with it; - it was the black kitten's fault entirely." -- Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll

8. "It was a dark and stormy night." -- A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

9. "Midway on our life's journey, I found myself in dark woods, the right road lost." -- The Inferno by Dante

10. "Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her." -- Emma by Jane Austen

Top Ten Tuesday - All Time Favorite Characters

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!

A great topic for this week!

1. Alice from Alice in Wonderland -- There's something about Alice that I connect with. Anyone want to analyze this one?

2. Edna from The Awakening by Kate Chopin -- I can relate to Edna's struggles with motherhood and wifehood. I don't plan on ever taking her path, but I love reading her struggle.

3. All of Jane Austen's heros (especially Captain Wentworth, my favorite) -- How can you not love her heroes? They are all different, but all amazing.

4. All of Jane Austen's heroines (especially Anne Elliott, my favorite) -- Have you guessed my favorite Jane Austen yet? There's something about Anne's particular situation and character that appeal to me.

5. Arthur Dent from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams -- Arthur is the epitomy of the everyman. He lives a quiet existance until he's thrown in a crazy situation. J loves him so much that I had to agree to name our first son Arthur Dent (not that I had any real objections to that).

6. Lestat from Interview with a Vampire (and subsequent novels) by Anne Rice -- Yes, I know he's the ultimate badboy, but I still love him. If you read the books, he's hilarious and charming and terrifying all rolled into one pacakge.

7. Mary from The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett -- Of all the childhood heroines, I related to Mary the most. I even wanted to be here, moors and all.

Top Ten Tuesday - Tips For New Book Bloggers

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!

This week's topic is "Tips for New Book Bloggers." I started my blog about a year and a half ago. And I was completely winging it. I tried to figure it all out myself and there were definitely stumbles along the way. But I'm now happy with my blog. There are areas that I want to improve, but it really comes down to what I want. I do have a list of a few general tips that I try to follow.

1. Think before you leap -- I see many (and yes, I was guilty of this) just jump into blogging without a general plan. Plan before you publish. What do you want your blog to look like? Who is this for (audience)? Do you want advertisements? Do you see room for future growth or changing of direction? Lay out a bit of a plan before you start blogging.

2. Schedule posts -- I learned the hard way to make posts ahead of time and schedule them. I wanted to write a blog post every day, but life just seemed to have other plans. Now I pre-write my weekly features (Music Monday, Top 10 Tuesday, Quote Wednesday, etc). This leaves me time to write as I can or when inspiration strikes. I don't feel so boxed in with the schedule.

3. Don't be too rigid -- Along the same lines as #2, I've learned to be flexible. Some weeks my posts take hit. Others I have tons of time to write and be creative. I've learned to let the writing flow not force it.

4. Ask questions -- If you want to know how to do something, ask questions. If you like someone's design, features, etc, ask questions. Bloggers are great people willing to share.

5. Don't be afraid to say "no" -- I see many bloggers over commit themselves to events, interviews, and review books. I've mostly stayed out of all those things, but even I have to say no sometimes. This is my blog, I need to run it as I see fit.

6. Create templates -- I have templates for every reoccurring feature. These collect my thoughts and I think are helpful for readers. Everyone has their own style of templates. Find one you like and modify to fit your needs.

7. Back up your blog -- How many bloggers have recently lost posts and entire sites due to malfunctions? Make sure your blog is backed up somewhere.

8. Feel free to brag -- You write for a reason. Share that reason. Don't be afraid to brag about your blog. Tell others about it. Have business cards made up (I have cute blue with owl cards that were basically free from Vistaprint). Print flyers. Hire a skywriter. Whatever floats your boat.

9. Embrace or don't embrace memes -- I signed up for tons of memes in the beginning. Many have fallen by the wayside. But I have stuck with a few that I like (mainly this one!). Memes are personal choice. Embrace or don't embrace. Whatever works for you.

10. Go your own path and enjoy -- Blogs are very personal (kinda the point, right?), so don't be afraid to change it. If you are sagging or unmotivated, don't be afraid to radically change the blog or even take a hiatus. This is supposed to be fun, remember!

Top Ten Tuesday - I'd Play Hooky With...

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!

What books would I play hooky with? Which books have so struck my fancy that I would cut myself from all other people and responsibilities to curl up in a chair with a cup of tea and read? Well, turns out there's not many. I love reading. If I could I would read for days on end. But I also don't usually get so sucked into a book that I can't take care of other responsibilities. These are the few that came to mind...

1. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien -- This epic sucks me in everytime I read it. In fact, I think I might be due for a reread this summer (or at least The Hobbit in preparation for the movie this Christmas)

2. The Hunger Gamesby SuzanneCollins -- I'll admit that I almost forgot everything else while reading the trilogy. In fact, I had a feeling this would happen so I wanted until acquiring all three books and then read the bulk of the trilogy over a weekend.

3. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis -- Another epic spanning multiple books that I just can't put down.

4. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams -- I much prefer reading all five books of the trilogy together as one giant book. I love Arthur Dent! And the guide interludes are too funny!

5. Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan -- Once we started, the boys and I blew through these books very quickly. I imagine I could knock out at least three of the books in one day of reading.

6. Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling -- Obviously!

7. Jane Austen books -- I never want to leave Austen's world. I just want to slip into Regency England and get to know all of her characters up close and personal.

Top Ten Tuesday - Spring 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. If you can’t come up with ten, don’t worry about it—post as many as you can!

I have got a huge spring TBR list, but I will try to pare it done for my readers. For the most part, these are books that I had scheduled to read in January and yet somehow they fell by the wayside. I am committing to knocking these out and soon.

1. Required monthly reads: Shakespeare and Harry Potter -- Two of my reading challenges have me reading one Shakespeare play and one HP book per month. I have kept on track so far. I'm not dreading these, I really love reading them. I just have to remind myself to pick them up before month's end. My upcoming requirements:

March -- Henry V and The Prisoner of Azkaban
April -- Much Ado About Nothing and The Goblet of Fire

2. The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott by McNees -- This was going into my contest pile but somehow I haven't read it yet. I really think I should.

3. Triangles by Ellen Hopkins -- Contest read

4. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger -- Contest read

5. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zufon -- Contest read

6. Cotillion by Georgette Heyer -- Another contest read. I really do have a few of these to read before April 8th...

7. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Patterson -- My March Random Reads. I've been wanting to read this one for years. Random Reads picked this for me. I guess this is the universe's way of saying to read it sooner rather than later.

8. The Weather Warden series by Rachel Caine -- I finally acquired the entire series. I think it's time to start reading them now.

9. Morrigan's Cross trilogy by Nora Roberts -- An Indiana friend recommended these to me last summer. I found all three for under $10, put them on my shelf, and there they have sat. I really need to plunge in and get them read.

10. Library Pile -- I have about 15 books checked out from the library. I need to read those and them put myself on a library ban until I read at least one tub of books. Wish me luck!

Top Ten Tuesday - Cover Love!

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!

This week's topic is "Covers I love." I know many people will be highlighting new pretty covers. I thought I would do something different and find some old covers that I adore. Enjoy the pretty eye candy!

Top Ten Tuesday - Disaster Saving 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!

This week's topic "Books I Would Save During a Disaster" brings up an interesting idea. I am going to make the assumption that we have to list physical books. Just grabbing an e-reader is too easy. Just as a point of reference, all of these books are on my permanent bookshelf right by my reading chair. Therefore they would be easy to grab, one stop shop. Without further ado, the books from my collection that I absolutely cannot live without:

1. The Awakening by Kate Chopin -- My all time favorite book. I have a little mass market paperback with a beautiful blue picture of a woman in front of the ocean. I would definitely have to grab this one.

2. Entire Jane Austen library -- They are all right next to each other, so I'm going to count them as one.

3. Complete Edgar Allen Poe -- I have a hardback edition with most of his poems and stories.

4. The Monster at the End of This Book -- Yes it's a Sesame Street Golden Book, but it was one of my favorite books as child. I lost my original, but once the boys were born, I scoured bookstores until I found a new one. This edition is the original style Golden Book; not the new plastic covered ones.

5. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald -- One of other favorite books. I love my copy with a forward, an explanation of terms and references, and an essay about the book and Fitzgerald.

6. Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams -- An all-in-one giant copy of the trilogy of five books. My favorite comedy!

7. Compelte Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis -- Another giant copy. A little too big to stuff in a purse, but I would definitely save it from disaster.

Top Ten Tuesday - Books that Broke My Heart

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!

This week's topic "Books that Broke My Heart" is a fairly easy one... I cry easily when it comes to books. My top tear shedders...

1. The Awakening by Kate Chopin -- I understand why Edna made the final decision, but I still wish something else could have been done. This book makes me cry every time I read it. And not a little sniffles cry, it's an all out bawling cry.

2. The Hunger Games Trilogy -- So unfair! I kept wanting to yell at the Capitol people. I wanted to save Peeta and Katniss and Rue and Prim and everyone else that's hurt in these books. I loved them, but darn it they made my heart ache.

3. Twilight Series -- I'll admit it, I cried throughout most of New Moon, a bit of Eclipse, and the first half of Breaking Dawn.

4. The Host by Stephenie Meyer -- Another Stephenie Meyer cry fest. I enjoyed this book so much more than the Twilight series. It still made me cry, but somehow I felt better about the crying. On my reread list for this year.

5. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott -- Two words: Beth's Death...

6. At the Scent of Water by Linda Nichols -- The main couple faces so many heartbreaks and missteps. I was rooting for them the whole time, but crying over everything they cried about.

7. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon -- Claire and Jamie, Claire worrying over Jamie, Jamie worrying over Claire, Claire and Jamie getting hurt, Claire and Jamie being separated. This book was full of heartache and yet it was wonderful. This one's going on my reread list for this year.

8. The Russian Concubine by Kate Furnivall -- Such a beautifully depressing book.

9. We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson -- This book is full of melancholy. I found myself weeping silent tears throughout most of it.

10. Surrender Bay by Denise Hunter -- I loved this book even though I cried through most of the second half.

Top Ten Tuesday -- Recommendations

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!

This week's Top Ten is "Recommendations for People Who Don't Read X." I read just about everything now. I have become an equal opportunity reader.

For People Who Don't Read SciFi

1. Have Spacesuit-Will Travel by Robert Heinlein -- It's not heavy on the science, but a great quick read.

2. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card -- Amazing story of humanity set in a scifi world.

For People Who Don't Read Romance

3. Any Jill Mansell books -- I love her quirky characters and storylines. They are fairly predictable, but very enjoyable reads.

4. At the Scent of Water by Linda Nichols -- It's a beautiful love story through a couple's grief and journey back to each other. I was alternately happy and in tears throughout this book.

For People Who Don't Read Fantasy

5. The Parasol Protectorate Series by Gail Carriger -- Sure, it's got vampires, werewolves, and ghosts, and it's set in a world not quite like ours. But it's hilarious and full of adventure. I love Alexia!

6. Fables comic series by Bill Willingham -- Think adult fairy tales, but better. It's not secret I love this series. Now I'm on a mission to convert everyone!

For People Who Don't Read YA

7. Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan -- Not just for kids, my 8-year-old boys and I loved this series! All of the action and adventure kept them riveted. And all the Greek mythology kept the historian in me interested. We loved the series so much, the boys begged me to get the start of the second series so we could read it over Christmas break. We're 75 pages into The Lost Hero and loving it!

8. The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry -- If you like fairy tales or princesses, this one might work. I love the coming of age story and the world of kings and queens.

For People Who Don't Read Horror

9. The Forest of Hands and Teeth series by Carrie Ryan -- I loved this zombie trilogy. The zombies are there, but they're an ever present threat more in the background. These books focus on the survival and dreams of a few. Plus, there's not much gore in these.

10. Autumn series by David Moody -- If you might like a bit more gore, go for these amazing zombie books. They are way scary! Even I was unsettled after reading them. But they are beautifully written and intriguing.

Top Ten Tuesday -- New Books from Authors

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!

This week's Top Ten is "Authors I Wish Would Write Another Book." This is a bit of a difficult topic. I have a few authors that I've read everything they've written. A part of me wishes they would write another, but another part of me is satisfied.

1. Jane Austen -- Not that I want a ton of new novels, but enough time for her to finish the books she started before her death.

2. Douglas Adams -- I know, another dead author. But I love his books so much, it would be nice to see another one.

3. Lewis Carroll -- (I think I should rename this "Dead Authors I wish Would Write Another Book") I loved Alice and Through the Looking Glass. I would love to see another book in the same universe.

4. Gail Carriger -- I know Timeless is being released, but I already want more!

5. David Moody -- His Autumn series is phenomenal. I want more, more, more!

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.

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.