Top Ten Tuesday -- Beach Bag Reads

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

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 like to be pretty eclectic when if comes to my beach bag reads. I am not afraid to tackle big or heavy books, but I also need something lighter to balance it out. Here's my grab bag list:

1. Historical Romances -- I always like to include some lighter romance fare to the bag. This summer I'm looking at some Mary Balogh and Candace Camp series.
2. Paranormal Romances -- I love love to have a bit of paranormal romance in my bag. I'm thinking about finishing Kristen Callihan's Darkest London series.
3. Nonfiction -- I have few choices for this summer. Right now I can't wait to dive into Dead Wake by Erik Larson about the last voyage of the Lusitania (yeah I'm a big history nerd) and everything by Gretchen Rubin (needing some uplifting self-help this summer.
4. Epic Fantasy -- I love falling into big fantasy worlds during the summer. I'm hoping to finish out A Song of Ice and Fire.
5. YA Fun -- I like the shorter fare of YA books. Maybe Paper Towns by John Green?
6. Comics and Graphic Novels -- These are great for short time periods. I'm wanting to catch up with The Manhattan Projects and hopefully start Saga.

Top Ten Tuesday -- Top Bookish Products

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

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 love anything book related! Here are some of my current wish list items.

1. Check out this awesome Alice in Wonderland print with the entire novel. I love the silhouette and the black and white color scheme.

2. I have a hankering for a new bobblehead. I'm thinking of moving beyond my U.S. Presidents and maybe into authors. Poe may be the perfect place to start.

3. Who doesn't need a library card tote? The perfect choice to lug all my library books around.

4. This invisible shelf looks great. I would love to display my books like this.

5. Yes, these are books. But look how gorgeous they are. The set is like it's own work of art.

6. Personal library kit! I need this!

7. A perfect reading journal to collect all my thoughts.

8. A beautiful library charm bracelet. Must have for bibliophiles!

9. Cute little bookmarks! I always seem to be losing mine.

10. Very cute idea! I may not need to buy one, but I definitely need one in some form.

Top Ten Tuesday -- Books I'll Never Read

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

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. Anything by John Grisham -- Just not my style or interest

2. Any political book from the far right -- Bet you can guess my place on the political spectrum.

3. Contemporary romance featuring the military -- No interest in this specific romance genre.

4. Werewolf erotica -- Weirdly specific I know, but it just doesn't interest me at all.

5. Amish/Mennonite romance -- Not going to happen.

6. The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling -- Is it weird that I love Harry Potter but have no interest in reading this one?

7. Anything from Ernest Hemingway -- I've ready a few of his novels and cannot stand his writing. Definitely not on my TBR list.

8. American Sniper by Chris Kyle -- I know it's super hot right now, but I am so not interested in war stories at all.

9. Not That Kind of Girl by Lena Dunham -- I've watched a few episodes of Girls and I just don't get it at all. Don't think I'll ever pick up her book.

10. Any parenting book -- Yeah, just haven't had the urge to pick any of these up...

Top Ten Tuesday -- Favorite Authors

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

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!

My favorite authors:

1. Jane Austen -- My all time favorite author. I always return to her novels.
2. Neil Gaiman -- I just started reading his work about two years ago and I fell in love. His stories are fantastic.
3. Rick Riordan -- A big favorite with my twins and myself.
4. Sarah Addison Allen -- Her books are a nice comfort, but I still need to read her latest First Frost.
5. Diana Gabaldon -- Loved Outlander, need to read the rest of the series now.
6. George R.R. Martin -- I have been completely sucked into his novels.
7. Bill Willingham -- Love the Fables series. I should branch out to his other works.
8. Mira Grant -- The Newsflesh series was amazing. Now I want to read Parasitology.
9. Veronica Roth -- Really enjoying the Divergent series right now.
10. Philip Pullman -- His Dark Materials was amazing. I need to reread that series soon.

Top Ten Tuesday -- Recent TBR Additions

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

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. The Martian by Andy Weir -- Heard such rave reviews about this one. I may have to put this one up for our next book club selection.

2. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins -- I loved Gone Girl and this one has been said to be very similar.

3. First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen -- Love this author and must read the newest book.

4. Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel -- Another one from many readers' must read lists. Definitely need to pick this one up.

5. The Walls Around Us by Nova Ren Suma -- Just ran across this one. Seems intriguing.

6. A Vintage Wedding by Katie Fforde -- I love a good light hearted romantic novel. This might just fit the bill.

7. The Accident Season by Moira Fowley-Doyle -- Interesting premise. Hope it plays out well.

8. A Madness So Discreet by Mindy McGinnis -- Summary sounded interesting...

9. A School for Unusual Girls by Kathleen Baldwin -- Love the premise. Hope the novel lives up to it.

10. PRO: Reclaiming Abortion Rights by Katha Pollitt -- This one is getting very interesting reviews. I definitely need to add it to my pile.

Top Ten Books -- Tobe's Teen Years Books

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

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 those books you read as a teen that you want to revisit.  In middle school, I read a lot of R.L. Stine and Christopher Pike books. As I entered into high school, the books got longer but no less dark. There's only one series that I want to revisit:

The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice!

I even joined the Anne Rice Perpetual Reading Challenge just so that I could reread this series. Maybe in April?

Top Ten Tuesday -- Spring TBR

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

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!

Spring TBR:

1. Insurgent and Allegiant by Veronica Roth -- Been meaning to read the sequels after I really enjoyed Divergent. Plus, I want to see the Insurgent movie this summer.
2. Yes Please by Amy Poehler -- Been on my list since it came out. We're reading this for April book club so I better finish it!
3. Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon -- Reread Outlander, now I need to get moving with the rest of the series.
4. Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice -- Reread as part of my perpetual Anne Rice challenge.
5. A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin -- Want to finish out the series as it stands right now.
6. 2 historical romances -- My guilty pleasure escape genre. I just started a new series last month and hope to finish it out this spring.
7. 3 nonfiction books -- Besides Yes Please, I want to get some more nonfiction books in my reading rotation.

Winter TBR Recap (5/10): Not the best showing, but a few of those books were pretty long.

1. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien √
2. Divergent by Veronica Roth √
3. A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin √
4. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon √
5. Looking for Alaska by John Green
6. Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
7. Graceling by Kristin Cashore
8. The Diviners by Libba Bray
9. Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon
10. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn √

TTT - Book Problems

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish.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 all about those book related problems I have.

1. My TBR list is never ending -- I seem to add at least 10 books to my TBR list per week. I'll never get to all those books.
2. My bookshelves are full -- I literally cannot add any more books to the existing shelves. I shouldn't buy anymore books.
3. I can't read fast enough -- My reading rate has gone down considerably since having Arthur. I'm averaging only 5 books a month now.
4. Most of my friends don't read the same books as I do -- I'm the eccentric freak who reads everything. Most of my friends are more selective in the genres that they read.
5. Reviews are hard to write -- Sometimes I find it hard to write a review expressing all that I want to say about a book.

TTT -- Book Club Selections

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

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 am currently in two different book clubs: one personal and one with the parents group. In both groups the members are free to suggest choices for upcoming months. Here are my suggestions for upcoming selections:

1. The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer -- I actually just finished reading this one and would love to discuss it with others...
2. Choclat by Joanne Harris -- Been meaning to read this one for years.
3. Yes, Please by Amy Poehler -- I just know this one would be great to read and discuss.
4. Anything from Jane Austen -- My favorite author. I can always talk about Austen.
5. Where'd You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple -- Just picked this one up. Heard some great things. Definitely on my short list.
6. The Martian by Andrew Weir -- Really want to read this one soon.
7. World War Z by Max Brooks -- I loved the books, haven't actually watched the movie yet. I would love to discuss this one.
8. Sunshine by Robin McKinley -- Loved this one. Would love to reread it soon.
9. Birth by Tina Cassidy -- Would love to read this one with the parents group.
10. The Awakening by Kate Chopin -- My all-time favorite book. I would love for others to read this with me, but I'm afraid of what they would think.

Top Ten Tuesday -- New to Me Authors 2014

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish.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. John Green -- How has is taken me this long to read anything from him?  I love watching his vlog Brothers videos.  I finally got to two of his novels and want to read the rest...
2. Nick Hornby -- J has been hassling me to read Hornby for years.  I picked up High Fidelity and A Long Way Down and loved them both.  I need to read About a Boy next...
3. Diane Setterfield -- I love The Thirteenth Tale even when the others in my book club were not excited.  I want to read her newest novel Bellman and Black.
4. Kristen Callihan -- I started the Darkest London series and can not wait for the next book in the series to be released early next year.
5. Erik Larson -- I really enjoyed The Devil in the White City. Even though it's history, it read almost like a novel. Now I need to read his Thunderstruck.
6. Deanna Raybourn -- Loved the first book in the Lady Julia Grey series.  Need to keep reading.

A shorter list, but some great new to me authors on there.

Top Ten Tuesday - Winter TBR

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

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!

Winter TBR:

2014 Books to Finish

1. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
2. Divergent by Veronica Roth
3. A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
4. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
5. Looking for Alaska by John Green

2015 First Up Books

1. Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
2. Graceling by Kristin Cashore
3. The Diviners by Libba Bray
4. Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon
5. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Fall TBR Recap (2/10): Wow! I think this is my worst showing yet. I can't believe that I only read two out of my ten.  I really need to work these other eight into my reading soon.

1. Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
2. The Awakening by Kate Chopin (reread) √
3. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (reread so I can finally watch the show)
4. Shadowdance by Kristen Callihan √
5. A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
6. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
7. Siddartha by Herman Hesse
8. Divergent by Veronica Roth
9. Looking for Alaska by John Green
10. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Top Ten Tuesday -- To Reread

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

As the years have progressed, I have realized that i reread books less and less.  There are just too many news ones on my TBR lists to stick with the old.  But there are a few that I do want to reread relatively soon.

1. The Magicians and The Magician King by Lev Grossman -- J just read the last book in the series.  He said it was amazing but that he should have reread the first two before. I should do this.
2. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon -- Still on my list for 2014.  I want to reread so I can actually read the rest of the series and watch the TV show.
3. Vampire Chronicles series by Anne Rice -- I recently joined the Neverending Anne Rice reading challenge.  I read this series back in high school. but would love to revisit and prep for reading the newest book in the series: Prince Lestat.
4. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn -- I just watched the movie and would love to revisit the book.  Thankfully one of my books clubs put this up for February.
5. Jane Austen's novels -- Of course.  I reread these every few years.  I feel like I should restart my cycle soon.

Top Ten Tuesday - New Series I Want to Start

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish.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. Divergent by Veronica Roth -- The first book has been sitting on my iPad for awhile now.  I really want to dive in...

2. Parasitology by Mira Grant -- Loved the Newsflesh series, been meaning to pick this one up.

3. Diviners by Libba Bray -- Such rave reviews, I need to read!

4. Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay -- Looks like a fun YA series.

5. Seven Kingdoms by Kristin Cashore -- A YA series that's been sitting on my shelf for forever.

6. The Finishing School by Gail Carriger -- Another series set in the same world as The Parasol Protectorate?  Yes please!

7. Rome by Kate Quinn -- Haven't read much historical fiction lately, but this series looks great.

8. Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan -- Loved the Percy Jackson series, intrigued my a Egyptian myth series.

9. Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld -- Need some more Steampunk.

Top Ten Tuesday -- Fall TBR

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

Fall TBR: My fall TBR list always focuses on the last books that I definitely want to read before the end of the year. There are some books on here that have languished on the shelf for years.  I really need to get these off and read!

1. Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
2. The Awakening by Kate Chopin (reread)
3. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (reread so I can finally watch the show)
4. Shadowdance by Kristen Callihan
5. A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
6. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
7. Siddartha by Herman Hesse
8. Divergent by Veronica Roth
9. Looking for Alaska by John Green
10. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Summer TBR Recap (4/10):

1. Back to the Classics
2. Rereading
3. Series -- Locke and Key #6 √
4. Well Rounded Reader (self help, art/design, home) -- Becoming Mona Lisa by Donald Sassoon √
5. Movie -- Casino Royale by Ian Fleming √
6. Random ebook freebie
7. Ebook
8. Presidents -- Washington by Ron Chernow √
9. 21st Century Women Authors
10. Nonfiction Adventure

Top Ten Tuesday -- Want to Read, But Don't Own

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

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 those books that I want to read, but don't own.  Thankfully my list is short this week.  I'm trying to keep my book buying to a very small amount and actually succeeding.  But you know there are always those books that I really really want to buy and read...

1. The Magician's Land by Lev Grossman -- Read the first two, really want this one...
2. Hollow City by Ransom Riggs -- The sequel to Miss Peregrine... Another really really want to read book.
3. The Twelve by Justin Cronin -- The Passage was super scary and amazing.  Need the sequel.
4. Written in My Own Heart's Blood by Diana Gabaldon -- Guess I should read the rest of this series before this one, but still want it.
5. Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale -- Really enjoyed the first one, still haven't gotten around to buying this one.

Short list, but it hits the highlights.

Top Ten Tuesday -- Current Fave Movies and TV

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

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 do love my movies and tv shows, even if I have limited time to actually enjoy them.  Here are my current faves:

1. Anime series: Samurai Champloo, Cowboy Bebop, and The Big O -- J got the boys hooked on various anime series.  We are actually on our third series of the summer.  I'm even enjoying myself.  Go figure.
2. Catch-up show: Game of Thrones -- Ugh!  We are still behind, in the middle of season three in fact.  If I had my way, I would binge watch this in one weekend.  But J usually as objects claiming that the show is just too serious...
3. Twins' Faves: Top Gear and Mythbusters -- If we are at a loss of what to watch with the twins, either of these two shows works.  Even if we've seen the episode, they have great rewatchability.
4. Soap Opera Fun: Reign and The 100 -- My current ridiculous soap operas from The CW.  I just can't resist the cheese.  Don't worry, J and the twins do not watch these.  I just last week finished season 1 of both shows.  Can't wait for season 2.
5. Classic Comedy: Monty Python's Flying Circus -- A fall back twin favorite.  Every once in a while you need a little Python.
6. Ongoing viewing: Star Trek (TOS; TNG; Voyager; DS9) -- We're still making our way through all the Star Trek series.  I'd say we're about half way done.  We finished TNG a few months back, getting close to finished TOS, almost halfway through the movies, and moving forward in Voyager and DS9.
7. Documentaries: Tattoo Nation, Somm, Why Ships Sink, Viking Sword -- Every once in a while, I just need to watch a documentary.  The above listed are some of my recent views.
8. Classics: Star Wars Trilogy -- Seems like we watch trilogy (there are only three movies!) once every few years.  We still need to watch Jedi before the twins leave.
9. New Favorite: Gravity Falls -- The twins requested we download this show for the summer.  I was skeptical.  I'm not usually a fan of Disney's new cartoons.  But this one is such a treat.  I will totally keep watching after the twins leave.
10. Zombie fun: The Walking Dead -- Another show that we are completely behind on.  I need to just binge watch this one weekend and be done.  Then I can rewatch!

Top Ten Tuesday -- Summer TBR

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

Summer TBR: Instead of listing specific books, I'm going to list the challenges and options for books to be read that I'm hoping to tackle this summer.

1. Back to the Classics
   1. The Beautiful and the Damned
   2. The Awakening
   3. Sherlock Holmes
2. Rereading
   1. The Hobbit
   2. Outlander
3. Series
   1. Locke and Key #6
   2. Sunrise
   3. Sea Glass
4. Well Rounded Reader (self help, art/design. home)
5. Movie
   1. Casino Royale
   2. City of Bones
6. Random ebook Freebie
7. Ebook
   1. Thirteen Reasons Why
   2. Mirror Mirror
8. Presidents
   1. American Lion
   2. Washington
9. 21st Century Women Authors
   1. Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell
   2. House at Riverton
   3. The Time Traveler's Wife
10. Nonfiction Adventure
    1. Emperor of Maladies
    2. Living History

Spring TBR Recap (1/10): An absolutely horrid showing for spring.  What happened?  I had such good intentions, but they seemed to go nowhere.  I'm hoping summer goes a bit better.

1. Sherlock Holmes story
2. American Gods by Neil Gaiman
3. The Awakening by Kate Chopin
4. Locke and Key #6: Alpha and Omega
5. Stranger Than Fiction by Chuck Palahniuk
6. The Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald
7. Casino Royale by Ian Fleming
8. Living History by Hillary Rodham Clinton
9. Looking for Alaska by John Green
10. Becoming Mona Lisa by Donald Sassoon

Top Ten Tuesday -- 2014 Faves

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

Turns out I haven't read many absolutely amazing books so far this year.  But here are four great books to highlight.

1. Medium Raw by Anthony Bourdain
2. The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen
3. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
4. American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Top Ten Tuesday -- Beach Bag Books

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish.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 beach bag books.  What books would I take to the beach?  This presupposes that I could actually have a day at the beach to read.  Unfortunately with three children, this just doesn't happen.  But, if I could...

1. Anything from Neil Gaiman -- It's not super light fare, but his books are great to get lost in.  I'd recommend American Gods, Good Omens, or Stardust.
2. Any historical romance -- A great romance is the perfect beach companion.
3. Collection of stories -- Short stories are great because they are easy to read.
4. YA Dystopians -- Heavier fare, but they are easy to read.
5. Lighter science fiction -- Don't pick up Asimov or Heinlein, but do go for Douglas Adams or Ray Bradbury.

Top Ten Tuesday -- Spring TBR

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

Spring TBR:

1. Sherlock Holmes story
2. American Gods by Neil Gaiman
3. The Awakening by Kate Chopin
4. Locke and Key #6: Alpha and Omega
5. Stranger Than Fiction by Chuck Palahniuk
6. The Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald
7. Casino Royale by Ian Fleming
8. Living History by Hillary Rodham Clinton
9. Looking for Alaska by John Green
10. Becoming Mona Lisa by Donald Sassoon

Winter TBR Recap: 8/10 red ain't bad!  I think it's my best showing yet.

1. Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray
2. Boneshaker by Cherie Priest
3. Tanglefoot by Cherie Priest
4. Sandition by Jane Austen
5. Lady Elizabeth by Alison Weir
6. A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
7. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
8. Time Enough for Love by Robert Heinlein
9. In the Company of Secrets by Judith Miller
10. High Fidelity by Nick Hornby