So, here’s the theme I’m going with this week for Top Ten Tuesday as, I recommended 10s of books ALL THE TIME and thought, hey I should do today’s topic with a theme in mind. Note, not all of the books are based on real life history or have real life settings, however, they do all have a historical sort of feel to them.
Y’all, I definitely own wayyyy more than 10 unread books. Like, multiply that number by 150 and you’ll have my shameful TBR-owned number. I wish I was exaggerating. If you think any of the books listed below are absolute MUST READ ASAP, let me know and I’ll be sure to move them up the TBR.
Why’d I Purchase It: Pretty much all of my book blogger friends have raved about this book at some point and now that I’ve read my first Melina Marchetta, I understand why she seems to be universally adored. ALSO, I always hear about Jonah Griggs and want to meet him.
Top Ten Books on Allison’s Spring 2013 TBR List!
So many books! So little time! I managed to narrow my TBR list down to ten books that I would REALLY like to be able to read this Spring. Hopefully, I will have more success with this top ten TBR list then others in the past. Here we go:
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Top Ten Series Allison Really Should Be Reading
Which series should I read first?
What are some of the series that you should be reading?
As always Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke And The Bookish.
My money is very, very precious to me. I work hard and so I don’t just make it rain carelessly. I also don’t just automatically purchase books by ANY author. Instead, there are certain factors or qualifications that matter to me when putting an author on my PURCHASE WITHOUT QUESTION list. They may seem arbitrary, but to me, at least, these things matter.
Why?: John Green writes quirky and unique characters who revel in being smart — like in An Abundance Of Katherines and aren’t made to feel like losers because they have brains. I love that he writes in a way that trusts the reader to be intelligent enough to understand what’s going on instead of writing down. I also typically find myself wanting to highlight every single page of his books, like The Fault In Our Stars, for example..
Why?: Straight up, there is comfort in familiarity. With most of her books I know what to expect and I know that going into them I am going to usually like the main character, be into the love interest (Along For The Ride), fall for the secondary characters (The Moon And More) and envy the setting.
Rae Carson and her book! YAY!
Why?: When an author has me so attached to the characters and storyline, that I don’t mind certain characters being killed off to get there, that’s an automatic WIN. Seriously, Rae Carson is like the George RR Martin of YA, people die out of nowhere, but such is life. Her writing is incredibly compelling and I certainly count The Girl of Fire And Thorns and The Crown Of Embers among my favorite YA fantasy.
Why?: To me, the mark of an author really being a TRUE autobuy is when you purchase their book even if it wasn’t exactly as AMAZING at their others. Like, straight up I didn’t love Bitterblue as much as Graceling or Fire, but I still bought it because I LOVE Cashore’s writing and want to support her career. Also, I have met her in person and she is incredibly gracious and wonderful — and that matters to me when considerations of dropping money are involved.
In Which Richelle Mead Signs My Book
Why?: Legit, any author that can make me super pumped up over vampire books, ignore a love triangle AND talk theories over DMs on twitter absolutely deserves to be on my autobuy list and y’all, Richelle Mead is exactly that author, whether she is simultaneously writing me swoons and sobs, like in Shadow Kiss, or WILL THEY WON’T THEY like in The Golden Lily, she is one of my favorite authors.
Also, Patrick Rothfuss is truly a gnome.
Why?: There is only one author I’ve reviewed where I have re-read their book AFTER reviewing it (and then review the audiobook form that I re-read) and that author is Patrick Rothfuss. He’s created one of my favorite characters ever, Kvothe, and while I was not one hundred percent in love with The Wise Man’s Fear, The Name of The Wind remains one of my favorite fantasy recommendations and audiobooks. And you know? I am still optimistic about book three.
AMAZING AUTHORS! Kate Ellison author of The Butterfly Clues and Lauren Oliver author of the Delirium Trilogy
Why?: Look, if Lauren Oliver wrote a math textbook I would straight up purchase it just because there might just be a nugget of brilliance in there. While mileage definitely varies between her books, they are all automatic reads and purchases. I don’t always order them as soon as they come out because I like to wait to see if she’s doing any signings near me, but yeah after Before I Fall and Liesl And Po, I will read pretty much anything she writes.
Why?: I love pictures. I love stories. I love words. Selznick’s books have those in spades, and so after being completely in love with both The Invention Of Hugo Cabret and Wonderstruck, I’ve decided I will read the hell out of all of his books.
Why?: I’ve met Libba Bray several times and each of those times she has been lovely and hilarious and kind. That means a lot to me. I find her books utterly brilliant and own all of them — signed copies except for Going Bovine and her Great And Terrible Beauty trilogy remains among my favorites. I also fell head over heels for The Diviners and so, Libba’s books are always on my most anticipated must purchase list.
Why?: Sevenwaters. Sorcha. The Light Isles. Wildwood. Just a few words that do nothing to sum up the whole of Marillier’s work and why it is amazing. I love that Marillier infuses magic into her stories and words and the feelings her books give me.
Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke And The Bookish.
Y’all, it has pretty much taken me FOREVER to come up with a good genre to pick characters from for this week’s Top Ten Tuesday. Like, I didn’t want to do YA because I didn’t want to pick the same exact characters as everyone else. And then my mind kept blanking out. Then I was like OH YEAH I LOVE THE CLASSICS, I should do that! And I did!
Why?:Look bro, she has a rotting wedding cake and wedding dress. Plus the way she dangles Estella over Pip is kind of hilarious — I mean if you are an awful person like me you will find it hilarious.
Why?: You guys, Atticus is morally upstanding and sort of the person that we should all be. I always loved that he fought for the right thing, regardless of the trouble it could potentially bring him. Like, he tells Scout how to be a good person and then basically follows through on it — instead of saying something and doing another. I just really love and admire that.
Why?: Okay, so some of Jo’s life choices are questionable, especially concerning Laurie. HOWEVER, she is awesome and fierce and dare I say, kind of feminist. Like yo, she gets a job. And she writes. And she’s just the most awesome March sister, although I liked Amy a lot too, even though everyone else seems to hate her.
Why?: Girl has imagination in spades. She’s also kind to others — I especially loved her interactions with Matthew. She gets Diana drunk. She cracks a slate over Gilbert’s head. Also, Anne is smart as a whip. AND she actually uses her smarts. She’s kind of a life idol.
Why?: Eponine is all a spirit animal for all of us. Well, sort of. I mean, she experiences unrequited love which pretty much everyone has been through. ALSO, she has the worst parents ever, which blows. And she does questionable things as a kid — namely be mean to Cosette. Whatevs, Eponine I love your face. Especially because I’ve read the book. And yes, I actually did cry during THAT PART in the book.
Why?: Dickon is kind of otherworldly. I mean he isn’t an alien, but he charms the animals. Freakin’ birds like him and it seems to me that birds don’t like just anybody. Anyways, I love Dickon because the pages where he shows up are an utter delight.
Why?: Oh, Girl. I know people love to hate Scarlet. But look, lady is tough when there’s a crisis. Instead of dying or whatever while Atlanta is burning, girl SURVIVES. And yes, okay she’s kind of a flirt, but so what. If you’ve got it, flaunt it. And okay, yes the way she treats Rhett sucks, but I say it’s because she is product of her time. While I don’t get the big damn deal about Ashley, I suppose I can get why Scarlet was so hung up on him. And sigh, just typing all this makes me want a re-read.
Why?: So, some people are lazy about getting revenge. Not Edmond. Yo, he like escapes prison by pretending to be dead and so they throw his carcass out and he floats away. Then, he ends up super rich because he found his friend’s treasure. And omg, revenge is freakin sweet you guys.
Why?: He’s all logical and smart and awesome. The end.
Why?: Because Huck had the courage to run away from his rat bastard father who wanted to steal his money. Also because his antics cracked me up during the entire book.
Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke And The Bookish.
Top Ten Bookish Romances
1. India and Sid
The Winter Rose – Jennifer Donnelly
“Meet me where the sky touches the sea. Wait for me where the world begins.”
These two kill me. Their relationship is far from perfect, and it has plenty of ups and downs but it is so well crafted (thanks Jennifer Donnelly) that I don’t think I will ever get tired of it. I fall in love with them every time!
2. Katsa and Po
Graceling – Kristin Cashore
Their relationship is based on equality and respect for each other. Neither character tries to change the other, nor does either character feel forced to change themselves for the other. They’re both strong, heartfelt characters, and I fell for their romance hook, line, and sinker!
3. Tris and Four
The Divergent trilogy – Veronica Roth
Just like with Katsa and Po, one of the things that I enjoyed most about Tris and Four’s relationship is the fact that it is based on equality and respect. Plus, there is also this need for each other which leads to some very serious chemistry. Especially when they’re disagreeing about something. (Note: This reminds me that I really need to read Insurgent)
4. Katniss and Peeta
The Hunger Games trilogy – Suzanne Collins
Even though the triangle aspect of the Hunger Games series was a very small part for me, it was still a part I have many thoughts about. What is the basis of those thoughts? Well … Team Peeta always and forever! He balances her out and keeps her while at the same time making her stronger. He also doesn’t hold her back. For me, he is always the better match for Katniss.
5. Buttercup and Westley
The Princess Bride – William Goldman
Who can resist a little true love? It is truly magical, and something that will simply sweep you off your feet.
6. Ellie and Tucker
Valkyrie Rising – Ingrid Paulson
I adored the romance between Ellie and Tucker. What starts out as snarky bantering develops into a connection stronger than either one of them could have ever imagined. These two put such a smile on my face!
7. Emma and Graham
The Between The Lines series — Tammara Webber
These two were beyond adorable, and even with all the drama and the chaos of the stories, they still remained adorable. Their insecurities and misunderstandings are realistically portrayed, and the two of them are the perfect balance for each other.
8. Elizabeth and Max // Katie and Paddy
Titanic: The Long Night – Diane Hoh
As far as fictional Titanic stories go, this one will always top my list. I loved both couples that were featured in this story. Both are feisty and heartfelt relationships that strengthen each of the characters under the most terrible of circumstances. I also really enjoyed how both of their stories are interconnected with each other.
9. Jennifer and Nicholas
When I Fall In Love – Lynn Kurland
These two are my favorite pairing so far of the Lynn Kurland books that I have read. Their relationship isn’t meant to be easy especially since she is from modern day NYC, and he is from Medieval Scotland but somehow together they just work. They are beautiful together, and their story is one that brings me to tears every time I read it.
10. Miranda and Benjamin
Firelight – Kristen Callihan
HOLY CHEMISTRY! I just finished this book today, and let me tell you the chemistry between these two characters is off the charts! But that is not the only reason I love them … their love is so deep and it is very real. It’s romantic, and realistic, and … it is so worth reading about!
So, what are some of your favorite bookish romances?
As always Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke And The Bookish.
Top Ten Bookish Moments
1. Meeting Jennifer Donnelly at Oblong Books
I still have the message from the g-chat conversation that I had with April when she was like “So, Jennifer Donnelly is having a launch party at a bookstore in Rhineback. Will you be busy with school?” and I was like “I can make myself unbusy…” And this is what ultimately led us to our first adventure to Oblong Books. It was so much fun, and it was wonderful to meet Jennifer Donnelly, and listen to her speak in person because I had loved her books so much. She’s so wonderful!
2. Book Expo America
Book Expo America is seriously like every book nerds dream. I had always fantasized about going because of all the stories that April would bring back about the people she met, the stories she heard, and the books she had gotten but I never actually thought it would happen. Then last year, I was able to go! It was so awesome, and I have so many amazing memories from last year, and I really cannot wait to get back there, and do it all again this year!
3. Getting my first Babysitters Club book
This was a big deal with for me because I had wanted to read the series for so long but my parents weren’t able to get me the box sets that were being offered in the book sale catalogs. So when I was finally able to get my hands on the first BSC book, and delve into this new world (complete with a poster that I hung in my school locker), I was so happy. I can still feel the excitement!
4. Pony Pals Club
When I was younger, I had two friends who were also completely into the pony pals club. The three of us loved horses, and we all wished that we each owned one, and that we lived near each other so that we could be like Pam, Anna, and Lulu in the stories. Even though we didn’t that still didn’t stop us from trying to act like the three best friends. I still only talk to one of those girls but it’s still a nice memory to have.
5. Sailor Spectacular
April will probably want to kill me for even mentioning this but back when we were younger we participated in this event called Sailor Spectacular with a group of our friends to promote the manga section of our local library. We all dressed up as original Sailor Scouts from Sailor Moon (we even had our own names), and acted out an entire show for an audience (complete with singing and dancing). There is a videotape floating around somewhere, and I still have pictures from somewhere as well but they will probably never be seen by the public eye again. It was a lot of fun though, and one of those memories that we look back on now and say “did we really do that?”
6. Receiving my first Shel Silverstein book from my grandmother
As I have mentioned before my grandmother started a tradition where she would give me a Shel Silverstein book, and write something on the inside cover. I don’t think I will ever forget the feeling that I got when I opened the first book, and realized that she had left a message just especially for me. The two of us are really close, and I love being able to share something like that with her.
7. Dressing up like Garfield for a school project
When I was in fourth grade, we had to do a project on an author’s life, and I chose Jim Davis. I believe I was obsessed with the Garfield comic at the time, and I thought it would be interesting to learn about the man behind it. And it was … for example, did you know that Jim Davis is allergic to cats? Bet you didn’t! Anyway, for extra credit, we could dress up as one of the characters from our author’s books during the school open house. Of course, I chose to dress up as Garfield. My grandmother helped make my costume, and did my face paint, and when I showed up at the school, I was the talk of the open house. It was a lot of fun!
8. Volunteering at my elementary school library
At first this might sound like I’m talking about going back and volunteering at my elementary school library as an adult, except that I’m not. When I was younger, I used to go to the library whenever I could. I loved it there! Somehow (I honestly can’t even remember how) I also started volunteering there. I was taught how to shelve books, catalog items, write things down, and even check other students books out (until it was discovered that it was apparently illegal for me to do that). I don’t remember a lot from those days but I do remember that I enjoyed it, and thought it was pretty neat to be “working” in a library.
9. My mom reading bedtime stories to us
When my brother and I were younger, my mom used to read us bedtime stories. I really do think that this influenced my love of reading. She read us fairy tales, and stories from Winnie the Pooh as well as many other things. It was always special to us because it didn’t happen often due to her work schedule and whenever it did, we all snuggled up under the covers and enjoyed getting lost together in a wonderful story. Priceless memories!
10. Sharing the love of reading with other people
Be it my family, my friends, fellow bloggers, or even authors, I love sharing the love of reading with others! It is so much fun to sit down and discuss books. Or pass books down to other people. Or be like “hey, have you read this?” and if you find out someone hasn’t read something insist that they do. I really enjoy turning people onto new and different books. I love sharing the gift of reading!
What are some of your favorite bookish moments?
As always Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke And The Bookish.
Top Ten Settings Allison Would Like To See More Of (Or At All)
“The more that you read, the more things you will know.
The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
- Dr. Seuss
♥
1. Upstate New York
Do you know how exciting it is to be reading a book and find out that it is based in the area that you live? Especially when they mention surrounding areas and specific attractions by name. I want to feel more of that!
2. Ships/Ocean Liners
I’m a sucker for a Titanic story (as I’ve mentioned before) but I would also love to read more books where the location is some type of ship/ocean liner regardless of its name.
3. Broadway
I love Broadway musicals, and would absolutely adore reading any books where Broadway was the setting. It is truly a magical place, and I could totally get into all the behind the scenes romance and drama.
4. Road Trips
I haven’t read any books that deal with road trips as a setting but I feel as if the possibilities are endless for them.
5. Summer or Winter Camp
At first I was going to say summer camp for this but I decided to go with either because both have potential. I mean, in the summer there is the possibility for romantic swims, or other less-romantic more comedic camping accidents, and in the winter, there is skiing and sledding, and of course the cuddling up next to the fire!
6. College
A time of self discovery and adventure. The possibilities are really endless!
7. Castles
Another thing I’m a sucker for is a story in a castle. Especially if it is a historical romance, or a time traveling romance. Love love love them and want to see more!
8. Bookstores/Coffee Shops
Two of my favorite locations…it would be so much fun to read about them…like a group of friends gathering each week…or two strangers meeting and slowly falling in love…
9. Australia
This is one of the places that I have always wanted to visit (and I will someday) and I love to read a story (or stories) where that is the primary setting. I think it would be a very unique and fun place travel to in a book.
10. Volunteer Shelter
I would love to read more stories that teach the value and the importance of volunteering and giving back. On the surface, it may seem kind of lame but, I still think there is possibility for many different type of stories there. I know I would read it!
Have you read any books with these settings?
If so, please share! I want to read them all!
As always Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke And The Bookish.
Y’all, looks like we have a whole new incoming class of debut authors coming in and I could not be more excited. I mean, sure I love reading books by tried and true authors but there’s something incredibly exciting about new voices coming on the scene. I daresay, a few of you will agree with me. (I have been listening to Pride & Prejudice, thus the daresay). Here’s ten debuts that I am looking forward to that I haven’t featured in previous Top Ten Tuesdays.
Why?: I’ve mentioned The Madman’s Daughter in a few other pots, however I’m looking forward to it because it retells a story that we don’t often hear – The Island Of Dr. Moreau. Plus, it’s historical fiction and sounds quite compelling.
