Top Ten Books on Jan's List for Winter

 

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by the Broke and Bookish.

This week's list highlights books that are due out between December through March.What better way to stay cozy and warm than with a great book? Here are the ten books I hope to do just that with.

Wintertown by Stephen Emond: When I first read the summary for this one it reminded me of John Green meaning it is all about relationships and has a male protagonist infatuated with a girl. I love reading books that focus on relationships that are slightly askew, and this sounds amazing.

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare: I am definitely ready to read more from Clare so I am super excited about getting my hands on this sequel to Clockwork Angel.

The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder: This is a debut novel and sounds fantastic since it deals with a protagonist who is dying; it also sounds like a intensely personal read.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E Smith: A book that takes place over a 24 hour period in an airport. Can't wait to read this one.

Enshadowed by Kelly Creagh: Nevermore was an amazing read and it seems like I have been waiting forever to see whether Isobel will be able to save Varen.

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver: I love Oliver and would read anything she writes. I am certainly excited about finding what will happens next for Lena and Alex.

Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins: Love the Hex Hall series and cannot wait to find out what is up next for Archer and Sophie.

Hallowed by Cynthia Hand: Pretty sure that this one will be on a lot of the list today and like everyone else I cannot wait to find out more about Tucker (sigh) and Clare.

Bewitching by Alex Flinn: I have to admit I just learned about the release of this one (thank you Melissa) and am very excited about it. I enjoy Flinn's writing and even use a couple of her books in my classroom so when I learned that she was focusing in on Kendra I was thrilled.

The Fine Art of Truth and Dare by Melissa Jenson: This one is definitely has my interest piqued. It sounds very cute, has a boarding school vibe and while it might just be a fluff read the title and the summary has me wanting it.

Well, that my list for winter releases so far. What are books are you looking forward to snuggling up with on those long cold winter days and nights?

My Top Ten Books I Had VERY Strong Emotions About

This week's Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish is all about those books that in some way raised your emotional levels: made you cry, laugh out loud, or had you screaming at the top of your lungs in frustration or anger.

Bridge to Terabithia by Kathrine Peterson: My son, who unlike his mother, hated to read and avoided it at all costs.  One night I found out he was suppose to finish this book for class, and still had several chapters to finish. While I had read this book already, I proceeded to read it out loud to him before bed that night. As we got to (spoiler ahead) the part when Jess learns about Leslie's death, tears began to fall and by the time I finished I was sobbing uncontrollably as I read. Not sure whether it was my emotional breakdown, or the story, or both, but I had my son in tears too.


Souless by Gail Carrington: I listened to this book on audio and remember sitting in the car laughing out loud at the ending, which was the most hysterical and sexy honeymoon scene I have ever read.


Paper Towns by John Green: Another audio book that had me laughing out loud in my car, but also had me fearing the end. Sometimes I wonder what people must think when they see me driving along and cracking up when there is obviously no one in the car with me.

Eva by Peter Dickinson: Another older book that remains a favorite of mine and emotionally torn by the subject matter. Eva's parents in an effort to save her life after a horrific accident transplants her brain into the body of chimpanzee. The story revolves around her adjustment and eventual acceptance, with a very unusual twist at the end. I was outraged and distraught reliving all Eva's emotions right along with her.

Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok: The hard realities of a young Chinese immigrant attempting to find her place in America, while maintaining her own culture and the dealing secretly with her poverty was an emotional rollercoaster.

Where the Read Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls: I came to this book not as a children but as an adult. The ending was a heart-breaker and definitely left me in tears.  


1984 by George Orwell: My first dystopian novel read in high school and it left an indelible mark causing lots of different emotions including fear and outrage for the characters and their lives.

Tuedays With Morrie by Mitch Albom: A book that is both uplifting and sad filled with such strong emotions.

New Moon by Stephanie Meyers: OK I know that these books produce strong emotions on both sides of the spectrum, but I read them as they were published and this one had me hurting a lot. The separation between Bella and Edward was very upsetting and I sped through the book wanting to see these two star-crossed lovers reunited. 

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte: One of the most romantic and books I have ever read. I felt so much sympathy for Jane's life and wanted so much for her to be loved. I rejoiced at the ending. 

Jan's Top Ten Book to Read During Halloween

In keeping with Halloween this week's Top Ten List hosted by The Broke and the Bookish is all about getting your scare on. While my list has several books I have also listed a few short stories that are great reads for this time of year.

Morpheus Road:The Light by DJ MacHale: A truly suspenseful tale with a great protagonist this one is also a fantastic audio book and will have you reading with the lights on.

The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff: Creepy with lots of great atmosphere. The setting is almost as amazing as the characters.

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson: Loved the story and the connection with Jack the Ripper.


Nevermore by Kelly Creagh: Want a little romance while you are getting your scare on than this one has it and lots more.

The Dead Boys by Royce Buckingham: Lots of ghost and a very evil boy eating tree this one is short enough to read in on Halloween night, but long on the fright-o-meter.

Liesl and Po by Lauren Oliver: While this doesn't have the creep factor of any of the others ones I have listed, it is long on story and fearing the worse for the protagonists. A really fantastic story.

Pemba's Story: A Ghost Story by Marilyn Nelson and Tonya C. Hegmin: Based on research with an actual eye witness, this one is also a book that can be read in one night and has you jumping at shadows.

The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allen Poe: It's Poe enough said.

"The Tell Tale Heart" by Edgar Allen Poe: Ditto of the above.

"The Monkey's Paw" by William Wymark: Very suspenseful and while it is easy to predict what is coming, this is one heck of a masterful short story and perhaps the first zombie tale. Great read-aloud next to a fire for effect.

Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Books that Left Me with My Mouth Hanging Open

Welcome to Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Today's top ten book are book that literally dropped my jaw because of a surprise ending or cliffhanger.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkins: I finished this one this weekend after reading so many fantastic reviews about its awesomeness and all I can say is OMG the book was amazing and my mouth is still open after reading the last sentence.

Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan: Another recent read that ended with me wondering what was going to happen next.

Crave by  Melinda Metz and Laura J Burns: Great vampire story and romance that ended badly for the the couple. I have been waiting a long time to close my mouth on this one thankfully Sacrifice just came out and I will get a chance to see what becomes of this great couple.

The Gathering by Kelly Armstrong: Can't even imagine where this one will go next, but the end was suspenseful and has me all fired up for The Calling.

The Magnolia League by Katie Crouch: Hoodoo and southern belles, can't wait to see if revenge is going to be sweet.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J. K. Rowlings: As a big fan of Stephen King back in my twenties, I was use to having characters killed off but this one was a really shocker. I not only had my mouth open but was screaming noooooooo!

Tiger's Curse by Collen Houck: Such a great love story with a terrible curse and when I finished I was so thankful that Tiger's Quest had just been released I ran out to the bookstore so I could continue reading.

The Giver by Lois Lowry: When The Giver first came out the ending was such a twist from any other book I had ever read that it definitely caused me to wonder about how Lowry could end it so unusually with the reader reading into it what they wanted. For me I wanted a happy ending!

The Fever Series by Karen Moning: While I don't remember if these books ended with huge cliffhangers, I do remember I had to read the next book right now, and when I finished the series, I wanted more. What I do remember is that throughout the books I was catching flies a lot.

The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins: What can I say except again the first two books had me slack jawed and the last one had me shaking my head and sad that the series was over.

I am sure that there are a lot more I could come up with that have had me shocked and amazed at the end of the book, but this list was harder than most. I am anxious to see which books left you shocked and amazed too.

Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Books I Want to Reread

Welcome to Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This week's list is all about those books that were just so great you just have to read them again.


Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte: This is a book that I have already read at least twice in my lifetime and would love to reread again. Definitely one of my all time classics.


Graceling: by Kriston Cashore: Another favorite story and while technically my first experience with the book was in audio form, I loved it so much that I listen to it twice and then bought the book so I could reread it again.

The Gathering by Kelly Armstrong: Right now I am awaiting book two in this series since I have to wait until April I will be rereading it again the story was that good.

The Magnolia League by Katie Crouch: Another great story that I cannot wait for the second book to be release and want to reread before it comes out.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: I read this before I began blogging and loved it. I would love to reread it before I see the movie. 


Harry Potter series by J K Rowlings: OK, so I actually have reread Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, but would just like to spend a couple weeks going through the whole series since I read the series as it came out.




Twilight series by Stephanie Meyers: Now don't shoot me for this, but again I read this series as it came out and way before I began blogging. I know that many bloggers have some very strong opinions about the books, but I did enjoy them, and now I would love to see whether they can stand up to some serious scrutiny on my part.

The Stand by Steven King: Way back in my twenties I devoured all thing King and loved his early work.  Of all his books The Stand was one of my all time favorites and I would love to reread it. 

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson: I read this in 1999 when it first came out and was extremely taken by it. After hearing last year about it being a banned book, I thought about how ludicrous it was that someone could possibly consider this book pornography.

Unwind by Neal Schusterman: I recently heard that a sequel to this book was being published and I would love to reread this one before the new book is released. Definitely one of my all time favorite dystopian novels.


Well, that is my list of books I would love to reread, just wish I could find time to do it. What books would you like to reread?

Top Ten Book I Feel Everyone Has Read But Me

Welcome to Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This week 's list is all about those books that you know everyone else has read but you. So here it is.

Raw Blue by Kristy Eager: I first heard about this book last year and since I have seen it everywhere. Luckily, this is one I will be getting soon and the I too will be one of the many who has had the chance to see just how great the book is.

Graffiti Moon by Kristy Eager: Yes, another book I have read wonderful reviews and have wanted for over a year, but has not yet been released in the US.

Sookie Stackhouse series by Chalaine Harris: I had never heard of this series until I began blogging. I still remember the day I went into a bookstore and found out there were eight books in the series and number twelve was released this summer. I may not get to these until I retire.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Eyre:  OK here is the one I am most ashamed of because while I have watched both the BBC mini series and the newer version of the movie I have yet to read this one on my own. 

The Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead: While I did finally listen to the first book in this series that is as far as I have gotten, but I know how popular this series is and now that Mead has started a new series I had hoped to jump on the bandwagon and read it. Only trouble is every review I have read about Bloodlines talks about some of the characters from The Vampire Academy showing up Ugh!

Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink: I actually have this on my TBR shelf and bought it because so many bloggers raved about it and the two other books that I bought it and just have not gotten around to it.

The Poison Study by Marie Snyder: Yet another series I came to after blogging, and while I have read the Glass study series I have not gotten around to this one.

Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa: Yes, I read Iron King and loved it and yes, I have Iron Daughter, but no I have not read it yet. 

Fallen by Lauren Kate: I own it, but I just haven't gotten around to it. 

Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick: Once again I own it but just haven't gotten around to it as yet.

Except for the first two, which I cannot get yet, which of these books should I read next?

 

 

Top Ten Sequels I'm Dying to Read

Because we all love lists, this meme created by The Broke and the Bookish was created to give us a chance to combine that love with our passion for books.

This week is all about the sequels we are most anxious to read. So here is my top ten list.

Tiger's Voyage by Colleen Houck:  I fell in love with this series set in India. The combination of Indian mythology, a quest to break a centuries old curse and a romantic triangle that involves brothers is filled with loads of action and a high stake danger. I cannot wait to find out, which of the brothers Kelsey will choose or whether or not she will even get the chance to choose. The book is due out Nov 1, 2011

The Calling by Kelly Armstrong: The cover for The Calling can only be found on Armstrong's website and I am excited about this second book in this trilogy it will be especially painful to wait until spring to get my hands on this one. Maya the main character is a skin-walker who lives with her adopted parents on Vancouver Island in a small medical research town. The first book ended on a huge cliff-hanger with Maya and her friends and family leaving town after a forest fire deliberately set forces them to evacuate. Lots of unanswered question about the research facility and Maya's newly discovered abilities make this second a book a must have for me.

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare: I came to Clare's writing after reading Clockwork Angel and after devouring it and then all of the Mortal Instruments books I am a devoted fan. Got a feeling that this book will be on a lot of people's list today and for good reason. We all want to find out what is in store for both Jem, and Will, and Tessa. Romance, demon fighting, with steampunk thrown in for good measure this series is high adventure at its best.


Hallowed by Cynthia Heard:  The Unearthly series caught me by surprise as I am not all the fond of angel related books. I especially fell in love with Tucker the hot cowboy who won Clare's heart and am anxious to see where their romance and Clare's angel training will lead next.

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver: Its hard to believe that Oliver only released her debut novel about the time I began blogging (two years ago). I loved Delirium and hated that at the end of the first book Lena escaped without Alex. This book finds Lena fighting against the oppressive society. The summary suggests that Lena not only is struggling to survive, but may be falling love again. 

Outpost by Ann Augirre:  I recently finished Enclave and am happy that there is a sequel coming out that continues the struggle of Deuce, Fade, and Stalker as they adjust to life topside. While this one is not scheduled to be release till fall 2012, it sounds like all the things that made Enclave a thrilling dystopian novel will make Outpost just as thrilling.

Perception by Kim Harrington: Clarity was such an original and charming mystery with a great setting and a different protagonist that I am looking forward to revisiting Clare and her psychic abilities as she tries to unravel a new mystery close to her heart.

The White Glove War (Magnolia League #2) by Katie Crouch:

While this one is in the final stages of editing, which means no cover or release date as yet, I am excited about it because I was quite captivated with The Magnolia League. The first book takes place in Savannah, Georgia and introduced us to Alex a free-spirited girl forced to live with her grandmother who is the grand dame of a Southern society that has enjoyed wielding power hoodo style.  In book two I see Alex and her grandmother going head to head and I am rooting for Alex.

The Death Cure by James Dashner: The final book in this amazing dystopian series that started out strong and maintained that strength in book two, but left us hanging as to who would survive definitely has a place on my list of sequels. The Wicked experiments went from jungle to desert and based on the cover will find Thomas fighting Arctic conditions as he attempts to takes down Wicked. Coming out next month.

Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore: While this last title is not really a sequel, I am adding it because of  it is a companion book to Graceling, which is one of my all time favorite book since I first began blogging. I love the adventure and the romance of Graceling, but most of all Cashore's gorgeous poetic prose. Katsa remains top on my list of stand out heroines, and I figure if Cashore is not going to write a sequel to Gracling, then Bitterblue, which will bring Katsa and Po back along with an older version of Bitterblue, which will certainly be the next best thing.

 

My Top Ten List of Books on My TBR List

Because we all love lists, this meme created by The Broke and the Bookish was created to give us a chance to combine that love with our passion for books.

This week is all about the books we are most lusting after. Like a kid in a candy store, I am always wanting more so this is an easy list especially since I only have to list ten. So here are my current list of books I just have to have.


The Eleventh Plague by Jeff Hirsch: Last May after the Area Wide Book Battle an annual event created and host at the middle school where I work, I got to have lunch with James Dashner, Heather Brewer, and some bookish types from Scholastic. Of course we talked about book and this was a title that came up in our conversation. Since I am a huge fan of dystopian and post-apocalyptic fiction I have been anxious to read it ever since.



Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins: Oh how I adored Anna and the French Kiss and I am keeping my fingers crossed that this next book by Perkins is as good (dare I say or better) as her first novel)


Fury by Elizabeth Miles: OK I admit it I do lust after covers, but yesterday I read a fabulous review of this over at Daisy Chain Book Reviews, which has me counting the days before I can get to a book store to pick it up. Leanna compares it to Stephan King meets Lois Duncan with a dash of Greek mythology who can resist.


Frost by Wendy Delsol: While I have to wait another month for this one I am so wanting this book now. I loved Stork and really am looking forward to reading more about the Icelandic Stork society. This promises more romance, with Katla having to save Jack from the Snow Queen. 


Witchlanders by Lena Coakley: I love male POV's and this one delivers along with another passion of mine witches. It also sounds like an original premise offering new territory for both my passions.


Supernaturally by Kristen White: Another sequel that I cannot wait to read. Paranormalcy was such an fun book with a terrific protagonist that I anxious to revisit Evie and the Paranormal Containment Agency.

The Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare: Unlike many readers I came to Clare's writing with The Clockwork Angel before I read her Mortal Instrument's series (which I later devoured), so I am anxious read more about Will and Jem (my fav).


Witch Song by Amber Argyle: Yet another witchy book, but again this one sets the main character on a quest to find a traitor and save the witches and the world. 


The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith: A twist of fate and quirks of timing offer up a story that plays out over a 24 hour period definitely must to read this one.


The Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon: Another cover lust, but it also is set in Ireland at a school and offers up a fated romance that spells possible "ultimate destruction" how can I resist.



What books do you have on your current TBR list?

Jan's Top Ten Books That Should Be Required Reading for Teens

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists at The Broke and the Bookish and love  sharing their lists with other bookish folks.

Each week a new Top Ten list is posted that one of the bloggers  at The Broke and the Bookish answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

This is the first time I have participated in Top Ten Tuesday, but I couldn't pass this one up. Since I began this blog as an extension to the independent reading component in my 8th grade classroom, almost every book I read ends up on my classroom shelf, and I am always encouraging my students to try this book or that, hoping to develop a life long love of reading before they get to high school. Since I teach the younger ranger of teens, I have tried to compile a list of books that will speak to them as well as books that represent older teens.

1. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee: This is a quintessential coming of age read for everyone. It is also the perfect example of how all the elements of fiction come together to produce one of the finest stories ever told.

2. Lord of the Flies by William Goldings: Another fantastic coming age tale, but very different in the telling. The allegorical connections to the characters and the themes make this a must read in classic literature.

3. Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes by Edith Hamilton: All teens need a basic background in Greek mythology and Edith Hamilton is the Queen of Myth. These ageless tales provide background for understanding much of classic literature and poetry as well as a lot of today's popular tales.

4. Ender's Game by Orson Card Scott: This is a very accessible science fiction novel and deals with two opposing traits compassion and ruthlessness. 

5. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie: Funny and poignant Alexi accurately portrays life on an Indian Reservation and a boy's struggle to rise above the his culture without losing it in the process. Definitely one of my favorite books.

6. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson:  A important story both for girls and boys, with a strong message about speaking out and getting help. 

7. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling: Although by the time most kids become teens I think they have already entered the world of HP, I still think this is a series all teens should be familiar with. Already classics they will continue to entice and entertain our youth for decades and is a great stepping stone to the fantasy genre.

8. Romeo and Juliet/Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare: While I think all teens should be exposed to the Bard, these two are accessible representations of  his tragic and his comedic prowess. Both great plays they each allow for very different conversations about love.

9.  The Giver by Lois Lowery: Although this book has primarily been demoted to 5th grade, I think every teen should read it. It is a fantastic example of a dystopian world disguised as a utopia.

10. The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton: Another coming of age story that explores class differences. Because of Hinton's age at the time the story is quite authentic in it characterization and appeals even to reluctant readers. 

After working up this list I still have quite a few books that I could add, but then I would probably have a list of my top twenty, fifty or hundred so I am stopping here. 

Jan's Top Ten Books I'd Like Made into Movies

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

Here are ten books I would love to see on the big screen

Graceling by Kristin Cashore would make a fabulous movie because it has everything I love to watch. Action, romance, and a kick-ass protagonist. Plus, it has a definite middle age feel to it and I love that era!

 Jennifer Donnelly's  amazing book Revolution would also make a fabulous movie. Set in Paris and switching back and forth from present day to the French revolution, this would be a  costume designer's dream, and the duel story lines would be so much fun to see.

Any of Gail Carriger's books about Alexia Tarrabotti would be fabulous on the big screen. Seeing all the Victorian fashion and London streets filled with vampires and werewolves all mingling together. Alexia is such a fun character as is Lord Maccon, and the flamboyant vampire Lord Akeldama. These are some amazing characters to bring to life visually as is the story itself.

The entire Chaos Walking series by Patrick Ness is also a story that would make an epic movie, although each book would have to be done as a  separate movie in order to do it justice. This would be an one very action packed movie.

Karen Marie Moning's Fever series is another series I would love to see as a movie, although this would definitely be rate R. MacKala Lane is a fantastic protagonist as see grows from sweet southern belle, to the a women who fights to save the world from the dark fae.  Set in Dublin, I love to see all the  places Mac goes and the monsters she fights, and as mean and nasty as Jericho Barrons is, he is one very sexy male!

 Impossible by Nancy Werlin is another book I think would be a great movie. I loved how Werlin took a song (Scarsborough Fair) and came up with a crazy curse that affected all females in a bloodline that dates back many years. Lucy the protagonist with the help of the love of her life has to break the curse before she goes crazy. 

 The Iron King by Julie Kagawa would be quite a great adventure/fantasy flick. Lots of action and a love triangle. Love to see Kagawa's fae world portrayed.

 OK, gotta have a scary movie in the mix too and what would make Morpheus Road: The Light by D. J. MacHale  fun to bring to life are the amazing characters that are in this book. Plus, there is non- stop tension as Marshal tries to unravel what happened to his friend Cooper aided by Cooper's beautiful and snarky sister Sydney. High tension, with lots of creepy moments to raise the hair on the back of your neck.

Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohen and David Levithan is the perfect Christmas release. It is funny and light-hearted and the love story is so sweet that it would fall into the PG range. 

 Last but not least I would love to see Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John on the big screen. It would have a great song track, and I just loved this story so much.  Piper is an amazing teen, and I think it would be awesome to portray a girl who is not handicapped by her disability but totally holds her own and then some.