Top Ten Tuesday...

We’re joining in on the fun over at The Broke and the Bookish for their Top Ten Tuesday (Wednesday).  Today’s list is:

Top Ten Books I Want To Reread

Monica’s List

I am not a re-reader.  There are too many books out there and not enough time.  But... if I had enough time these are the books I would definitely pick up again.

1-3.  The Gallaghers of Armdore Nora Roberts - I love this trilogy.  I fell in love with Ireland and the wonderful characters she created in this romantic tale.  I would go back to Ardmore in a heartbeat.

4. Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning - Loved it.  Loved it.  Loved it.    Mac and Barrons finally!  ‘Nuff said.  

5. Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas - Kleypas is one of my favorite HR writers and this book is my favorite of her Wallflowers series.  She has created a despicable rake that seemed beyond redemption.  Then why did I end up loving him so?    

6. Divergent by Veronica Roth - This is an exceptional debut book in a promising series.  The 2nd comes out next year, I might just need to refresh my memory.

7. Where She Went by Gayle Forman - I loved this two book series.  I loved Adam.  Great character and one of the only books that I could handle the main character being a guy.  It was an emotional, soul searching read and I enjoyed every moment of it.    

8. Naked in Death by JD Robb (Nora Roberts) - This is one of my favorite series of all time.  Although I haven’t caught up, I would go all the way back to this first book just to see the beginning of Eve and Roarke all over again.  

Lindsey’s List

I love to reread books.  Especially just before the movie comes out.

1. Harry Potter, any one of them.  Harry Potter holds my #1 spot because I think they are the easiest rereads.  I catch something new every time and they are always entertaining.  Can we all band together and force Monica to read these books?  Come on people, I can't believe she STILL hasn't read a single one of them.  They are great.

2.  Hunger Games.  Again, I can read any of them.  I think the 1st book and 3rd book are my favorites.  Not to give anything away but I balled my eyes out on the 3rd book.  Especially the last 60 or so pages.

3.  The Silver Kiss.  Isn't it pathetic?  I have read this book 3 times and I can hardly remember a detail from the book.  I read it when I was in the 6th grade.  I loved vampires and the only vampire books I knew of back then were Vampire Diaries (which I also read) and The Silver Kiss.  I remember loving it so I need to read it and remember why.

4.  Little House On The Prairie books.  I can't wait until my girls are old enough to understand these books.  As soon as they are I can promise you I will be reading them these books every night.

5.  All right, I'm going to say it.  I hate the hype around it sometimes but I do love the Twilight books.  I could read them start to finish or anywhere in between to catch up on my favorite parts.

6.  Sticking with Stephanie Myers, The Host.  Like most people, I struggled with it in the beginning and I'd like to read it again.  Gain a new perspective.  Don't get me wrong, I loved the book (I'm hoping the movie will do it justice), but I was so confused in the beginning.

7.  Things Fall Apart.  I just bought this book for my husband.  I read it in high school because I was forced.  I don't remember the details but I remember liking it (hmmm...I'm starting to see a pattern here, maybe I need to work on my memory).

8.  Divergent.  It was a great book and I think I'll need to read it again because I can't wait for the 2nd book to come out.

9.  Edgar Allen Poe.  I can't believe he is this low on my list.  Let's just say it's not a ranking.  Just 10 books I'd like to reread.  While Edgar Allen Poe isn't a book I put his name because I love all his work, especially his poems.  I could reread his stories any time, and I often do.

10.  The Picture of Dorian Gray.  I've only read this once and I think it's odd it popped into my head right now.  But I really would like to read it again.  It's got a lot of great quotes for life.

Julianne’s List

Who are your top ten rebels?

Top Ten Tuesday...

We’re joining in on the fun over at The Broke and the Bookish for their Top Ten Tuesday (Wednesday).  Today’s list is:

Top Ten Books You Loved But Never Wrote A Review For

Monica’s List

This is an easy one because I have not been writing reviews recently, nor have I been writing reviews for long.  My kids started school again and we’ve been a bit busy.  But reviews will be making their return this week!  I’m sure you’ve been waiting anxiously for that exact announcement.  

1.  Jewels of the Sun by Nora Roberts - I have fallen in love with the Gallaghers of Ardmore.  Nora has painted a vivid picture of Ireland.  Her characters are lovable and well-written.  

2. Morrigan’s Cross by Nora Roberts - Roberts has such a way with mythology.  It is so believable that I wouldn’t be surprised if Cian showed up at my doorstep or Morrigan sent me on a mission to save the world.  Beautiful mythology and again, beautiful Ireland.

3. The first 4 books in the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning - I read these one right after another, without a breath in between.  My review for Shadowfever pretty much sums up my love for this series.  Such an incredible world and characters.  

4. The Wallflower series by Lisa Kleypas - Great romances, great characters, and great writing.  The banter and issues are so entertaining, I never once got bored.

5. Juliet by Ann Fortier - I love the spin the author gives to Romeo and Juliet.  Going from past to present, a beautiful story is created, with numerous twists and turns along the way.

6. My Name is Memory by Anne Brashares - Normally, I am not a fan of soulmate stories, but this one was different.  The characters are well-drawn and nothing lies flat here.

7. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting - Has this book made every list so far?  If so, it’s only because it is so good.  Go get it now!  

8. Delirium by Lauren Oliver - This a great dystopian about love.  It has just the right amount of romance, suspense and rebellion.  

9. My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent - This is such an original story.  I can’t believe I haven’t gotten to the next in the series.  

10. The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen - I love this author.  Her use of magic realism is so incredibly believable.  I want to live in these tiny Southern towns and know these larger than life characters.  This is her most recent books and one of my favorites.

Lindsey’s List

Julianne’s List
1. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott - Along with Harry Potter, this book helped to create the bookworm that I am today. After months and months of my mom and sisters trying to convince me to read it, I finally gave in. And you know what? I absolutely loved it.
2. Goose Girl by Shannon Hale - Hale is hands down one of my favorite authors. This novel in particular is my favorite of hers. Whenever there is a rainy day or I'm in the mood for a good read, this is the book I pick up.
3. Graceling by Kristin Cashore - Honestly what I love most about this book is that the people that have totally beast powers, or Gracelings, have two different eyes colors. How cool is that? It also happens to be a really good book. So you should... you know.... READ IT!  
4. 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher - I know what you're thinking, "You like a book about a girl who committed suicide?" If you're a person who said this then you obviously haven't read this book. This is an absolutely amazing book and I suggest that everyone read it.
4. Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell - This is the first free verse book I had ever read. At first I was skeptical but after a few pages in I was hooked. This is a wonderful retelling and a nice twist of the tale of the Lady of Shalott.
5. The Secret Journal of Brett Colton by Kay Lynn Mangum - Great heartwarming story about a girl who comes to love her brother through his journals that he wrote for her while he was dying. 
6. The Inheritance Series by Christopher Paolini - I first read this book in 6th grade and have patiently waited through the long years for his sequels. I can't wait for the last book to come out in November. I mean it's not like I've been waiting for it for 3 years or anything. 
7. The Giver by Lois Lowry - This is a magnificent utopian story. I love the way that Lois Lowry wrote this novel.
8. An Old-Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott - Of all of her novels, this is my utter favorite. It is just a nice classic tale that I love to read.
9. What Happened to Good-bye by Sarah Dessen - This is Sarah Dessen's newest novel and I flat out love it. 
10. Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen - Everyone always talks about how wonderful Pride and Prejudice is, and I have to admit it is pretty good, but this novel is my favorite by Jane Austen. I would love to have a Mr. Tilney in my life.

What are some of your favorite books that you never reviewed?

Top Ten Tuesday, er, Thursday...

We’re joining in on the fun over at The Broke and the Bookish for their Top Ten Tuesday (Yeah, we know it's Thursday, we've been a bit behind this month).  Today’s list is a freebie, one of our choosing:

Top Ten Villains:

Monica's List
1.  Valentine from The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare - Anyone that would do the things he did and made other people believe, is so evil in my opinion.  But wicked smart.

2. Phillip Tempest from A Love Fatal Love Chase by Louisa May Alcott - No one was going to have Rosamund if he couldn't and it is a sick obsession he develops.  Super old-school villain.  Well done, Ms. Alcott.

3. Selia from Goose Girl by Shannon Hale - Talk about complete and utter betrayal.  She's bad to the bone!

4. Helen from Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn - Murderous child ghost.  Need I say more?

5. Elfin Knight from Impossible by Nancy Werlin - He starts his evil off right at the beginning.  His act is despicable and unforgivable.

6. Mrs. Danvers from Rebecca by Daphne duMaurier - So she isn't really a villain, but she is super creepy, super obsessive and super mean.  She made my skin crawl, the 1940 film version captured that perfectly

7. Sergej from the Strange Angels series by Lili St. Crow - He is ruthless, beautiful, ancient, and strong.  What could be better?

8.  The Government from Unwind by Neal Schusterman - Unwinding?  Kids?  Ugh!  This book was a struggle for me to get into, but not because it was slow (which it wasn't).  The thought of unwinding a child is so completely disturbing and detestable that I couldn't swallow the concept.  Such an amazing book though.

9. The Capitol from the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins - Go read this book now, if you don't know why I chose this villain.  

10. The Killer in The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting - Creepy!  Nasty!  Reading the POV of the killer will make your skin crawl and totally get why they are a super villain.

Lindsey’s List

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Julianne’s List

1. Voldemort - Need I say more???
2. Valentine from The Mortal Instuments - He turned one of his children into a little demon child. Creep.
3. Lord Ido from Eon - This guy not only has super awesome dragon powers, but he is super scary. Not only does he go on a little killing spree, but at one point he can control Eona with his freaking mind.
4. President Snow from Hunger Games - He smells like blood. Can it get any sketchier?
5. The Government in Delirium - They say love is a disease and can be cured. So they take it away. Who in their right mind would agree with them?
6. Coin from Mockingjay - Technically she's part of the rebellion, but I think she is just a crazy, psycho woman who gets what she deserves in the end.
7. Sauron from Lord of the Rings - He wants to take over MIddle-Earth and enslave everyone. What's new?
8. The White Witch from The Chronicles of Narnia - She kills Aslan, granted he comes back. Who wouldn't hate her?

Who are your top ten villains?

Top Ten Tuesday...

We’re joining in on the fun over at The Broke and the Bookish for their Top Ten Tuesday.  Today’s list is:

Top Ten Underrated Books (books you can't believe aren't more popular, books that are more obscure, etc.)

Monica’s List

Since I tend to read more YA, it looks like my list will be pretty heavy with it today.  And some of my choices might not be so much underrated as they just aren't as popular as I think they should be.  In no particular order:

1. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting  This is one of my favorite YA Paranormal reads.  The idea is original and the characters are strong.  5 Stars

2. The Strange Angels series by Lili St. Crow  This series is darker than most YA, but the grit and maturity amps it up.  I can’t wait to see what happens to Dru next.  The 5th book in the series comes out in November 2011. 4.5 Stars

3. Nightshade by Andrea Cremer  What if werewolves were forced to work for someone and that someone was evil?  The good ones would fight back.  I love Calla and the little triangle she finds herself in.  Team Ren! 5 Stars

4. The Prophecy of the Sisters series by Michelle Zink  This one is full of legend, mystery, betrayal, and love.  What’s not to enjoy?  4 Stars

5. The Secret Circle series by LJ Smith  We hear so much about the Vampire Diaries, but this series is just as action-packed and entertaining.  Cassie is a great heroine and I quickly related to her.  Excellent read.  4.5 Stars

6. Persuasion by Jane Austen  Okay, so Austen is not what you would call underrated, but Persuasion is my fave novel of hers and I don't think it gets as much attention.  It's slower moving than P & P, but the love story is tortured and amazing.  5 Stars

7. A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb  This is a hauntingly beautiful story.  I bought it because I loved the cover and ended up loving the book.  5 Stars

Lindsey’s List

1. The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
2. The Godfather series by Mario Puzo

3.  Unwind by Neal Schusterman

4. The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare

5. The Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare 

6. The Darkest Powers trilogy by Kelley Armstrong

7. Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa

8. Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

9. The Host by Stephenie Meyer

10. Ethereal by Addison Moore 
11. Grey Eyes by Brandon Alston and Quinteria Ramey

Julianne’s List

1. A Countess Below Stairs by Eva Ibottson

2. Fire by Kristin Cashore

3. 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

4. Gemma Doyle Series (A Great and Terrible Beauty) by Libba Bray

5. The Mortal Instruments/ The Infernal Devices both by Cassandra Clare

6. Darkest Powers series by Kelley Armstrong

7. East by Edith Pattou

8. Books of Pellinor by Alison Croggon

9. The Maze Runner by James Dashner

10. Keturah and Lord Death by Martine Leavitt

What novels do you think are underrated?

Top Ten Tuesday...

We’re joining in on the fun over at The Broke and the Bookish for their Top Ten Tuesday.  Today’s list is:

Top Ten Authors We Would DIE to Meet:

Monica’s List

Some of these authors I would literally have to die in order to meet and some I would just love to meet.

1. Charlotte Bronte - She is the author of my all-time favorite book, Jane Eyre.  I would like to bow at her feet.  Too much?

2. Edgar Allan Poe - Who wouldn’t like to meet this guy?  I would love to sit down and have a chat, hopefully not involving a thick haze of opium, but I’ll take what I can get.

3. Nora Roberts - One question, How does she do it?  Seriously, that woman is a writing machine.

4. Cassandra Clare - I would like to meet the woman responsible for creating Jace and thank her.

5. Sarah Addison Allen - I love her writing and would love to sit down for a little chat about the magical world she creates in small town North Carolina.

6. Jane Austen - Mr. Darcy, Captain Wentworth, Elizabeth Bennet, need I say more?

7. Louisa May Alcott - I love everything she has ever written.  She’s an amazing writer.

8. Shannon Hale - Not only do I enjoy her books, but she’s hilarious.  I love her blog where she updates quite regularly.  

9. Ann M. Martin - She is one of the reasons I love reading.  Babysitters Club kept me up late into the night.  

10. Mary Downing Hahn - She introduced me to the world of Paranomal and I haven’t looked back since.

Lindsey’s List
1. Edgar Allen Poe-I have a little bit of a dark side to me and I love his.
2.  Laura Ingalls Wilder-She was my favorite author when I was younger.  There are people who fantasise about laying out on the beach in some tropical paradise but I fantasise about simpler times.  No AC, no cars, real work to be done.  I would love to go back to those times.  (and when I say no AC I wont be living in the South).
3.  Dr. Suess-I love poems, I love rhymes, I love color and imagination, I love Dr. Suess.
4.  Maurice Sendak-Another children's author.  His book, Where the Wild Things Are, has always stuck with me.  My girls love this book and my youngest reminds me Max.  I want to write a children's book someday and I would love Sendak's pointers.
5. L.J. Smith-I first read her first Vampire Diaries book around 15 years ago.  I was a young girl who loved vampire stories and had a hard time finding a good book.  I love her vampire books and I would love to thank her personally.
6.  Shannon Hale-I haven't read all her books but I love the ones I have read.  Goose Girl was my favorite which leads to my next author(s).
7.  The Brothers Grimm-I love fairy tales and I love that they put together children's fairy tales.  I have a collection of their fairy tales and I love to read them.  I loved reading Goose Girl and then Shannon Hale wrote her version of Goose Girl.  I'm going to go in a bit of a circle here.  Shannon Hale reminded me of Goose Girl, Goose Girl reminded me of Brothers Grimm, Brothers Grimm made me think of how much I love fairy tales, I realized how many times I was saying love, which made me think of Molly Shannon, which made me think of her SNL skit "I love it!  I love it!  I love it!"
8.  Jane Austen-I feel like if I didn't want to meet her there would be something wrong with me.
9.  Oscar Wilde-My favorite book of his is The Picture of Dorian Grey.  He just sounds like an interesting guy.  I'd love to talk to him about Dorian Grey.  I always wanted more of that story.
10.  Monica Blood-Ok, ok, so I have obviously met her but she lives too far away!  I don't know if any of you know, but she is writing a book herself.  Ever since she was a little girl she has had this amazing ability to write.  I love reading what she writes.  I could seriously sit for hours and read her thoughts.  She cracks me up and she makes me proud that she's my sister.  I'm such a goob.  I've got tears streaming down my face right now as I type this, thinking of my sister.  I love you sis!  Can't wait to see you.

Julianne’s List
These are in no particular order whatsoever. Well except for the first one. She is my absolute favorite.
1. J.K. ROWLING - She wrote my all time favorite book series. EVER. Why wouldn't I want to meet her? She also introduced me to the wonderful world of reading. Without her, I wouldn't be the bookworm that I am today.
2. SUZANNE COLLINS - Hunger Games... need I say more? She also introduced me to the world of dystopian novels.
3. J.R.R. TOLKIEN - The whole world that he created just amazed me. I want to know how he came up with it all.
4. C.S. LEWIS - Narnia?? I still look for portals there any chance I get. Mostly in big gigantic wardrobes.
5. KELLEY ARMSTRONG - I just can't seem to get enough of her paranormal series. I have read it again and again. And I would like to thank her.
6. CASSANDRA CLARE - Like Monica has said I would love to thank her for creating the wonderful man that is Jace. And her new boys Ash and Will... is it possible for her to not create beautiful men???
7. LIBBA BRAY - Her books are just so wonderfully dark, aren't they?
8. CHRISTOPHER PAOLONI - Not only did he write Eragon when he was fifteen, but it is one of the most amazing series I have ever read. I'm still anxiously waiting for his final book Inheritence to come out this fall! EEEEKKK I CAN'T WAIT!
9. SHANNON HALE - I just simply LOVE her books. Goose Girl is always my go-to book on a rainy day.
10. LOUSIA MAY ALCOTT - I remember when my mom and sisters kept egging me on to read Little Women and I just didn't want to. Then I did and I fell in love with this woman. To this day Old-Fashioned Girl is still one of my favorites.

Who would you like to meet?

Top Ten Tuesday...

We’re joining in on the fun over at The Broke and the Bookish for their Top Ten Tuesday.  Today’s list is:

Top Ten Rebels in Literature:

Monica’s List

These aren’t necesarily the top ten, but they are the characters that pop into my mind first when I think of good rebels in literature.

1. Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins - Epitome of a rebel to me. 

2. Isi from Goose Girl by Shannon Hale - Rebels to survive

3. Lady Katsa from Graceling by Kristin Cashore - She is one kick-butt hitwoman.  You don't want to be on her bad side.

4. Dru Anderson from Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow - She's tired of being left in the dark.  Her powers are growing and so is her rebellious streak.

5. Meghan Chase from the Iron Fey series by Julia Kagawa - She fights to keep those she loves safe.

6. Lena Haloway from Delirium by Lauren Oliver - Nobody's going to tell her what to do, especially when it comes to love.

7. Violet Ambrose from The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting - Nothing will stop her from finding a killer. 

8. Rosamund Vivian from A Long Fatal Love Chase by Louisa May Alcott - She's far from the classic proper girls of most 1800's literature.  She knows what she wants and she'll have it.  

9. Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - The classic rebel, she'll live life on her terms.

10. Huck Finn from The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain - It's the spirit of rebellion that keeps this young boy going.  

Lindsey’s List

...is off at a family reunion.

Julianne’s List

Who are your top ten rebels?