Top Ten Tuesday (33): Books I Think Would Make Great Book Club Picks

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. Each week a new Top Ten list will be posted by one of the bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish. Everyone is welcome to join, just make sure to link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so everyone can check out other blogger lists. Have fun!

This is a list that I hope to impart upon my library system since we need to update the Book Club list.

Top Ten Books I Think Would Make Great Book Club Picks

(In no particular order)

1. Dash & Lily's Book of Dares

by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

2. The International Kissing Club

by Ivy Adams

3. Dear Bully

by Various Authors

4. The Lover's Dictionary

by David Levithan

5. Flawless

by Lara Chapman

6. Poison Study

by Maria V. Snyder

7. The Color of Earth

by Kim Dong Hwa

8. Keturah and Lord Death

by Martine Leavitt

9. Blood and Chocolate

by Annette Curtis Klause

10. Born at Midnight

by C.C. Hunter

The Librarian's Advice: Entering Library School

Several of the library assistants in my branch have asked a question that I think other library students or those who think they might want to attend graduate school in library/information science should hear.  To make this a proper post, I'm going to also include other commonly-asked questions and answer them as a librarian and a former library student.  Remember, this is just the advice of one librarian and opinions might differ from other librarians' thoughts and advice.

Question: What should I do if I want to go into library school?

The Librarian's Advice: In the case of my library assistants, they are already doing what I had hoped to be advised during or even before I entered graduate school.  The best thing you can do is to already be involved in a library system.  One of the hardest parts of library school is locating employment once you have graduated as I know from personal experience.  However, when you are already part of a system, you are able to experience what the library profession has to offer as a career path and also the daily tasks of librarians and paraprofessionals.  Not being part of a system while I was attending graduate school, I was definitely a few steps behind my fellow library students and it took a while before I was able to find a librarian 1 position.

Question: What library school should I attend?

The Librarian's Advice: Any library school that is accredited according to the American Library Association's standards.  Accreditation means that the school is a certified educational center of authority and credibility on the subject matter, namely library and information science.  Employers always look at which graduate school potential employees have attended, and that school should typically be accredited by the ALA.  It's also favorable to look at what specializations are offered within the library/information science program and what classes are required for that specialization when deciding on which school to attend.

Question: Should I have a specialization for my field of study in library school?

The Librarian's Advice: This actually depends on whether you're already part of a library system, a museum, or another type of library.  Unless you have a particular area of the library you are interested in (i.e. cataloging, preservation, youth services, etc.), it is probably more beneficial to choose the generalized area of study to have a more well-rounded education.  Then again, this also depends on what library school you choose to attend.  My best advice is to definitely do your research about several library schools you are interested in attending and then check out what areas of specialization they offer and the classes listed for each specialization.

For my fellow librarians, please feel free to offer additional advice in the comments or discuss your own library school experience. 

If you have a question regarding library school, library employment, or library services to be discussed in a future post, please email me.

New Blog Design!

I just wanted to thank Lori of both Pure Imagination and Imagination Blog Designs for creating my new blog design. I'm so happy with it now, and I hope my readers will enjoy the new look as well. 

In My Mailbox (22)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren where bloggers post about the books they have received in the past week whether for review, purchased, or checked out from the library. ^_^

I honestly wasn't expecting to do an IMM post this week, but today's book signing surprised me. 

Shadow Falls T-Shirt from C.C. Hunter (Serious happiness here, C.C.!)

Awake at Dawn by C.C. Hunter (signed!)

Taken at Dusk ARC by C.C. Hunter (Borrowed, thank you Christin at Portrait of a Book!)

Bookmark for Shattered Dreams by Ellie James

Many Bookmarks for Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey to give out at my library (Thank you, Mary!)

Welcome to Shadow Falls Notepad and Pen from C.C. Hunter

That's all for my surprise mailbox this week. What did you get in your mailbox?

TGIF: Buy or Borrow?

TGIF is a weekly meme created and hosted by GReads! that recaps the week's posts and has a different question each week.

This week on Denim-Jacket Librarian Dishes:

In My Mailbox (21)

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Favorite Stand-Alones

Buy or Borrow: Where do your books that you read come from? The bookstore? The library? Do you prefer to own a book or have it on loan?

My Answer: The majority of my books come from bookstores, usually Half-Price Books because they are awesome in the variety and price departments. However, if I see a book that I'm not sure about owning, I will check my library to see if we have a copy. I'm less likely to purchase a book if I know my library has a copy, thus why I keep a list of titles my system has to check out in my library account. Generally, I prefer to own a book, but having some on loan both eases my own bookshelves and helps me feel less guilty if I decide to stop reading it and return it.

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Favorite Stand-Alones

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. Each week a new Top Ten list will be posted by one of the bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish. Everyone is welcome to join, just make sure to link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so everyone can check out other blogger lists. Have fun!

Sometimes, you just want a story found within a single volume. That's the beauty of stand-alones.

Top Ten Favorite Stand-Alones

(In no particular order)

1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Perhaps one of the greatest and most well-known stand-alones, you will not be disappointed by the end of the last page. 

2. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

I was already impressed with Maggie's writing with The Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy. She managed to impress even more with her horse-race stand-alone. Also, guess who won a Printz Honor Award!

3. Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
If there's one book I'm excited to read again for Book Club this year, it's this one. 

4. Dust City by Robert Paul Weston
Gritty, tough, and dark, the setting of this book reminds me of Gotham, though the main character, Henry, is more awesome than Batman in some ways.

5. Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause

This was one stand-alone that I kind of wish wasn't a stand-alone, but I was still very happy at the end of the story.

6. Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
I really just cannot get over this cute, holiday story. It's one of my favorite stand-alones.

7. Watership Down by Richard Adams

Not taking into account the anthology, Tales from Watership Down, this story really holds it out in a complete package.

8. Flawless by Lara Chapman
Cute, funny, and based on one of my favorite plays, it will keep you turning the pages.

9. Escape from Exile by Robert Levy

I loved this book as a kid, and I still love it now as an adult.

10. Wolf at the Door by Barbara Corcoran

I was so thrilled when one of my roommates got this for me for Christmas.

In My Mailbox (21)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren where bloggers post about the books they have received in the past week whether for review, purchased, or checked out from the library. ^_^

Won:

Awesome Prize Pack from Harlequin which included:

Spellbound by Cara Lynn Schulz

Crave by Melissa Darnell

The Juliet Spell by Douglas Rees

Majix: Notes from a Serious Teen Witch by Douglas Rees

Intertwined T-shirt

3 Iron Queen buttons

That's all for me this week. What did you get in your mailbox? Tell me in the comments!

TGIF (9): Recommend It

TGIF is a weekly meme created and hosted by GReads! that recaps the week's posts and has a different question each week.

This Week on Denim-Jacket Librarian Dishes:

In My Mailbox (20)

Reviewing Books You Did Not Finish Reading

Top Ten Tuesday (31): Top Ten Books I'd Recommend to Someone Who Doesn't Read Graphic Novels

***

Recommend It: Which book from the last 10 you've read would you recommend to a friend?

My Answer: While I've read a lot of great books, I would have to recommend Maggie Stiefvater's The Scorpio Races. Maggie never disappoints, and this is by far one of her best novels ever. Besides, it has horses in it! (Albeit carnivorous horses, but horses nonetheless!) A horse-crazy lady like me can't help but love a novel featuring a race.

Top Ten Tuesday (31): Top Ten Books I'd Recommend to Someone Who Doesn't Read Graphic Novels

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. Each week a new Top Ten list will be posted by one of the bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish. Everyone is welcome to join, just make sure to link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so everyone can check out other blogger lists. Have fun!

Top Ten Books I'd Recommend to Someone Who Doesn't Read Graphic Novels

(In no particular order)

1. The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle, Peter Gillis, Renae De Liz, and Ray Dillon

For those who have read The Last Unicorn, I think they will appreciate how the story is told visually. For those who haven't read Beagle's unique fantasy novel, I think it would be a great way to be exposed to the story to hopefully inspire them to read the original (and possibly see the 1982 film, too). 

2. Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya (23 volumes)

If there is one manga series I will recommend to just about anyone, it is Fruits Basket (the same goes for the anime as well). It has this warm feeling throughout the story even when there are trying times for the main characters, and you can definitely see how Takaya's art style grows from the first volume to the last. With memorable characters and so many great interwoven stories, you won't be disappointed with this series. If you want a shorter series by her, I recommend her earlier series Tsubasa: Those With Wings (only 3 volumes). 

3. Beasts of Burden: Animal Rites by Evan Dorkin and Jill Thompson (Mature)

Hoo boy... this is for the paranormal detective readers and certainly not for the faint of heart. There were times that I was to the point of tears while reading this graphic novel because of the themes it discusses. However, despite those, there is the overall theme of this group of dogs and a cat in charge of investigating paranormal activity in their neighborhood. That is pretty darned cool, and Thompson's art does not disappoint in showing the stories. 

4. Yume Kira Dream Shoppe by Aqua Mizuto

If you prefer stand-alones, then look no further than this bit of cuteness. At one volume, Mizuto's book tells four stories all connected to the Dream Shoppe. Each main character of the four stories visits the Dream Shoppe, hoping to find the means of granting their greatest wish. However, they learn that sometimes it's not about having the wish granted for them but how they grant the wish themselves. 

5. Lone Wolf and Cub by Kazuo Koike & Goseki Kojima (Mature) (28 volumes)

The first volume was a gift from my Aikido sensei...and I'll always be grateful for that even though the story does revolve around revenge. It's a fascinating story that includes a lot of Japanese history, which is another reason to check it out if you're a fan of Japan. 

6. Magic Knight Rayearth by CLAMP (6 volumes including Magic Knight Rayearth 2)

It's just a beautiful series.  That's all I have to say about it. Oh, and it involves fantasy and giant spiritual robots, how awesome is that? With this series being as short as it is, Magic Knight Rayearth is a great series to "test the waters" of manga.

7. Blacksad by Juan Diaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido (Mature)

If you're a fan of noir or the old-school private investigators, look no further than Blacksad. Diaz Canales touches upon hard themes and there are graphic parts to the three stories told in this edition. But between the art and the storytelling, it is just remarkable. I'm not sure if there will be another volume, but as stand-alones go, it's one worth checking out.

8. Dramacon by Svetlana Chmakova (Mature) (3 volumes)

Three volumes in one, this is one kickin' omnibus for a graphic novel. I've always loved conventions, particularly those of the anime and sci-fi/fantasy type, and having a graphic novel series that takes place at an anime convention is awesome unto itself. Chmakova has a great style, great story, and great characters, which makes this another great "stand-alone" or rather "three-in-one" graphic novel.

9. Millennium Snow by Bisco Hatori (2 volumes)

Yes, I know I put volume two on here, but that's because my favorite character is on this cover! If you're wanting to "test the waters" of manga, this is another excellent choice since the series IS only two volumes long. If you do happen to like Hatori's style, might I also recommend Ouran High School Host Club by her.

10. Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi (4 volumes so far)

I've only recently become absorbed with this middle grade/young adult graphic novel series, and already I'm hooked. Kibuishi has a unique style and story to tell, and for those who enjoy kick-butt heroines, you'll need to look no further. While there is much growing up to do for our main character, there's so much going on around her that forces her to make decisions without thinking. This is an excellent choice for your pre-teen to enter the world of graphic novels.

Reviewing Books You Did Not Finish Reading

I'm going to speak freely and frankly as a librarian here: it's okay to not finish a book and still have an opinion on what content you did read.  

Sometimes, we feel the obligation to read and finish each and every book we start.  If that's the case, then perhaps some of us wouldn't be as avid readers as we are simply because of books that might have really disappointed us in some way or prevented us from reading a title we might have actually enjoyed.  I do believe in finishing what I start, however, there is a limited amount of time given in order to do the things I love, which includes reading.  If I am not enjoying a book or if there is some aspect about a book that makes me furious, melancholy, befuddled, or at the worst bored, I will stop reading and sometimes give the book away.  

Off-hand, I can only think of one title that I had to put away (and I did this 2 times) before finally saying I just couldn't read it and had to give it away.  If I had forced myself to sit through the entirety of the book, would I have been any better off?  Possibly but in my honest opinion, I felt no need to continue reading that particular title.  It just wasn't my cup of tea, and I will leave it at that.  

There are some bloggers who post either "non-reviews" or "semi-reviews" of books they were unable to finish for one reason or another.  I actually like the idea because they can still get their opinions out in regards to the book they were attempting to read.  Maybe it was the pacing, the characters, the overall story, or perhaps even the sub-story (which might have had more page-time than the actual story), who knows?  But that doesn't mean their voices should not be heard as long as it is done constructively.  

The bottom line is:

1) If you're not enjoying a book or do not feel compelled to continue reading a book, you don't have to.  

2) If you want to express your thoughts on why you couldn't finish the book, that's perfectly reasonable.

3) Remember, when you do "review" the book, inform your readers that you did not finish the book.

4) If you could recommend the book to readers of a certain applicable genre, feel free to do so.

And most important of all:

5) Move on and start reading the next title on your TBR list.

In My Mailbox (20)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren where bloggers post about the books they have received in the past week whether for review, purchased, or checked out from the library. ^_^

Bought:

Dragonswood by Janet Lee Carey (B&N, how you save me with your coupons!)

From my Library:

Chocolat by Joanne Harris (for our Book Club!)

Plus the film with Juliette Binoche, Dame Judi Dench, and of course, Johnny Depp!

That's all for my mailbox today. What did you get in yours? I'd love to hear about it in the comments!

Booking Through Thursday



Book Through Thursday is a weekly meme about (mostly) books and reading hosted here. (I know it's kind of late in the day, but after seeing Karen's answers over at Book World in My Head, I thought it'd be fun to participate.)

1. What's your favorite time of day to read?

I could read at any time of day, but I tend to read more in the afternoon and evening. My two 15 minute breaks at work are most welcome when it comes to reading.

2. Do you read during breakfast? (Assuming you eat breakfast.)

No, I prefer checking the news and Google Reader during breakfast.

3. What's your favorite breakfast food? (Noting that breakfast foods can be eaten any time of day.)

Eggs, bacon, and toast, most definitely, though it does depend on what I'm hungry for.

4. How many hours a day would you say you read?

Anywhere from 1 to 4 hours, usually more on the weekends if I'm really absorbed in a book.

5. Do you read more or less than you did, say, 10 years ago?

Actually since I was starting to have more of an extracurricular life in high school, I wasn't reading as much as before 10 years ago.  I'd say my amount of reading is probably close to the same as it was 10 years ago if not a bit more. (College will limit your pleasure reading.)


6. Do you consider yourself a speed reader?


I might have been once upon a time, but now I usually prefer to savor my books. I know in the past I could read 4 books at the same time and still keep everything straight. However, when you're wanting to really get the story, it's better to work on one book at a time.


7. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?


I'd want instant teleportation. Imagine being able to be anywhere in the world with just a thought! "I'm craving sushi. Japan here I come!" "Boyfriend wants to see his family in Germany. Now we're knocking on the front door, saying, 'Guten tag, wie geht es Ihnen?'" How cool would that be?


8. Do you carry a book with you everywhere you go?


Yes. It's the times that I'm caught without a book that I find I need it most.


9. What KIND of book?


Usually YA or Fantasy or Paranormal, sometimes book and sometimes ebook. It usually depends on what I'm reading at the time.


10. How old were you when you got your first library card?


If I recall correctly, I think I was 6 and it was a school library card.


11. What's the oldest book you have in your collection? (Oldest physical copy? Longest in the collection? Oldest copyright?)


My oldest physical copy and the one with the oldest copyright is a copy of Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beacher Stowe from 1901. It is in such tatters, it's more of a collector's item than a read item. The one that's the longest in my collection is a copy of Mother Goose's Nursery Rhymes and Stories. The spine is coming off the cover, but I still have it from my childhood and wouldn't give it up for the world.


12. Do you read in bed?


Definitely! It's nice to end the day with a couple of chapters from my current read.


13. Do you write in your books?


Definitely not! I want to preserve books as long as possible, and to write in a book is just criminal to me (especially as a librarian, and I cringe each time I see writing in one of my library's books even if it's in pencil). If you want to make a note on a particular page, use a post-it note or jot it down in a notebook.


14. If you had one piece of advice to give a new reader, what would it be?


Always find time in the day to read, even if it's just 15 minutes. You'd be amazed at how much you can get through a book with reading just 15 minutes a day.


15. What questions have I NOT asked at BTT that you'd love me to ask?

Since this is my first time participating, I'm not sure what I could add here.

Third Sentence Thursday

Third Sentence Thursday is a weekly meme that has third sentences on its mind.

1) Take the book you are currently reading now and post the third FULL sentence of whatever page you're on right now.
2) Review the sentence any way you want (funny and silly reviews are encouraged).
3) Post a link to your sentence HERE or if you don't have a blog, just post it in the comments!

***

I lay awake listening to the creaks and taps the old house made settling on its foundations and watching the moonlight cast jagged shadows as it shone through the broken glass in the window, unwilling to relax my guard against whatever might form out of the moonlight and shadow, afraid of a repeat of last night's violent dream. ~ page 55 of The Demon Lover (ARC) by Juliet Dark.

This is one of the best examples where a location is manifested within the story as an entity... even if the house is causing the main character to experience worrisome dreams.  If there was ever a way to describe this scene, the best word for it would be ominous.