Top Ten Tuesday: Best Bookish Memories

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 (Seven) Best Bookish Memories

1) Meeting Maggie Stiefvater with my boyfriend

While I was able to meet Maggie 3 times in 2012, the best time was when my beau was with me to meet her, too.  We both loved Shiver, so it meant a lot for both of us to see her (and yes, my gosh, that pic was priceless).

2) Attending my first author event in Houston - Mary Lindsey's signing for Shattered Souls

I have to say, if it wasn't for Christin from Portrait of a Book, I wouldn't have even known about any local bookish events going on just in my backyard (okay, not THAT close but still closer than I thought).  Plus, Mary is such a dear lady, I'm happy to have the chance to see her at other bookish events.

3) Reading Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder in one night

This was my first time reading a book in a single night, and I will still say I'm thrilled Karen recommended it to me (though it was more like she shoved it into my hands and said, "READ IT." lol).

4) Attending TLA 2012

Although it was only for one day, I still had a great time at my first library conference.  I'm looking forward to hopefully attending the full conference this year, so look out, Karen! ;D

5) Visiting Blue Willow Bookshop and Murder by the Books for the first time

I didn't even realize how many indie bookstores we have here, but I'm happy to finally have learned about them. Each one is a special store where the staff are friendly and willing to help you find just what you're looking for in the way of books or bookish memorabilia.

6) Attending the Austin Teen Book Festival for the first time

You never realize just how many lives authors touch until you've been to a book festival. It's intense but so worth it to be around fellow readers and the authors they love and adore. 

7) Working in the library system I used to attend as a child

This one was a blessing and a nice way of coming full circle as I've pretty much returned to the same area I grew up. Only now I'm the one behind the reference desk helping patrons of all ages. 

Top Ten Tuesday (58): Books I Read in 2012

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 Read in 2012

(Disclaimer: I'm only including books I reviewed in 2012 and in no particular order.)

1) Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr (Review) - This book only inspired me to check out more books by Melissa Marr.

2) The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater (Review) - I think Maggie has another winning series with The Raven Cycle.

3) The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson (Review) - Such a wonderful surprise, I loved this book so much and reminded me of my love of fantasy books.

4) The List by Siobhan Vivian (Review) - Writing from eight different POVs, this was an impressive example of what high school can be like.

5) Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout (Review) - Science fiction in everyday life.  What's not to love?

6) Underworld by Meg Cabot (Review) - Happily, this book didn't have any "second book syndrome" for me, and I'm eager to read the conclusion next year!

7) Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey (Review) - Exciting and unique story that takes place in my hometown.

8) Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs (Review) - Hilarious and winning concept on Greek mythology with a great and fun implementation.

9) Anew by Chelsea Fine (Review) - How immortality can really be a curse and how far love will go to break that curse.
10) Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble (Review) - Russian folklore at its finest, this is one story that offers readers something outside of the box.

Top Ten Tuesday (56): Most Anticipated Books For 2013

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 Most Anticipated Books For 2013

1) Awaken by Meg Cabot (May 2013)

2) Everbound by Brodi Ashton (January 2013) 

3) Scarlet by Marissa Meyer (February 2013)

4) Solstice by P.J. Hoover (June 2013)

5) Emerald Green by Kerstin Gier (2013)

6) Ashes on the Waves by Mary Lindsey (June 2013) 

7) Chantress by Amy Butler Greenfield (May 2013)

8) The Sweet Dead Life by Joy Preble (May 2013)

9) Dance of Shadows by Yelena Black (February 2013)

10) The Archived by Victoria Schwab (January 2013)

Waiting on Wednesday: Ashes on the Waves

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's "Waiting On" Wednesday selection is:

 Ashes on the Waves

By Mary Lindsey

Publish Date: June 27th, 2013 by Philomel/Penguin

From Goodreads~

Liam MacGregor is cursed. Haunted by the wails of fantastical Bean Sidhes and labeled a demon by the villagers of Dòchas, Liam has accepted that things will never get better for him—until a wealthy heiress named Annabel Leighton arrives on the island and Liam's fate is changed forever.

With Anna, Liam finally finds the happiness he has always been denied; but, the violent, mythical Otherworlders, who inhabit the island and the sea around it, have other plans. They make a wager on the couple's love, testing its strength through a series of cruel obstacles. But the tragedies draw Liam and Anna even closer. Frustrated, the creatures put the couple through one last trial—and this time it's not only their love that's in danger of being destroyed.

Based on Edgar Allan Poe's chilling poem Annabel Lee, Mary Lindsey creates a frighteningly beautiful gothic novel that glorifies the power of true love.

Oh. My. God.  I cannot wait for Mary's newest book to release.  After enjoying Shattered Souls, her latest novel sounds so amazing.  I'm very eager to see what story she has composed for her readers based off Poe's "Annabel Lee."  

What are you waiting on this Wednesday? ^_^ 

Thought for Thursday: Dear Author

Do you remember your first letter/email that you wrote to an author?  Remember that feeling of nervousness you got when trying to formulate just how much you enjoyed said author's book(s) into either an understandable letter or email?  I know I definitely do. 

Of course, this was when I felt authors were these awesome beings that were cloistered away from the masses of readers out in the world.  Yes, when I believed that publishing houses spirited away their authors, and letters were rarely to be replied to since authors were so busy writing their next book.  Honestly, you can't say that you didn't think that once upon a time, too, right? 

Now in the digital age, readers are so very fortunate to be able to interact with authors not online via email, twitter, and blogs, but also in person with all of the amazing tours set in motion by *cues dramatic music* the same publishing houses I thought were keeping the authors busy at their computers.  How silly I was back then! 

But I'm getting away from my point.  The first author I ever wrote an email to (yes, I was too scared to send fanmail only to receive a carbon-copied response in return) was Carol Berg, author of Transformation. 

I was in awe of this book mostly because it took me two times to read it, not because of disinterest.  No, during college, I accidentally dropped it and lost my place in the book when my bookmark went flying out of the pages.  D'oh!  So I had to start over and I was glad I did because I saw certain aspects of protagonist Seyonne's life in slavery that I had missed during the first read.  When I wrote my email to Carol Berg, I wasn't really expect a response, so when I got one, I was flabbergasted.  And also very happy.  Below is my email to Carol.

"Dear Ms. Berg,
I am sure you receive mail from many readers, but I still wanted to send this letter regarding Transformation in the hopes that you would have time to read it.  After starting the book my freshman year of college, I clumsily dropped the book, sending my bookmark flying and losing my page.  Although I wanted to read Transformation again, I was unable to begin it because my English classes (my major) consumed all my reading time.  It was two years after that I was able to pick up Transformation and begin reading it.  When I reached the part where I stopped, I set the book aside but not just due to more readings.  I wanted to be able to enjoy Transformation to the fullest extent, and to do so, I needed to have the anticipation of finishing it.  Although I have not finished the book, Transformation does consume part of my mind as I ponder the remarkable manner in which you developed both Seyonne and Prince Aleksander.  The setting is amazing, and the trials Seyonne undertakes in the Derzhi world and within the Ezzarian world are so realistic and vivid, it makes me want to cry for him.  I am nearing the end of Transformation, and I look forward to continuing the story with both Revelation and Restoration (already in my possession).  Transformation has been an inspiration to me and my own writing, and I must offer my gratitude to you for creating this world.  Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. 

Sincerely,
Amy"

And her response:

"Dear Amy,

What a lovely letter.  I am always thrilled to hear from happy readers, especially when they say they have found themselves immersed in the world and feeling things along with the characters.  No higher praise, as far as I'm concerned.  And it is such a pleasure to hear that my work has inspired you to move ahead with your own writing. Thanks for taking time from your busy schedule to let me know.

Best of luck with your studies and your writing.
Carol"

Needless to say, I was thrilled to hear from her.  And that is what got me thinking about how fortunate we readers are in this digital age to be able to communicate with authors we adore and admire so... well, easily.  Still, I admit to being nervous each time I do take the time to write an email to authors for the first time or even Tweet to them.  Even with that nervousness, I know that they appreciate their readers.  And so, dear Authors I have met or hopefully will meet, thank you.  Thank you for all you do and thank you for giving your time to your readers.  ^_^

P.S. To Mary Lindsey, Joy Preble, Lynne Kelly, C.C. Hunter, Christina Mandelski, and any other local authors I have missed, keep doing our city proud!

P.P.S. To the staff at Blue Willow Books, Murder by the Book, and Katy Budget Books, thank you!

In My Mailbox (30): TXLA 2012 Edition

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. ^_^

The annual Texas Library Association conference was this week, and it was my first time attending (even if it was just Wednesday).  The ARC haul... was intense and my shoulders are still feeling it, but it was so worth it especially since I was able to meet so many awesome Texas bloggers both local and out-of-town and phenomenal authors in-state and out-of-state! ^_^

YA Authors & Librarians Texas Tea:

Author round-up!  So many awesome YA authors in one place!

Here's some local lovelies, Mary Lindsey and Jessica Lee Anderson!

Mary's so sweet! I love being one of her book pimps!

Guess who was the first author at our table!!!  Maggie Stiefvater was talking about The Raven Boys, which all of our table was eager to hear more.

Maggie's also too cute!

Siobhan Vivian was next, and darn do I want to read her book, The List!

OMG, it's Neal Shusterman! Along with Unwholly, sequel to Unwind.

Here's another local lovely, Joy Preble, with Anastasia Forever.

Here's Jennifer A. Nielsen with her new novel, The False Prince. 

Houston bloggers (and writers) are such fun, so here's to Kate (from Ex Libris), Maria (from Cari's Book Blog), Kristin (from Kristin Creative), and Stephanie (from Stephanie, A History). I was also happy to meet the undeniably awesome Jen Bigheart from I Read Banned Books (next time I'll snag a picture of her). 

All righty on to the...

Joy! I've gotta talk about the books, silly!

From TXLA 2012:

Considering I only went on Wednesday, I think I made out quite nicely. 

Something Like Normal by Trish Doller

Underworld by Meg Cabot
Anastasia Forever by Joy Preble (signed!)
Sweet Shadows by Tera Lynn Childs (signed!)
Of Poseidon by Anna Banks
The Crown of Embers by Rae Carson

The Brides of Rollrock Island by Margo Lanagan

This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers

Breathe by Sarah Crossan

Velveteen by Daniel Marks

Keeping the Castle by Patrice Kindl

Dark Lord the Teenage Years by Jamie Thomson

Small Medium at Large by Joanne Levy

The Pack: Dogs of the Drowned City by Dayna Lorentz

Invisible World by Suzanne Weyn

The Prince Who Fell from the Sky by John Claude Bemis

The Dark Unwinding by Sharon Cameron

Skinny by Donna Cooner

Sleuth or Dare: Partners in Crime by Kim Harrington

The Templeton Twins Have an Idea by Ellis Weiner

Calli by Jessica Lee Anderson (signed!)

Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui T. Sutherland

Ordinary Magic by Caitlen Rubino-Bradway

Violins of Autumn by Amy McAuley

Anything by Ordinary by Lara Avery

The Cup and the Crown by Diane Stanley

Legends of Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke

On a Dark Wing by Jordan Dane (signed, and thanks to Kristin!)

Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins (personalized thanks to Karen!)

Spellwright by Blake Charlton (personalized!)

Whew! That's all for my mailbox this week. What did you get in your mailbox? ^_^

Texas YA Author Love Giveaway Winner Announced!

Since the annual Texas Library Association conference is just around the corner, I'm hosting a giveaway to show all of our Texas YA authors just how much their readers love them.  You can win TWO paranormal books of your choice from the list of titles below. 

Congratulations to Natasha! 

She has chosen Taken at Dusk by C.C. Hunter and Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey as her prizes.

TGIF (15): Book Moments

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

This week on Denim-Jacket Librarian Dishes:

In My Mailbox (24)

Review: Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I'd Give a Theme Song To

2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenges - February Wrap Up

***

What has been your favorite moment (scene) in a book that you've read so far in 2012? (Be kind and no spoilers please.)

My Answer: This is a tough question since there have been so many great scenes in the books I've read in 2012. If I had to choose, I'd have to say when Persephone meets the mysterious man visiting her vale in Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman. 

Sun shines full on his face, blazing on the gold behind his night-black hair, making a halo. He's looking right at me.

I've got a second chance and I'm going to use it.
But use it how? What do I do?

My senses are wide open and everything is flooding in: heat, soaking into me so I can feel every single pore opening... the sun, burning up the chariot so it looks ready to explode... birdsong and the sound of hooves shuffling in the grass...

He smiles. "Hello."

 AND the cemetery scene from Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey. Yes, I'm a cheater, but I can't help it if there's such good scenes in so many books!

"You've kept me waiting forever, Rose," he said in a smooth, rich voice.

I sat back and stared at the vivid image my mind had conjured in that reflection. He was tall and thin, with longish hair. Well, if I was going to hear bogeymen, I supposed it was better that I could see them too, especially if they looked like this one. But why would I conjure one that called me by my middle name?

I'd had enough weird for one day. It was time to relegate him to my imagination where he belonged.

2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenge - February Wrap Up

So January wasn't as good a reading month as I was hoping, and though I did post a review for Allison Pang's A Brush of Darkness, I did not start the book in January.  Therefore I felt I could not count it towards my challenge.  February was a bit more promising, and I'm hoping March will be even better. ^_^

Books Read This Month:

Link up your February reviews at Nicole About Town! And check out the mini-contest there!

Top Ten Tuesday (37): Books I'd Give a Theme Song To

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 Give a Theme Song To

 (Bear in mind, my music might be a bit more obscure than others, so I'll try to include links to them on Youtube.)

1. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater - "My Heart Belongs to You" by Hayley Westenra

Yes, I am SUCH a romantic when it comes to Sam and Grace, and no song could be more romantic in my eyes for them than this Hayley Westenra song. 

2. Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey - "You're Still You" by Josh Groban
With the idea of reincarnation, I would imagine that despite the various years and lifetimes together, Alden would think this about Lenzi.

3. Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs - "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" by Pat Benatar
This could apply to Phoebe and Griffin or to Phoebe being the new kid in school and how she'll take whatever the other kids have to dish out.

4. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson - "I Can't Do This" by Plumb
With all that Melinda went through, I'm sure she was thinking this throughout the novel.

5. Dust City by Robert Paul Weston - "Monster" by Skillet
Considering Henry was always afraid that he would end up like his dad, I think this song would speak highly of how he felt throughout the book.

6. Beastly by Alex Flinn - "When You Say You Love Me" by Josh Groban
I would apply this song to almost all variations of Beauty and the Beast because he is waiting for her to say those words.

7. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater - "Seven Seas" by Sarah Brightman
The sea plays such a big role in the behavior of the water horses as well as Puck and Sean.

8. Watership Down by Richard Adams - "Bright Eyes" by Hayley Westenra
I know Simon and Garfunkel sang the original, but I just adore Hayley Westenra's version much more. I couldn't pick a better song for this novel.

9. Dear Bully by various authors - "Perfect" by Pink
Self-explanatory.

10. The Nymph King by Gena Showalter - "Love is a Battlefield" by Pat Benatar
With as much as Shay and Valerian get into verbal spars, I'm sure this song applies to them.