TGIF (29): Choose Your Next Read

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.

Question: How do you go about choosing what you read next?  Do you have a schedule you follow, or do you read whatever makes you happy at the moment?

My Answer: Usually it depends on what blog tours I'm participating in because those titles usually take priority.  However, if there is enough time in between, I typically read whatever makes me happy at the moment.  Sometimes, if I've been on a reading hiatus, I read a contemporary young adult novel to help get me back in the reading groove.  What I have on schedule for the fall is Anew by Chelsea Fine and Amarok by Angela J. Townsend.  I'm looking forward to reading both books.  ^_^

TGIF (28): Best I've Read So Far

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.

Question: We're halfway through the year, which top 3 books are the best you've read so far this year?

My Answer: I haven't been reading as much as I'd like this year, but what I have read has been pretty amazing.  I've really enjoyed so many new books and will have many others to enjoy in the second half of the year.  My top three have to be:

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
I was really looking for a unique fantasy story, and this one delivered in big dividends.  It has adventure, romance, friendship, and a setting that is exotically beautiful as well as possibly deadly.  I can't wait to read the sequel, The Crown of Embers. 

The List by Siobhan Vivian 
There's always going to be great contemporary YA novels. This was a novel that delved into the minds of eight different girls, interweaving the various stories together by vital threads. It is simply haunting.

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Okay, I know this is my most recently read book, but it was incredible. There needs to be more YA science-fiction books... especially with alien guys like Daemon. 

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This week on Denim-Jacket Librarian Dishes:

Beaux Livres (9): Beautiful Libraries

Waiting On Wednesday: Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Reviews:

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

TGIF (27): Most Valuable Book

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.

Question: From your personal collection of books, which ones hold the most value to you - is it signed by the author? Or maybe it's your favorite story of all time? Share it with us.

My Answer: It's a very hard decision to make, saying you value one book over the others in your collection.  However, there are 4 books that I value highly and would be very upset if I lost any of them. 

1) Watership Down by Richard Adams - My original copy is 16 years old, and I had read it 4 times in the 7th grade. I love that book so much, and it's still one of my absolute favorite books. 

2) Tales from Watership Down by Richard Adams - I know what you're thinking. That's not like the copies I've seen. You're right because one of my dear college friends (also a lib-sci grad) rebound this copy for me. It's a one-of-a-kind copy and I wouldn't trade it for even a signed first edition.

3) Abandon by Meg Cabot - My first book by Meg Cabot and also my first book won in a blog giveaway. I was so surprised when I got the email from Jill at The O.W.L. that I'd won. It's definitely one that I treasure (and enjoyed reading).

4) Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater - This was an unexpected gift from Karen one Christmas, and it's become one of my favorite books. It's also the first book that my beau and I read together. Each of our copies is signed by Maggie... to both of us. ^_^

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This week on Denim-Jacket Librarian Dishes:

Stacking the Shelves (5)

Beaux Livres (7)

Waiting On Wednesday: The Crown of Embers

Giveaways:

Fun in the Sun Giveaway Hop

TGIF (26): Issue Books

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.

Question: Which books have you found to be very rewarding when it comes to tackling tougher issues?

My Answer: I think the first book that comes to mind when talking about books taking on the tough issues will always be Dear Bully. Bullying is one issue that anyone can relate to even authors that readers adore. A more recent title I've read is The List by Siobhan Vivian, and while there is bullying to a degree, I think the larger issue has to do with what pressure society has placed on its youth, particularly girls. The List examines what it means to be beautiful and what it means to be ugly, both figuratively and literally, and it will definitely speak to teenage girls.

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This week on Denim-Jacket Librarian Dishes:

Stacking the Shelves (4)

Beaux Livres (5)

Waiting on Wednesday: The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

Reviews:

The Mephisto Covenant by Trinity Faegen

TGIF (25): Show Me Your Cover

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.

Question: What are some of the worst book covers, but hold some of the best stories?

My Answer: This was a really tough one for me because most of the books on my bookshelves have fairly nice if not relevant covers.  I think the first cover for Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier is not necessarily the worst, but it isn't as "eye-catching" as other covers in YA literature.  And by "first cover" I mean the German cover.  The first US cover is definitely appropriate for the content, and the story is really amazing.  Definitely check it out if you haven't already!

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This week on Denim-Jacket Librarian Dishes:

Stacking the Shelves (3)

Beaux Livres (4): Bookstores

Waiting on Wednesday: Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff

Reviews:

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

TGIF (24): A Book Blogger is Born

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.

Question: What made you decide to start your very own book blog?

My Answer: I was inspired by Karen of Books Beside My Bed to start my book blog. As a librarian, it's a great way to talk about books (whether new or classic) and meet other readers. I've met some awesome and amazing people through blogging, and I'm sure there will be plenty more as I continue to read, learn from other bloggers, and keep on talking about books. :) So a special thanks to Karen. 


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This week on Denim-Jacket Librarian Dishes:

Stacking the Shelves (2)

Happy Mother's Day!

Beaux Livres

Top Ten Tuesday (46): Books That You Think Deserve Their Own TV Show

Reviews:

ARC Review: Underworld (Abandon Trilogy #2) by Meg Cabot

Giveaways: 

Love in Bloom Giveaway Hop

TGIF (23): Supporting Characters

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.

Question: We tend to to gush over those main characters the most, but what about those supporting roles?  Who are some of your favorites?

My Answer: Jeez, Ginger always thinks of the tough questions. ;) I'd have to say two of my most favorite side characters are Ari and Janco from Maria V. Snyder's Poison Study. Actually, Janco nearly stole the show with his antics, but he's just so adorable, you can't help but love him.  

Another set of side characters I really adore are Callum, Devon, and Lake from Jennifer Lynn Barnes' Raised by Wolves. These three are key elements in helping Bryn become the person she was meant to be within her pack. I'm really hoping to see a lot more of them in Trial by Fire and Taken by Storm.

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This week on Denim-Jacket Librarian Dishes:

Stacking the Shelves (1)

Ellie James Guest Post: Broken Illusions Blog Tour

Beaux Livres

Review: Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble

TGIF (22): Literary Vacations

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:

Beaux Livres

Top Ten Tuesday (45): Books I'd Like to See Made into a Movie

Waiting on Wednesday: Of Poseidon by Anna Banks
DJL Dishes Dessert: Tiramisu

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If you could take a trip this summer to any place within a fictional book, where would you go? Tell us about your summer dream vacation!

My Answer:  I'm not sure about where I would go within a fictional book, but I would love to be in Colorado when the real summer weather hits here.  It would be nice to be in a place that you can breathe without feeling you've lost your breath.  ^_^

TGIF (21): Reading Blues

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 (30): TXLA 2012 Edition

Beaux Livres

Top Ten Tuesday (44): All-Time Favorite Characters in Books

Small Blogs, Big Dreams Giveaway Winner!

Review: The List by Siobhan Vivian

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What helps you overcome those reading slumps when nothing seems to grab your attention?

My Answer: If it seems something isn't grabbing my attention, it might be due to reading too much within a particular genre (which I've been known to do). When that happens, I try to switch genres usually turning to a YA contemporary novel to help get me back in reading mode. I don't read a lot of contemporaries, but those that I do really help inspire me. When nothing at all seems to grab me, 1) I usually take a break from reading books and either watch some television shows or play a video game and 2) visit other blogs to see what they've been reading. You'd be amazed at how it can light a fire under you when another blogger is dishing on a fabulous new release. :)

TGIF (20): Book Blogger Influences

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 (29) and Teen Book Con Haul

Small Blogs, Big Dreams Giveaway Hop!

Top Ten Tuesday (43): Tips for New Bloggers

Review: Dating the Undead by Gena Showalter & Jill Monroe

DJL Dishes Dessert: Baked Indian Pudding

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Has there been a particular book blogger who's influenced what you read?  Share with us a review/book blog that convinced you to pick up a certain book.

My Answer: That's like asking for the number of stars in a clear night sky. lol  There are so many bloggers that I look to for recommendations, guidance on deciding whether to read a book I'm on the fence about, and just to see what they have to say on books I'm looking forward to reading. In perspective of who influenced my decisions on what ARCs to get this week at the Texas Library Association conference here is a short listing of bloggers who "forced my hand" so to speak. ^_^

Something Like Normal by Trish Dollar (Thank you, Jess!)
Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs (though I picked up Sweet Shadows) (Thank you, Christy!)
Abandon by Meg Cabot (though I picked up Underworld) (Thank you, Karen!)

These bloggers' reviews made me pick up published books:

The List by Siobhan Vivian (<--This author is too sweet.) (Thank you, Amy!)
Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey (Thank you, Christin!)
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys (Thank you, Marla!)

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you awesome book bloggers. ^_^
(Btw my TBR shelf groans at you all.)

TGIF (18): Book Series Finales

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 (28)

Guest Post from S.J. Bell Author of Bonds of Fenris

Top Ten Tuesday (41): Books to Read in a Day

Review: Everneath by Brodi Ashton

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Which book from any series has been your favorite ending?  What about your least favorite?

My Answer:  I haven't finished many series, most likely because I read a lot of stand-alones and also have just read the first and second books of the series I've started.  This is my reason for not having a least favorite series ending.  I really loved the ending of the Study Trilogy by Maria V. Snyder and a close second is The Song of the Lioness Quartet by Tamora Pierce. 

TGIF (17): Book Blogger Retreat

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 (27)

Shopping for Book-Lovers

Waiting On Wednesday: The List by Siobhan Vivian

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If you could gather up a handful of book blogger friends to spend a weekend away talking books, where would you go?

My Answer: There are three different places I would want to spend a weekend away with my blogging friends.  Now, I have to do my home state proud with one selection.  The first is to rent a cabin in Fredericksburg, Texas, one of the most beautiful, quaint, and relaxing towns in the state.  And Austin (*ahem* Book People) is just a 90-minute drive away.  

The second is to go to a lodge in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, a rural area that I had the pleasure of visiting last Thanksgiving.  It's gorgeous, is within wonderful driving distance of both the Rockies and Durango (home to Maria's bookshop), and in winter, would be a great place to huddle around the fireplace talking books.

Last but not least, if there was any really civilized area I would want to have a book blogger retreat it would be to Seattle, Washington.  With coffee shops and plenty of independent bookstores (such as Seattle Mystery Bookshop, Magus Books, and glory be, a Half Price Books), there's no way book bloggers wouldn't be happy here!

Where would you go on a group book blogger retreat? ^_^

TGIF (16): Bookish Trends

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 (26)

Top Ten Tuesday (40): Books on my Spring TBR List

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What are some bookish trends you are noticing in the literature world today? Is there a particular trend you'd like to see more of?

My Answer: It seems as though mythology, particularly Greek mythology, is becoming a popular bookish trend.  I will never complain about having more Greek mythology in literature, though it's also nice to see other cultures' mythologies and legends, such as Egyptian and Native American, being used in books, too.  That seems to be one of the most prominent trends at least in the books I'm noticing.

While there are some, I would like to see more dragon-featured books, and not the snarling, field-razing kind (though they have their place).  There should be more intelligent, yet powerful dragon-featured titles.

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

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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.