Top Ten Tuesday: Books I'd Quickly Save If My House Was Going to Be Abducted by Aliens

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 Quickly Save If My House Was Abducted by Aliens (or Blown Over by a Hurricane)

(In no particular order, though this is REALLY a hard choice)

I actually had to divide them into two sections because I have so many books that I haven't read. So I have my list of books I have read and want to save and my books I haven't read and want to save.  Don't worry, it still equals 10 books. ^_~

Books I Have Read

1. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

I only have one copy of this one whereas my beau (who lives in another state) has a copy of Shiver. So in a way, I'm able to have both and read them, too.

2. Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

This book has become a bit of a treasure to me after reading it last November. I can't bear to go without it and it's small for a hardcover!

3. Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

As my first book ready by Maria, I cannot leave without this one, especially since it's autographed!

4. Wolfsbane and Mistletoe edited by Charlaine Harris and Toni L.P. Kelner

If I have to save only one of my werewolf books, I would rather it be an anthology so I can enjoy multiple authors' works.

5. The Last Unicorn (Graphic Novel) by Peter S. Beagle & Peter Gillis

Yes, I had to save one of my graphic novels, and this one is just too pretty not to save.

Books I Have Yet to Read

1. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

With all that I've heard about this series, I'm not about to leave it behind before I get the chance to read it.

2. Trial by Fire by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Since I've already read the first book, Raised by Wolves, I have to know what's going to happen next especially with the release of the third book, Taken by Storm, coming soon this year.

3. Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs

It's Greek mythology, I must save at least ONE of those books! Especially sicne I haven't read it yet.

4. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

As the only book involving a librarian on my bookshelf, I have to save this massive one.


5. The Rose Chateau by Rebecca Monaco

I have to save this one because it's the first book my beau has bought for me. Sentimental value plus it is a take on Beauty and the Beast, my favorite fairytale.

Reflections and 2012 Reading Challenges

As we look forward to the new year, it's also a time to look back and reflect on the old year.  While my blog was originally created in October of 2010, I really didn't become active in the community until February of 2011.  One of my goals for this year was to put more effort into networking in the blogging community, and though I feel I have accomplished that, I know there is still much to still learn as a blogger from both veteran bloggers and novice bloggers.  I still consider myself a novice blogger, and there's nothing wrong with maintaining the mindset of a student.  Even the veterans I follow are most likely still learning, and that's part of what makes them great.

For the new year, I aim to comment more on my fellow bloggers' reviews and review on a more regular basis.  I was very happy with how much reviewing I did in November, and my stats definitely improved in the latter half of the year.  With the amount of books I've squirreled away (like the book squirrel I am), I have more than enough to keep me busy even with the amazing new titles being released in 2012.  Because of all the books I've acquired in the past year, I feel inspired to participate in the 2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenge.  Here's a picture of some of the titles I'd like to read for this challenge, and here's hoping I can do it in a year!

I'm also going to set myself a more realistic goal on Goodreads for 2012.  This year I felt pressured by wanting to read 75 books, and now that I'm down to the wire, I'm reading more graphic novels in order to attain that goal.  While they are books, I would like to have non-graphic novel titles for the majority (if not all) of my list.  So this year I plan to read 50 books that are not graphic novels for my Goodreads 2012 Challenge.  That's not to say I won't be reading any graphic novels, I just won't count them towards this particular challenge.

2012 promises to be a great year, and I'm looking forward to it as both a librarian and a blogger.  Here's to a new year for all of us, my fellow bloggers and my dear readers!

What reflections do you have for 2011 and what challenges for 2012? ^_^

Top Book Covers of 2011

Seeing all of the great lists for 2011 has got me wanting to make a couple of lists of my own for the past year.  I'm not sure I'll be able to make quite as many as some of my fellow bloggers, but I will do my best to showcase what I felt was the best for me in 2011.  Starting off, we'll hit the very first thing we see when we look at a book (and what we really shouldn't judge it by): it's cover.  Keep in mind, these can't be placed in any order because they're all just too beautiful to really give a number to on a scale.  Instead I'll list them by their published date.

The Bake-Off

By: Beth Kendrick

Publish Date: May 3, 2011

Reasons: Being a baker, this cover just makes me want to start baking (even though I don't have my own Cuisinart mixer like the one shown). It also makes my mouth water to see either meringue, whipped cream, or frosting being prepared.

Starcrossed

By: Josephine Angelini

Publish Date: May 31, 2011

Reasons: The ocean backdrop along with the flowing tunic of the girl just emanates beauty (if not Greek mythology). It's simply gorgeous seeing the contrasting colors that also manage to complement each other as well. 

Sweet Venom

By: Tera Lynn Childs

Publish Date: September 6, 2011 

Reasons: Simply put...the hair. Just look at it wriggling and moving around! You know that's not a common talent for hair to do, and that means something is definitely up.

Fateful

By: Claudia Gray

Publish Date: September 13, 2011

Reasons: The ocean and the moon really make this cover for me. It really sets the overall tone of the doomed ship's voyage while also giving a hint of the mystery behind some of the passengers on the Titanic.

Wonderstruck

By: Brian Selznick

Publish Date: September 13, 2011

Reasons: Lightning is both a beautiful and deadly thing. This cover definitely captures the more beautiful side of the element. Plus, again, the blue background is just a gorgeous tone.

Carrier of the Mark

By: Leigh Fallon

Publish Date: October 4, 2011

Reasons: Blue IS my favorite color, so it's only right that most of my covers seem to feature it. Her dress is just amazing, and while I'm not sure how it relates to the story itself, I'm definitely curious.

Awake at Dawn

By: C.C. Hunter

Publish Date: October 11, 2011

Reasons: The waterfall. Powerful and beautiful, it puts our dear heroine in a different perspective. Besides, now I want to find such waterfalls in Texas!

Half-Blood

By: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Publish Date: October 18, 2011

Reasons: Simple elegance seems to be a theme for the Covenant series, and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing more lovely covers as more books are published.

Shattered Souls

By: Mary Lindsey

Publish Date: December 8, 2011

Reasons: I was very lucky to see the progression of covers for Mary's debut at both of her book signings. It was fortunate for readers that they chose to go with this cover having the girl, her dress fading into rose petals, and the white origami rose on the back cover. Breath-taking.

Touch of Power

By: Maria V. Snyder

Publish Date: December 20, 2011

Reasons: Despite the title, the cover shows a more gentle side and how we must take care when using abilities beyond the means of ordinary people. It offers a nice balance of strength and fragility, making it a very lovely image for the story.

Austin Teen Book Festival Recap

This past Saturday was the Austin Teen Book Festival held in our lovely and weird state capitol.  What better setting for readers of all ages to gather and hear about books while meeting amazing authors?  And believe me, there were a LOT of readers from single attendees to whole families to book clubs from high schools!  I have proof below!

The great thing about attending a book festival is that everyone there is as crazy about books and reading and authors as you are.  It's very easy to strike up conversation with the person standing, sitting, or leaning on the wall next to you.

Now going in there, I had to have a plan.  I'm just one of those kooky people that needs to know what to do and where to go at what time.  Having seen the list of books for sale at the festival, I'd made my decisions for purchasing while also bringing in my own copies of a few books to be signed.  I had my eyes on the prize and I figured it would be best to get my books ahead of time since the line would be crazy long in the afternoon closer to the Author Signings.  (See below: Boy, was I right!)

Luckily for me, the volunteers asked if anyone knew exactly what they wanted, and I raised my hand saying, "Right here!"  I bought a copy of Sweet Venom and Goddess Boot Camp both by Tera Lynn Childs, Texas Gothic by Rosemary Clement-Moore, and Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan.  Despite seeing all the other pretty books, I was a good girl and stayed within my book budget.

The festival had 5 different panels to attend, and the first one I hit was the "Supernatural Suspense" panel featuring Tera Lynn Childs, Jackson Pearce, Heather Brewer, Sophie Jordan, Andrea Cremer, and moderated by Cynthia Leitich Smith.  Needless to say these were some funny and informative ladies.

Just before the panel finished, I headed over to the concession stand to pick up some food since lunch time was from 12:30-1:45 pm.  Rather lengthy, so after eating, I did what a lot of other attendees were doing, namely reading.

At around 2:30 pm, I snuck inside to listen to the "Pen Fatale" panel featuring Gabrielle Zevin, Mary Pearson, Jessica Brody, Alyson Noel and moderated by Margo Rabb.  Again, these ladies were full of advice for writers (and readers).  I've really got to check out some of their books, particularly Zevin's All These Things I've Done in which chocolate and coffee are *gasp!* illegal.

Once the panel was finished, I headed to the Book Sale area since the Author Signings would be next to it.  I also read more of Texas Gothic while waiting, and it didn't take long for the Author Signing area to be cleared.  Somehow I managed to get into Tera Lynn Childs' line quickly enough that I was close to the beginning.  I chatted with a couple of high schoolers in line, talking about books of course, and when the authors started filing inside, you knew by the many people who were sitting down that were now standing up.

All of the authors I hoped to sign my books were very nice, and they each had to read my T-shirt: "If you can read a book, thank a teacher.  If you can find a book, thank a librarian."  When I'm not wearing the signature denim jacket, this is my shirt of preference. ^_^  Rosemary Clement-Moore was such a southern peach, I was rather surprised there weren't more people in her line (though that was a boon for me to get to Andrea Cremer and David Levithan's lines quickly afterward).  All in all, I was happy to have attended my first book festival, and I'm hoping next year to bring a few friends with me to experience the excitement of the books, authors, and just the people.  Til next year, Austin!

In My Mailbox (13): Austin Teen Book Festival

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren, where bloggers post about all the books they have received whether in the mail, if we purchased it, or checked out from our local library.  ^_^ 

Today is a great day... to read!  And if it means supporting public libraries while also spreading the word on teen literature, sign me up!  All of my books came from the Austin Teen Book Festival today, and I must say it was a fabulous trip.  I'll definitely be attending next year.  On to the books!

Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs (signed)

Goddess Boot Camp by Tera Lynn Childs (signed)

Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs (signed)

Texas Gothic by Rosemary Clement-Moore (signed)

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan (signed by David)

And yes, you are seeing double on Rosemary's Texas Gothic.  I'll be holding a giveaway for the second signed copy later in October, so be on the lookout!

Then there was the book swag. 

Two bookmarks for Oh. My. Gods. and Goddess Boot Camp

One bookmark and a sticker for Sweet Venom

Two bookmarks for Texas Gothic (one will go to the Texas Gothic giveaway winner)

One bookmark for The Sweetest Thing by Christina Mandelski

Two of L.A. Weatherly's Angel Burn tattoos (one will go to the Texas Gothic giveaway winner)

Two postcards for Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher (one will go to the Texas Gothic giveaway winner)

But what-ho!  There was a local author at the steampunk booth with these for sale.

Hmmm, curious little package... that contained all of this!

Arcana Imperii: Origins by Ben Hamby

A sealed message that reads:

"All work and No blood make Jonathan a dull boy.

And not nearly so much fun.  We have to keep him on his toes.

Ta Jack"

Curious indeed!  That should make for some interesting reading!

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

Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten Books I Feel As Though Everyone Has Read But Me

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, a state that you don't have to worry about being deprived of more books as long as you're near a library.  This week's Top Ten is:

Top Ten Books I Feel As Though Everyone Has Read But Me

(Yes, I am a sucker for YA Lit.)

1. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins - With the third book in the series being released next year, I'm kind of behind with this one.  I've seen it reviewed on many blogs and then in a lot of the Half-Price Books stores, so it's really just a matter of sitting down and reading it.  

2. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa - This one is huge among the blogosphere, and even some of the newest bloggers are digging into this one.  I haven't read too many books featuring fae as the main (if only) supernatural being, but I have hopes for this one being a good introduction.  

3. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher - I really want to read this one simply because I want to hear Clay and Hannah's stories.  In reading the reviews from many of my fellow bloggers, it's one of those books you have to be in the right frame of mind to read.

4. Wings by Aprilynne Pike - I guess this one kind of goes with The Iron King in that so many have read it, yet I've pushed it back.  I actually have it in ebook format and haven't been using my Kobo too much lately, which I'll probably change soon. 

5. Waterfall by Lisa Tawn Bergren - I also have this one in ebook format and not reading on my Kobo has probably stalled me on reading a few popular ebooks.

6. Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs - Since I'm getting into my Greek mythology groove again, I plan on remedying the fact that I haven't read this one or it's sequel, Goddess Boot Camp, yet.  The Austin Teen Book Festival's going to be a huge help in that regard. 

7. The Darkest Powers Trilogy by Kelley Armstrong - For the longest time, I thought Armstrong only wrote adult paranormal fantasy books.  Now that I've found this trilogy, it seems as though people have either read it already or are snatching the books up.

8. Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson - So far I've only read Speak by Anderson, so I'd like to see how she does humor in her books with this title.  

9. Shine by Lauren Myracle - This one kind of goes in the same vein as Thirteen Reasons Why, but I know I want to read it, and I definitely will. 

10. Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs - Maybe I've head off on this one because I haven't gotten into mermaid literature.  That's not to say the story doesn't intrigue me... it just intrigued a lot of other readers before.