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.

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.

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

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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 (29): Top Ten Favorite Books I Read in 2011

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 our 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 Favorite Books I Read in 2011

(In no particular order)

1. Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

An exciting story featuring a strong, female lead and werewolves. (Review)

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

A perfect story to pair hot cocoa and holiday cookies with alongside a blanket. (Review)

3. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Just. Plain. Awesome. Story. That happens to involve Irish horses. (Review)

4. The Princess's Dragon by Susan Trombley

One amazing dragon story after having not read one in so very very long. (Review)

5. Rival by Sara Bennett Wealer

Learn the real story behind high school competitions (in choir). (Review)

6. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

A too funny, too thrilling story not to read and enjoy. (Review)

7. A Bride's Story Vol. 1 by Kaoru Mori

Family dynamics within a tribe after a rather unique arranged marriage. (Review)

8. Dear Bully edited by Megan Kelley Hall and Carries Jones

Powerful stories from some amazing and strong people. (Review)

9. Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

Time travel + romance + ghosts = Phenomenal paranormal read! (Review)

10. Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter

A great cavalcade of characters gathered at a summer camp for paranormals. (Review)

Top Ten Tuesday (27): Top Ten Books I Want To Give As Gifts

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 Want to Give As Gifts

(In no particular order)

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

I want to give this book to all of my blogging friends. It sounded like a great story, so I bought it on a whim at the Austin Teen Book Festival. It ended up being one of my absolute favorite reads for this year. Highly recommended especially for this time of year!

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

This one would be for Carmel of Rabid Reads and any other lycanthrope "lunatics" out there. It's Christmas stories involving werewolves, what more could you ask for?

3. Rival by Sara Bennett Wealer

I'd definitely give this one to Beth, my best friend from high school. The story just reminded me of her and I so much, though fortunately we weren't to the awful extent of Kathryn and Brooke. I think she'd read it for the nostalgia factor.

4. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

For Elizabeth, an old friend from high school, who just so happens to have a pink taser. I told her in FB she needed to check out this book after she mentioned owning a pink taser.

5. Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder.

I'm looking right at you, Marla. Since Marla of Starting the Next Chapter has read and reviewed Touch of Power, I think the next step is getting her a copy of Poison Study, Maria's first book.

6. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan
I can't help but think of Andy, my friend in the UK, when I see this book time and again. I would gladly get it for him for Christmas.

7. A Brush of Darkness by Allison Pang
This title definitely screams Nova, one of my friends from San Antonio with a passion for...well, passionate books. And since I'm really enjoying it, I know it's right up her alley.

8. Ada: Legend of a Healer by R.A. McDonald
With Ada being such a kick-butt kind of character, I can't help but want to get a copy for Beth (same best friend from high school). Since she enjoys those kinds of characters (wonder where she gets it from), I think Ada would be just right for her.

9. Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey
After having the chance to meet this amazing and funny author, I would give this one to myself first off (hey, I don't have a copy yet) and any one of my readers. Texas authors come from a big state, so they need big reader love!

10. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
Anyone who loves horses or Irish mythology because this is one courageous story about a dangerous horse race.
Plus check out the awesome paperback cover art! Just gorgeous!

There are definitely more books to give as gifts, but the amount of titles would fill a library. (And probably has already.)

Review: The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Title:  The Scorpio Races
Author:  Maggie Stiefvater
Pages:  404
Genre:  Young Adult Fantasy
Publisher:  Scholastic Press
Summary:  Some race to win. Others race to survive. It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die. At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them. Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn't given her much of a choice. So she enters the competition--the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

The Dish:  Wow.  I'm not quite sure how to begin my review of The Scorpio Races except to say that it was not what I had expected.  Judging from the summary as well as the amazing book trailer, I had a completely different story in my mind when I first heard about Maggie Stiefvater's "secret novel."  But as with Shiver, Stiefvater did not disappoint with this story, and I am supremely glad I finally read it.

First off, Stiefvater pulls off multiple points of view quite successfully, and with characters like Puck and Sean, it's easy to see how she was able to do it.  Both main characters made great transitions within the story, opening up much more than either of them had before.  Puck was always used to it being just her family without really reaching out to "outsiders."  It was great to see her come out of her shell even if it meant participating in the most dangerous of races.  I was quite taken with Sean Kendrick, the mysterious boy who has a way with the capaill uisce, the powerful and deadly water horses.  To read about his relationship with Corr, the red capall uisce stallion captured first by his father and then again by Sean, was nothing short of remarkable and a little reminiscent of The Black Stallion, at least to me.

Secondly, the pacing of the book was incredible, and while I didn't feel rushed, I did feel the need to keep turning the pages to read what was going to happen next.  It definitely had something to do with the short chapters, and I've seen this means of "pushing the reader to read" in other books.  This is a technique that Stiefvater has mastered in how she was able to completely immerse me in the story without feeling bogged by so much information being thrown at me.  I was able to breathe even when it felt as though my stomach was turning in knots at both Puck and Sean's situations right to the very end.  Stiefvater's storytelling is nothing short of incredible.

Overall, this was an amazing story about a dangerous and thrilling race that lasted all of several chapters.  With magnificent plot build-up, believable and gradual character development, along with beautiful storytelling, this is one story you do not want to miss out on reading.

TGIF Follow Friday (3)

TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted byGReads! that re-caps the week’s posts and has different question each week.

This Friday's Question:

Gateway Books: Which particular books opened you up to a new genre?

For a long time during college and grad school, it seemed as though most of what I read was graphic novels and manga. While these are great books unto themselves, I missed being able to just sit down and read a book. College will definitely burn you out on reading, let me tell you.  I think it was actually three books (given to me by the same person) that opened me up to Young Adult Literature.  

First was Maria V. Snyder's Poison Study, which rekindled my love of fantasy books. In addition, I think that might have influenced my desire to bake, thanks to all the cinnamon swirl references. Then, there was Annette Curtis Klause's Blood and Chocolate, an amazing werewolf love story that really helped me delve more into the werewolf novels. After that was Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, and I was blown away by this particular genre. So I have to say thank you to Karen of Books Beside My Bed for getting me to branch out into YA through these novels. ^_^

Special Side Dish: Speaking of YA books, check out Marla's Bump in the Night Giveaway going on now at Starting the Next Chapter!