tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626591210622739952024-02-19T14:04:08.773-05:00Have An EpiphanyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-562659121062273995.post-32672841369354129562013-06-25T00:02:00.001-04:002013-06-25T00:02:58.975-04:00TTT: Best reads of the year 2013<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOruLyx9Mn48Nb28g5C29WiJAKn8SBlLGD1hPTdJF2GPKPYWyfUc9vzo_pZGREQOcP43xCwOuPiM_baZfk_ghSiFt2ZgJ1j5xWOYxgsWXFXuQ1lcnJ0jCYxQEOqedADgKPp35zhyphenhyphenZgAc/s1600/toptentuesday.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></div>
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I have read a LOT of great books this year, so this was very difficult!<br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12812550-days-of-blood-starlight"><img alt="Days of Blood & Starlight (Daughter of Smoke & Bone, #2)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1337964452l/12812550.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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1. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12812550-days-of-blood-starlight">Days of Blood & Starlight</a>: <span class="darkGreyText"><span style="color: black;">(Daughter of Smoke & Bone, #2) Fantasy about a generations old war between seraphim and chimera. This is becoming a favorite series of mine. Just waiting for the last installment. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19063.The_Book_Thief"><img alt="The Book Thief" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1352395325l/19063.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
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2. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19063.The_Book_Thief">The Book Thief</a>: If any of you haven't read this it is one of the best stories ever. This is the journey of a little German girl during WW2 as told by Death. It is extremely touching and well written. <a href="http://epiphanyrenee.blogspot.com/2013/03/review-book-thief.html" target="_blank">Review</a>.</div>
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3. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12868761-let-s-pretend-this-never-happened">Let's Pretend This Never Happened</a>: Jenny Lawson (The Bloggess)'s memior. This women can take any moment that would crush most of us and make it funny without taking out any of the emotion. This story makes me feel better. I have the audio book and I listen to part of it at least once a week. I've been down a lot lately and it's a great pick me up.<br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12868761-let-s-pretend-this-never-happened"><img alt="Let's Pretend This Never Happened: A Mostly True Memoir" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1361283827l/12868761.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-562659121062273995.post-54065882241481050182013-06-18T00:08:00.002-04:002013-06-18T00:08:43.562-04:00TTT: Summer TBR 2013<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/2013/06/top-ten-books-on-daisys-tbr-list-for.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOruLyx9Mn48Nb28g5C29WiJAKn8SBlLGD1hPTdJF2GPKPYWyfUc9vzo_pZGREQOcP43xCwOuPiM_baZfk_ghSiFt2ZgJ1j5xWOYxgsWXFXuQ1lcnJ0jCYxQEOqedADgKPp35zhyphenhyphenZgAc/s1600/toptentuesday.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1618.The_Curious_Incident_of_the_Dog_in_the_Night_Time"><img alt="The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327882682l/1618.jpg" width="129" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1618.The_Curious_Incident_of_the_Dog_in_the_Night_Time">The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time</a></div>
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1. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1618.The_Curious_Incident_of_the_Dog_in_the_Night_Time">The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time</a>: The begginning was great and it's been recommended by two trusted sources. </div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13496.A_Game_of_Thrones"><img alt="A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1369520317l/13496.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13496.A_Game_of_Thrones">A Game of Thrones</a></div>
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2. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13496.A_Game_of_Thrones">A Game of Thrones</a>: Mostly a conversation piece, guys at work are reading it. Also it's challenging my comfort zone, it's what I usually consider a boy book (that certain kind of Sci-fi, like Redwall series) and avoid. </div>
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3. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7686667-delirium">Delirium</a>: This story seems addicting. Honestly I just haven't gotten to it. I read mostly in bed with my kindle lately. (I love that it's its own light source.) Anyway the copy I own is a hardback, and I've been too lazy for hardbacks lately. </div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7686667-delirium">Delirium</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7686667-delirium"><img alt="Delirium (Delirium, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1298079937l/7686667.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-562659121062273995.post-17508286294089009222013-06-04T01:47:00.001-04:002013-06-04T01:47:22.557-04:00TTT: Great books with a travel focus<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/2013/06/top-ten-tuesday-books-that-feature.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOruLyx9Mn48Nb28g5C29WiJAKn8SBlLGD1hPTdJF2GPKPYWyfUc9vzo_pZGREQOcP43xCwOuPiM_baZfk_ghSiFt2ZgJ1j5xWOYxgsWXFXuQ1lcnJ0jCYxQEOqedADgKPp35zhyphenhyphenZgAc/s1600/toptentuesday.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10798416-the-statistical-probability-of-love-at-first-sight"><img alt="The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1337187623l/10798416.jpg" width="131" /></a> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9464733-beauty-queens"><img alt="Beauty Queens" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1289410187l/9464733.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10798416-the-statistical-probability-of-love-at-first-sight">The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight</a> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9464733-beauty-queens">Beauty Queens</a> </div>
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1. A cute story of two people who connect very strongly at an airport, then over an international flight. The writing/MC point of view is fun and kind of snarky. </div>
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2. Starts with a plane crash. Beauty Queens stuck on a desert island learning they can take care of themselves and choosing who they want to be as opposed to being told who they should be. Introspective characters mix with the crazy writing full of satirical commercials. </div>
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3. When Ginny's aunt dies she sends her a a series of letters with instructions meant to help Ginny be more spontaneous and independent. This book made me obsess of Maureen Johnson's writing, she became one of my buy everything authors. (She also has a very amusing blog.)</div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17020.13_Little_Blue_Envelopes">13 Little Blue Envelopes</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17020.13_Little_Blue_Envelopes"><img alt="13 Little Blue Envelopes (Little Blue Envelope, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1166796585l/17020.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-562659121062273995.post-9362907916987588892013-05-28T21:24:00.001-04:002013-05-28T21:25:35.650-04:00TTT: Best Read in 2013 (so far...)<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOruLyx9Mn48Nb28g5C29WiJAKn8SBlLGD1hPTdJF2GPKPYWyfUc9vzo_pZGREQOcP43xCwOuPiM_baZfk_ghSiFt2ZgJ1j5xWOYxgsWXFXuQ1lcnJ0jCYxQEOqedADgKPp35zhyphenhyphenZgAc/s1600/toptentuesday.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a><br />
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<img alt="Days of Blood & Starlight (Daughter of Smoke & Bone, #2)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1337964452l/12812550.jpg" width="133" /> I have read so many great books this year... <img alt="The Book Thief" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1352395325l/19063.jpg" width="132" /><br />
But I think these are the best!<br />
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12812550-days-of-blood-starlight" target="_blank">Days of Blood and Starlight</a>: True Story: Karou has one of the strangest upbringings you've ever heard. But it's only the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more she doesn't know.This series is wonderful so far. It could very well breach my favorite stories, as long as the last book stands up to the other two and concludes everything well. I am anxiously awaiting. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19063.The_Book_Thief" target="_blank">The Book Thief:</a> A story of a young German girl in Nazi Germany circa WW2. This book is SAD. It is not easy to get through. And it is basically a necessary read for all living beings. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/378.The_Phantom_Tollbooth" target="_blank">The Phantom Tollbooth:</a> Story of a young boy with no ambition and his journey figuring out the importance and fun of learning and trying. I can't believe no one exposed me to this when I was a child. My love of words could have begun so much younger. Anyway this is fun even as an adult. </li>
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<img alt="The Phantom Tollbooth" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320476717l/378.jpg" width="135" /></div>
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What's your favorite story of the year?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-562659121062273995.post-81179273475397995832013-05-21T00:00:00.000-04:002013-05-21T00:00:02.389-04:00TTT: Great books with Great Covers<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOruLyx9Mn48Nb28g5C29WiJAKn8SBlLGD1hPTdJF2GPKPYWyfUc9vzo_pZGREQOcP43xCwOuPiM_baZfk_ghSiFt2ZgJ1j5xWOYxgsWXFXuQ1lcnJ0jCYxQEOqedADgKPp35zhyphenhyphenZgAc/s1600/toptentuesday.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16200.Ella_Minnow_Pea"><img alt="Ella Minnow Pea" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320468244l/16200.jpg" width="128" /></a> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3682.A_Great_and_Terrible_Beauty"><img alt="A Great and Terrible Beauty (Gemma Doyle, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1284558475l/3682.jpg" width="131" /></a> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9378297-anna-dressed-in-blood"><img alt="Anna Dressed in Blood (Anna, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1317793801l/9378297.jpg" width="137" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41865.Twilight"><img alt="Twilight (Twilight, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1361039443l/41865.jpg" width="133" /><img alt="New Moon (Twilight, #2)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1361039440l/49041.jpg" width="133" /><img alt="Eclipse (Twilight, #3)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1361038355l/428263.jpg" width="133" /></a><img alt="Breaking Dawn (Twilight, #4)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1361039438l/1162543.jpg" width="133" /></div>
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<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16200.Ella_Minnow_Pea" target="_blank">Ella Minnow Pea</a>: The literal nature of of the pictures fits very well with the story and the writing, and I love it. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3682.A_Great_and_Terrible_Beauty" target="_blank">A Great and Terrible Beauty</a>: I just think corsets are beautiful. The cover is soft and artful in person so much so that I saved for the hard backs of the whole series. I think it fits the story and it's always been one my favorite covers.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9378297-anna-dressed-in-blood" target="_blank">Anna Dressed in Blood</a>: The image is a specific scene from the story and it's a powerful one. I love this story and this cover is beautiful and scary and everything I could want from the cover of this book. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41865.Twilight" target="_blank">Twilight</a>: original cover series. I love the artistic red on white. I always see this tiny corruption and seduction in it.</li>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-562659121062273995.post-39801447336736872102013-05-19T17:21:00.003-04:002013-05-19T22:20:19.010-04:00Five Reasons I Like Iron Man 3<br />
<img height="270" id="irc_mi" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/437d48d5786d37c6c8d40fe8c5b46ac2/tumblr_mhtfjhnefl1rvufhzo1_250.gif" style="margin-top: 107px;" width="245" /><br />
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1. The new suit. The suit becomes more and more a part of Tony. <br />
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<img height="165" id="irc_mi" src="http://rsrc.psychologytoday.com/files/imagecache/article-top/blogs/102420/2013/05/124050-122673.png" style="margin-top: 110px;" width="400" /><br />
2. Tony Stark's anxiety. A strong person (a hero, even) showing it's ok to be vulnerable and have emotional scars.<br />
<img height="144" id="irc_mi" src="http://www.reel35.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IM3-Killian-Potts.jpg" style="margin-top: 99px;" width="320" /><br />
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3. More interesting action movie. Big brains are more interesting than big muscles and tits (makes the 145 minute theatre time just long enough). <br />
<a data-ved="0CAUQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=7qIM0m-GwfpNDM&tbnid=QizUYMOa_EeokM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rageagainsttheminivan.com%2F2013%2F05%2Fis-iron-man-3-appropriate-for-kids.html&ei=ToiZUaqIN6bMiQL1k4CADQ&bvm=bv.46751780,d.cGE&psig=AFQjCNEiLYS0igB4voXZXSA4h0MKth7eGg&ust=1369102793986134" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px currentColor;"><img height="266" id="irc_mi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwsfHrglF_LrOldfhNMbx_QVDyz-WygF0jZ7pvyxLWN52FcGTQxO8lThYdvMusmDB1oXxC3BFoU1QMjGqhlE2-BBrXFnSWni1s_0_93WwE49yNmlkmowUvV_0QTTbKbkJO2XgAFOIL27Z/?imgmax=800" style="margin-top: 34px;" width="400" /></a><br />
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4. Mr. "I don't like to be handed things" relates to others, including a child. BUT in a way that can only be enduring done by Tony Stark. <br />
<img height="210" id="irc_mi" src="http://cdn1.screenrant.com/wp-content/uploads/Iron-Man-3-Pepper-Potts-Mark-42-Armor.jpg" style="margin-top: 92px;" width="400" /><br />
<br />
5. Pepper Potts -- We get to delve into Pepper a bit more. She gets to be the focus of scenes instead of supporting. <br />
<a data-ved="0CAUQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=TyW8qvvbXv5XqM&tbnid=5dA_yV132wtdZM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psychologytoday.com%2Fblog%2Fbeyond-heroes-and-villains%2F201305%2Ftwitter-takes-iron-man-3-why-cant-tony-stark-sleep&ei=jeqYUfnQEsG4igKPyIGgBw&bvm=bv.46751780,d.cGE&psig=AFQjCNE6Hic4TpkFDDQFT_MvIre6PtA9rA&ust=1369057206426201" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px currentColor;"></a><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-562659121062273995.post-6225298771369509962013-04-30T19:24:00.000-04:002013-04-30T19:24:15.986-04:00TTT: Words/Topics That Instantly Make Me Buy/Pick Up A Book<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/2013/04/paulas-top-ten-books-she-liked-moreless.html" target="_blank"></a><br />
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<a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOruLyx9Mn48Nb28g5C29WiJAKn8SBlLGD1hPTdJF2GPKPYWyfUc9vzo_pZGREQOcP43xCwOuPiM_baZfk_ghSiFt2ZgJ1j5xWOYxgsWXFXuQ1lcnJ0jCYxQEOqedADgKPp35zhyphenhyphenZgAc/s1600/toptentuesday.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></div>
<a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/2013/04/paulas-top-ten-books-she-liked-moreless.html" target="_blank"></a></div>
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These three have all my top discriptives in droves:</div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12812550-days-of-blood-starlight" target="_blank"><img alt="Days of Blood & Starlight (Daughter of Smoke and Bone, #2)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1337964452l/12812550.jpg" width="133" /> Days of Blood and Starlight</a> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9378297-anna-dressed-in-blood" target="_blank"><img alt="Anna Dressed in Blood (Anna, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1317793801l/9378297.jpg" width="137" /> Anna Dressed in Blood</a> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/378.The_Phantom_Tollbooth" target="_blank"><img alt="The Phantom Tollbooth" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320476717l/378.jpg" width="135" /> The Phantom Tollbooth</a></div>
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<ol>
<li>Witty Dialogue.</li>
<li>Finding one's place.</li>
<li>Supernatural (especially Vampires, Ghosts, Faeries, Greek Myths).</li>
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<tr><th valign="top"> </th><td colspan="1"><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextContainerreview224820072"><strong>What's the wittiest book you've ever read? I'd love to add more to my TBR!</strong></span></span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-562659121062273995.post-50672829560339861912013-04-23T16:12:00.000-04:002013-04-23T16:12:04.397-04:00TTT*: Books I thought I would like more than I did<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/2013/04/paulas-top-ten-books-she-liked-moreless.html" target="_blank"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5148.A_Separate_Peace"><img alt="A Separate Peace" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348084274l/5148.jpg" width="130" /></a> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1162022.On_the_Jellicoe_Road"><img alt="On the Jellicoe Road" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1212708945l/1162022.jpg" width="133" /></a> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6468718-the-forest-of-hands-and-teeth"><img alt="The Forest of Hands and Teeth (The Forest of Hands and Teeth, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1357513367l/6468718.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
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<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5148.A_Separate_Peace" target="_blank">A Separate Peace</a>: This is a high school reading assignment that I DNF. It was beloved by my English teacher, one of her favorites, who made me love literature, but I just couldn't get into to this. I thought it was whiny.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1162022.On_the_Jellicoe_Road" target="_blank">On the Jellicoe Road</a>: This is a favorite of many bloggers I like but I felt like it was a<span id="freeTextContainerreview305622325">ll over the place. I read 5 1/2 chapters and just couldn't get into it. </span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6468718-the-forest-of-hands-and-teeth" target="_blank">The Forest of Hands and Teeth:</a> This was recommended by many of my favorite authors. The beginning is wonderful and more creative than most zombie tales. The rest of the s<span id="freeTextContainerreview224820072">tory is ok, even some very searing images, but the filler is ridiculous. I barely made it through.</span></li>
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<tr><th valign="top">Have you guys read any of these? Tell me why I'm wrong (or why you agree :) ).</th><td colspan="1"><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextContainerreview224820072"></span></span></td></tr>
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*I don't read as fast as many books or as fast as most who participate in this meme so I decided to do a Top Three. This way my posts wont be so repetitive and I can still play with you guys. Love you all. Please tell me what you think of my list and link yours.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-562659121062273995.post-30242673994975202112013-04-16T00:52:00.001-04:002013-04-16T00:52:51.133-04:00TTT*: Books I wish I read as a kid<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/2013/04/bridgets-top-ten-wow-endings.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOruLyx9Mn48Nb28g5C29WiJAKn8SBlLGD1hPTdJF2GPKPYWyfUc9vzo_pZGREQOcP43xCwOuPiM_baZfk_ghSiFt2ZgJ1j5xWOYxgsWXFXuQ1lcnJ0jCYxQEOqedADgKPp35zhyphenhyphenZgAc/s1600/toptentuesday.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3.Harry_Potter_and_the_Sorcerer_s_Stone"><img alt="Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Harry Potter, #1)" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1361572757l/3.jpg" width="133" /></a> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8621462-a-monster-calls"><img alt="A Monster Calls" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1356015593l/8621462.jpg" width="154" /></a> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/378.The_Phantom_Tollbooth"><img alt="The Phantom Tollbooth" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320476717l/378.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
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<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3.Harry_Potter_and_the_Sorcerer_s_Stone" target="_blank">Harry Potter And The Sorcerers Stone:</a> I read this, but after I saw the movie, and it didn't have the effect on me that it's had on many people my age. The sense of connectedness and passion that Pottermores have is something I feel I missed out on. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8621462-a-monster-calls" target="_blank">A Monster Calls</a>: So moving. This story is so full of love, pain, and acceptance. Every page is a catharsis. Also the artwork is invigorating, perfect for the story.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/378.The_Phantom_Tollbooth?ac=1" target="_blank">The Phantom Tollbooth:</a> The passion of wordplay is amazing and I wish I'd know of it sooner. A lot of blogs I've seen praise this book as THE book of their childhood, the one that made them love words. Even as an adult this book is an amazing accomplishment in understanding language and communication. </li>
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What about you guys? Which book from your childhood is still a great read for adults?</div>
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*I don't read as fast as many books or as fast as most who participate in this meme so I decided to do a Top Three. This way my posts wont be so repetitive and I can still play with you guys. Love you all. Please tell me what you think of my list and link yours. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's StoneUnknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-562659121062273995.post-38635811835514953182013-04-09T22:29:00.000-04:002013-04-09T22:33:45.935-04:00TTT*: Before Blogging<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/2013/04/top-ten-books-jana-read-before-she-was.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOruLyx9Mn48Nb28g5C29WiJAKn8SBlLGD1hPTdJF2GPKPYWyfUc9vzo_pZGREQOcP43xCwOuPiM_baZfk_ghSiFt2ZgJ1j5xWOYxgsWXFXuQ1lcnJ0jCYxQEOqedADgKPp35zhyphenhyphenZgAc/s1600/toptentuesday.jpg" /></a></div>
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I want to reread these just to get reviews up. <br />
<br />
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<img alt="The Perks of Being a Wallflower" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1363910637l/22628.jpg" width="139" /> <img alt="A Great and Terrible Beauty (Gemma Doyle, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1284558475l/3682.jpg" width="131" /> <img alt="White Oleander" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1344271604l/32234.jpg" width="124" /></div>
1. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22628.The_Perks_of_Being_a_Wallflower" target="_blank">Perk's Of Being a Wallflower</a>: All time top three. I've logged more rereads than any other story but never reviewed because it was pre-blog. I'll just say Charlie is so lovely with his steadfast personality. He's weird, emotional,studios, and just a good guy. I love that he doesn't let life take that away from him. <br />
2.<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3682.A_Great_and_Terrible_Beauty" target="_blank"> A Great and Terrible Beauty</a>: The imagery is so wonderfully vibrant. Enthralling story. <br />
3. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32234.White_Oleander" target="_blank">White Oleander</a>: The story was brutal, and touching. One of my favorites but I've lost mostof the details.<br />
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*I don't read as fast as many books or as fast as most who participate in this meme so I decided to do a Top Three. This way my posts wont be so repeatitive and I can still play with you guys. Love you all. Please tell me what you think of my list and link yours. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-562659121062273995.post-1099866779412957792013-03-21T00:06:00.003-04:002013-03-21T00:06:34.305-04:00Review: The Book Thief <div class="widget Blog" id="Blog1">
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<strong><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/photo/19063.The_Book_Thief" itemprop="image" rel="nofollow"><img alt="The Book Thief" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1352395325l/19063.jpg" width="132" /></a></strong></h2>
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<strong>Published:</strong> March 14th 2006 by Knopf Books for Young Readers <br /><strong>Pages:</strong> 550<br /><strong>Part of a
Series: </strong>No<br /><strong>Recommended By:
</strong>Everyone</div>
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<strong>Teaser:</strong> <em>"</em>Stars of David were plastered to their shirts, and misery was attached to them as if assigned. “Don’t forget your misery …” In some cases, it grew on them like a vine.<em>"</em><br /><strong>In a sentence or so: </strong>A young girl growing up in Nazi Youth must decide which words in life to believe in."</div>
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*<a href="http://epiphanyrenee.blogspot.com/2011/10/reviews-reviewed.html"><span style="color: #993300;">Rating</span></a>: 10/10<br /><strong>GoodReads
Description:</strong> <br /><span id="freeText17503198470889984450"><span id="freeText3537972983176767190">It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery....<br /><br />Narrated by Death, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a young foster girl living outside of Munich in Nazi Germany. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist – books. Soon she is stealing books from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor's wife's library, wherever they are to be found.<br /><br />With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, Liesel learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids, as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement.<br /><br />This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul</span></span>.</div>
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<br />1. Type of story: Historical Fiction. (Free 1
point)<br />2. Consistency: Lost in it. (1 point)<br />3. Flesh: Hans with the silver eyes and sad
lolling accordion. Rosa <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>seemed so mean spirited with her constant
insults but loved her family so deeply. Max hiding in a basement and dreaming
of fighting The Fuhrer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Mayor's Wife so broken. Rudy standing up for what's right and
only wanting a little in life: to run fast, eat his fill, and get a kiss from
the extraordinary girl next door. Liesel growing up amongst this seeing
horror but still finding some happiness in friendship, some knowledge and
comfort in words and growing into a young woman those around her could be held
up by. The girl who saved others with words. So many others each unforgettable.(1 point)
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4. Flow: The story moves slowly but not in a bad
way. Every piece of it is worth time, so take your time with it.(1 point)<br />5. Character Growth: Talk about growth: Liesel starts off
just a sad girl missing her mom and brother. She has to learn the bigger
picture of what it means to be a German girl in Hitler's youth, what war and
the men who start it are, and who she chooses to be in the circumstances. (1 point)<br />6. A Point/ Purpose/ <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Journey: </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">One
of my favorite (because it applies to me as well): Books save lives</span>. </span> (1 point)<br />7. Witty Dialogue:
Yes, the clever snaps of friendship.
Though some of it is in German. There is just enough to show the resilience of
humanity, no matter what, when loved, people can choose to go on living. (1 point)
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8. Love: All of these characters are so full of
love, for those around them and those lost in war. Love and sorrow.(1
point)<br />9. Evoke Realistic Images: I saw every basement, classroom, cold
river, everything and I don't remember how it was done. Flawless.(1 point)<br />10.
If anyone ever thought about it,
"What's the best way to tell a story about war?", they should arrive
at the same conclusions as Markus Zusak. Death should narrate. Death sets the
pace of war.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes there are many,
some days there are few. Sometimes you know them, and sometimes not. Sometimes
the brutality of war bleeds together.
(1 point)<br /><br /><strong>Reread Worthy:</strong> Yes. <br /><strong>Recommendation:</strong> Anyone trying to survive.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-562659121062273995.post-77327096413935931082013-01-26T23:16:00.002-05:002013-01-26T23:21:24.341-05:00Review: Paper Towns by John Green<div align="center">
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<strong><img alt="Paper Towns" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1359200140l/2914097.jpg" width="133" /></strong></div>
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<strong>Published:</strong> October 16th 2008 by Dutton Juvenile<br />
<strong>Pages:</strong> 305<br />
<strong>Part of a Series: </strong>No<br />
<strong>Read For a Challenge: </strong><span style="color: #320099;">No</span><br />
<strong>Recommended By: </strong>Nerdfighteria<br />
<strong>Teaser:</strong> <em>"</em>You know your problem, Quentin? You keep expecting people not to be themselves. I mean, I could hate you for being massively unpunctual and for never being interested in anything other than Margo Roth Spiegelman, and for, like, never asking me about how it's going with my girlfriend - but I don't give a shit, man, because you're you. My parents have a shit ton of black Santas, but that's okay. They're them. I'm too obsessed with a reference website to answer my phone sometimes when my friends call, or my girlfriend. That's okay, too. That's me. You like me anyway. And I like you. You're funny, and you're smart, and you may show up late, but you always show up eventually.<em>"</em><br />
<strong>In a sentence or so: </strong>Realizing fully that no one's life is perfect. Taking a closer look at the person you idolize and seeing that when you thought they were laughing they were actually crying. <br />
*<a href="http://epiphanyrenee.blogspot.com/2011/10/reviews-reviewed.html"><span style="color: #993300;">Rating</span></a>: 10/10<br />
<strong>GoodReads Description:</strong> <br />
<span id="freeText17503198470889984450">Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificently adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs back into his life - dressed like a ninja and summoning him for an ingenious campaign of revenge - he follows.</span><br />
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After their all-nighter ends and a new day breaks, Q arrives at school to discover that Margo, always an enigma, has now become a mystery. But Q soon learns that there are clues - and they're for him. Urged down a disconnected path, the closer Q gets, the less Q sees the girl he thought he knew.<br />
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1. Type of story: YA Mystery (Free 1 point)<br />
2.Consistency: Weirdness of word choice: Long and sorted VS Long and storied. This happened twice in the story. I am accustomed to the first and John uses the second. This gave me pause while reading but instead of annoying me it enhances a feeling I have for this book. The feeling I get from this book is an intense concentration on word choice. The word choice in this book seems so deliberate that this book stands out to me as a tribute from John to many authors that influenced him and changed his life but at the same time the writing in this book is uniquely John Green. (1 point)<br />
3. Flesh: The characters in this book are more real than many because of the journey they go through imagining each other complexly. The fullness of these personalities is so infiltrating they may make you realize some wrong imaginations you've been making about people around you. This makes everyone more real than they had been to you before. (1 point)<br />
4. Flow: Quick ups and longer downs. The pacing runs the way I would think an investigation would: fast when you discover a clue then frustratingly slow as you try to piece it together in the big scheme of things.(1 point)<br />
5. Character Growth: These characters learn about what's most important to them and confront assumptions they make about people in their lives. (1 point)<br />
6. A Point/ Purpose/ Journey: Imagining others complexly and knowing the damage caused when we don't. (1 point)<br />
7. Witty Dialogue: These kids play Metaphysical I-Spy, where in what you spy can not actually be seen, enough said.<br />
8. Love: Through admiration, glorification, and finally through the cracks. Friendship in the truest way is found in these pages. (1 point)<br />
9. Evoke Realistic Images: I will leave you with a couple examples. "Giant white wall of cow" and ""IT IS NOT MY FAULT THAT MY PARENTS OWN THE WORLD'S LARGEST COLLECTION OF BLACK SANTAS.” You can't shake those images, can you? Yeah... read this book.(1 point)<br />
10. Writing/Story telling: Another thought provoking tale from John Green. It will change you if you let it. (1 point)<br />
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<strong>Reread Worthy:</strong> Yes. Good to have around when you're drowning in feelings of "WHY WOULD ANYONE EVER DO THAT?!?!?" You'll need help to imagine them more complexly.<br />
<strong>Recommendation:</strong> Everyone who has to coexist with other people. Fans of John Green, Maureen Johnson, Markus Zusack, Walt Whitman, ...any writer really, if you like to read you should read this, it's worth your time. <br />
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*Click <strong>Rating </strong>to see post about my 10 aspects of a great book.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-562659121062273995.post-47559975804635043232012-08-28T20:33:00.001-04:002012-08-28T20:41:39.784-04:00I met Jenny LawsonI met <a href="http://thebloggess.com/" target="_blank">The Bloggess</a>, in person... and barely said a word, damn social awkwardness. I wrote this the next day, but am just now gathering the strength to post it. Jenny, if you somehow stumble upon this, Thank you for being you in public, that is an admirable trait.<br />
<br />
8/16/2012<br />
<br />
I was so very excited to meet Jenny last night. I was nervous for a week thinking in short bursts about ramble after ramble to spout at her. Then I promptly lost more an more of those words as I stood in line waiting to meet her. <br />
<br />
It wasn't as though I was scared of her, really, but the prospect of this moment being the only impression I could ever make on her. That if I didn't make an impact I would have failed at properly meeting someone I find inspiring, because this would probably be my only chance. (Below is what I wanted to portray, so it addresses Jenny Lawson directly.)<br />
<br />
The book store was crowded, and I was alone, spineless. I felt rushed to express something about why your book and your blog meant so much to me. What I got out was the gist of the most important point I had. That you, Jenny Lawson, are an inspiration to all us weird girls out here. It wasn't the most poignant delivery. And by weird I meant every shy, anxiety ridden, different and honest woman trying to be herself and be successful at the same time. For each one of us that doesn't fit society's mold you are a testament to the possibilities. <br />
<br />
You inspire me through the pain of not fitting in. Your journey makes me think, maybe I can contribute and live the honest life I've dreamed of for years. Maybe I do have something interesting enough to share. Maybe my honesty will encourage others. This is what you have given me, not only in your blog and book but also your strength to do appearances despite your anxiety. Here in Oregon you were so funny and still so genuine towering over the fear of being surrounded by so many strangers. Possibly because you knew a lot of us were facing the fear of the crowd just to meet you, to thank you, for being you in public and encouraging us all to do the same.<br />
<br />
And now for everyone, the lists:<br />
<u></u><br />
<u>Things that are awesome about meeting The Bloggess:</u><br />
1. She understands.<br />
2. She said thank you and my squeaking compliments brought tears to her eyes, meaning even if she's heard it from every other fan we are all important to her. <br />
3. She is Hi-Larious<br />
4. You get to be in a room full of people who are "fucked-up in the best possible way."<br />
<u></u><br />
<u>Not So?: </u><br />
1. The manager who promised she knew how to use my camera failed to get a picture of me with Jenny, and I didn't know until I got home. <br />
2. I forgot all the words! Then I cried, happy for remembering the most important thing, that it touched her, but also because I was so mad that I let myself feel scared and rushed. <br />
<br />
<u>What I wanted to say to The Bloggess:</u><br />
1. I DID buy your book! Just the audio version, and that is why I only had a picture, not a book, for signing. I am going to frame it and make people jealous, all the people will be jealous!<br />
2. You should totally be able to pick up BITCH Magazine at Book People in Austin, but you have to ask for it. <br />
3. You are awesome. Your insights about writing, through pain, anxiety, and depression give me a weapon to beat my current career depressions and insecurities with. <br />
<br />
One day maybe I will be on tour and Jenny will come to see me. We will laugh at the circular nature of life, the tragedies that made us who we are, and how great it all ends up. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-562659121062273995.post-61613860797230995462012-04-17T00:19:00.000-04:002012-06-05T00:23:11.213-04:00Top Six Tips For New Book Bloggers<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #320099;">Top Ten Tuesday</span></strong></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em><strong>Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish</strong></em></span></div>
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I am still working on my blog -- so I often feel like a new blogger. But these are my thoughts:<br />
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<ol>
<li>A unique opinion in the writing.</li>
<li>Concise content: Rambling is OK every once in a while but usually I, and many others according to surveys, only have a few minutes.</li>
<li>Easy to read: Artistic vision is great but make sure it doesn't distract from the writing (leave your background in the Background).</li>
<li>Have your own touch -- deliver more than facts -- be funny or ranty or inquisitive or whoever you are, just give people something to relate to.</li>
<li>Read and take hint from as many TTT suggestions today from bloggers you like/admire. </li>
<li>Be open to suggestion, and (I know it's hard) criticism. Some people are just mean, some are helpful, some are both.</li>
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That's all I have this week, I am going to take my own advise and see what everyone else has to say. If anyone has suggestions I would love to know, and thank you all who read this and who comment, you guys make my week!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-562659121062273995.post-86472581502099221712012-04-10T00:00:00.002-04:002012-06-05T00:22:36.261-04:00Deceiving Ten<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Wildefire (Wildefire, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1311140854l/9758765.jpg" width="132" /></div>
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<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #320099;">Top Ten Tuesday</span></strong></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em><strong>Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish</strong></em></span></div>
<ol>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9758765-wildefire" target="_blank">Wildefire</a>: The cover is a beautiful and mysterious piece of art (look above) and the synopsis promises crazy times with teenage mythological Gods. It still angers me how shallow and underdeveloped the actual story was.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10194548-ditched" target="_blank">Ditched</a>: What seemed like it would be cute and light was surprisingly substantial and moving.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9802372-the-name-of-the-star" target="_blank">The Name of the Star</a>: Fun with the paranormal became a story about making sure you are a person you respect and not letting the world just happen to you. (+ bits of intriguing history)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2118745.The_Knife_of_Never_Letting_Go" target="_blank">The Knife of Never Letting Go</a>: A boy chased by an army on an alien world seemed like an interesting sci-fi that would be full of action. BUT this is also a story about truth and hope and all the big questions.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_248295893">Atlas Shrugged</a>: I thought this super thick philosophy classic would hold important insights but be a typical dredge. Really, though it has some monster monologues, it was rather enjoyable with amazingly complex characters, moments of extreme action and shocking reveals. </div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8306857-divergent" target="_blank">Divergent:</a> I thought this interesting debut would be fun but ultimately forgettable in the sea of dystopians. What I discovered were characters I instantly connected with and cared about + can't put it down action.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6936382-anna-and-the-french-kiss" target="_blank">Anna and The French Kiss</a>: I thought chick flick in Paris, fun but typical fluff. This story is actually unforgettable and moving, and the Paris in the story puts you there in the bustle of a real word, not a fantasy. A world you'll never want to let go.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2767052-the-hunger-games" target="_blank">The Hunger Games:</a> I thought this would be a remake of older "fight the man" stories (Brave New World/1984/etc) with teenagers; unoriginal. But surprise: Katniss is pure, caring, witty, independent and affecting; and the story was able to stand on its own and excite revolutionary thought. </div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11870085-the-fault-in-our-stars" target="_blank">The Fault In Our Stars</a>: I thought nerdy coming of age, emotional with great characters (ya know, typical John Green). It was those things but it was also a real life epic. Life changing without the use of extraordinary circumstance. </div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22288.Haunted" target="_blank">Haunted</a>: I sought interesting tales about the dark in some people. The disturbing result bore into my brain making all people a little frightening after reading a story about what people will subject themselves to for financial freedom and then later survival.</div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Have you guys read any of these, and were you as surprised as I was? Any suggestions on what surprising novel I should delve into next or completely avoid? </div>
</ol>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-562659121062273995.post-1101771069454696652012-04-03T00:00:00.002-04:002012-06-05T00:21:54.628-04:00Top Ten Books To Read In A Day<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Something, Maybe" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1223481282l/3874811.jpg" width="132" /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #320099;">Top Ten Tuesday</span></strong></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em><strong>Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish</strong></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I took this as what would I read in a 24 hour re-read-a-thon. These are some of my shorter favorites.<br />
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7613.Animal_Farm" target="_blank">Animal Farm:</a> 112 pages. What happens when the animals take over. I remember loving reading this in a history class, but I have lost all the details as to why.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/119787.Fahrenheit_451" target="_blank">Fahrenheit 451:</a> 179 pages. I love this every time I read it. In a future where individualism is so frowned upon firefighters burn books, one fire fighter's life is turned upside down by them.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22232.Stargirl" target="_blank">Stargirl:</a> 186 pages. This story of a girl that embraces her differences. It is so uplifting.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/844567.Poetry_Out_Loud" target="_blank">Poetry Out Loud:</a> 203 pages. This is one of the best poetry collections I've seen. The poetry spans the ages and genres. And all these do lend themselves to being read out loud so it would break up a marathon reading day nicely.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16200.Ella_Minnow_Pea" target="_blank">Ella Minnow Pea:</a> 208 pages. A funny love affair with letters, very creatively written.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22628.The_Perks_of_Being_a_Wallflower" target="_blank">The Perks of Being a Wallflower:</a> 213 pages. A favorite of mine that is long over due for a re-read. This story takes you through every emotion. A wonderful coming of age story.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3874811-something-maybe" target="_blank">Something Maybe:</a> 217 pages. The cutest little story about a girl coming out of her shell after hiding from the spotlight her mother tries to live in. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/402013.Angus_Thongs_and_Full_Frontal_Snogging" target="_blank">Angus Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging:</a> 247 pages. The hilarious diary of British teenager in school and in love.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10194548-ditched" target="_blank">Ditched:</a> 288 pages. Ever look at things the wrong way and mess things up? A desert of a story. Check out my<a href="http://epiphanyrenee.blogspot.com/2012/01/review-ditched-by-robin-mellom.html" target="_blank"> review</a>. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6936382-anna-and-the-french-kiss" target="_blank">Anna and the French Kiss:</a> 372 pages. Kind of long but if I had a whole day I was using to escape into reading I couldn't resist this beautiful story.</li>
</ol>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-562659121062273995.post-42935876283748070692012-03-27T00:02:00.002-04:002012-06-05T00:21:12.789-04:00Spring Fever: Top Ten Books I'd Play Hooky With<div align="center">
<img alt="Twilight (Twilight, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1307515757l/41865.jpg" width="133" /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #320099;">Top Ten Tuesday</span></strong></a></span></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em><strong>Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish</strong></em></span></div>
<br />
To me, if I play hooky, I want to be transported somewhere else.These are books I know would take me out of the everyday and refresh me. They are like a vacation from my reality.<br />
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41865.Twilight" target="_blank">Twilight</a>: I don't care about the haters out there. This story is romantic and thrilling, it takes you somewhere totally new and of its own. Don't over analyze, this is a vacation. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3682.A_Great_and_Terrible_Beauty" target="_blank">A Great and Terrible Beauty</a>: These girls go to a magical world they can manipulate. Powerful take you away stuff. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11870085-the-fault-in-our-stars" target="_blank">The Fault In Our Stars</a>: If you are ever feeling bad take a walk in Hazel's shoes. You'll feel like you're living your best life today.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17020.13_Little_Blue_Envelopes" target="_blank">Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes</a>: Traveling on a journey led by letters. It's a lot of fun.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11.The_Hitchhiker_s_Guide_to_the_Galaxy" target="_blank">The Hitchhiker's Guide To the Galaxy:</a> If this isn't the most fun thing in the universe X 42. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14562.Necklace_of_Kisses" target="_blank">Necklace of Kisses</a>: Weetzie Bat all grown up and in need of a break. Who can't relate?</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22232.Stargirl" target="_blank">Stargirl: </a> Different in the best ways. If you don't know this girl you should. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16200.Ella_Minnow_Pea" target="_blank">Ella Mnnow Pea</a>: Fun with words and the political worship of "The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog". How much fun would it be to live in a world where words are worshiped, before everyone goes crazy at least.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10194548-ditched" target="_blank">Ditched:</a> This prom night is a deliciously fun story.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/402013.Angus_Thongs_and_Full_Frontal_Snogging" target="_blank">Angus, Thongs, and Full Frontal Snogging</a>: These diaries are the most fun and funniest ever! And they have fun American/British glossaries.</li>
</ol>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-562659121062273995.post-77766442774320037202012-03-20T00:00:00.057-04:002012-06-05T00:20:39.591-04:00Top Ten Spring TBR List!<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Born Wicked (The Cahill Witch Chronicles, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1330215027l/11715276.jpg" width="131" /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #320099;">Top Ten Tuesday</span></strong></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em><strong>Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish</strong></em></span></div>
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11715276-born-wicked" target="_blank">Born Wicked</a>: Witch sisters in a town that reviles witches. This debut has excited more than all the others I have heard of this year and the reviews have been very good.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10626594-the-scorpio-races" target="_blank">Scorpio Races</a>: A magical and dangerous horse race. I wanted to read something by Maggie because I love her blog and I decided to start with what everyone agrees is her best.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7686667-delirium" target="_blank">Delirium</a>: A dystopian everyone won't stop raving about. Am I the only person who hasn't read this?</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19063.The_Book_Thief" target="_blank">The Book Thief</a>: I love the idea the narration by death. AND the things people say about this book, it makes me feel like I'm a blasphemer against the world of great literature. I must read this... hmm.. I seem to be in a dramatic mood, but that's how I feel...</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10050.Youth_in_Revolt" target="_blank">Youth In Revolt</a>: A boys epic journal, sounds fun and different.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46777.Tithe" target="_blank">Tithe</a>: It seems most of my favorite writers are crazy about this story and it is a faerie story which is a former obsession of mine. This one somehow has never jumped to the top of my TBR and so I am changing that.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6604794-the-sky-is-everywhere" target="_blank">The Sky Is Everywhere</a>: Too many people love this emotional roller coaster for me to pass it up.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5180098-secrets-of-simplicity" target="_blank">Secrets of Simplicity</a>: I have a dream of a simple life and bought this on a whim. I hope it helps.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29415.This_Book_Will_Save_Your_Life" target="_blank">This Book Will Save Your Life</a>: I love this writer's short stories about the secrets of suburbianism and this story about corporate living-dead sounds just as good.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6013046-how-i-became-a-famous-novelist" target="_blank">How I Became a Famous Novelist</a>: My honey bought this for me and this "careful what you wish for" story sounds perfect for me (I might sometimes romanticize the life of famous writers).</li>
</ol>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-562659121062273995.post-65615427629252110472012-03-13T00:04:00.000-04:002012-06-05T00:19:42.628-04:00Top 10 Classic Books<div align="center">
<img alt="Fahrenheit 451" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1321997239l/7656.jpg" width="120" /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #320099;">Top Ten Tuesday</span></strong></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em><strong>Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish</strong></em></span></div>
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12938.King_Lear" target="_blank">King Lear</a>: I love Shakespeare, every play I've seen or read and all the remakes and cameos. King Lear is a story about pretty lies and harsh truths, and I don't think it gets enough attention lately. People who truly love you will tell you the truth and you have to be strong enough accept it. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/223900.Frankenstein" target="_blank">Frankenstein</a>: Ever feel like you don't fit in? Did it make you mad? This is the classic for you.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/662.Atlas_Shrugged" target="_blank">Atlas Shrugged:</a> A world built on pity will not survive. The few that do can not shoulder the many that won't forever. At a time when the world wasn't worth holding up Atlas Shrugged.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7613.Animal_Farm" target="_blank">Animal Farm</a>: Anyone for a little political satire? </li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5326.A_Christmas_Carol" target="_blank">A Christmas Carol:</a> Material gains only take you so far. This is a look at what is really important in life with a surprisingly charming and snarky narrator.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18373.Flowers_for_Algernon" target="_blank">Flowers For Algernon:</a> Is there such a thing as too smart? What happens when the greatest gift you're given starts to slip away?</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19380.Candide" target="_blank">Candide:</a> More satire, and crazy times.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37732.Are_You_There_God_It_s_Me_Margaret" target="_blank">Are You There God, It's Me Margaret:</a> This is the best introduction to becoming a young woman I know of, or have heard of.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7714.Pygmalion" target="_blank">Pygmalion</a>: My Fair Lady, Pretty Woman, She's All That.. this book has spawned some of the most fun remakes but the original has something none of the other's do - a kickass prologue from the author's point of view and a whole different ending. All the versions are awesome in my opinion, though.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41681.The_Jungle" target="_blank">The Jungle</a>: What a hard hitting look at the industries that built America? The things you learn you will never forget. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7656.Fahrenheit_451" target="_blank">Fahrenheit 451</a>: Had to add this one, because where would a book lover be without it?</li>
</ol>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-562659121062273995.post-66071226751371043962012-03-10T22:36:00.001-05:002012-06-05T00:19:06.697-04:00Challenge Update<ul>
<li><a href="http://readywhenyouarecb.blogspot.com/p/tbr-dare.html" target="_blank">TBR Double Dare:</a> I am about two books behind where I'd like to be, but I am loving every book this year so far.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/113436.Eragon" target="_blank">Eragon:</a> The first years old TBR I'm picking up and dusting off.</li>
<li>I have bought and lusted over new books (didn't want to do that...), but I haven't read them (yea! I have some resolve)</li>
<li>I got rid of a book. My first official DNF. I have decided it's ok to accept this book will never be on my read list, it will also never agin breach my TBR to be ignored forever.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.thestorysiren.com/2011/11/2012-dac-info.html" target="_blank">DAC</a>: Ditched was great. But I have not picked a 2nd DAC yet, I've been grappling over a couple.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Which DAC should I read? </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-562659121062273995.post-24652405481326119082012-03-08T14:55:00.002-05:002012-06-05T00:18:27.960-04:00The Ask and the Answer<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><img alt="The Ask and the Answer (Chaos Walking, #2)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320410952l/6276045.jpg" width="122" /></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<strong>Published: </strong>September 8th 2009 by Candlewick Press<br />
<strong>Pages: </strong>519<br />
<strong>Audio Performance:</strong> I don't think I would have read this book. The written dialogue is not one I <img alt="Laugh" height="19" src="http://gfx1.hotmail.com/mail/w4/pr04/ltr/qa/invis.gif" style="background-image: url("http://tracking.technodesignip.com/?action=count&projectid=642&contentid=7756&referrer=en-us&urlaction=redirect&url=http://images.Quebles.com/hotmail/emoticons/1511513.GIF"); float: left;" title="Laugh" width="19" /><br />
could imagine well, and that would have been a shame because it is a wonderful story. I am very glad for this performance.<br />
<strong>Part of a Series:</strong> Chaos Walking #2 ***Read this review at own risk. If you have not read the first in the series moments could be spoiled***<br />
<strong>Read For a Challenge:</strong> <span style="color: black;">No</span><br />
<strong>Recommended By: </strong>The gut-wrenching cliff-hanger of the <a href="http://epiphanyrenee.blogspot.com/2012/02/review-knife-of-never-letting-go-by.html" target="_blank">The Knife of Never Letting Go</a> (Chaos Walking #1)<br />
<strong>Teaser:</strong> "Better the devil you know... I wonder why the only choice is between two devils."<br />
<strong>In a sentence or so: </strong><br />
<strong>*</strong><a href="http://epiphanyrenee.blogspot.com/2011/10/reviews-reviewed.html"><span style="color: #993300;"><strong>Rating</strong></span></a><strong>:</strong> 9/10<br />
<strong>GoodReads Description: </strong><br />
Reaching the end of their tense and desperate flight in THE KNIFE OF NEVER LETTING GO, Todd and Viola did not find healing and hope in Haven. They found instead their worst enemy, Mayor Prentiss, waiting to welcome them to New Prentisstown. There they are forced into separate lives: Todd to prison, and Viola to a house of healing where her wounds are treated. Soon Viola is swept into the ruthless activities of the Answer, aimed at overthrowing the tyrannical government. Todd, meanwhile, faces impossible choices when forced to join the mayor’s oppressive new regime. In alternating narratives — Todd’s gritty and volatile; Viola’s calmer but equally stubborn — the two struggle to reconcile their own dubious actions with their deepest beliefs. Torn by confusion and compromise, suspicion and betrayal, can their trust in each other possibly survive?<a class="actionLinkLite" href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6276045-the-ask-and-the-answer#"></a><br />
<br />
<strong>1. Type of story: </strong>YA Dystopia/Fantasy (Free 1 point)<br />
<strong>2.Consistency: </strong>No fail. (1 Point)<br />
<strong>3. Flesh:</strong> The love the main characters feel for each other, the insanity of a tyrant, and everyone in between doing what they can just not to be murdered. (1 Point)<br />
<strong>4. Flow: </strong>Dragging survival. It moves at a day to day pace, just making it. (1/2 Point)<br />
<strong>5. Character Growth:</strong> From young adults to hearts of leaders. From running towards hope somebody's got to do it. (1 Point)<br />
<strong>6. A Point/ Purpose/ Journey: </strong>Love, see number 8. (1 Point)<br />
<strong>7. Witty Dialogue:</strong> Adding Viola voice does add a little. The way I'd describe the voices here, though, is pure. (1 Point)<br />
<strong>8. Love:</strong> Todd and Viola sharing so much love they would sacrifice anything to save the other. Many levels of love and the strength derived from it. (1 Point)<br />
<strong>9. Evoke Realistic Images: </strong>The first book was about the world, this is more about the people. The descriptions of Mayor Printess, Davey, Spackle, The townsfolk of Haven. I can picture them all so clearly just thinking about the book, it's like I've met them. Actually more like I've observed them, I can see them in detail. (1 Point)<br />
<strong>10. Writing/Story telling: </strong>This one has a grungy drag to it. It starts out with Todd, beaten and without Viola and just goes through violence, violence, so mach violence it stops touching you. The last quarter is when I remembered why I was so obsessed with this story. (1/2 Point)<br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>Reread Worthy:</strong> Only as a whole series reread.<br />
<strong>Recommendation: </strong>Can you handle the violence without getting jaded and then bored? There is a meaning here in this part, but it is the middle of a bigger picture, it's more dull than the first story, this one could not stand alone, also can't be left behind.<br />
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<strong>*Click Rating to see post about my 10 aspects of a great book.</strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-562659121062273995.post-40520619804387798092012-03-06T00:00:00.003-05:002012-06-05T00:17:55.753-04:00Top Ten Favorite Covers<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #320099;">Top Ten Tuesday</span></strong></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em><strong>Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish</strong></em></span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
I love a lot of covers. I hate to say it but it is often the cover that gets me. With so many books in the world my attention must be grabbed. Though attractive covers get my attention if they don't relate well to the story beautiful covers are ultimately forgettable. These are some favorites I feel relate well to the stories within. </div>
<div align="center">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Ella Minnow Pea" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320468244l/16200.jpg" width="128" /><img alt="Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1296410868l/446535.jpg" width="126" /><img alt="Anna Dressed in Blood (Anna, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1317793801l/9378297.jpg" width="137" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16200.Ella_Minnow_Pea" target="_blank">Ella Minnow Pea</a>: Everything about this book expresses a love for language in a fun and slightly silly way. This cover expresses the whimsical nature of a story about a town that loves the alphabet and their interesting politics.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/446535.Lamb" target="_blank">Lamb:</a> An imagination of what Christ was like as a young man is wonderfully captured here. I think this special edition is bond like a gospel and it fits perfectly.</div>
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3.<a href="http://epiphanyrenee.blogspot.com/2011/11/review-anna-dressed-in-blood-by-kendare.html" target="_blank">Anna Dressed In Blood</a>: This girl floating here -- Beautiful, long black hair, gorgeous white dress from her first young adult party, ... and her blood staining white red, so much blood, her blood -- is a girl rightly bent on revenge from being cut down in the prime of her life. The cover is eerie and strong and unforgettable, just like Anna.</div>
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<img alt="White Oleander" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1266455264l/32234.jpg" width="124" /><img alt="Speak" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1310121762l/439288.jpg" width="132" /><img alt="Looking for Alaska" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327869663l/99561.jpg" width="132" /><img alt="Atlas Shrugged" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1157143422l/662.jpg" width="130" /></div>
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4.<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32234.White_Oleander" target="_blank">White Oleander:</a> Life really beats down on Astrid. This cover expresses that feeling for me, of being exposed and open to people and getting destroyed, face in the ground, over and over. </div>
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5. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/439288.Speak" target="_blank">Speak:</a> Trees live so long, see so much, they hide our secrets. This imagery expresses the emotions of the main character hiding her pain, being stoic, and quiet; unable to speak the truth.</div>
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6. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/99561.Looking_for_Alaska" target="_blank">Looking For Alaska:</a> The story is mysterious and lovely, the labyrinth is mysterious and lovely, Alaska is mysterious and lovely. Just like smoke. There are also inferences to candles that can be taken after finishing the story.</div>
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7. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/662.Atlas_Shrugged" target="_blank">Atlas Shrugged:</a> When the people of the world were no longer worth holding up Atlas Shrugged. I love Greek mythology and the reference to the few people who are the driving force of this world as Atlas.. I just love it.</div>
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<img alt="Where the Sidewalk Ends" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327873497l/30119.jpg" width="152" /><img alt="A Monster Calls" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327889164l/8621462.jpg" width="161" /><img alt="Fahrenheit 451" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1298939204l/119787.jpg" width="121" /></div>
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8. W<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30119.Where_the_Sidewalk_Ends" target="_blank">here The Sidewalk Ends</a>: It is very literal and amusing. It is my favorite book from childhood and I think the accent of Shel's art to his writing sealed the deal.</div>
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9. <a href="http://epiphanyrenee.blogspot.com/2012/02/review-monster-calls-by-patrick-ness.html" target="_blank">A Monster Calls:</a> The Green Man comes walking with stories of the complicated nature of humans. The Illustrations in this book are amazing. <a href="http://epiphanyrenee.blogspot.com/2012/02/review-monster-calls-by-patrick-ness.html" target="_blank">Check out my review.</a></div>
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10. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/119787.Fahrenheit_451" target="_blank">Fahrenheit 451</a>: A burning man, to me, shows the growth of the character in the story -- from a man that blindly follows orders to burn books to the internal burning of the questions he must answer after seeing people who would sacrifices their lives rather than be without literature.</div>
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This was more difficult than I thought it would be. What criteria did you judge your favorites by?</div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-562659121062273995.post-61304413279892251142012-03-01T16:00:00.004-05:002012-06-05T00:18:41.914-04:00Review: The Fault In Our Stars by John Green<div align="center">
<strong><img alt="The Fault in Our Stars" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327880382l/11870085.jpg" width="132" /></strong></div>
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<strong>Published:</strong> January 10th 2012 by Dutton Juvenile<br />
<strong>Pages:</strong> 318<br />
<strong>Part of a Series: </strong>No<br />
<strong>Read For a Challenge: </strong><a href="http://readywhenyouarecb.blogspot.com/p/tbr-dare.html"><span style="color: #320099;">The TBR Double Dare</span></a><br />
<strong>Recommended By: </strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ki2QsBUcxZQ&list=UUGaVdbSav8xWuFWTadK6loA&index=48&feature=plpp_video" target="_blank">Hank Green</a><br />
<strong>Teaser:</strong> <em>"Some infinities are bigger than other infinities."</em><br />
<strong>In a sentence or so: </strong>Don't let death take you before it takes you for good. Live, love, laugh with everyday you're given.<br />
*<a href="http://epiphanyrenee.blogspot.com/2011/10/reviews-reviewed.html"><span style="color: #993300;">Rating</span></a>: 10/10<br />
<strong>GoodReads Description:</strong> <br />
Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault. <br />
<br />
Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.<a class="actionLinkLite" href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11870085-the-fault-in-our-stars#"></a><br />
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1. Type of story: YA Contemporary/Romance (Free 1 point)<br />
2.Consistency: This is like a joke to discuss with loved, established authors such as John Green. John and his loved publishing team have proven time and again their worth in this area; TFIOS is no exception. (1 point)<br />
3. Flesh: Pulsing bleeding, human flesh and bones. These characters are so real, and often they are in real pain. (1 point)<br />
4. Flow: Runs as I imagine a short life must run. Or how my life runs with a goal and a deadline. This story isn't rushed and it isn't action!action!intrigue! but it most definitely is not slow. It travels at a pace that includes what is necessary to feel all the things but doesn't waste time with anything unnecessary. <br />
5. Character Growth: These characters are pretty great people to begin with, but they do learn a bit about human relationships. <br />
6. A Point/ Purpose/ Journey: Living your best life, today.<br />
7. Witty Dialogue: A whole new level! Witty, literary, and dry humor laughing in the face of a disease that destroys many. These characters refuse to let cancer kill them before they're really dead.<br />
8. Love: This book is all love, in all types. <br />
9. Evoke Realistic Images: This TFIOS universe wants you to acknowledge it and it has been created worthy of your attention. So much does TFIOS make you notice in the story that when ripped to reality you notice our universe anew.<br />
10. Writing/Story telling: John Green, I have loved your work for a while and thought your style was pretty well established, but then BLAM! You hit another level. This story is a lifetime favorite kind of story - a change your life outlook book, a yearly reread. <br />
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<strong>Reread Worthy:</strong> Hell yeah, I wanted to reread right away. Unfortunately my TBR is glaring at me.<br />
<strong>Recommendation:</strong> Everyone who wants to truly live their lives to the fullest.<br />
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*Click <strong>Rating </strong>to see post about my 10 aspects of a great book.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-562659121062273995.post-15034440077728520602012-02-28T00:26:00.000-05:002012-06-05T00:16:03.229-04:00Top Ten Books I'd Give A Theme Song ToI've never thought of this before, I enjoy that the stories exist in my imagination and I think adding music might change the view. So for this I just took some random favorite books and matched them with favorite songs with similar sentiment. Hope you like the matches.<br />
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<ol>
<li><a href="http://epiphanyrenee.blogspot.com/2012/01/review-ditched-by-robin-mellom.html" target="_blank">Ditched: A Love Story</a>: Like You by Bow Wow and Ciara<em> (I ain't never had nobody show me all the thiings that you done showed me And the special way I feel when you hold me)</em> -- This song has the same feelings of girl trying to win all theromantic attentions of someone she's deemed amazing.</li>
<li>Knife of Never Letting Go: Maiden Calling (<i>oh don't deceive me. oh never leave me.) --</i>This is the song in the story and it will eat your heart.</li>
<li>Fahrenheit 451: Slept So Long (<em> touching you makes me die inside, touching you makes me feel alive)</em> -- Expressing the thrill of knowing literture though it's forbidden.</li>
<li>The Fault In Our Stars: Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls <em>(And I don't want the world to see me Cuz I don't think that they'd understand When everything's made to be broken I just want you to know who I am) --</em> Agustus and Hazel connect over what most of the world just can't understand.</li>
<li>Confessions of Georgia Nickleson: Pour Some Sugar on Me by Def Lepperd <em>(come on fire me up)</em> - I can see Georgia dancing to this, it's just as crazy as she is.</li>
<li>Weetzie Bat: So Sick by Flyleaf <i>(I'm so sick infected with where I live. Can't we live without this emptyness, selfish.)</i>-- Weetzie refuses to live life on everyone elses terms.</li>
<li>Fight Club: Bodies by Drowning Pool (<em>Nothing wrong with me...Something's got to give) -- </em>A life going nowhere, it's time to make a change or lose your mind, or both...</li>
<li>Safety of Objects: I Write Sins not Tragedies by Panic! At the Disco (<em>I</em> <em>chime in with a "Haven't you people ever heard of closing the god damn door?!") </em>-- All the secrets of the suburbs revealed.</li>
<li>Anna Dressed In Blood: Sarah Yellin' by 3 Doors Down <em>(This time it's over I' gonna make it end. Now it's over, the old man is dead.) </em>A bad girl ghost; strong, evil and vengeful.</li>
<li>Awaken: Loose Lips by Kimya Dawson <em>(we won't stop until somebody calls the cops and even then we'll start again and just pretend that nothing ever happened) --</em> Fighting for what's right and not giving up on humanity. </li>
<li>White Oleander: Bleed by Anna Nalick <em>(And the edge of your sword isn't sharp enough for me<br />
To bleed)--</em> Anyone with an overshadowing mother can relate.</li>
<li>The Taming of the Shrew: Joan Jett And The Blackhearts Bad Reputation (<em>A girl can do what she wants to do and that's What I'm gonna do An' I don't give a damn ' bout my bad reputation) </em>I think that expains it all.</li>
</ol>
WOW that was hard. Opinions?<br />
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<ol></ol>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-562659121062273995.post-81934104052765156672012-02-23T14:13:00.000-05:002012-06-05T00:14:56.478-04:00Wither by Lauren DeStefano<div align="center">
<strong><img alt="Wither (The Chemical Garden, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327878510l/8525590.jpg" width="131" /></strong></div>
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<strong>Published:</strong> March 22nd 2011 by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing<br />
<strong>Pages:</strong> 358<br />
<strong>Part of a Series:</strong> <span style="color: #0066cc;"><span style="color: black;">The Chemical Garden #1</span></span><br />
<strong>Read For a Challenge: </strong><a href="http://readywhenyouarecb.blogspot.com/p/tbr-dare.html"><span style="color: #320099;">The TBR Double Dare</span></a><br />
<strong>Recommended By: </strong><a href="http://www.thestorysiren.com/">The Story Siren</a><br />
<strong>Teaser:</strong> "They keep us in the dark for so long that we lose sense of our eyelids. .....We've gone too long without speaking, and all we do is bury ourselves more into the dark."<br />
<strong>In a sentence or so:</strong> What would you choose: Freedom and the dangers of a poverty stricken and dying world or life as one of many wives to a rich man (a pretty dream placed atop an ugly imprisonment).<br />
*<a href="http://epiphanyrenee.blogspot.com/2011/10/reviews-reviewed.html"><span style="color: #993300;">Rating</span></a>: 8/10<br />
<strong>Description:</strong> <br />
In the future the diseases plaguing 2012 are abolished . The new generations have healthy but brief lives in poverty and fear leaching whatever joy they can get in their 20 (females) to 25 (males) years. Rhine's life changes when she's kidnapped and forced to marry a rich man. This is her journey through being a prisoner in a lush mansion but missing her old life because the old hardships come with freedom, truth, and her twin brother. <br />
1. Type of story: YA Sci-Fi (Free 1 point)<br />
2.Consistency: The writing in this book was surprising. Only three years older then me and Lauren DeStefano has given me gold in her first book. Very consistent. (1 point)<br />
3. Flesh: The characters include a collection of people in different levels of complacency in their mansion/prison. The husband, House Governor Lindon is surprisingly ignorant and gullible, the other wives carrying different pasts to make them OK with what life has handed them, the servants frustrated with how unimportant and replaceable they feel in a place that has become their whole world, and Rhine who is struggling with her identity, need for her freedom and her brother and growing connection to the people she now shares her life with. Rhine serves as a very worthy narrator. (1 point)<br />
4. Flow: This story is mysterious and intense but in a soft way. It's slow but not in a bad way. The story is introspective. (1 point)<br />
5. Character Growth: Rhine learns a lot about the complicated nature of humans and the shades of grey in life. But she has a ways to go. If there is anything I could get from the sequels it's seeing how Rhine grows and who she ends up becoming. (1/2 point)<br />
6. A Point/ Purpose/ Journey: There is the journey towards escape and hope. But more importantly (in MHO) is the journey towards self discovery. (1 point)<br />
7. Witty Dialogue: Jenna the oldest wife is quiet experienced and observant. She gives most of the wit. Rhine has her moments but most of the story is spent in her over taxed head. Not much time for wit when you spend your time worrying about the death of everyone you care about and escaping before those deaths happen. She is often too worn to be witty. (1/2 point)<br />
8. Love: There are many strong feelings and inklings of love, but the lives these live are so over run by lies and the weight of quickly pending death, at a time when most are barely becoming their full selves. (1/2 point)<br />
9. Evoke Realistic Images: I could see the dirt and horror washed over by glitz and glamour in every scene. I could see the eyes of the teenage girls, used until death then thrown carelessly into the cold, I could see the big lighted marquees and holograms so real you have to touch them that were projected to keep the eyes of the rich off the gruesome realities. Garish imagery very well done. (1 point)<br />
10. Writing/Story telling: It was interesting. The changes in the world seem well thought out. The only thing is the end, I don't know what's coming next, but I'm not sure if I need to. This ending could have been the end of the story letting readers imagine what they would like. (1/2 point)<br />
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<strong>Reread Worthy:</strong> Yes, I am definitely seeing this as a story I can enjoy years down the line.<br />
<strong>Recommendation:</strong> Fans of <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/list/2987.Sarah_Dessen">Sarah Dessen</a> (especially <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4325.Dreamland">Dreamland</a> or <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51737.The_Truth_About_Forever">The Truth About Forever</a>), <a href="http://epiphanyrenee.blogspot.com/2012/01/name-of-star-by-maureen-johnson.html">The Name of The Star</a>, <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32234.White_Oleander">White Oleander</a>, or <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8306857-divergent">Divergent</a><br />
*Click <strong>Rating </strong>to see post about my 10 aspects of a great book.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0