TTT: Best reads of the year 2013

I have read a LOT of great books this year, so this was very difficult!

1. Days of Blood & Starlight: (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.

2. The Book Thief: 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. Review.

3. Let's Pretend This Never Happened: 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.
 

TTT: Summer TBR 2013

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

1. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time: The begginning was great and it's been recommended by two trusted sources.

A Game of Thrones



2. A Game of Thrones: 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.

3. Delirium: 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.

Delirium

TTT: Great books with a travel focus

 

 

 

                                                   

 

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight                        Beauty Queens                

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.)

 

 

13 Little Blue Envelopes

 

 

TTT: Best Read in 2013 (so far...)

 

 I have read so many great books this year... 
                                         But I think these are the best!

1. Days of Blood and Starlight: 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.  
2. The Book Thief: 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.
3. The Phantom Tollbooth: 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.

 

 

What's your favorite story of the year?

TTT: Great books with Great Covers

     

1. Ella Minnow Pea: The literal nature of of the pictures fits very well with the story and the writing, and I love it.
2. A Great and Terrible Beauty: 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.
3. Anna Dressed in Blood: 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.
4. Twilight: original cover series. I love the artistic red on white. I always see this tiny corruption and seduction in it.

 

 

Five Reasons I Like Iron Man 3

1. The new suit. The suit becomes more and more a part of Tony.


2. Tony Stark's anxiety. A strong person (a hero, even) showing it's ok to be vulnerable and have emotional scars.


3. More interesting action movie. Big brains are more interesting than big muscles and tits (makes the 145 minute theatre time just long enough).


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.


5. Pepper Potts -- We get to delve into Pepper a bit more. She gets to be the focus of scenes instead of supporting.

TTT: Words/Topics That Instantly Make Me Buy/Pick Up A Book







These three have all my top discriptives in droves:

 



Days of Blood and Starlight   Anna Dressed in Blood   The Phantom Tollbooth

1. Witty Dialogue.
2. Finding one's place.
3. Supernatural (especially Vampires, Ghosts, Faeries, Greek Myths).

	What's the wittiest book you've ever read? I'd love to add more to my TBR!

TTT*: Books I thought I would like more than I did





    

1. A Separate Peace: 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.
2. On the Jellicoe Road: This is a favorite of many bloggers I like but I felt like it was all over the place. I read 5 1/2 chapters and just couldn't get into it.
3. The Forest of Hands and Teeth: This was recommended by many of my favorite authors. The beginning is wonderful and more creative than most zombie tales. The rest of the story is ok, even some very searing images, but the filler is ridiculous. I barely made it through.

Have you guys read any of these? Tell me why I'm wrong (or why you agree :) ).

*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.

TTT*: Books I wish I read as a kid

     

1. Harry Potter And The Sorcerers Stone: 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.
2. A Monster Calls: 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.
3. The Phantom Tollbooth: 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.

What about you guys? Which book from your childhood is still a great read for adults?

 

*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 Stone

TTT*: Before Blogging

I want to reread these just to get reviews up.

     

1. Perk's Of Being a Wallflower: 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.
2. A Great and Terrible Beauty: The imagery is so wonderfully vibrant. Enthralling story.
3. White Oleander: The story was brutal, and touching. One of my favorites but I've lost mostof the details.

*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.

Review: The Book Thief

Published: March 14th 2006 by Knopf Books for Young Readers    
Pages: 550
Part of a Series: No
Recommended By: Everyone

Teaser: "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."
In a sentence or so: A young girl growing up in Nazi Youth must decide which words in life to believe in."

*Rating: 10/10
GoodReads Description:
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....

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.

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.

This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

1. Type of story: Historical Fiction. (Free 1 point)
2. Consistency: Lost in it. (1 point)
3. Flesh: Hans with the silver eyes and sad lolling accordion. Rosa  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. 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)

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)
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)
6. A Point/ Purpose/ Journey: One of my favorite (because it applies to me as well): Books save lives.  (1 point)
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)

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)
9. Evoke Realistic Images: I saw every basement, classroom, cold river, everything and I don't remember how it was done. Flawless.(1 point)
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.  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)

Reread Worthy: Yes.
Recommendation: Anyone trying to survive.

Review: Paper Towns by John Green

 

Published: October 16th 2008 by Dutton Juvenile
Pages: 305
Part of a Series: No
Read For a Challenge: No
Recommended By: Nerdfighteria
Teaser: "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."
In a sentence or so: 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.
*Rating: 10/10
GoodReads Description:
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.

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.


1. Type of story: YA Mystery (Free 1 point)
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)
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)
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)
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)
6. A Point/ Purpose/ Journey: Imagining others complexly and knowing the damage caused when we don't. (1 point)
7. Witty Dialogue: These kids play Metaphysical I-Spy, where in what you spy can not actually be seen, enough said.
8. Love: Through admiration, glorification, and finally through the cracks. Friendship in the truest way is found in these pages.  (1 point)
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)
10. Writing/Story telling: Another thought provoking tale from John Green. It will change you if you let it. (1 point)

Reread Worthy: 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.
Recommendation: 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.

*Click Rating to see post about my 10 aspects of a great book.

I met Jenny Lawson

I met The Bloggess, 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.

8/16/2012

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.

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.)

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.

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.

And now for everyone, the lists:

Things that are awesome about meeting The Bloggess:
1. She understands.
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.
3. She is Hi-Larious
4. You get to be in a room full of people who are "fucked-up in the best possible way."

Not So?:
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.
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.

What I wanted to say to The Bloggess:
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!
2. You should totally be able to pick up BITCH Magazine at Book People in Austin, but you have to ask for it.
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.

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.

Top Six Tips For New Book Bloggers

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

I am still working on my blog -- so I often feel like a new blogger. But these are my thoughts:

1. A unique opinion in the writing.
2. Concise content: Rambling is OK every once in a while but usually I, and many others according to surveys, only have a few minutes.
3. Easy to read: Artistic vision is great but make sure it doesn't distract from the writing (leave your background in the Background).
4. 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.
5. Read and take hint from as many TTT suggestions today from bloggers you like/admire.
6. Be open to suggestion, and (I know it's hard) criticism. Some people are just mean, some are helpful, some are both.

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!

Deceiving Ten

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

1. Wildefire: 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.
2. Ditched: What seemed like it would be cute and light was surprisingly substantial and moving.
3. The Name of the Star: 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)
4. The Knife of Never Letting Go: 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.
5. Atlas Shrugged: 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.
6. Divergent: 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.
7. Anna and The French Kiss: 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.
8. The Hunger Games: 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.
9. The Fault In Our Stars: 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.
10. Haunted: 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.
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?

Top Ten Books To Read In A Day

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

I took this as what would I read in a 24 hour re-read-a-thon. These are some of my shorter favorites.

1. Animal Farm: 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.
2. Fahrenheit 451: 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.
3. Stargirl: 186 pages. This story of a girl that embraces her differences. It is so uplifting.
4. Poetry Out Loud: 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.
5. Ella Minnow Pea: 208 pages. A funny love affair with letters, very creatively written.
6. The Perks of Being a Wallflower: 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.
7. Something Maybe: 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.
8. Angus Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging: 247 pages. The hilarious diary of British teenager in school and in love.
9. Ditched: 288 pages. Ever look at things the wrong way and mess things up? A desert of a story. Check out my review.
10. Anna and the French Kiss: 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.

Spring Fever: Top Ten Books I'd Play Hooky With



Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

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.

1. Twilight: 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.
2. A Great and Terrible Beauty: These girls go to a magical world they can manipulate. Powerful take you away stuff.
3. The Fault In Our Stars: If you are ever feeling bad take a walk in Hazel's shoes. You'll feel like you're living your best life today.
4. Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes: Traveling on a journey led by letters. It's a lot of fun.
5. The Hitchhiker's Guide To the Galaxy: If this isn't the most fun thing in the universe X 42. 
6. Necklace of Kisses: Weetzie Bat all grown up and in need of a break. Who can't relate?
7. Stargirl:  Different in the best ways. If you don't know this girl you should. 
8. Ella Mnnow Pea: 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.
9. Ditched: This prom night is a deliciously fun story.
10. Angus, Thongs, and Full Frontal Snogging: These diaries are the most fun and funniest ever! And they have fun American/British glossaries.