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Showing posts with label Why I love Wednesdays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Why I love Wednesdays. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Retiring Why I Love Wednesdays
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Why I Love Wednesdays... Favorite New Author
Why I Love...Kevin Hearne
Ohhh! This week's topic is particularly hard because I read many new to me authors this year and had a fabulous experience. It was so hard to choose between Sophie Kinsella, Kevin, Hearne, J.D. Robb, Christopher Grant, or Neil Shusterman. All these authors were so great.
Ultimately I had to go with Kevin Hearne who writes the Iron Druid series. Urban fantasy is just not my favorite genre and I would have never picked up this book if it wasn't for fellow book review bloggers. Kevin Hearne changed my entire perspective on this genre. I'm continuously amazed at how I consistently love the books in this series. I haven't been disappointed yet. This series is full of action, magic, folklore, humor, and all around fun.
Ohhh! This week's topic is particularly hard because I read many new to me authors this year and had a fabulous experience. It was so hard to choose between Sophie Kinsella, Kevin, Hearne, J.D. Robb, Christopher Grant, or Neil Shusterman. All these authors were so great.
Ultimately I had to go with Kevin Hearne who writes the Iron Druid series. Urban fantasy is just not my favorite genre and I would have never picked up this book if it wasn't for fellow book review bloggers. Kevin Hearne changed my entire perspective on this genre. I'm continuously amazed at how I consistently love the books in this series. I haven't been disappointed yet. This series is full of action, magic, folklore, humor, and all around fun.
Which new author do you love? Feel free to create your own post and link up. Don't want to create an entire post? Tell me your favorites in the comments. Thanks for stopping by for another week of Why I Love Wednesdays!!
If you want to play along, feel free to grab the image (there is a button on the right sidebar now) and link your post in the linky. Here goes.
LINKY INSTRUCTIONS:
When naming your link, please choose the name of your post. Mine would say "Why I Love...Rhett Butler."
Please link directly to your post and not your blog.
Please participate :)
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Why I Love Wednesdays...Favorite Book Challenge
Why I Love...The TBR Pile Book Challenge
I've been really into completing my challenges lately and it's been lots of fun. I've been surprised that my favorite challenge thus far is the TBR Pile Book Challenge hosted by a bunch of folks. In this challenge, you read books on your very own bookshelf. I'm sure all of us are guilty of buying books and putting them on our bookshelf to collect dust. So I joined this challenge determined to correct some bad habits.
I've corrected no bad habits, but I've rediscovered books that I just had to have (though I forgot about them). There are some amazing books on my bookshelf! It's like a guaranteed fun read but going to my very own bookshelf. This shouldn't come as a surprise but somehow it has. While I've had some hits and misses in pursuit of my dystopia challenge, I've only had hits in my TBR Pile challenge. This challenge probably wins the title of best challenge and best surprise. Who knew reading the books on your very own bookshelf could be such fun?
I've corrected no bad habits, but I've rediscovered books that I just had to have (though I forgot about them). There are some amazing books on my bookshelf! It's like a guaranteed fun read but going to my very own bookshelf. This shouldn't come as a surprise but somehow it has. While I've had some hits and misses in pursuit of my dystopia challenge, I've only had hits in my TBR Pile challenge. This challenge probably wins the title of best challenge and best surprise. Who knew reading the books on your very own bookshelf could be such fun?
Which book challenges do you love? Feel free to create your own post and link up. Don't want to create an entire post? Tell me your favorites in the comments. Thanks for stopping by for another week of Why I Love Wednesdays!!
If you want to play along, feel free to grab the image (there is a button on the right sidebar now) and link your post in the linky. Here goes.
LINKY INSTRUCTIONS:
When naming your link, please choose the name of your post. Mine would say "Why I Love...Rhett Butler."
Please link directly to your post and not your blog.
Please participate :)
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Why I Love Wednesdays... Favorite Villain
Why I Love...Klaus (Niklaus Mikaelson)
Here I go again choosing a character from a book I haven't read :)
No but really. A tv show based from books totally count. I've started watching the new season of Vampire Diaries and I've fallen in love again. How did I go without this show?! Anyways...I love Klaus as a villain. Even though he has soft moments every blue moon, Klaus is a real villain. I don't want to ruin it for you in case you are behind and need to watch it on netflix and catch up (*looking at Jade*). Klaus shows up in season 2 and boy is he a formidable foe. He can't be killed, he used to travel around with his family members in caskets, and he is such a manipulator. Oh and kills tons of people without blinking, even those who supported him once upon a time. You think he can't be all that bad and then he reminds you that he's pretty bad. I absolutely love this series and I can't wait to see what Klaus does next!
No but really. A tv show based from books totally count. I've started watching the new season of Vampire Diaries and I've fallen in love again. How did I go without this show?! Anyways...I love Klaus as a villain. Even though he has soft moments every blue moon, Klaus is a real villain. I don't want to ruin it for you in case you are behind and need to watch it on netflix and catch up (*looking at Jade*). Klaus shows up in season 2 and boy is he a formidable foe. He can't be killed, he used to travel around with his family members in caskets, and he is such a manipulator. Oh and kills tons of people without blinking, even those who supported him once upon a time. You think he can't be all that bad and then he reminds you that he's pretty bad. I absolutely love this series and I can't wait to see what Klaus does next!
Which villains do you love? Feel free to create your own post and link up. Don't want to create an entire post? Tell me your favorites in the comments. Thanks for stopping by for another week of Why I Love Wednesdays!!
If you want to play along, feel free to grab the image (there is a button on the right sidebar now) and link your post in the linky. Here goes.
LINKY INSTRUCTIONS:
When naming your link, please choose the name of your post. Mine would say "Why I Love...Rhett Butler."
Please link directly to your post and not your blog.
Please participate :)
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Why I Love Wednesdays...Favorite Book Family
Why I Love...Teenie's family
If you think about it, this is a ridiculously hard questions to answer. As I perused through the books that I read this year it became quite clear that families are simply missing in books these days. Somehow isn't strong, tough, or have experienced a difficult time if they managed to have a family to support them. Last time this prompt came up, I picked the March family from Little Women. I started to choose them again before I realized I had already done so.
So who to pick. I could pick the Black Dagger Brotherhood because they are a family of sorts. But that wasn't really what I was getting at. I desperately want to pick Karou's makeshift family in The Daughter of Smoke and Bone (because I find more reasons to love this book every time I think about it), but again, that's a makeshift family and I wanted to pick strong family unit. Ultimately, I settled on Teenie's family in Teenie by Christopher Grant. Teenie had both parents in her home and siblings that were very mean but loving. When I think of the joke that they played on her concerning the ashes in a urn, it makes me chuckle.
But honestly this question shouldn't be so hard. Where are the families in books?
If you think about it, this is a ridiculously hard questions to answer. As I perused through the books that I read this year it became quite clear that families are simply missing in books these days. Somehow isn't strong, tough, or have experienced a difficult time if they managed to have a family to support them. Last time this prompt came up, I picked the March family from Little Women. I started to choose them again before I realized I had already done so.
So who to pick. I could pick the Black Dagger Brotherhood because they are a family of sorts. But that wasn't really what I was getting at. I desperately want to pick Karou's makeshift family in The Daughter of Smoke and Bone (because I find more reasons to love this book every time I think about it), but again, that's a makeshift family and I wanted to pick strong family unit. Ultimately, I settled on Teenie's family in Teenie by Christopher Grant. Teenie had both parents in her home and siblings that were very mean but loving. When I think of the joke that they played on her concerning the ashes in a urn, it makes me chuckle.
But honestly this question shouldn't be so hard. Where are the families in books?
Which book families do you love? Feel free to create your own post and link up. Don't want to create an entire post? Tell me your favorites in the comments. Thanks for stopping by for another week of Why I Love Wednesdays!!
If you want to play along, feel free to grab the image (there is a button on the right sidebar now) and link your post in the linky. Here goes.
LINKY INSTRUCTIONS:
When naming your link, please choose the name of your post. Mine would say "Why I Love...Rhett Butler."
Please link directly to your post and not your blog.
Please participate :)
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Why I Love Wednesdays...Favorite Childhood Book Series
Why I Love...The Babysitter's Club
I really did have quite a few loves as a kid. I was loyal too. When I was interviewed by a local newspaper back when I was in second grade, I told them that my favorite books were The Babysitter's Club. When I think back to my childhood, those are still the books that stick out the most. I remember them vividly. I remember Claudia's grandmother dying and Stacy (was it Stacy?) having diabetes. I even remember some of the babysitters that came later like Jesse. I looked up to these girls. Babysitting sounded like the greatest job in the world. They had real problems that I could identify with at such a young age. Plus they seemed so much older and mature to me. I believe they started off in the sixth or seventh grade. This was such an unforgettable series for me. When I get my library, I'm going to find the entire series and stock them where I can see them and reminisce. Oh but there were a few more loves and I just had to share.
I really did have quite a few loves as a kid. I was loyal too. When I was interviewed by a local newspaper back when I was in second grade, I told them that my favorite books were The Babysitter's Club. When I think back to my childhood, those are still the books that stick out the most. I remember them vividly. I remember Claudia's grandmother dying and Stacy (was it Stacy?) having diabetes. I even remember some of the babysitters that came later like Jesse. I looked up to these girls. Babysitting sounded like the greatest job in the world. They had real problems that I could identify with at such a young age. Plus they seemed so much older and mature to me. I believe they started off in the sixth or seventh grade. This was such an unforgettable series for me. When I get my library, I'm going to find the entire series and stock them where I can see them and reminisce. Oh but there were a few more loves and I just had to share.
Which childhood series did you love? Feel free to create your own post and link up. Don't want to create an entire post? Tell me your favorites in the comments. Thanks for stopping by for another week of Why I Love Wednesdays!!
If you want to play along, feel free to grab the image (there is a button on the right sidebar now) and link your post in the linky. Here goes.
LINKY INSTRUCTIONS:
When naming your link, please choose the name of your post. Mine would say "Why I Love...Rhett Butler."
Please link directly to your post and not your blog.
Please participate :)
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Why I Love Wednesdays...Characters I Love to Hate
I am returning with my feature... Why I love which takes place on Wednesdays. Today's proclamation of love concerns our Favorite Characters we Love to Hate
I've picked a character that many of you may be unfamiliar with. Jason from the Fallen Together is a character I just love to hate. I mean, he leaves a girl in a ditch alone when she goes into a seizure. He doesn't get help and only puts a blanket over her. That's such a horrible thing to do. Things could have turned out so bad. Things eventually change and he grows up. He's still the type of guy that I just couldn't call a friend. I probably wouldn't even like him as a person.
But I bring him up because he actually has some redeeming qualities and Ms. De los Santos did a great job making him so complex that you could see how some could like him. Though I did feel bad for him and wish him the best in the end, I still couldn't get over the earlier behavior. When the book was over, I found myself thinking of Jason the most. It is amazing how complicated the human spirit can be.
Which characters do you love to hate? Feel free to create your own post and link up. Don't want to create an entire post? Tell me your favorites in the comments. Thanks for stopping by for another week of Why I Love Wednesdays!!
Why I Love... Jason from Fallen Together
I've picked a character that many of you may be unfamiliar with. Jason from the Fallen Together is a character I just love to hate. I mean, he leaves a girl in a ditch alone when she goes into a seizure. He doesn't get help and only puts a blanket over her. That's such a horrible thing to do. Things could have turned out so bad. Things eventually change and he grows up. He's still the type of guy that I just couldn't call a friend. I probably wouldn't even like him as a person.
But I bring him up because he actually has some redeeming qualities and Ms. De los Santos did a great job making him so complex that you could see how some could like him. Though I did feel bad for him and wish him the best in the end, I still couldn't get over the earlier behavior. When the book was over, I found myself thinking of Jason the most. It is amazing how complicated the human spirit can be.
Which characters do you love to hate? Feel free to create your own post and link up. Don't want to create an entire post? Tell me your favorites in the comments. Thanks for stopping by for another week of Why I Love Wednesdays!!
If you want to play along, feel free to grab the image (there is a button on the right sidebar now) and link your post in the linky. Here goes.
LINKY INSTRUCTIONS:
When naming your link, please choose the name of your post. Mine would say "Why I Love...Rhett Butler."
Please link directly to your post and not your blog.
Please participate :)
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Why I Love Wednesdays... Favorite Female Lead Character
Why I Love...Kerou
I admit that this question is difficult for many reasons but mainly because I can think of so many. Most of the books I read have female lead characters and how can I choose just one? Well I can pick Katniss because, you know, she's awesome. But she isn't my favorite. Yet, she is the first character that came to my mind.
But I'm leaning toward Kerou from Daughter of Smoke and Bone. But... I can't tell you why because it would be a total spoiler. Anyone read that book? Do you know what I'm talking about. It's kind of like getting two for the price of one. I will tell you that Kerou has blue hair and it grows that way because she wished it. And she has a dysfunctional family unit that loves her and she loves them. And an Angel tried to kill her and she fought back. But most of all, there is more to Kerou than even she knows and I love that part too! You just have to read this book. I can't wait for the next one.
Totally inadequate answer, I know.
I admit that this question is difficult for many reasons but mainly because I can think of so many. Most of the books I read have female lead characters and how can I choose just one? Well I can pick Katniss because, you know, she's awesome. But she isn't my favorite. Yet, she is the first character that came to my mind.But I'm leaning toward Kerou from Daughter of Smoke and Bone. But... I can't tell you why because it would be a total spoiler. Anyone read that book? Do you know what I'm talking about. It's kind of like getting two for the price of one. I will tell you that Kerou has blue hair and it grows that way because she wished it. And she has a dysfunctional family unit that loves her and she loves them. And an Angel tried to kill her and she fought back. But most of all, there is more to Kerou than even she knows and I love that part too! You just have to read this book. I can't wait for the next one.
Totally inadequate answer, I know.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Why I Wednesdays... Favorite Movie/TV Adaptations
Why I Love... BBC Series North and South
Well I'm going to surprise everybody and pick something totally unexpected, though very much true. My favorite movie/tv adaptations are slowly increasing but I wanted to bypass some of my more predictable choices (The Hunger Games, Vampire Diaries, Pride & Prejudice, and on and on).
This week I was inspired to write about my love of the North and South (the BBC series version). I found this version through Netflix online streaming. I never expected to love it but I needed some background noise while I cooked. A few hours and one lean pocket later (since I abandoned my cooking for another day), I realized that I had stumbled upon a gem. The characters slowly wormed their way into my heart and the romance made my eyes water (just a bit). This was the perfect night-in find. I even watched a couple of the episodes twice! Who does that?! Honestly, this was one of my favorite finds on Netflix to date.
This week I was inspired to write about my love of the North and South (the BBC series version). I found this version through Netflix online streaming. I never expected to love it but I needed some background noise while I cooked. A few hours and one lean pocket later (since I abandoned my cooking for another day), I realized that I had stumbled upon a gem. The characters slowly wormed their way into my heart and the romance made my eyes water (just a bit). This was the perfect night-in find. I even watched a couple of the episodes twice! Who does that?! Honestly, this was one of my favorite finds on Netflix to date.
Which adaptations do you love? Feel free to create your own post and link up. Don't want to create an entire post? Tell me your favorites in the comments. Thanks for stopping by for another week of Why I Love Wednesdays!!
If you want to play along, feel free to grab the image (there is a button on the right sidebar now) and link your post in the linky. Here goes.
LINKY INSTRUCTIONS:
When naming your link, please choose the name of your post. Mine would say "Why I Love...Rhett Butler."
Please link directly to your post and not your blog.
Please participate :)
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Why I Love Wednesdays... Favorite Male Lead Character
Why I Love...Rhage
So can I pick Rhett Butler?
What's that you say?
I pick Rhett Butler for all my answers?! I do not!
I'm sure I've only mentioned him once or twice.
No, not ten. Ten would mean... well it would mean...
Well it's not my fault Rhett Butler is the Rhett Butler!
I'm not crazy and I don't lack imagination.
Well... I wasn't going to pick him anyway so there!
[You can imagine that I'm talking to myself or you can imagine that there is an empty chair beside me. Whatever floats your boat]
I have quite a few favorite male leads and I'm including co-leads. Of course Harry Potter is an awesome male lead character. I'm also feeling Day from Legend right now (more on his awesomeness later). And... maybe Rhage from the Black Dagger Brotherhood series (Did I really say that I couldn't understand the hype in this series?! Naw that wasn't me. Couldn't be.). And last, but certainly not least, Peeta. I love me some Peeta (and don't tell me that he isn't a male lead).
P.S. That little exchange up there...ya'll I'm going crazy! I'm not handling this homeless thing very well. It's so hard to cook in other people's kitchen!! Sorry for the weird post :)
So can I pick Rhett Butler?
What's that you say?
I pick Rhett Butler for all my answers?! I do not!
I'm sure I've only mentioned him once or twice.
No, not ten. Ten would mean... well it would mean...
Well it's not my fault Rhett Butler is the Rhett Butler!
I'm not crazy and I don't lack imagination.
Well... I wasn't going to pick him anyway so there!
[You can imagine that I'm talking to myself or you can imagine that there is an empty chair beside me. Whatever floats your boat]
I have quite a few favorite male leads and I'm including co-leads. Of course Harry Potter is an awesome male lead character. I'm also feeling Day from Legend right now (more on his awesomeness later). And... maybe Rhage from the Black Dagger Brotherhood series (Did I really say that I couldn't understand the hype in this series?! Naw that wasn't me. Couldn't be.). And last, but certainly not least, Peeta. I love me some Peeta (and don't tell me that he isn't a male lead).
P.S. That little exchange up there...ya'll I'm going crazy! I'm not handling this homeless thing very well. It's so hard to cook in other people's kitchen!! Sorry for the weird post :)
Which male lead do you love? Feel free to create your own post and link up. Don't want to create an entire post? Tell me your favorites in the comments. Thanks for stopping by for another week of Why I Love Wednesdays!!
If you want to play along, feel free to grab the image (there is a button on the right sidebar now) and link your post in the linky. Here goes.
LINKY INSTRUCTIONS:
When naming your link, please choose the name of your post. Mine would say "Why I Love...Rhett Butler."
Please link directly to your post and not your blog.
Please participate :)
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Why I Love Wednesdays... Actor/Actress for Current Read
Why I Love...Nina Dobrev
I'm currently reading Foreshadow by Brea Essex, a YA paranormal that has high school drama and seemingly a love triangle (but not really). Nina Dobrev is the girl who plays in The Vampire Diaries and I just love that show. I thought of her because she always looks like an actual High School student and wears simple ponytails and all that good stuff. Plus The Vampire Diaries obviously has paranormal elements. I know I should have better reasons than this but a new season of The Vampire Diaries is around the corner and it's on my mind. What can I say? I wish I could post a picture, but all the pictures that are free for the taking featuring her looking super sexy and not the way that she is most of the time in the show or the way that I would imagine her in this book. Here's a link to one I like.
I'm currently reading Foreshadow by Brea Essex, a YA paranormal that has high school drama and seemingly a love triangle (but not really). Nina Dobrev is the girl who plays in The Vampire Diaries and I just love that show. I thought of her because she always looks like an actual High School student and wears simple ponytails and all that good stuff. Plus The Vampire Diaries obviously has paranormal elements. I know I should have better reasons than this but a new season of The Vampire Diaries is around the corner and it's on my mind. What can I say? I wish I could post a picture, but all the pictures that are free for the taking featuring her looking super sexy and not the way that she is most of the time in the show or the way that I would imagine her in this book. Here's a link to one I like.
Which actor/actress would you love to see as a character in your current read? Feel free to create your own post and link up. Don't want to create an entire post? Tell me your favorites in the comments. Thanks for stopping by for another week of Why I Love Wednesdays!!
If you want to play along, feel free to grab the image (there is a button on the right sidebar now) and link your post in the linky. Here goes.
LINKY INSTRUCTIONS:
When naming your link, please choose the name of your post. Mine would say "Why I Love...Rhett Butler."
Please link directly to your post and not your blog.
Please participate :)
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Why I Love Wednesdays... Favorite Place to Read
Why I Love...My Car!
This particular topic has come up a couple of times before and each time I chose a different location. But I've found that when my life changes, so does my reading habits. Now that I've graduated from law school and I'm officially homeless while I wait for bar results (November!!), I don't have the same schedule or freedom that I once had when I had my own place and room.
Surprisingly, my car is one of my new favorite reading spots. It is where I can safely listen to audiobooks and have a bit of privacy. I've given up on saving the best books to read in paper form. If I kept doing that, I would never get any guilt-free reading done. Between visiting my brother, driving to work, I usually need a hands free reading option. I probably finish two audiobooks a week compared to one a week on paper. Audiobooks have really and truly grown on me. I could never in a millions years have predicted such a preference before now.
P.S. For those of you who listen to audios... do you listen when other people around? I never listen to audiobooks when other people are in the car with me because I feel like it is rude but I'm usually so bummed about it because I'm itching to find out what's next in my latest read.
Surprisingly, my car is one of my new favorite reading spots. It is where I can safely listen to audiobooks and have a bit of privacy. I've given up on saving the best books to read in paper form. If I kept doing that, I would never get any guilt-free reading done. Between visiting my brother, driving to work, I usually need a hands free reading option. I probably finish two audiobooks a week compared to one a week on paper. Audiobooks have really and truly grown on me. I could never in a millions years have predicted such a preference before now.
P.S. For those of you who listen to audios... do you listen when other people around? I never listen to audiobooks when other people are in the car with me because I feel like it is rude but I'm usually so bummed about it because I'm itching to find out what's next in my latest read.
Which reading spots do you love? Feel free to create your own post and link up. Don't want to create an entire post? Tell me your favorites in the comments. Thanks for stopping by for another week of Why I Love Wednesdays!!
If you want to play along, feel free to grab the image (there is a button on the right sidebar now) and link your post in the linky. Here goes.
LINKY INSTRUCTIONS:
When naming your link, please choose the name of your post. Mine would say "Why I Love...Rhett Butler."
Please link directly to your post and not your blog.
Please participate :)
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Why I Love Wednesdays... Favorite Book to Recommend
Why I Love...The Book Thief
The Book Thief is such a lovely and touching read. It's funny because I had a difficult time starting it. I would start, then stop. Start again and stop again. I kept coming back to it because every time I looked around, someone else was recommending it. I kept thinking, "What am I missing?" Then one day I didn't stop reading and this is one of the most amazing books I've ever read. It's told from the point of view of death and he often imparts wise tidbits that are both thoughtful and fun at times. The characters are all so wonderful and complex. It's so difficult to end this book.
I like to recommend this book not because it is amazing (and it is) but because I now that it can be easy to give up on it in the beginning. It's not that it is slow. It's just very different and it takes a moment to become accustomed Because so many people recommended this book to me I couldn't get it out of my head. I can't believe I would have missed out on something so wonderful. You can find my review here.
The Book Thief is such a lovely and touching read. It's funny because I had a difficult time starting it. I would start, then stop. Start again and stop again. I kept coming back to it because every time I looked around, someone else was recommending it. I kept thinking, "What am I missing?" Then one day I didn't stop reading and this is one of the most amazing books I've ever read. It's told from the point of view of death and he often imparts wise tidbits that are both thoughtful and fun at times. The characters are all so wonderful and complex. It's so difficult to end this book.
I like to recommend this book not because it is amazing (and it is) but because I now that it can be easy to give up on it in the beginning. It's not that it is slow. It's just very different and it takes a moment to become accustomed Because so many people recommended this book to me I couldn't get it out of my head. I can't believe I would have missed out on something so wonderful. You can find my review here.
Which recommendations do you love to give? Feel free to create your own post and link up. Don't want to create an entire post? Tell me your favorites in the comments. Thanks for stopping by for another week of Why I Love Wednesdays!!
If you want to play along, feel free to grab the image (there is a button on the right sidebar now) and link your post in the linky. Here goes.
LINKY INSTRUCTIONS:
When naming your link, please choose the name of your post. Mine would say "Why I Love...Rhett Butler."
Please link directly to your post and not your blog.
Please participate :)
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Why I Love Wednesdays... Favorite Chunksters
Why I Love... You guessed it...Gone with the Wind
It has been some time since I discussed my love for Gone with the Wind, Selfish Scarlet, and Ravishing Rhett Butler (can men be ravishing?). Yes, and when I refer to Rhett Butler from Gone with the Wind, I must use his full name. It just doesn't work any other way. Most of you know (and will understandably roll your eyes) that my all time favorite book is Gone with the Wind. You know that you love a book when it's the answer to almost every bookish question. But I digress.
Gone with the Wind is my favorite Chunkster (a work I never heard before entering the book blogging arena) for a variety of reasons. When I was in school, we had the accelerated reader program. This is a reading program where students read books which have predetermined points based on the length and reading level. After completing a book, you would take a 10 question test on the book and acquire varying points based on how well you do. We could then cash in our points for prizes. Some teachers integrated it into their classrooms and some didn't. My sixth grade teacher, Mrs. Jimenez (who I still love), assigned each student a point requirement per six week period and I believe that I was required to get 100 points. I think most books were about 6 or 7 points. The classics were usually around 9. Well Gone with the Wind was 56. So I picked it up...and the rest is history!! In retrospect, it would seem difficult to take a test on such a long book, but then again, it's hard to forget Gone with the Wind.
I didn't have many chunksters to choose from because I actually don't prefer them. You know, short attention span and all.
Gone with the Wind is my favorite Chunkster (a work I never heard before entering the book blogging arena) for a variety of reasons. When I was in school, we had the accelerated reader program. This is a reading program where students read books which have predetermined points based on the length and reading level. After completing a book, you would take a 10 question test on the book and acquire varying points based on how well you do. We could then cash in our points for prizes. Some teachers integrated it into their classrooms and some didn't. My sixth grade teacher, Mrs. Jimenez (who I still love), assigned each student a point requirement per six week period and I believe that I was required to get 100 points. I think most books were about 6 or 7 points. The classics were usually around 9. Well Gone with the Wind was 56. So I picked it up...and the rest is history!! In retrospect, it would seem difficult to take a test on such a long book, but then again, it's hard to forget Gone with the Wind.
I didn't have many chunksters to choose from because I actually don't prefer them. You know, short attention span and all.
Which chunksters do you love? Feel free to create your own post and link up. Don't want to create an entire post? Tell me your favorites in the comments. Thanks for stopping by for another week of Why I Love Wednesdays!!
If you want to play along, feel free to grab the image (there is a button on the right sidebar now) and link your post in the linky. Here goes.
LINKY INSTRUCTIONS:
When naming your link, please choose the name of your post. Mine would say "Why I Love...Rhett Butler."
Please link directly to your post and not your blog.
Please participate :)
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Why I Love Wednesdays... Gifted Books
Why I Love...Cookbooks!!
Now I must admit that this week's topic is a bit confusing. Even I can't remember what I actually meant when I chose this topic so let's all just run with it mmkay? Great.
I actually get very few books gifted to me and I understand why. I mean, it can be difficult to choose a book for someone else. It is doubly difficult when you aren't a reader, which is the case for most of the people who tend to give me gifts. Well except for Jade. Jade, you are one of the only people (the only person) who gives me bookish gifts and I heart you for that because you so don't have to do that. Anyways. I do get cookbooks as gifts and it is one of my favorite bookish gifts. A close family member of mine works for Cooking Light Magazine and I'm always begging for cookbooks that I hear about or slyly inquire about . Because she loves me and because I'm a very annoying person, sometimes she sends them my way (or she sends them to other family members and I just steal them). I count these as gifts. I'm pretty sure this counts. Boy am I rambling tonight.
This could even be considered a group gift as these are the books that I am using for upcoming Foodie Fridays!
Okay enough of the madness. What great books have you been gifted?
Now I must admit that this week's topic is a bit confusing. Even I can't remember what I actually meant when I chose this topic so let's all just run with it mmkay? Great.
I actually get very few books gifted to me and I understand why. I mean, it can be difficult to choose a book for someone else. It is doubly difficult when you aren't a reader, which is the case for most of the people who tend to give me gifts. Well except for Jade. Jade, you are one of the only people (the only person) who gives me bookish gifts and I heart you for that because you so don't have to do that. Anyways. I do get cookbooks as gifts and it is one of my favorite bookish gifts. A close family member of mine works for Cooking Light Magazine and I'm always begging for cookbooks that I hear about or slyly inquire about . Because she loves me and because I'm a very annoying person, sometimes she sends them my way (or she sends them to other family members and I just steal them). I count these as gifts. I'm pretty sure this counts. Boy am I rambling tonight.
This could even be considered a group gift as these are the books that I am using for upcoming Foodie Fridays!
Okay enough of the madness. What great books have you been gifted?
Which Gifted Books do you love? Feel free to create your own post and link up. Don't want to create an entire post? Tell me your favorites in the comments. Thanks for stopping by for another week of Why I Love Wednesdays!!
If you want to play along, feel free to grab the image (there is a button on the right sidebar now) and link your post in the linky. Here goes.
LINKY INSTRUCTIONS:
When naming your link, please choose the name of your post. Mine would say "Why I Love...Rhett Butler."
Please link directly to your post and not your blog.
Please participate :)
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Why I Love Wednesday... Book Recommended by Another
Why I Love...Hounded (Iron Druid Chronicles)
This was an easy one for me (for a change). When I saw this topic on my list, Hounded by Kevin Hearne instantly came to mind. I am so so so very thankful to Missie from The Unread Reader and Jade from Sort of Beautiful for recommending this series. I became hooked from the very beginning. I am 110% (don't you hate when people make up false numbers like this) sure that I would have never picked up this book or read this series if it wasn't for their rave reviews. It's just not something that would have piqued my interest. An ancient druid trying to stay alive? Ummm... who cares? Well I do now! I want to know EVERY scrape that Atticus finds himself in.
This is one entertaining series that has kept me interested from beginning to end. I don't really compare the books across the series because they have all been fantastic. I don't know the last time I found such a fabulous series that didn't disappoint. Thanks Missie and Jade!
This was an easy one for me (for a change). When I saw this topic on my list, Hounded by Kevin Hearne instantly came to mind. I am so so so very thankful to Missie from The Unread Reader and Jade from Sort of Beautiful for recommending this series. I became hooked from the very beginning. I am 110% (don't you hate when people make up false numbers like this) sure that I would have never picked up this book or read this series if it wasn't for their rave reviews. It's just not something that would have piqued my interest. An ancient druid trying to stay alive? Ummm... who cares? Well I do now! I want to know EVERY scrape that Atticus finds himself in.
This is one entertaining series that has kept me interested from beginning to end. I don't really compare the books across the series because they have all been fantastic. I don't know the last time I found such a fabulous series that didn't disappoint. Thanks Missie and Jade!
Which books do you love thanks to the recommendation of someone else? Feel free to create your own post and link up. Don't want to create an entire post? Tell me your favorites in the comments. Thanks for stopping by for another week of Why I Love Wednesdays!!
P.S. I've read some books!! We are back on track :)
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Why I Love Wednesdays... Favorite Summer Read
Why I Love...Your Favorite Summer Read!!
Unfortunately I don't have any summer reads (which explains this week's topic), but I do love a great one. I love how summer reads make me feel like I've taken a grand vacation even though I haven't left home. If it's rainy outside, I can escape somewhere with a little sun. There is just something about a great summer read that makes me feel so relaxed and I seem to read them faster. So I'm definitely dying to catch up on some great ones!!
Soooo... tell me your favorite summer read of this wonderful summer. Leave a comment or throw up a quick post. If you've already left a review this summer, go ahead and link up in the linky.
Unfortunately I don't have any summer reads (which explains this week's topic), but I do love a great one. I love how summer reads make me feel like I've taken a grand vacation even though I haven't left home. If it's rainy outside, I can escape somewhere with a little sun. There is just something about a great summer read that makes me feel so relaxed and I seem to read them faster. So I'm definitely dying to catch up on some great ones!!
Soooo... tell me your favorite summer read of this wonderful summer. Leave a comment or throw up a quick post. If you've already left a review this summer, go ahead and link up in the linky.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Why I Love Wednesdays... Favorite Series (And I'm Losing My Mind!)
It's OFFICIAL! I've completely lost my mind. I just realized today was Wednesday. One doesn't keep track on days when they only serve as a ticking time bomb slowly (but surely) bringing you closer to your impending DOOM!
Yes. The Bar Examination (<-- notice the caps) is in less than a week. Who has a test that spans for 3 days?! Who does that?!
In other news... There is a book world out there (that thinks I'm crazy) and I'm totally excluded and really sad about it. But in this world, book lovers talk about books and reading and real life. So let's do that about now.
Remember that for the month of June and July, my blogging friends will pop in to share their book loves! I know you get tired of hearing me gush on and on so let's hear from my fellow gushers :
Why I Love... Favorite Series by Peep & Julie
I had to think long and hard about which series to choose as my favorite. The truth is, I am not really a fan of series. I don’t enjoy it when I have to wait a few books until I can find out what will happen. I would prefer to read a really long book over a series any day. The only time I don’t mind a series is when the books all focus on different characters. In the end, if I had to pick a series I would choose The Lumatere Chronicles by Melina Marchetta. I don’t usually like fantasy either but I believe that’s why Melina is so awesome - she made me love a genre that I usually don’t care for. There are only two books out now, Finnikin of the Rock and Froi of the Exiles. Quintana of Charyn (the final book) will be out in September.
Name of blog: Attack of the Book
How long you have been blogging: Hmm, maybe about 3 years off and on?
Primary genre focus: Young Adult, though I read other genres as well
One sentence about you or a quote or whatever you want to share: "You had me at Bacon..."
I had to think long and hard about which series to choose as my favorite. The truth is, I am not really a fan of series. I don’t enjoy it when I have to wait a few books until I can find out what will happen. I would prefer to read a really long book over a series any day. The only time I don’t mind a series is when the books all focus on different characters. In the end, if I had to pick a series I would choose The Lumatere Chronicles by Melina Marchetta. I don’t usually like fantasy either but I believe that’s why Melina is so awesome - she made me love a genre that I usually don’t care for. There are only two books out now, Finnikin of the Rock and Froi of the Exiles. Quintana of Charyn (the final book) will be out in September.
Name of blog: Attack of the BookHow long you have been blogging: Hmm, maybe about 3 years off and on?
Primary genre focus: Young Adult, though I read other genres as well
One sentence about you or a quote or whatever you want to share: "You had me at Bacon..."
Gosh, it's hard to pick just one favorite book series! Can I choose three? Harry Potter, The Hunger Games and The Forest of Hands and Teeth.
My all-time fave series is Harry Potter. I love the magic and mystery in all the books. It's probably the only series I could read over and over. My favorite character is Harry, but I love Hermione. She's a smart cookie and a terrific heroine! I'm sad Harry's series came to an end. Yet, I’m looking forward to Rowling's new adult book!
As for The Hunger Games, it's the first book I'd ever read set in a dystopian world. The bleak, dangerous and futuristic world was new to me. THG is intense, edgy, romantic and breathtaking. The Hunger Games is a must read. If you haven't read it...what are you waiting for!
Another favorite book series is The Forest of Hands and Teeth. If you haven't read this series...be prepared. It's frightening, surreal, violent and very sad. The ending...all I can say is: "Holy Toledo!" It left me in a zombie-like stupor. I started thinking about what I would do if there was a zombie apocalypse. All three books in the series have stayed with me long after I turned the last page. I went to a book signing with Carrie Ryan. She's super funny and I got all three of my books signed!
All of these book series feature characters and worlds that range from the magical to the disturbing. They are filled with solid characterization and plotting with twists and turns that led me into believing everything would be alright -- then BAM the unexpected happened! I love books like that!
So, these are my fave book series! What's your favorite?
"That's Swell!": A Reel Swell Productions Blog Primary Genre Focus: I review everything from literary fiction to middle grade books. However, I would say my primary focus is young adult novels.
Since May of 2010, I've been reviewing books on "That's Swell!" I also review books and interview authors on my Huffington Post blog and for Common Sense Media. Aside from my blog, I am a freelance journalist, aspiring screenwriter and novelist.
Which series do you love? Feel free to create your own post and link up. Don't want to create an entire post? Tell me your favorites in the comments. Thanks for stopping by for another week of Why I Love Wednesdays!!
If you want to play along, feel free to grab the image (there is a button on the right sidebar now) and link your post in the linky. Here goes.
LINKY INSTRUCTIONS:
When naming your link, please choose the name of your post. Mine would say "Why I Love...Rhett Butler."
Please link directly to your post and not your blog.
Please participate :)
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Why I Love Wednesdays... Bookish Worlds
There are plenty of bookish worlds I enjoy reading about – Hogwarts, Avonlea, and Nancy Drew’s River Heights come to mind as happy places to be. If I could hop into any fictional setting, though, I’d definitely go for Lieutenant Eve Dallas’ New York City of 2058. If you aren’t familiar with the In Death series, it’s by J.D. Robb (a pseudonym for Nora Roberts) and it’s the perfect blend of detective work and romance. Think “Law & Order” with a bit more lovin’. Throughout the 34 books in the series, Robb has created a futuristic setting that’s easily recognizable, but with cooler toys and fancier gadgets. Think Autochefs (no need to cook!), off-planet resorts, household droids, and all sorts of fancy ways to adorn yourself and your possessions. It’s a world in which you can choose “professional mother” status as your career or go for a virtual beach jog from the comfort of your own home. Beyond that, Eve’s personal life is pretty enviable as well. Her amazingly brilliant and handsome husband, Roarke, is a billionaire with an Irish accent, and they live in a fabulous home in Upper Manhattan, complete with an indoor gym and a spa. Yes, there are dark events in Eve’s past and her job as a homicide cop can be gruesome, but I return to these books again and again because I’m fascinated by this world and the characters who inhabit it.
~Sarah from The Brazen Bookworm
Blogging since: March 2011
Primary genre focus: Historical and contemporary romance
~Sarah from The Brazen Bookworm
Blogging since: March 2011
Primary genre focus: Historical and contemporary romance
There is something about the worlds writers are able to create that resonate with readers. Sure, some are absolutely atrocious (The Hunger Games comes to mind), but there are always those that stand out and beckon the reader in with an enticing fragrance that is irresistable (Harry Potter is the epitome of this, but I've already written about that world). Because of these wonderful worlds that authors somehow conjur up, this week's "Why I Love" is dedicated to the Book World.
A great example of what I consider a loved Book World would have to be The Shire from JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. There is something otherworldly about that place; perhaps because it is, technically, otherworldly. What I love so much about The Shire is the sense of community you feel from the members. They celebrate everything as a community; whether happy or sad. There is such a joyous approach to life in The Shire that it becomes contagious for the reader. We want to basque in that wonderful aura and run among the lush green fields and hills that encompass the surroundings. We want to dance and celebrate at Bilbo's 111th birthday. We want to drink pints and toast to a new year with our neighbors. We also want to partake in elevensies...
Let's all take a field trip to New Zealand and see the Hollywood version of The Shire! I'm game :)
~Mel from Rambling Thoughts
I originally started my first blog in 2007 while I was living overseas as a means to keep everyone back home updated on what I was doing. However, I soon became incredibly neglectful of that and, instead, sent out mass emails. In 2010/11, I really started getting serious about blogging...and had to create a new domain because I couldn't remember my password to the original blog for the life of me :) I've been blogging pretty steadily since then and have focused mainly on book reviews and writing.
I tend to focus the majority of my reading on historical fiction or literary fiction, but I am not opposed to reading anything. Even if I'm not interested at the beginning of a book, I continue reading, hoping that things will get better. I can't bring myself to abandon a book at all...even if it's awful.
I think one of the best quotes that describes my love for books, bookstores, libraries, reading, etc. would have to be Jorge Luis Borges' "I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library". Maybe that's why I love Borges' Labyrinth. It's like that scene in Beauty and the Beast when Belle sees the library for the first time...magical
Which bookish worlds do you love? Feel free to create your own post and link up. Don't want to create an entire post? Tell me your favorites in the comments. Thanks for stopping by for another week of Why I Love Wednesdays!!
If you want to play along, feel free to grab the image (there is a button on the right sidebar now) and link your post in the linky. Here goes.
LINKY INSTRUCTIONS:
When naming your link, please choose the name of your post. Mine would say "Why I Love...Rhett Butler."
Please link directly to your post and not your blog.
Please participate :)
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