Top Ten 2015 Releases I Meant To Get To But Didn't

Ah, 2015. You were pretty great. Thanks for the new job! However, you didn't give me a lot of time to read. You did gift me with a love of audiobooks and also a LOT of new books. I'm grateful, I really am. But I wish I had tackled my TBR a little more than I had--a resolution I'm hoping to keep in 2016. I mean, I went whole DAYS without reading. Who does that?

Anyway, here's the list of great and amazing books I wish I had had time to squeeze in during 2015.

1. EVERYTHING EVERYTHING by Nicola Yoon

I was pretty sure I would get to this as soon as I got my hands on it. It was one of my top anticipated books for the year and yet, it's still sitting pretty on my shelf, unread. I will get to it in 2015, I will.

2. THRONE OF GLASS by Sarah J. Maas

Before you come after me with pitchforks and torches, please know that I've started this book in 2014 and again 2015. I will get to it in  2016, whether or not I listen to it or read it.

3. MY LIFE ON THE ROAD by Gloria Steinem

I'm not that sad that I didn't get to read this one in 2015. Now, I get to read it with Emma Watson and her book club!

4.THE HEART OF BETRAYAL by Mary E. Pearson

I blame this one on my denial that this series is ending and my desire to drag it out for as long as possible. Plus, I want to wait a little closer to when the third book is coming out so that I'm not in agony.

5. A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES by Sarah J. Maas

I figured I should at least try to read Throne of Glass first. Right?

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Authors I've Read The Most Books From

Happy Tuesday everyone!

This week's Top Ten Tuesday was hard.

It's sad to realize that you haven't read as many books as you thought you had. Even sadder when you realize that you haven't read that many by the same author! Alas, here it is.

Brianna's picks:

J.K. Rowling

I've read the first three Harry Potter books multiple times. The only one I haven't finished is Order of the Phoenix.

Nancy Holder 

For those don't know, Nancy Holder is the QUEEN of the Buffy tie in. Her ideas are incredibly original and her characterization of all the Scoobies is so spot on. She even makes me care about her original characters.

Christopher Golden

If Nancy is the Queen then Christopher Golden is the King. His Buffy tie-in novels are epic.


Randi Resfield and H.B. Gilmour

I was kind of obsessed with the T*Witches series as a kid and I own all 10 books in the series, even if I haven't read the last one yet. I'd love to get to it one day and totally embrace my ten-year-old nostalgia.


John Green

I once read all of his books--except Let It Snow--back to back, my heart breaking at the end of each. Of course I saved TFIOS for last. I'm a masochist that way.

Madeline L'Engle 

I first read a Wrinkle In Time when I was in fourth grade. It was magical and I found an instant friend
in Meg Murray. I soon devoured the next three in the series and while I haven't actually read the complete set, I know I can save them for a 'dark and stormy night' and feel welcomed back by Charles Wallace, Meg and the rest of the Murrays.


Nicole's Picks:

Scott Westerfield 
I was so totally in love with his work since The Midnighters Series, it really is one of my favorite series (and I still hold onto hope for a TV series although it is probably long gone. Not surprising when I had the chance to meet Scott, I totally blew it and fangirled to the extreme. But that's a story for another day.

Sarah J. Maas
Does she need explaining? She's such a wonderful author and great person. I latched onto Throne of Glass and will continue through Queen of Shadows and beyond. Love her work and as a person.

Top Ten Fellow Book Nerds

 (Top 10 Tuesday brought to you by Broke and the Bookish) 

I adore this TTT. It's made for me. Characters who love books are characters I want to spend time with again and again. Don't you?

1. Paige from The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord

My girl Paige may be a grammar nerd--unlike myself--but we are totally similar in our love for Jane Austen and bookstores and our television writing dreams. Although Paige probably has a better chance of writing for TV than I do.

2. Robbie from Atonement by Ian McKellan

Sobs. Robbie could have had it all. He was intelligent, bookish, with dreams way bigger than his low class status. After a lie destroyed his future, he was imprisoned and then forced into the army where all he lost any hope of success or love.

3. Emma from One Day by David Nicholls

Just thinking of this book makes me want to cry. Why're all British books sad? See: Atonement, Me Before You, etc. Emma is legit one of my favorite characters in all of the books I've read. AND she becomes a YA author later on, basing her main character off of a plucky student of hers.

4. Miranda from When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

Miranda's favorite book is A Wrinkle In Time which is one of my favorite books which makes WYRM even better, if possible. You should definitely pick up this gorgeous novel if you haven't gotten the chance. It's lovely.

5. Hermione from Harry Potter by JK Rowling

How could I not include Hermione on this list?

6.  Charlie from The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

This epistolary novel has become a huge part of the gen x zeitgeist. I love that Charlie was recommended books from his teachers. It's such an adorable book nerd thing to do (and something I'm guilty of. My French teacher would give me french magazines and books to read all the time).


7. Swede from Peace Like A River by Leif Enger

One of the main things that made this book shine was Swede's pieces of epic poem throughout. It added a great depth to the ocean deep novel.

8. Jacqueline from Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

I think I may be cheating here since this is a memoir in verse but it's too beautiful not to mention.

9. Apple from Apple and Rain by Sarah Crossan

Apple wrote some lovely poetry as she struggled with all she had to deal with over the course of the novel.

10. Echo from The Girl At Midnight by Melissa Grey

SHE LIVES IN A LIBRARY. Nuff said.

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Books That Feature Diversity

Hi all! Hope you had a spectacular weekend and that your Monday was stress-free and happy.

This week's Top Ten Tuesday highlighted a few things for me. (Top 10 Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish if you are interested in joining!)

1. I need to read more diverse books.
2. I'm a bit ashamed that I haven't.
3. I can't believe I didn't realize it.
4. Listing books is hard.


So here it goes:

1. There Will Come A Time by Carrie Arcos

This novel broke my heart, guys. Mark's reeling from the loss of his twin after a car accident. To remember her and try to heal, he works his way through a list she left behind of her greatest fears she wanted to conquer.

2. Paper Things by Jennifer Richard Jacobson

Ughhh, another novel that ripped me apart. This novel features homelessness. Ari is struggling to maintain a normal routine after her brother convinces her to leave their foster mother. This is a beautiful, heartbreaking and ultimately uplifting novel that I think every person should read.

3. Ruby On The Outside by Nora Raleigh Baskin

Ruby has a secret. Her mom is in prison. And this issue is one that hasn't been featured in many kids books or YA. I think it opens up for much needed discussion about a group of mostly invisible children suffering not from divorce or parental death but the ambiguous loss of parental incarceration.

4. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

This book. Seriously. Required reading. Beautiful short poems that packed a punch long after you
stopped reading.

5. Red Berries, White Clouds, Blue Skies by Sandra Dallas

Why're all these books turning out to be heartbreaking? Tomi's family is forced out of their home and interred at the start of World War Two. Despite embodying the "supposed" American Dream to a T--hard-working, land-owning, good, volunteering people, the family is seen as spies and their father imprisoned. It's sickening, especially through the eyes of a 12-year-old, who doesn't understand what's going on. Another required reading, if only so that future generations can learn from the horrible injustices and mistakes of the past.

6. Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

I have not read this one yet but it is so high on my TBR that I almost want to push all other books out of the way first. I've heard amazing things about this one and that I will be craving oreos long after I finish it.

7. The Girl At Midnight by Melissa Grey

EPIC. Please all stop whatever you're doing and read this. Echo is a kickass character in a world that Melissa Grey has built with care and love. I'm so excited to read the rest of this series.

8. More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera

I also suck for not having read this yet but it sounds like a Me book. The concept sounds both heartbreaking and incredibly intriguing.

9. The Wrath and The Dawn by Renee Ahdieh

Features an incredibly diverse and well-built world. I loved this page-turner and am anxiously
awaiting it's sequels.

10. An Ember In The Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

This high concept book was brutal but fascinating. Another page-turner set in a diverse and original world.

Top Ten Books We've Read in 2015

My wonderful co-blogger and I decided to split the list this week for Top Ten Tuesday!

Brianna's Picks:

1. THE GIRL AT MIDNIGHT by Melissa Grey

Oh, friends. This was the book I was waiting desperately for and it was so worth it. These are the characters I wanted to hang around with long after the story was finished and I will happily await the sequels.

2. THE TRUTH ABOUT TWINKIE PIE by Kat Yeh

I loved this so much. I've been getting more and more into middle-grade and this book had so much heart that it was bursting with it. Such a sweet--no pun intended--and lovely story.

3. WHERE'D YOU GO BERNADETTE? by Marie Semple

This novel was perfect. I totally believe that some books are meant to be read at the right place and right time and for WYGB that time was few months ago. This was everything I love in a book: quirky, fun, heartfelt and a tad speculative and very meta. Just amazing.

4. THE MARTIAN by Andy Weir

THIS WAS SO EPIC AND SCARY AND AWESOME. I need the movie NOW.

5. AFTER PERFECT by Christina McDowell

Full disclosure: I worked on this book.
BUT. It's amazing. Moving, inspiring and a story of parental incarceration, finding yourself and forgiveness. A must read. Oprah Magazine and People Magazine both called it a summer page-turner, so you know I must be right.


Amy's Picks:

1. CRESS by Marissa Meyer

This is probably my favorite book in the Lunar Chronicles series so far :) I absolutely love Cress and her love story with Thorne! And it's not all the love story. So much happens with Cinder and Kai and all the other characters, it will leave you begging for more!

2. THE FALSE PRINCE by Jennifer A. Nielsen

This was a book I happened on by chance and I'm so happy I found it! It has to be my new favorite series! It has a kind of Anastasia-like feel; lost royalty and someone trying to pass an orphan off as the lost prince. And I absolutely love Sage! He's such a great protagonist that everyone will love to root for!

3. COPPER GIRL by Jennifer Allis Provost

This was another fabulous series that I just devoured! Provost sets up a great, magical world with amazing characters. I honestly can't say there was really anything I disliked about the book. It's got magic, romance and mystery that many can enjoy :)

4. TAKE BACK THE SKIES by Lucy Saxon

This was an extremely heart-felt book that hit me right in the feels! I'm still reeling over some of the occurrences in the book. Saxon creates a wonderful sci-fi world that I love to dive into time and again and I can't wait to pick up the second book!

5. ZODIAC by Romina Russell
This was a tough choice for the last spot but Zodiac won out mostly because of it's use of astrology in the story line. It was really interesting to see how the character's personalities differed based on their planet (which reflects the zodiac). Each was culturally different and I just loved it! The love triangle wasn't bad either ;)

Well that's our Top 10 Books Of 2015! Was one of our books in your Top 10? Tell us about it!

If you are interested in participating in Top 10, visit The Broke and the Bookish for next week's topic!

Top Ten Books on my Summer TBR

~*~

Summer time! The time where--because of adulting--you're lucky if you get a week off somewhere warm and sandy to dig your toes in, read a book and possibly get a tan.

Because I'm reading more for work now, I need to set aside some summer reading time for myself.

Here are the top ten that I'm looking forward to FINALLY getting to.

1. The Mime Order by Samantha Shannon

I was talking to a friend recently and we both said that we like contemporaries in the summer, fantasy/science fiction in the fall. But because of work I haven't had time to hunker down and read this yet, so I'm definitely making time for this one! The cliffhanger-y ending of the first made me anxious for the sequel and I'm so enraptured with the world and Paige's story that I know I'll need to get to this ASAP.

2. Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee

What bibliophile isn't excited for this one? To Kill A Mockingbird changed my reading experience when I was younger and I'm eagerly anticipating a sequel. As soon as it comes out in July, I'm carving out a few days to savor it.

3. Lola and The Boy Next Door/Isla And The Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

I devoured Anna while in Paris last year and I'm really hoping that I'll enjoy the companions as much as I did the first.

4. The Heart of Betrayal by Mary E. Pearson

Ever since I graduated high school and assigned summer reading was no longer a thing, I've made those three months all about reading what I wanted to read. So, I'll definitely be skipping some sleep to consume this sequel to the amazing Kiss of Deception.

5. Bird By Bird by Anne Lamott

I recently saw an interview with Anne and she's amazing. I've read the beginning to Bird by Bird so many times but I need to really sit down with it and take notes. My writing will be the better for it.

6. Life On The Road by Gloria Steinem 

A few weeks ago I met Gloria at BEA and got a signed copy of her first book in 20 years. How can I not read it?

7. More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera

I'm probably going to need to set aside some time to read this. I heard it might make me cry. Is crying at the beach as awkward as I imagine?

8. The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows

I desperately need to read it. I took it out from the library and it's sitting on my shelf, patiently awaiting the moment I'm done with the work books I have to read this month.

9. Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli 

This book. I have so many feels about a book I haven't read yet. I will be eating a lot of oreos while flying through this. I have a feeling.

10. No idea

I'm a mood reader. I rarely plan out what I'm reading because sometimes I just don't feel it. So I have no idea what else I want to get to this summer. This whole list could change.

Top Ten (plus) Books I Want Made Into Movies

Top Ten Tuesday is a feature hosted by The Broke and The Bookish where bloggers share lists--because what blogger doesn't like a good list?

~*~

When I start a book, I immediately cast characters, usually with great overlap. I mean, Chris Pine is perfect for EVERY role, right? This TTT was made for me.

1. These Broken Stars/This Shattered World by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner. 

How cinematic are these books? PRETTY DAMN CINEMATIC. And after reading an interview with the authors on the possibility of a TV Show--where they named Chris Pine as an ideal Tarver Merendsen--I was sold.

2. The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson

I need this to be made into a movie YESTERDAY. Seriously. I can imagine the beautiful scenery of Terravin so clearly--a testament to Mary Pearson's clear imagery. I need this movie now.

3. The Winner's Curse/The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski 

Anyone who knows me, already is aware that I cannot talk about my movie wish-list without mentioning this. It's gotta happen. Soon. Please?

4. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

So far, everything on this list has been fantasy/science fiction. But that's only because these books are too amazing not to be imagined on the big screen. I desperately want to see this one made because of the world-building in this novel is so rich, so complete, that it would be a sin not to take advantage of it on screen.

5. Open Road Summer by Emery Lord

Duh, you might say. Well, yeah. Duh. I need to witness a real and sassy, badass Reagan and I need adorable, sweet Matt Finch like I need to breathe.

6. Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

WHY HASN'T THIS BEEN MADE INTO A MOVIE YET? That is all I have to say.

7. Going Bovine by Libba Bray

I would probably pay big bucks to help finance this movie because I need a quirky, heartbreaking road trip movie in my life. But not a half-assed quirky, road trip movie. I need one done right. And Libba Bray's epic can provide me with that.

8. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

I desperately need this one to happen. I want to cry fat ugly tears in the movie theatre while listening to the epic soundtrack this movie would no doubt provide. I have a playlist all ready too, in case anyone was wondering.

9. The Girl At Midnight by Melissa Grey 

Among many other things about this book that I want to visually experience, I need Dorian and Jasper in my life. Like on the screen. Because they are perfect.

10. The Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

I'd love to tally how many other bloggers had this one there. But this one speaks for itself. Plus, I just want a movie filmed in Prague.

11. I'll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson

If this isn't worthy of a movie, I don't know what is. Seriously. It's a gorgeous story and it breaks you into a million pieces and puts you together again. I also need this movie in my life like I need water, air, chocolate and Chris Pine movies.

~*~

Bonus:

PLEASE DEAR GOD REMAKE ONE DAY BY DAVID NICHOLLS.

One Day, for those that you don't know, is the amazing, beautiful, gut-wrenching tale of Dex and Emma, two best-friends who take twenty-years to figure out their shit. But when they do, it's utterly gorgeous and truthful and as one EW editor put it: "I THREW THE BOOK IN THE GARBAGE."

For the record, I threw it across the room.

It was so worth it.

The movie--I'm told? Not so much.

So--PLEASE.  Remake it. Use the same score, though. Because Rachel Portman knows what's up.

Top Ten Tuesday (#3)

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and The Bookish

Well, it's been a while. I have no excuse except that perhaps I'm a bit of a lazy blogger. I'm also a very slow reader so you'll notice that there are a lot of series I should have started a long time ago but didn't. Hope to fix that soon! Let me know what you think I need to read first.

Top Series I Need To Read

1. Throne of Glass Series  by Sarah J Maas - So I started it. And I need to read it. Immediately.

2. His Fair Assassin Series by Robin LaFevers - I bought the first book a few weeks ago and it's sitting on the shelf waiting for me.

3.  The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater - Oh god, how I want to read this immediately. But there are a few other books I promised myself I would read first.

4. Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon - I can't guarantee that I'm going to be able to read all of them. But I might want to try to read the first two.

5. Legend Series by Marie Lu - I don't have the first book yet but I have an arc of Prodigy. So I definitely intend to read it.

6. The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer - This is also one of those series that just passed me by. I really hope I get to it.

I'm probably missing some but this is all I could think of at the moment. Did I miss anything?

Top Ten Tuesday (#2)

Well, hello there! Long time no see. It's been a while and I have no one to blame but myself. Thank you, Nicole for being a co-blogger with the patience of a saint.

I love book recs (especially the anticipation of books I truly MUST read) and I love lists, so posting this particular TTT was a no-brainer. And of course, I'm really curious to see what other books made it to your Top Ten Tuesdays. Can't wait to discuss!

Thanks to The Broke and the Bookish for hosting!

Top Ten Books People Have Been Telling Me That I  MUST Read

I intern at Bloomsbury and I  am still fifty pages in. 

This was on my Summer TBR list.  I just bought it. Gaby made me. 

Bad writer. Bad reader. 

The whole world pretty much told me to read it. 

I kind of feel guilty for never having read this in school.

I get yelled at whenever I tell a fellow blogger I haven't read this. 

I'll get to it eventually....

Nicole, Hannah and Gaby recc'd this to me. 

I LOVED Scorpio Races so reading her other books is a given, right?

Kind of kicking myself in the butt for not having read this. 

Top Ten Tuesday (#1)

Really excited to start the first Top Ten Tuesday for Paperback Princess. I adore lists and have loved reading this meme in the past. If you don't know, TTT is hosted by The Broke and The Bookish.

Top Ten Books On My Summer TBR List

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins: I didn't know I wanted to read this until recently. I'm heading on a trip to Paris in a few weeks and I think this will be the perfect companion.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor : This book has been on my TBR list for a while but with work and school, I haven't had time to pick it up.

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers: On a recent trip to Barnes and Noble, Co-Blogger Nicole urged me to read this. And by urged, I mean she forced it in my hands and told me I must read it. So I will.

Just One Day by Gayle Forman: If I Stay/Where She Went killed me. So I knew that I had to read Gayle Forman's second series. After I got it signed at Teen Author Carnival this year, I knew it was meant to be.

Open Road Summer by Emery Lord: The buzz for this is huge and I also feel obligated as a Bloomsbury intern to read this. But it also looks so good.

  

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater: Like If I Stay, The Scorpio Races reduced me to a pile of tears and feels. I've heard great things about this series and cannot wait to read it.

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin: I am in love with meta fiction. This Gabrielle Zevin novel seems to be a quintessential book lover's book. I can't wait to read it.

This Shattered World by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner: The first book in this trilogy had me seeing stars. I adored it and literally made it my mission at BEA this year to get it. Thanks to the greatest Co-blogger in the world, I did.

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas: I would consider myself a horrible Bloomsbury intern and blogger if I didn't read this book. I'm twenty pages into it so far, though, and I love it. It shouldn't be a problem.

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson: This was my favorite surprise at BEA. Morgan Matson was so sweet and I'm in love with the cover.

Honorable Mention: The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt: I'm not a book snob. Not really. But I do like book lists and this book has made it on all of them. So I want to see what the fuss is about. I'm kind of already intrigued.