Top Ten Tuesday (#45) (01/28/14)

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

 

Top Ten Worlds I'd Never Want To Live In

This is actually a bit challenging to me.  There are a couple of ways to look at this.  So many books take place in current time, but the characters are dealing with the paranormal, such as the Alice in Zombieland books.  I would never want to live knowing zombies are real, but the world is the same as the one I'm living in.  So I chose to go with more dystopian/apocalyptic worlds, with one glaring exception. 
 

Divergent (Divergent #1) by Veronica Roth


I would never want to be forced into being any one thing.  I would like to think that I was divergent, but who knows.

Emma by Jane Austen

Yes I know this world actually existed, and Jane Austen was great about showing a slice of life as it really was.  And you know what?  I am SO glad times have changed.  If I was transported to this time, I would be miserable, and at my age, probably dead. I picked Emma, but really you can sub in any Jane Austen book you want.

Wither (The Chemical Garden #1) by Lauren DeStefano

Yikes, I don't know why anyone would want to live in a world where people die so young.

The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1) by Suzanne Collins

I can't think of a single thing that would make me want to live in this world.  Risk being put up for slaughter for years? Starving?  No thanks.

Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1) by Tahereh Mafi

The world that this covers doesn't seem that bad.  We actually don't know much about the world.  Even so, it still seems pretty awful.

The Selection (The Selection #1) by Kiera Cass

The world that is set up in The Selection would pretty much be horrible.  That being said, I'm not sure which caste I would have been born into.  I guess that makes all the difference.

Delirium (Delirium #1) by Lauren Oliver

A world without love would be pretty bad indeed.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth (The Forest of Hands and Teeth #1) by Carrie Ryan

I will say it 1000 times.  I would not, nor do I want to, survive a zombie apocalypse.   Living like the characters do in this series, would make me insane. I pick death, or zombiedom. 

Matched (Matched #1) by Ally Condie

This is another pretty horrible world.  Everything is so regimented and so controlled.  What a nightmare.

The Pledge (The Pledge #1) by Kimberly Derting

Yep, this world is pretty bad too.  Risk execution for speaking another language.  Plus a caste system. Nothing good is going on in this world.

Top Ten Tuesday (#44) (01/21/14)

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

 

Top Ten Things On My Reading Wishlist

(If I could make authors write about these things you would.)

Wow this is really hard.  In general I am pretty happy with the topics that are covered by today's authors.  And honestly, if there was a story that I felt needed to be told, I would be an author myself.  I'm just not that creative.  That being said, I would love more books to be written on certain topics.  All of these in the YA genre of course.


1. Popular girl falls for nerdy boy.  Also reverse it and I'll also be happy.

2. The struggle to find the right college/getting into college.

3. Parents not being supportive about the main characters goals.

4. Switched identities.

5. Falling in love for the first time.

6. Books set during the civil war.

7. The summer between high school and college.

8. Teens in foster care.

9. The Fates/Moirai.

10. Chance encounters and how they change lives.

Top Ten Tuesday (#43) (01/14/14)

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

 

Top Ten Eleven 2014 Debuts I'm Excited For

There are so many I'm excited for that it was impossible for me to limit myself to just 10 of them.  I started with 40, and I just could not narrow it down any further.  I have featured some of my top debuts already on several Waiting on Wednesday posts, so I wanted to feature some of the others that look awesome.  While narrowing this down I only picked books that had covers and descriptions, there are so many more that I can't wait to see the cover of, or learn more about, that did not make the list.  2014 should be a great year for debut authors.

You can check the more top debuts I am looking forward to here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

The Art of Lainey by Paula Stokes

This looks like an awesome contemporary with a twist.  I also love a revenge story.  I have the e-ARC, now I just have to read it. 

Expected publication: May 20th 2014 by HarperTeen 

Dorothy Must Die (Dorothy Must Die #1) by Danielle Paige

This book looks amazing.  I really hope it ends up being as good as it looks.  I love a good re-telling, and this is definitely one of my most anticipated books of the year. 

Expected publication: April 1st 2014 by HarperTeen 

Falls the Shadow by Stefanie Gaither

I don't read a lot of science fiction, and it has to look really unique or interesting to catch my attention.  Sci-fi, Thriller, and Mystery all in one book? This looks awesome. 

Expected publication: September 16th 2014 by Simon and Schuster BFYR 

Landry Park (Landry Park #1) by Bethany Hagen

Described as Downton Abby meets The Selection?  Sign me up!  I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with The Selection series, but even so, this book looks interesting.  I am curious to see how it will differ.  Adding in the Downton Abby part has me sold. 

Expected publication: February 4th 2014 by Dial 

The Merciless by Danielle Vega

I don't know what it says about me, but this book looks absolutely fascinating. I can't even imagine this  scenario taking place, but at the same time it would surprise me if something like this could happen.  It looks like it will be an awesome and unique book.

Expected publication: August 7th 2014 by Razorbill 

My Last Kiss by Bethany Neal

This seems pretty reminiscent of Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver, and I'm curious to see how it's different. Back in the day I used to read a lot of mysteries, and when I can get a YA that has some mystery to it, I always look forward to reading it. 

Expected publication: June 10th 2014 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) 

Nearly Gone by Elle Cosimano

I love the description of this book.  It sounds like it will be similar to the Body Finder series, and I adored that series.  I have high expectations for this one and I hope it lives up to them.

Expected publication: March 25th 2014 by Kathy Dawson Books

Open Road Summer by Emery Lord

Contemporary, romance, road trip, celebrities?  If they could combine a book of most of my favorite things in a book, this would be it.  I can't wait to read it. 

Expected publication: April 15th 2014 by Walker 

Trust Me, I'm Lying by Mary Elizabeth Summer

I always enjoy a good con-artist book.  This one looks like it has a great twist to that genre. 

Expected publication: October 2014 by Delacorte

The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu

As much as I love a good contemporary romance, I equally enjoy a contemporary that tackles some tough issues.  I don't think I've read a book that covers some of the topics that this one does.  I hope it lives up to my expectations. 

Expected publication: June 3rd 2014 by Roaring Brook Press

Wish You Were Italian by Kristin Rae

There are few things I like more than a fun contemporary YA romance.  This looks like it will fit the bill perfectly.

Expected publication: May 6th 2014 by Bloomsbury 

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 1/13/14

This weekly recap is hosted by Shelia of Book Journeys and the kidlit version is hosted by Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee from Unleashing Readers. Each week we recap what we’ve read and look at what’s coming up this week.

Finished Reading:

Nothing. I'm so behind in my reading. I think 50 books for the year was too lofty of a goal.

Currently Reading:

The Fiery Heart (Bloodlines #4) by Richelle Mead

And Happiest Baby on the Block.  I know it's not YA, but I need to find something that will stop this baby from screaming during all his waking hours.

 

What I'm Reading Next:

Ashes on the Waves by Mary Lindsey

I was supposed to start this a couple of weeks ago.  Instead I started Fiery Heart and haven't done much reading.  See above comment about screaming child.

Top Ten Tuesday (#41) (01/07/14)

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

 

Top Ten Goals/Resolutions For 2014

My life is so different now that I have a newborn.  People tell you that your life will change, and that it's hard, but really there is NOTHING that can prepare you for this.  Particularly because I was lucky enough to end up with a child with major colic.  Good times.  So here are my goals for 2014.  I have no idea how realistic they are, but I am going to give it a try.

Reading/blogging goals:

1. Find time to blog
2. Read at least 50 books
3. Complete at least 4 challenges
4.  Write more book reviews
5. Finish 5 series

Personal Goals

1. When I go back to work, actually work
2. Make and effort to pick up more
3. Spend quality time with my dogs
4. Pre-plan and organize meals
5. Find time for me

2014 Challenges

I am trying to set realistic goals for this year, I have no idea what I can expect with my reading time, so I am trying not to over extend myself.  That being said, I do enjoy participating in challenges.  Here are the challenges I plan to participate in this year.

2014 TBR Pile Reading Challenge

I desperately need this challenge.  Every year I commit to reading books that have been sitting on my shelf forever, and almost every year I spectacularly fail.  This year I am going to commit to the Firm Handshake Level and read at least 8 books that are currently sitting on my shelf.  That seems so pathetic, but I really don't want to over-commit.  I may make it extra challenging and pick a book that was published in each of the last 5 years.  More if I can find them!

1.  Forget You by Jennifer Echols
2.  The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart
3.  Just Like Fate by Cat Patrick & Suzanne Young
4.  Angel Fever (Angel #3) by L.A. Weatherly
5.  The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
6.  Catching Jordan (Hundred Oaks #1)
7.  Stealing Parker (Hundred Oaks) by Miranda Kenneally
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2014 Debut Author Challenge

I was so disappointing in my rate last year.  From September on, my reading paced absolutely tanked.  Because of that, I was not able to get to all the debut authors I had planned.  I really plan to read the minimum 12 this year.

1. The Murder Complex (The Murder Complex #1) by Lindsay Cummings
2. Open Road Summer by Emery Lord
3. My Last Kiss by Bethany Neal
4. When I Was the Greatest by Jason Reynolds

5. Dear Killer by Katherine Ewell
6. Something Real by Heather Demetrios
7. Landry Park (Landry Park #1) by Bethany Hagen
8. Trust Me, I'm Lying (Trust Me #1) by Mary Elizabeth Summer
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2014 Goodreads Reading Challenge

2014 Reading Challenge

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This will be the biggest challenge to myself.  Last year I set the goal of 100 books, and I made it.  This year, I am trying to be more realistic, and I set my goal at 50.  It may be too many.

2014 Netgalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge 

Yet another challenge that I really need to accept.  I have so many review book that I requested from both Netgalley and Edelweiss that I MUST read.  I mean I asked for them, and I was approved, I really need to read them and write reviews. For this challenge I am going with the Bronze level of 10 books.

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2014 Audio Book Challenge

I "read" my first audio book last year, I actually really liked it.  I found that audiobooks are great to listen to while taking road trips, cleaning, or really doing anything else.  The lowest level on this one is 6 books.  I am going for the lowest, and I really hope I make it.

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2014 Standalone Reading Challenge

I am really excited for this one.  I get so sick of series and trilogies, and sometimes it feels like I get completely bogged down in them.  The worst is when you read a book and don't realize at first that it's part of a series.  So for this one I have to commit to reading 15 books.  I hope I don't have any problems with it!

1. How to Meet Boys by Catherine Clark
2. Now and Forever by Susane Colasanti
3. Open Road Summer by Emery Lord
4. My Last Kiss by Bethany Neal
5. When I Was the Greatest by Jason Reynolds
6. The Edge of Falling by Rebecca Serle
7. This Side of Salvation by Jeri Smith-Ready
8. What I Thought Was True by Huntley Fitzpatrick
9. The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith
10. Something Real by Heather Demetrios
11. The Sound of Letting Go by Stasia Ward Kehoe
12. The Lonesome Young by Lucy Connors
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2014 Series Challenge

I mentioned during the standalone challenge that I get sick of series, and it's true.  I'm also completely guilty of starting series and never finishing them.  For this challenge I am going to try to finish at least 3 series.  Alliegant I have my eye on you!  Update:  turns out this is the category I slayed.  I finished a TON of series in 2014.

1.  Everneath Series by Brodi Ashton
2.  Shatter Me Series by Tahereh Mafi
3.  Mythos Academy Series by Jennifer Estep

BONUS!!  I completed this challenge really early, so I'm going to add other series as I finish them

4. Angel Series by L.A. Weatherly
5. The Selection Series by Kiera Cass
6. Anna and the French Kiss Series by Stephanie Perkins
7. The Pledge Series by Kimberly Derting
8. Between series by April Genevieve Tucholke
9. White Rabbit Chronicles Series by Gena Showalter
10. Mara Dyer Series by Michelle Hodkin
11. His Fair Assassin Series by Robin LaFevers


 

2014 TBR Pile Challenge!

This is pretty much the same as the other TBR challenge I am participating in, however, this one has the bonus challenge of only counting books published before 2013.  Yikes!  The minimum level on this is 12 books.  Wish me luck!

1.  Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott
2.  The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (read 8/24)
3.  Catching Jordan (Hundred Oaks #1) by Miranda Kenneally(read 12/13)
4.  Black Heart (Curse Workers #3) by Holly Black
5.  The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart (read 7/19)
6.  The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler
7.  The Savage Grace (The Dark Divine #3) by Bree Despain
8.  When It Happens by Susane Colasanti
9.  The Nature of Jade by Deb Caletti
10. The Mockingbirds (The Mockingbirds #1) by Daisy Whitney
11. Forget You by Jennifer Echols (read 7/25)
12. Sisters Red (Fairytale Retellings #1) by Jackson Pearce

Alternates:
1. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
2. An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

2014 YA Contemporary Challenge!

I love contemporaries, so I almost feel this won't be much of a challenge.  I could be wrong.  So for safety sake, I'm going with Level 2, which is 10+ contemporaries.

1.  Pretty Sly (Pretty Crooked #2) by Elisa Ludwig
2.  Biggest Flirts (Superlatives #1) by Jennifer Echols
3.  How to Meet Boys by Catherine Clark
4.  Open Road Summer by Emery Lord
5.  When I Was the Greatest by Jason Reynolds

6.  Dear Killer by Katherine Ewell
7.  The Edge of Falling by Rebecca Serle
8.  This Side of Salvation by Jeri Smith-Ready
9.  What I Thought Was True by Huntley Fitzpatrick
10. Now and Forever by Susane Colasanti

BONUS!
11. To All the Boys I've Loved Before (To All the Boys I've Loved Before #1) by Jenny Han
12. The Lonesome Young by Lucy Connors
13. The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith