Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Wish I Could Read Again for the First Time

Posted in Top Ten Tuesday by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, featuring a different top 10 theme each week. This week’s topic is Books I Wish I Could Read Again for the First Time.

My top 10 are:

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon: Of course! While I’ve read it many times since, there’s nothing quite like the first time reading about Jamie and Claire.
Fingersmith by Sarah Waters: I know that I gasped out loud several times over the twists and turns of this amazing book. I’d love to read it again someday to delve back into the story, but there’s nothing to compare to the shocks of reading it for the first time.
Replay by Ken Grimwood: I read this many years ago, but I was so captivated by this book! Just when I thought I’d seen it all when it comes to time travel, Replay fell into my lap with a whole new approach.
Eagle in the Sky by Wilbur Smith: I read this in my youth and was swept away by the romanticism of the entire plot and the characters. I think a lot of my reaction had to do with where I was in my life at that time… so even though I could read it again, I don’t think it would be the same reading experience.
The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison: My first time was just last year, and I’ve re-read it since, and will probably re-read it again — but the first time was such an immersive experience that was truly unique and memorable.
Knight’s Castle by Edward Eager: I read this book as a child, and spent years as an adult trying to figure out what that amazing book with all the knights was called! I finally found it again — but I think nothing can compare to reading this as a child and feeling so full of wonder and possibility.
Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling: Along those lines, even though I was an adult when I read Harry Potter, my first time reading the books was alongside my daughter, and experiencing it fresh and new together was amazing.
The Android’s Dream by John Scalzi: This audiobook made me laugh so hard. I wonder if I’d find it as funny if I weren’t constantly being surprised by all the weirdness?
The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal: I’ve read this book more than once, but the first time was a remarkable experience, where I was absolutely on the edge of my seat for so much of the story.
Soulless by Gail Carriger: This introduction to the world of the Parasol Protectorate drew me right in to its world of supernatural beings in Victorian England. Reading it for the first time was so special!

What books do you wish you could read again for the first time? Please share your links!

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17Aug2021

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Places to Read

Posted in Top Ten Tuesday by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, featuring a different top 10 theme each week. This week’s topic is Favorite Places to Read. I actually did this topic as a freebie a few years ago, but I’ll do it again — while most of my answers are the same, it’s still fun to think about where I love to read. (Simplest answer — everywhere!)

Note: Photos are all mine; the illustration are from free web sources.

My new round of top 10 reading spots are:

My backyard

2. My cozy book room (aka, downstairs TV/hangout space):

3. In a park

4. On an airplane

5. At the beach

6. Any pretty outdoor spot

7. Any place I have to wait

8. At a silent reading party (this photo is taken at a pre-COVID reading party, but I’m hoping eventually the idea of reading in a crowded room with other people won’t feel so strange):

And for audiobooks…

9. On a walk

10. Driving

Where are your favorite places to read? Please share your links!

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10Aug2021

Top Ten Tuesday: Spotlight, please! Supporting characters who shine

Posted in Top Ten Tuesday by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, featuring a different top 10 theme each week. This week’s topic is Secondary/Minor Characters Who Deserve More Love.

As much as we love our lead characters, what about all the best friends, quirky neighbors, supportive family members, and all the other non-lead characters who make the books we read so rich and entertaining and emotional? Time to show them some love!

My top 10 are:

1 – Violet Bridgerton (Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn): Having just read all eight books in the series, I have to say that the mother of the clan, Violet Bridgerton, is one of the best fictional mothers I’ve come across. Sure, she really botches the pre-wedding talk with her first child to be married, but over the course of the series, she truly shines. (There is a novella about her, Violet in Bloom, includes in the epilogue collection Bridgertons: Happily Ever After, and it’s very sweet.)

2 – Deb Gilbert (The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary): Since I just finished this audiobook over the weekend, it’s fresh in my mind. The book’s focus in on the main characters, Addie and Dylan, and whether they can find their way back to one another, but I loved Addie’s sister Deb so much! She’s a free-spirited, independent woman who knows what she wants and doesn’t want, and doesn’t feel any shyness about making her opinions known.

3 – Genya (Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo): Again, going with a book I just finished! Genya is a Grisha, but at least in book 1, is treated as lesser by most of the other Grisha and seems to be forced into an uncomfortable position with both the King and Queen. I really enjoyed her interactions with Alina, and while it’s not clear yet in the book what her true allegiance is, I hope she turns out to be one of the good guys!

4 – Csethiro Ceredin (The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison): Csethiro is engaged to marry the emperor through an arranged marriage, but we see glimpses of how smart and strong she is every time she appears. I would love to get to know her better and to see her in action as empress. (Basically, I just want another book about Maia and everyone around him!)

5 – Kit Riva (Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid): Of the four Riva siblings at the heart of Malibu Rising, the youngest girl, Kit, probably gets the least amount of focus, and I’d love to find about more about what lies ahead for this character.

6 – The Luidaeg (October Daye series by Seanan McGuire): The Luidaeg is a scary, powerful magical being, a Firstborn of the fae, who also becomes one of October Daye’s closest friends and sources of support. She’s an amazing character, and also gets some really funny lines throughout the series. Any time the Luidaeg appears, I know we’re in for a wild ride.

7 – Iorek Byrnison (His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman): Why not include a non-human character in this week’s list? Iorek is the king of the armored bears — a huge, fierce polar bear who also loves main character Lyra. He’s just awesome, no two ways about it.

8 – Lord John Grey (Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon): Okay, I can’t actually say that Lord John is a neglected character, since he does have entire novels of his own. But within the main Outlander books, any time he shows up is a delight, and I just adore his humor and intelligence and how he brightens a scene. Book #9 comes out in November, and I’m hoping Lord John makes plenty of appearances (and maybe even finds love at long last?).

9 – Sirius Black (Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling): I am and will remain an ardent fan of Sirius Black. Sure, he’s hot-tempered and doesn’t always make mature choices… but his tragic arc brings me to tears every single time, and he’s an amazing friend and godfather.

10 – Naomi Nagata (The Expanse series by James S. A. Corey): Naomi really is a main character in these books, but since it’s an ensemble cast, she’s not always front and center, and when she’s not on the page, I miss her! Naomi is tough and talented and brave as hell, and makes every scene she’s in even more exciting.

Who are your favorite supporting characters? Do we have any in common? Please share your TTT links!

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3Aug2021

Top Ten Tuesday: Covers That Made Want to Read/Buy the Book

Posted in Top Ten Tuesday by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, featuring a different top 10 theme each week. This week’s topic is Titles or Covers That Made Want to Read/Buy the Book. I think I’ve done quite a few title-related TTT lists, so let’s focus on covers! Below are 10 covers that caught my eye and made me NEED the book.

The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley
What Should Be Wild by Julia Fine
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
The Mina Lima edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling
Outlawed by Anna North
The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman
The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moren-Garcia
Watch Over Me by Nina LaCour
Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal
Cress by Marissa Meyer

What books have you bought because of their covers? Please share your TTT links!

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27Jul2021

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I’d Want With Me While Stranded On a Deserted Island

Posted in Top Ten Tuesday by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, featuring a different top 10 theme each week. This week’s topic is Books I’d Want With Me While Stranded On a Deserted Island. I love this! This topic is really making me think… or over-think? If I was stranded… which means reading the same 10 books over and over again… potentially forever…

Hmmm, what to pick, what to pick? Here are my ten:

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Not a surprise for anyone who knows me… I’ve already read this book (and series) multiple times, but if I’m going to be stuck on a deserted island indefinitely, I think I need Jamie and Claire for company.

The Lord of the Rings (one-volume edition) by J. R. R. Tolkien

Is it cheating to pick an all-in-one edition of three books? I’m declaring that this counts! I’ve been wanting to go back and reread LOTR, and with endless reading time to fill, it seems like a perfect opportunity to really dig in and enjoy.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

I’m tempted to just fill my list with all-in-one editions of all my favorite authors, such as a complete-works-of-Jane-Austen volume, if I had one… but I’ll hold back and stick to actual individual books…

In which case, I’d have to pick just one Jane Austen, although it’s a tough choice and I might want to swap for Persuasion. But really, can’t go wrong with any Jane Austen books!

The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison

I’ve been obsessed with this book since reading it last year and then re-reading it this year. I can’t imagine ever getting tired of re-reading it!

The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell

I’ve read this book several times already, but each time, it affects me in new and different ways.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare

I still have my edition of The Riverside Shakespeare from my college days, and it’s not exactly a light, portable volume. Still, if I were stranded on a deserted island, at least I’d finally have time to get to all the plays I haven’t read yet! (I know I said I wouldn’t do any more all-in-one books, but I had to make an exception for Shakespeare.)

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

I think this is a book that I haven’t spent enough time with yet in my life. I’ve read it only once, and I’ve always meant to go back to it again, at least once. And if not while stranded, then when?

The Far Pavilions by M. M. Kaye

Yet another book that I’ve sworn to re-read at some point. Since it’s over 900 pages, this will last a good long while!

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Such a beautifully written book! I listened to the audiobook my first time around, and I think lying on the beach of my deserted island with this book in hand would give me a whole new opportunity to enjoy it all over again.

The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht

This just seems like a really practical choice for a deserted island situation. Although if I were truly being practical, then this list should include a medical book, something on identifying edible plants, and perhaps a book on sending smoke signals?

What books would you want along on a deserted island? Please share your TTT links!

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20Jul2021

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Read In One Sitting (or would have if I had the time)

Posted in Top Ten Tuesday by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, featuring a different top 10 theme each week. This week’s topic is Books I Read In One Sitting (or would have if I had the time). My list is a combination of both… here are my top ten:

The Blue Salt Road by Joanne M. Harris

This illustrated retelling of the selkie legend is slim but beautiful. At 215 pages, it was pretty easy to read it all in an afternoon.

Fables graphic novels by Bill Willingham

I loved the entire Fables series, and gobbled up each new volume as soon as it was released. It wouldn’t be possible to read the whole series in one setting, but each individual book is definitely doable!

The Duke & I (Bridgertons, #1) by Julia Quinn

The Bridgertons books have become my go-to reading material for plane trips. I read this one on a coast-to-coast 5-hour flight!

October Daye books by Seanan McGuire

These are more “I wish I could read in one sitting” type of books. As soon as a new one comes out, I have to drop everything and read it, but all in one sitting is typically more than I can manage.

Wayward Children books by Seanan McGuire

Speaking of Seanan McGuire… the novellas that make up the Wayward Children series tend to be under 200 pages, and keep me reading straight through from start to finish.

The Deal of a Lifetime by Fredrik Backman

This is a short (60-page) book that I read with my book group. Given its length, it’s no wonder that I read it all in one sitting… but the story flows so well that I think it might lose a bit of its magic if read in smaller chunks.

The Long Walk by Stephen King

This book is so strange and creepy, and I was thoroughly hooked. Luckily, I was on a beach vacation when I started it, and spent the whole day on a beach chair reading this book!

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

It’s easy to look back at the Twilight craze now and sneer at the books… but remember when the first book came out, and how insane everyone was about it? Sure, I have tons of issues with the writing and the plot and the basic logic of it all… but at the time, I devoured this book.

Written In My Own Heart’s Blood (Outlander, #8) by Diana Gabaldon

At 800+ pages, this is absolutely not a book that can be read in one sitting. But I really wish it were! When this book came out in 2014, I was on a family vacation… but basically ignored my family during every single moment of down time and stayed up ridiculously late until I finished the book.

I’m already expecting similar behavior when #9 comes out in November!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling

I was so terrified of stumbling across spoilers when HP7 was released that I spent every waking hour reading, until I just couldn’t stay awake a moment longer… and ended up calling in sick to work the next day so I could finish!

What books have you read in one sitting… or do you wish you could read in one sitting? Please share your TTT links!

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13Jul2021

Top Ten Tuesday: Book Titles That Are Questions

Posted in Top Ten Tuesday by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, featuring a different top 10 theme each week. This week’s topic is Book Titles That Are Questions. This is a fun one! Here are ten books that fit the theme, either from my shelves or my TBR list:

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. by Judy Blume

This children’s classic was HUGE while I was growing up (which gives you some idea of how long ago that was…)

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick

I read this ages ago while going through a Blade Runner obsession phase (probably due to a friend who insisted that Blade Runner was the most profound movie ever). The book definitely explains a lot more than the movie — but I should probably watch the director’s cut again at some point and see if my reaction has changed at all.

Do You Dream of Terra-Two? by Temi Oh

This is a more recent book — published in 2019, it’s a story of a decades-long space voyage to a new planet. I loved it!

Have You Eaten Grandma? by Gyles Brandreth

Who doesn’t love a great grammar book? I sure do! I love smart, funny books that explain grammar — with a sense of humor.

Where Are the Children? by Mary Higgins Clark

This book scared the heck out of me when I first read it. Maybe it would seem tame compared to thrillers today, but I absolutely lost sleep thanks to this book way back when.

Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? by Joyce Carol Oates

I’ve only read the title story… but it’s stayed with me ever since. This story was the basis for the 1985 Laura Dern/Treat Williams movie Smooth Talk, which is understated and disturbing and really memorable.

Siri, Who Am I? by Sam Tschida

I’m including this book on my list this week because I love the title, even though I ended up DNFing the book. I thought the idea of someone with amnesia using Siri and social media to figure out her identity and her life was really clever, but I ended up annoyed by the plot and couldn’t bring myself to finish.

If I Love You, Am I Trapped Forever? by M. E. Kerr

I remember basically nothing about the plot of this book, but M. E. Kerr was super popular for a time in the pre-YA young adult market. (Hmm — I see a trend in this week’s list: Books From My Younger Days. Sigh.)

Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? by Dr. Seuss

My family is full of Seuss fans, and this happens to be a really fun one to read aloud. It includes such magical passages as:

And now all the Hawtchers who live in Hawtch-Hawtch are watching on watch watcher watchering watch, watch watching the watcher who’s watching that bee. You’re not a Hawtch-Watcher — you’re lucky you see!

May I Bring A Friend? by Beatrice Schenk de Regniers

Another awesome children’s book to read aloud! I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I read this one to my son… but it was a daily favorite for weeks at a time. So charming!

What books made your list this week? Please share your TTT links!

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6Jul2021

Top Ten Tuesday: Reasons Why I Love Reading

Posted in Top Ten Tuesday by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, featuring a different top 10 theme each week. This week’s topic is Reasons Why I Love Reading. It seems challenging to break down into an itemized list why reading is such a dominant part of my life, but here goes:

1). Reading involves my brain, my emotions, my heart… it’s an immersive experience that makes me feel and makes me think.

2) I’ve learned so much from books! I love entering another time period through historical fiction, or learning about a place or a culture I might not otherwise encounter.

3) I can never be bored — I always have a book with me! Waiting on a long line at the store or the pharmacy? No problem — more time to read!

4) Bonding — Even if we have nothing else obviously in common, if I meet someone who loves the same book as me, we have plenty to talk about.

5) Flights of imagination — I love reading about fantasy worlds and feeling them come alive.

6) Getting to know favorite characters in a series. A well-written series can make me feel like certain characters are a part of my own life.

7) Living vicariously. Let’s face it, I’m probably never going to wield a sword or explore new star systems, but reading lets me feel as if I might, even if only in my reader’s brain.

8) Oh, the smarts! I’m adamant that reading makes us all smarter. Vocabulary, geography, scientific concepts — you name it, and I’m better at it because of reading.

9) The calming effect — sometimes, when times are tough or there’s just a lot of stress, opening a favorite book can feel better to me than meditation or even a nap. I can immerse myself in a beloved story or world and come out of it feeling refreshed and ready to face the world again.

10) Gaining empathy and understanding: Great novels let us into their characters’ hearts and minds. Walking in a character’s shoes and seeing how life feels to them is key to opening our hearts to people whose lives might not mirror our own.

Why do you love to read? Please share your TTT links!

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29Jun2021

Top Ten Tuesday: Most Anticipated Releases of the Second Half of 2021

Posted in Top Ten Tuesday by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, featuring a different top 10 theme each week. This week’s topic is Most Anticipated Releases of the Second Half of 2021. I just recently did a top 10 list of my summer TBR, which included mostly new releases, so I’ll attempt not to repeat myself!

July

Any Way the Wind Blows by Rainbow Rowell – the 3rd Simon Snow book! (July 6)

The Book of Accidents by Chuck Wendig (July 20 )

August

My Heart is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones (August 31)

September

When Sorrows Come by Seanan McGuire — the 15th October Daye book! (September 14)

Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune (September 21)

October

The Vanished Days by Susanna Kearsley — I will ALWAYS read a new novel by this author! (October 5)

A Spindle Splintered by Alix E. Harrow (October 5)

Well Matched by Jen DeLuca — the 3rd book in the series. These books are so cute! (October 19)

Grave Reservations by Cherie Priest (October 26)

November

Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon — It’s the new Outlander book!! After a 7 year wait! (November 23)

What are your most anticipated new releases for the 2nd half of 2021? Do we have any in common?

Please share your links!

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22Jun2021

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Wishes… straight from my wish list

Posted in Top Ten Tuesday by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, featuring a different top 10 theme each week. This week’s topic is Bookish Wishes — and here’s the description:

{Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl’s} birthday is today, so celebrate with me by granting the wishes of your friends! This is a popular thing to do on Twitter, but today we’re blog hopping. List the top 10 books you’d love to own and include a link to a wishlist so that people can grant your wish. Make sure you link your wishlist to your mailing address or include the email address associated with your ereader so people know how to get the book to you. After you post, jump around the Linky and grant a wish or two if you’d like. Don’t feel obligated to send anything!

Okay, so I’m NOT actually sharing links to a wishlist or at all asking anyone to grant my wishes! But still, it’s always fun (and a little crazy) to take stock of how many more books I’d like to get sooner or later… despite the huge number of unread books sitting on my shelves.

Here are my top 10 wishes:

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Encyclopedia: The Ultimate Guide to the Buffyverse by Nancy Holder: This one has been on my wish list for years! I’d love to have a copy… but enough to actually spend money on it.
Pride and Prometheus by John Kessel: I’ve actually read this one already — it’s a fabulous mash-up of Frankenstein and Pride and Prejudice, and I really need a copy of my own.
Victories Great Than Death by Charlie Jane Anders: I have copies of her other books, and need this one too!
Seed to Harvest by Octavia Butler: This is an all-in-one edition of the Patternist series. I do have these books on my Kindle already, but I’d love a hard copy too.
The Hidden Palace by Helene Wecker: Since I have a copy of The Golem and the Jinni, I’d like the sequel to go with it.
The Return of the Sorceress by Silvia Moreno-Garcia: The hardcover edition is from Subterranean Press, and their books are always so pretty (but expensive).
One Day All This Will Be Yours by Adrian Tchaikovsky: No particular reason — it just sounds like fun!
Jane in Love by Rachel Givney: It’s Jane Austen plus time travel! How does that not sound cool?
Network Effect by Martha Wells: I can’t believe I stalled out on the Murderbot books before getting to this one! There’s no good reason — I just haven’t gotten to it yet. I’d love to own copies of the entire series.
Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley: The book sounds so good, and the cover is too pretty not to have my own copy.