Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books I’d Love To Read With A Book Club

Posted in Top Ten Tuesday by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, featuring a different top 10 theme each week. This week’s topic is about books we’d like to read with a book club. I don’t belong to a traditional book club, with face-to-face get-togethers (and a few bottles of wine), although I do have an online group with a monthly book discussion. I’ll write more about why I’m not currently in a book club at another time. For now, I’m going to highlight ten books that I’d love to read with a book club — if only I had one.

For me, the best book club books are ones that generate some controversy or have interesting angles or twists to discuss — or books that are worth reading, but for whatever reason aren’t books that I’m likely to pick up without some outside prompting. So if I had a group to share with, I’d pick:

For in-depth analysis and discussion:

1) One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez: I know I need to read this eventually, but the one time I started it, I got distracted about midway through and never felt compelled to finish. I’d love to have this as a book group read so that I’d stay on track, as well as having a resource for discussing all of the symbolism and patterns that I might not fully explore on my own.

2) Great Expectations by Charles Dickens: A Tale of Two Cities is one of my favorite books of all times, but I’m embarrassed to admit that it’s the only Dickens I’ve read, and I really should fix that. I’ve been talking about reading Great Expectations for years. A book group deadline would definitely help, and I’ve also found that it’s really great to read classics with a group, taking the time to really think about the different elements and not just rushing through for the sake of getting to the end.

3) The Bone People by Keri Hulme: This is supposed to be THE book to read about New Zealand, and I really want to read it… but I just find it kind of off-putting whenever I actually consider starting it. I think a group discussion would help me focus and would also help me appreciate it more.

For the incentive needed to actually read these books:

(It’s not that I’m not interested — I just never seem to be in the mood.)

4) We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler: I think I’ll read this book eventually, and I even have a copy. I just need some prodding to get started.

5) Winter’s Tale by Mark Helprin: Or really, anything by Mark Helprin. I’ve read some short stories, but his books are just so huge that they seem daunting. I just need that book group nudge to get going, I think.

6) Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich: I’ve read later works by Louise Erdrich, but would like to read some of her earlier books as well. I don’t often make time for older books, so a bit of book group inspiration might be a good push in the right direction.

7) Enduring Love or Saturday by Ian McEwan: I’ve read a few of his books, and I always feel like I should read more, but I never seem to be in the mood to actually do it.

8) A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki: Another one that feels like an important book to read, but every time I take it out from the library, I end up returning it unread.

And finally, a couple of choices that I think would just be really fun to read with a group:

9) I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith: I’ll read it on my own one of these days, but think it would be fun to have a group to share it with.

And, last but not least…

10) The Harry Potter series! When one of my online book friends mentioned recently that she’d never read the Harry Potter books, I tried really hard to get the group interested in a Harry Potter read-along! I still think it’s a brilliant idea, and I’m going to try again in a few months. I’ve read the series so many times, but I love the thought of reading it all over again with a group of book-loving friends, examining the series from new and different angles, and just basking in the enjoyment of spending time in that world again.

So what books would you want to read with a book group?

Share your link, and I’ll come check out your list.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider following Bookshelf Fantasies! And don’t forget to check out my regular weekly feature, Thursday Quotables. Happy reading!

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Do you host a book blog meme? Do you participate in a meme that you really, really love? I’m building a Book Blog Meme Directory, and need your help! If you know of a great meme to include — or if you host one yourself — please drop me a note on my Contact page and I’ll be sure to add your info!

20Jan2015

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Fabulous Non-Fiction Favorites

Posted in Top Ten Tuesday by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, featuring a different top 10 theme each week. This week is a Freebie — we each pick our own topic. After much debate and a few false starts, I thought I’d write about my favorite non-fiction books. I really don’t read much non-fiction, but I’ve read enough over the years to be able to choose some real stand-outs.

My top 10 non-fiction favorites are:

1) Ice Bound by Dr. Jerri Nielsen: The late Dr. Nielsen writes about her winter at the South Pole, her personal journey, and her battle with breast cancer with unflinching honesty and remarkable courage.

2) The Poisoner’s Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York by Deborah Blum: A fascinating look at the early days of forensics during Probition.

3) Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller: A startling and disturbing memoir of a childhood in Africa.

4) If You Lived Here, I’d Know Your Name by Heather Lende: I go a bit overboard for anything connected to Alaska, and I really enjoyed this slice-of-life book about a woman raising a family in an Alaskan small town.

5) Life by Keith Richards: KEITH! What is there to say about this book? Amazing. My only complaint was that I’d wished it came with a soundtrack.

6) Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void by Mary Roach: If you like your science packed with humor, then you really can’t go wrong with any of Mary Roach’s books. This is the one I’ve read most recently, but I also loved Stiff, which taught me that it’s possible to laugh hysterically while reading about cadavers.

7) Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail ’72 by Hunter S. Thompson: Everyone should read Hunter S. Thompson at some point in his/her life, and this is the one I’d choose above all others. It just has to be experienced — no point in further explanation.

8) The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game by Michael Lewis: This is the book that made me run around my house shouting, “Look, I’m reading a football book!” I am not a sports fan, and have never read another football book in my life… but this one was just so gripping, I couldn’t stop myself.

9) The Devil’s Teeth by Susan Casey: A brilliant account of the Farallon Islands off the coast of San Francisco, the great white sharks that fill the waters there, and the scientists who study them.

10) It’s a toss-up between two very different books by Jon Krakauer: Into Thin Air, his classic tale of a disastrous Everest expedition, or Under the Banner of Heaven, a history of the Mormon church and exposé of Mormon Fundamentalist communities.

As I started working on this list, I kept jotting down more and more non-fiction books that I’ve read and loved. I was reminded that I went through a Vietnam War obsession phase and a weird neurology phase, and then there’s my need to read off-beat personal stories and adventures. In other words, although my reading definitely skews heavily toward all fiction, all the time, I’ve actually read more non-fiction than I’d realized.

Do you have a favorite non-fiction book that you recommend?

I’d love to know what everyone else picked for a top 10 freebie topic! Share your link, and I’ll come check out your list.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider following Bookshelf Fantasies! And don’t forget to check out my regular weekly feature, Thursday Quotables. Happy reading!

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12Jan2015

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten 2014 Releases I Meant To Read (But Didn’t)

Posted in Top Ten Tuesday by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, featuring a different top 10 theme each week. This week we’re talking about books from 2014 that we really wanted to read… but didn’t. Some of these I actually own; some are just books that I thought sounded great, but then never actually pursued. Oh well, there’s always 2015!

My top 10:

1) Locke & Key, volume 6: Alpha & Omega by Joe Hill: I was DYING for this one, the final volume in the awesomely creepy and brilliant Locke & Key series. And then when I got a copy, I realized I should re-read volumes 1 – 5 to get the maximum enjoyment out of the series wrap-up. But somehow, I still haven’t made it happen.

2) Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King: I practically jump up and down whenever Stephen King publishes new books and read them immediately — except for this one. I still intend to… eventually.

3) Frog Music by Emma Donoghue: Loved the sound of Frog Music, and I hope to read it in the next month or so.

4) The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd: I was hoping that my book group would choose this book, so I held off. It hasn’t happened yet, so I’ll probably end up going for it on my own.

5) The One-Hundred Year House by Rebecca Makkai: Another one that sounds great, and I just haven’t found the right time.

6) The Vacationers by Emma Straub: I read a review of The Vacationers when it was released and made a mental note to borrow a copy from the library, and then completely forgot about it.

7) Lock In by John Scalzi: I had this one on preorder and everything — then decided it wasn’t urgent and that I didn’t need another hardcover on my bookshelf. Now I’m waiting for the paperback release this coming summer.

8) Euphoria by Lily King: I didn’t pay attention to Euphoria at first, but after seeing it pop up on so many “best of 2014” lists, I have a renewed interest in reading it. Another great possibility for my book group, I think.

9) Hollow City by Ransom Riggs: I can’t believe it’s been about a year since this book came out, and I still haven’t read it. The question is, am I still interested at this point?

10) The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey: This should probably be up at the top of my list, as it’s the one I intend to read ASAP. I bought a copy when it came out last year, then decided I should re-read The 5th Wave first. I got side-tracked, big time… and finally finished the audiobook version of The 5th Wave last week. So, hurray! I’m ready for The Infinite Sea!

Have you read any of the books on my list? Which do you think should be my top priority? And what books from 2014 do you still need to read?

Share your thoughts! And leave me your links, please, so I can come check out your top 10.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider following Bookshelf Fantasies! And don’t forget to check out my regular weekly feature, Thursday Quotables. Happy reading!

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29Dec2014

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Bookish Goals for 2015

Posted in Top Ten Tuesday by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, featuring a different top 10 theme each week. This week’s topic is Top Ten Goals/Resolutions for 2015.

I’m going to try to keep it simple this year, and aim for things I have some chance of achieving:

1) Read on a whim! I wrote a whole blog post about this a few days ago (click here if you want to see it) — basically, I’m making it a priority to read according to my moods and fancies and not because of obligations or deadlines.

2) Read outside the box: This seems to be a yearly goal — I need to force myself to read a bit more non-fiction, including history, essays, and armchair travel. I have books already on my shelf that sound amazing, but I always reach for the fiction instead of pushing myself to spend time on non-fiction.

3) Catch up on the books I already own: Yeah, I know, we all have this problem. If I stick to my resolution to read on a whim, I’m pretty sure I’ll get through a lot more of the books I have waiting for me.

4) Request/accept fewer ARCs: This relates to #1 and #3 above. I have to train myself to resist clicking that tempting “request” button on NetGalley every time something catches my eye! Having a backlog of review copies is what makes me feel tense and frustrated when it comes to picking out my next read and feeling like I need to keep to a schedule.

5) Hang out with Buffy: I’m now a full season behind on my Buffy the Vampire Slayer graphic novels, and have Angel & Faith, Spike, and Willow volumes to read as well. I need to do some serious catching up!

6) Reorganize my bookshelves: I say this every year, but my shelves are overcrowded and don’t seem to make any sense at this point. All sorts of books are smushed into random places, either because of physical size or because I was in a hurry (or for ridiculous reasons, like “oh, I love this author, so I’ll put her book next to this other author I love!”). I’m not a stickler or anything, and have no desire to alphabetize or color-code, but it would be nice to have all my sci-fi in one place, and to keep my non-fiction from fraternizing with my YA novels, for example.

7) Donate, sell, upgrade: Related to organizing my bookshelves, it’s time to slim down and weed out some of the books that I either never read and never will, or read once but don’t feel the need to keep. I plan to donate a few bags/boxes for our next big library sale. I have a small stack of books that are new or pretty close to new but that I don’t want to keep for a variety of reasons, and those I’ll try to trade-in at the used bookstore. And for at least one of my graphic novel collections, I’d like to sell the paperbacks that I own and then invest a few more dollars to get the nice hardcover editions.

8) Organize my computer files: I need to spend a few good hours resorting all the various blog-related files on my drive, including photos I’ve taken, book cover images, graphics, headers, etc. I’m going to try to reorganize all of these into an archive that makes sense and is searchable. It shouldn’t be too hard, but I just need some dedicated time to make it happen.

9) Refresh the blog: I’ve had the same theme and layout for a while now, and it may be time for some sprucing up. I’m not sure that I’ll actually change anything significant, but I want to play around a bit with formatting, organization, and widgets and see what happens. I often think I missed out on the artistic gene, so figuring out visuals can be a big challenge for me, but I at least want to try and explore some options.

10) Volunteer: I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and it’s about time to take action! I’d like to do something to share my love of reading while doing good, so I’ve started looking into local volunteer opportunities that relate to literacy, libraries, reading buddies, etc. I haven’t decided yet what I’ll end up pursuing, but I really want to make this happen this year.

I’m sure I could go on and on with things I need to improve or change, but this feels like a pretty reasonable starting place!

What are your top goals for 2015? Wishing you all a wonderful year!

If you enjoyed this post, please consider following Bookshelf Fantasies! And don’t forget to check out my regular weekly feature, Thursday Quotables. Happy reading!

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22Dec2014

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books I’d Love To Get As Gifts (New & Improved for 2014!)

Posted in Top Ten Tuesday by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

Note from your friendly Bookshelf Fantasies host: When I looked back at my 2013 post for this topic, I realized that about 80% of it still holds true a year later! So, with a few minor changes and updates, here’s my list from last year — since I still want ’em all!

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, featuring a different top 10 theme each week. This week’s topic is Top Ten Books I Wouldn’t Mind Santa Bringing Me.

Sadly, my house is not on Santa’s route (and I promise, it’s not because I’ve been naughty this year!) Still, if some magical bearer of gifts happened to drop by, these are the books I’d be hoping for! As I did last year when this topic came up, I’m filling up my list with books that I’d love to receive, but for whatever reason — high price, feeling like too big an indulgence, a “nice to have” but not really a necessary book — I just most likely wouldn’t buy these for myself. (Ahem, secret gift givers — are you paying attention??)

1) Firefly: A Celebration by Joss Whedon

Description: Titan’s three bestselling Firefly titles collected together at last, just in time for the 10th anniversary of Joss Whedon’s beloved series. This huge, 544 page full colour volume is simply one of the most lavish books ever produced for a TV show, and is presented in a foil-stamped leather-effect binding. Plus, as an exclusive bonus for this edition, a pocket at the back of the book contains 9 frameable photo prints of the cast, featuring rare and previously unseen images, and a facsimile of one of the prop banknotes used in the show.

2)Bone: Full Color One Volume Edition by Jeff Smith

Bone is one of my very favorite things ever. I love the artwork, the story, and the ridiculous stupid rat creatures. We have the 9 individual books, but I’m sure lusting after this all-in-one version. However… at about $100, this isn’t an edition I’m likely to buy unless I’m suddenly discovered by some long-lost wealthy relative… I can dream, can’t I?

3) Harry Potter stuff:

This gorgeous Harry Potter collection:

Do I need another set of Harry Potter in my house? Well, no. But I’m so enchanted by the cover artwork by Kazu Kibuishi… and this boxed set would look so pretty on my shelf…

I’d also be happy with some cool HP memorabilia like, oh, a deluminator or something… or if someone really wants to splurge, there’s also this amazing movie collector’s set:

4) The Hobbit: Illustrated Edition by J. R. R. Tolkien; Illustrated by Jemima Catlin

Have you seen the images from this illustrated edition of The Hobbit? Just gorgeous. This may be one book that I’ll end up treating myself to. Want, want, want.

5) I would be tickled pink to receive pretty much any book from the Barnes and Noble Collectible Editions library. Here are few that I especially covet… but really, I’d take ’em all if I could:

Dracula and Other Horror Classics (Barnes & Noble Collectible Editions) The Bronte Sisters: Three Novels (Barnes & Noble Collectible Editions) Anne of Green Gables (Barnes & Noble Collectible Editions)

And now, new for 2014:

6 & 7) My comic fixations:

Image via http://www.billwillingham.com

I have the trade paperback editions of all Fables volumes published so far — but now I wish I had the deluxe edition hardcovers. And those Fables bookends are pretty sweet too…

Image via pinterest; source unknown.

And while I’m on the subject of deluxe editions of my favorite graphic novels series, the same goes for Y: The Last Man. I have all of the volumes in paper, but those deluxe edition hardcovers look amazing.

8) I can’t see buying this for myself, but I think a great gift would be The World of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin:

Aegon_on_Black_Dread_J.Gonzalez-1024x683

Image from The World of Ice and Fire, via http://www.georgerrmartin.com

9, 10, and a bit more) There are a whole bunch of books that I’ve read over the years, borrowed from friends or from the library or read on my Kindle. that I’d really like to have my very own hard copy of on my bookshelves. I can’t quite justify paying full price for these, but if a holiday elf wanted to drop one off, I’d be grateful!
Life The Snow Child Wonderstruck

And a bonus pick:

This isn’t a book, but it’s certainly bookish. Two years ago, I used a holiday gift card to treat myself to My Ideal Bookshelf by Thessaly La Force and Jane Mount. It’s an absolutely beautiful book, and I’ve had so much fun leafing through it and picking out all of my favorites. But now, what I really covet is one of the prints available through the Ideal Bookshelf website. My only difficulty is in picking just one: Do I want:

Ideal Bookshelf 660: Girl Stars

or perhaps:

Ideal Bookshelf 629: Fantasy

If I had unlimited dollars and unlimited wall space, I think I’d want them all! Or maybe totally splurge, and get a custom painting! (Check out the options here.)

So that’s my little holiday cheer list for whatever extra-special pixies are circling my house bearing gifts!

What are you hoping to find under your tree, in your stocking, or in the UPS driver’s hands this year? Whatever you’re wishing for, I wish you good health, good friends, lots of laughter, and amazing reading!

If you enjoyed this post, please consider following Bookshelf Fantasies! And don’t forget to check out my regular weekly feature, Thursday Quotables. Happy reading!

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15Dec2014

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books I Read in 2014

Posted in Top Ten Tuesday by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, featuring a different top 10 theme each week. This week’s topic is Top Ten Books I Read in 2014. I read so many great books this past year, and I’ve already raved about quite a few of them. In no particular order, here are the best of the bunch:

Note: If you want to know more about any of the books mentioned here, click on the links to see my reviews.

1) I Shall Be Near To You by Erin Lindsay McCabe

IShallBeNear

2) The Martian by Andy Weir

3) Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon

4) The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

5) Midwinterblood by Marcus Sedgwick

6) Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

7) We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

8) The Girl With All The Gifts by M. R. Carey

9) Archetype and Prototype by M. D. Waters

10) Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

What were you favorite books from 2014? Share your links, and I’ll come check out your top 10!

If you enjoyed this post, please consider following Bookshelf Fantasies! And don’t forget to check out our regular weekly feature, Thursday Quotables. Happy reading!

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8Dec2014

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten New-To-Me Authors I Read In 2014

Posted in Top Ten Tuesday by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, featuring a different top 10 theme each week. This week’s topic is Top Ten New-To-Me Authors I Read In 2014. What fun! I “met” so many authors this year for the first time. Here are the best of the bunch:

Note: If you want to know more about any of the books mentioned here, click on the links to see my reviews.

1) Erin Lindsay McCabe: One of my very favorite books of 2014 was Erin Lindsay McCabe’s debut novel I Shall Be Near To You. A simply stunning love story set during the Civil War, written with power, grace, and true emotion.

2) Liane Moriarty: I’m thrilled to have discovered this talented Australian writer. In 2014, I read The Husband’s Secret and Big Little Lies, and absolutely want to read more.

3) Jamie Ford: I finally read Jamie Ford’s break-out bestseller, The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, and loved it. I’m really looking forward to reading Songs of Willow Frost in the coming months.

4) Andy Weir: The Martian was one of my biggest surprises this year! I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did.

5) M. R. Carey: Just when I thought the topic of zombies was completely played out, along came The Girl With All The Gifts!

6) Patricia C. Wrede: Thanks to reading with my son, I finally caught up with this children’s author who excels at magical world-building! I enjoyed her Frontier Magic trilogy, and I’m currently 3/4 of the way through her Enchanted Forest Chronicles. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author, especially Sorcery & Cecilia, which people have been recommending to me for years.

7) Mur Lafferty: If you like your paranormal fiction on the light and snarky side, then check out Mur Lafferty’s two very funny books, The Shambling Guide to New York City and The Ghost Train to New Orleans. The conceit wears a tiny bit thin by the second book, but I still had a lot of fun with both.

8) Andrew Smith: Grasshopper Jungle was one of the weirdest books I read in 2014 — and I loved it. I haven’t read anything else by this author yet, but I intend to.

9) Alexander McCall Smith: Okay, here I’m extremely late to the party — but I finally read The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, and thought it was terrific! I picked up a stack of books from the series at a used book sale this fall, and I look forward to reading these on and off during the coming year.

10) Nomi Eve: Henna House is moving and lovely, and I’m looking forward to reading it again when my book club reads it in 2015.

I can’t wait to see who I’ll meet in 2015!

Which authors did you discover in 2014?

If you enjoyed this post, please consider following Bookshelf Fantasies! And don’t forget to check out our regular weekly feature, Thursday Quotables. Happy reading!

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1Dec2014

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books I’m Looking Forward to Reading in 2015

Posted in Top Ten Tuesday by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

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

What am I looking forward to reading in 2015? Let’s see…

For this week’s list, I’m going to stick to books that I haven’t already drooled over in recent TTT posts. Keeping that in mind, here are ten books I’m excited about for next year, including brand new releases plus a few new paperback editions scheduled for 2015:

1) The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

2) Beastkeeper by Cat Hellisen

3) Blue Stars by Emily Gray Tedrowe

4) The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

5) I Was Here by Gayle Forman

6) The Bookseller by Cynthia Swanson

7) Girl Runner by Carrie Snyder

8) Vicious by V. E. Schwab
(paperback to be released January 2015)

9) Lock In by John Scalzi
(paperback to be released August 2015)

10) All I Love and Know by Judith Frank
(paperback to be released April 2015)

What books are you dying to read in 2015?

Share your links, and I’ll come check out your top 10!

If you enjoyed this post, please consider following Bookshelf Fantasies! And don’t forget to check out our regular weekly feature, Thursday Quotables. Happy reading!

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24Nov2014

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books on My Winter TBR List

Posted in Top Ten Tuesday by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, featuring a different top 10 theme each week. This week’s topic is about reading plans for this winter. What’s on my to-be-read list? Ha, what isn’t? Not that I ever end up sticking to a plan — but as of now, here are the top 10 books I’m looking forward to reading during the next few months.

1) Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson.
It’s about time that I finally read this, right?

2) Noggin by John Corey Whaley

3) The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

4) The Light in the Ruins by Chris Bohjalian

5) The Hundred Year House by Rebecca Makkai

6) Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

7) The Last Letter From Your Lover by Jojo Moyes

8) Washington’s Secret Six by Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger (because it’s about time that I venture outside my little world of fiction and read some history, yo)

9) Saga by Brian K. Vaughan (need to re-read volumes 1 & 2, then go on to read volumes 3 & 4)

10) The Boy Who Drew Monsters by Keith Donohue

boy who drew

What books will be keeping you warm this winter?

Share your links, and I’ll come check out your top 10!

If you enjoyed this post, please consider following Bookshelf Fantasies! And don’t forget to check out our regular weekly feature, Thursday Quotables. Happy reading!

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17Nov2014

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Sequels I Can’t Wait to Read

Posted in Top Ten Tuesday by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, featuring a different top 10 theme each week. This week’s topic is about hotly awaited sequels… the ones that keep us jumping and down in crazy anticipation.

My choices fall into two general categories:

Sequels coming soon… and we already know when:

By release date:

1) Symbiont by Mira Grant (sequel to Parasite… ick!) – to be released 11/25/2014

2) The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion (sequel to The Rosie Project) – to be released 12/30/2014

3) Dead Heat (Alpha & Omega series, #4) by Patricia Briggs – to be released 3/3/2015

4) Epitaph by Mary Doria Russell (sequel to Doc) – to be released 3/3/2015

5a) Fables, volume 21 by Bill Willingham – to be released 3/3/2015

and

5b) Fables, volume 22 (6/2015) … which I’m not really eager for because IT’S THE LAST IN THE SERIES! I’m seriously upset about Fables coming to an end.

not the actual cover…

6) Prudence by Gail Carriger – to be released 3/17/2015 (I know, I know: Technically, this isn’t a sequel — it’s the start of a brand-new series — The Custard Protocol — but since it follows The Parasol Protectorate series, I’m saying it counts!)

7) Lair of Dreams by Libba Bray (sequel to The Diviners) – to be released 4/1/2015… although at this point, it’s been so long since I’ve read The Diviners, I’m not sure how much I really care about continuing with the series.

Since I’m not convinced that I actually want to read Lair of Dreams, I’m including an alternate #7:

7) Stiletto by Daniel O’Malley (sequel to The Rook) – to be released 7/1/2015

Sequels coming eventually… but no actual date has been announced:

8) Peace Talks by Jim Butcher (#16 in the Dresden Files series).

9) The Winds of Winter by George R. R. Martin (#6 in A Song of Ice and Fire)

And last, but not least — and certainly the book that I want to read more than any others on this list (but too bad it’s not written yet!):

10) Untitled 9th book in the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon

OK, yes, my top 10 list has 12 books on it… but the more the merrier!

Did any of mine make your list? What sequels are you most eager to read?

Share your links, and I’ll come check out your top 10!

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