Top Ten Tuesday: Book Recommendations for fans of The Hunger Games

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

This week's TOP TEN:

Books for people who like Suzanne Collins author of The Hunger Games

One of the great things about books becoming movies is that it creates a craze over the books. It makes me so happy to see my favorite novels getting the attention they deserve. I've had many friends come to me after reading The Hunger Games, asking what they should read next. This is what I tell them...

1. Divergent by Veronica Roth: It is a Dystopian, with a touch of romance, and lots of action. Plus it is set in a future Chicago, taking a place we know and showing what could become of it.
2. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld: Dystopian, adventure, and very entertaining. This series is great because each of the books (Pretties, Specials) has a different tone. It keeps you intrigued in the story that much more because every book is distinct.
3. Matched by Ally Condie: A dystopian that is heavy on the romance. This I reccomend for the people who were drawn to the love parts in The Hunger Games. 
4. Delirium but specifically Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver: A dystopian (of course) where love is thought of as a disease. I like the first book in the series, Delirium but really think it picks up the pace in book 2, Pandemonium. 
5. Eve by Anna Carey: This is more of a post-apocalyptic book. But it takes place in the woods and there is an element of fighting for survival that will appeal to fans of THG. 
6. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling: Seriously, everyone should just read this. 
7. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater: I'm not really sure which genre this book fits into, but it doesn't matter. It is a beautiful story of an island with mythical horses and two young people just fighting for what they love.  
8. The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassie Clare: This series is on the supernatural side, but it is exciting and every bit worth the read. Plus there is this character named Jace whom is perfection in written form. 
9. Legend by Marie Lu: I was shocked by how much I enjoyed this book. It is a dystopian told in two perspectives that is entertaining. There is a little romance, but it is mainly a story of family loyalty and how these two characters paths coincide and conflict.  
10. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green: Just because you read one dystopian doesn't mean you only want to read dystopians, though this list could go on and on with the recommendations. However, if someone has read THG and is just looking for something good to read next, The Fault in Our Stars is my current favorite. It is a hilarious and heart wrenching story. 

Top Ten Books for Summer 2012

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

This week's TOP TEN:

Books on my TBR summer list

In High School, my summer reading list included books like Moby Dick, A Farewell to Arms, Grapes of Wrath and 1984. All great books. Probably. I only read about half of them. Shh, don't tell my English teachers, but yes...I used sparknotes. Guilty. That's because summer isn't for heavy reading. It is for fun, lightweight, entertaining and romantic books. Books that make you laugh, cry, and fall in love. 

1. Rapture by Lauren Kate: Will Daniel and Luce finally get to be together forever or will fate tear them apart, this time for good?
2. Endlessly by Kiersten White: Will Ellie and Lend workout their immortality issues? And will she get to wear pink to the prom?
3. Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCafferty: I've heard nothing but good things about this series. Why I haven't I read it? No clue. I'm going to change that this summer.
4. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas: I just think this book is going to be amazing. 
5. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick: From what I've heard about this book, it has an adorable premise that I am pretty sure I will devour in one sitting. 
6. Game of Thrones by George R.R Martin: Love the show. Have the book. Perhaps I should read it. 
7. Where She Went by Gayle Foreman: I read If I Stay last summer and spent an hour crying in the pool. I think I am due for another good torrential downpour. 
8. Flirting in Italian by Lauren Henderson: Italy, flirting, romance. This just screams -- SUMMERTIME READ! 
9. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green: Confession, I've never read anything by John Green. Just started this one and am already hooked. I'm probably going to have to add all of the rest of his books to my summertime list. 
10. Ten Things We Did by Sarah Mlynowski: Summer is the season for YA contemp. This is a book I've had waiting on my shelf and intend to finally read.  

My summer list could go on and on. And though I have great intentions of one day reading Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand and Lolita by Tolstoy, they probably won't make the cut until about mid-october. What books made your top ten list? Even though my list is long, I could always add a few more...

Top Ten Tuesday -- Beach Books

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

This week's TOP TEN:

Beachy Reads!!

Oh summer. Finally here! For the past three weekends, I've packed up a sack full of snacks and books, then fled to the beach. The best part about the beach is hours of optimal reading time!

1. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
2. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
3. Anything Nicholas Sparks
4. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
5. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
6. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
7. East of Eden by John Steinbeck
8. Two-Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt
9. This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen
10. Parnormalcy by Kiersten White

Top Ten Tuesday -- Books to Movies

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

This week's TOP TEN:

Top Ten Books You'd Like To See Made Into A Movie

1. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins:

I love this series. The characters are all vibrant and endless amounts of entertaining. I think this could make for a hilarious movie. 

2. Delirium by Lauren Oliver:

This is such a sweet, tension filled love story. And all of that emotion could make for a fantastic movie. Plus, if they make the first they would also have to make Pandemonium, which I loved even more!

3. Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith:

This is one of my fav books of 2012...so far. The story is cute and simple. Since it only encompasses a 24-hour period, it will be easy to include all of the important and adorable parts. 

4. Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson:

Only thing as great as a road trip book is a road trip movie. And with Roger's fantastic roadtrip playlists, this movie could be awesome!  

5. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern:

This book is so magical. I would love to see the black and white world portrayed in a film. 

6. Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin:

This book is creepy, sexy and addicting. Turn that into a movie and you've got a great combo.

7. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater:

I love this book. I love Sean Kendrick. Ergo, I think I would love the movie! 

8. Legend by Marie Lu: 

This book is just so intriguing. Both June and Day are fascinating and unique characters that would succeed on film.  

9. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld:

I know this is on its way to becoming a movie and simply put, I CANNOT WAIT! Tally is such a strong character that leads the way for an awesome series. 

10. Chime by Franny Billingsly:

Oh Briony Larkin! So unreliable and weird. This could make a very artistic film.  

What books do you want to see turned into movies?

Top Ten Tuesday - Books I would play hooky with

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

This week's TOP TEN:

Books I would play hooky with...

These are the types of books that you would abandon everything else -- work, chores, dinner plans, church, etc -- so you can read.

1. The Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead 

This series is so incredibly addicting. When I read it the first time, it was absolutely misery making when I had to put it down. 

2. The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

Um, hello, Jace! When Jace's fate hangs on the line, it is not likely that I will be able to do anything but read these books. When a story is based around extensive world building, it has the ability to suck you into it and hold you bound until the last page.

3. Hex Hall Series by Rachel Hawkins

Yup, addicting. The action is so constant and absorbing that finishing one chapter just leaves you needing to read the next one -- immediately -- even if it is your el stop and you really should be getting off the train. 

4. Uglies Series by Scott Westerfeld

This book series was exceptionally hard to put down and was one that I just kept thinking about. 

5. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Just finished reading this one and it is a new favorite! It is beautiful and alluring. I could spend forever reading it. I pretty much did nothing but read all weekend. 

6. Hush, Hush Saga by Becca Fitzpatrick

I've read this series a few times. It never gets easy to put down. 

7. Harry Potter by J.K Rowling

This needs no explanation. Wizards, magic, owl mail, dragons, Neville Longbottom... 

8. Stephanie Perkins Books

I loved both Anna and the French Kiss and Lola and the Boy Next Door. They are those perfect books that are easy to get lost in on a Saturday afternoon. I can't wait to play hooky with the next book from her. 

9 & 10. Dystopians by Amazing Authors

I am just going to go ahead and simplify this by saying that Dystopians are absolutely addicting. I already know that I will play hooky while reading Insurgent by Veronica Roth, Requiem by Lauren Oliver, Once by Anna Carey, Patriot by Marie Lu and Reached by Ally Condie. 

I love nothing more than getting lost inside the pages of a book and bound by the author's words. It feels like the world has come to a stop while you are gone in another one. And some books are just worth abandoning everything else in lieu of quality time reading.

What books would you play hooky for?

Top Ten Tuesday - Books to read this Spring

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

This week's TOP TEN:

Books on my TBR list for the SPRING!!

I love spring for too many reasons to list, but one main reason is that the weather is just perfect for sitting outside and reading a good book. 

My Spring Reading

Books on my shelves that I will finally read this spring:

1. The Comeback Season by Jennifer E. Smith

2. Ten Things We Did (And Probably Shouldn't Have) by Sara Mlynowski

3. Blood Red Road by Moira Young

4. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

5. This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

Books I can't wait to read this spring:

6. Insurgent by Veronica Roth

7. City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

Books I am going to reread this spring:

8. The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

9. Uglies Series by Scott Westerfeld

10. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

11. East of Eden by John Steinbeck

Happy Spring and Happy Reading!

What books made your list?

Top Ten Tuesday - Books I'd Give a Theme Song To

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

This week's top ten...

Top Ten Books I'd Give A Theme Song To

I love books. And I love music. But somehow this list has proven difficult. I must not think in terms of book playlists. Most songs I like, I relate to my own writing. So my first three picks are for books I've read, but the last few are for the books I'm writing. 

1. "New Soul" by Yael Naim for The Host by Stephanie Meyer or Incarnate by Jodi Meadows. Both of these books center around a concept of souls and the lyrics seem to line up well with Wanderer and Ana. 

2. "In My Veins" by Andrew Belle and Erin McCarley for The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare. 

This song epitomizes the relationship between Clary and Jace. All of the angst and tension between them.

 

3. "C'est L'amour" by Rosi Golan for Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. This is just a cutsie little song about falling in love in France. 

 My work day ends at 5:30 at which point I make the trek from where I work to the el, which is about a 2 mile stretch. I sometimes rely on the convenience of the bus, but often like to walk. It is in this walk that I turn on my current playlist and listen to it as I write my stories in my head.  My book, The Memory Rune (an indefinite work in progress), is always best written during that walk. These are the songs I listen to.

1. "Sun Gangs" by the Veils

2. "Set Fire to the Rain" by Adele

3. "River Flows in You" by Yiruma

Top Ten Tuesday - Books that broke my poor heart

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

This week's top ten list:

Books that Broke my heart into a million tiny little pieces.

1. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan: Ugh, I can't even think about this book without getting teary eyed. A book about death and zombies, you know you are going to face some challenges. I didn't expect it to destroy my heart. It did -- and I loved it.
2. Delirium by Lauren Oliver: If you've read it, you know exactly what I mean. If you haven't read it, prepare your tissue box for the last fifty pages. 
3. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver: Her books torture me. This story is beautiful and sad. My heart was destroyed for days. 
4. Specials by Scott Westerfeld: Ugh, Zane!
5. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater: This book did such an amazing job of completely pulling me into the world and story. It was really hard to leave. 
6. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling: Need I explain? Chapter 1 alone shattered my heart.
7. My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult: I'm not a huge Jodi fan, but this book had me sobbing.
8. Anything Cassandra Clare: It is like she writes her book with one goal -- to batter our hearts and bruise our souls. Evil but I love it. 
9. Blood Promise by Richelle Mead: This series is torture. But this book in particular -- I can't even use words. 
10. I'm sorry. My heart is too beaten and broken to think of a 10th pick this week. I have to go stare at pictures of butterflies and rainbows to help put my broken pieces back together!

What books broke your heart just a little or a whole lot!? 

Top Ten Tuesday - Book Club Books

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

This week's top ten list:

Top Ten Books For a Book Club

As I stated in a recent post, my friends and I have recently embarked upon our first book club, BYOB&B. So, I am excited about this top ten to receive some feedback from other bloggers about which books they would recommend. 

As a fan of YA, I tend to not know many books that would be book club worthy. Not that YA books aren't book club worthy; they just would require a very special/genre specific book club. Thus, my list is going to be a BOOK CLUB FOR THE YOUNG ADULT.

1. The Statistical Probaiblity of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. SmithWhy? Because I cannot get enough of this book. And I needed another plug for my giveaway -- Win SPOLAFS here! But, for real. This book is not just for the YA, it is for any girl who has dreams of finding love at first sight. Yet, it is the moments of growing up and witnessing your life change that resonate. 

2. The Book Thief by Marcus ZusakI confess. I have yet to read this book, but as it is my current book club book, I figure it must make a great one. I have heard wonderful things about this book and am very excited to read it. 

3. The Hunger Games by Suzanne CollinsI have heard grown-up boys say that they love this book and that the YA genre part of it shouldn't let anybody be deterred. I agree. Love, love, love this series. 

4. The Outsiders by S.E. HintonI loved this book in school. And I really did not like reading for school. So the fact I read and finished this one is a true testament to how great it is. 

5. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper LeeAnother book read for school that I actually finished. I guess you could say I liked any classic that could fall into the YA genre. This story is so meaningful and beautiful. 

6. Before I Die by Jenny DownhamThis book has been waiting for me on my shelf for months. I want to read it. Really and truly. It just seems so sad that I never pick it up. But without actually having read it, I would believe it would have a great amount of themes and messages for any reader to take away. 

7. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver Oh this book. It tortured me. I loved it way more than I expected to. I would make my book club read this if we didn't have a rule about already having read the books. 

8. If I Stay by Gayle Foreman Now, I have read this book. And it did a number on my heart. 

9. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

This is just a cute and wonderful book. The characters are poignant and the story is adorable. 

10. Divergent by Veronica RothBecause I live in Chicago and if I were to make my book club read any dystopian novel I think they would appreciate this one that is set in our great city.

What are your top ten book club books?

Please leave a comment and link. I will be sure to pay a visit.

I am excited to see what has made your TOP TEN lists this week!

Top Ten Tuesday - Fictional Crushes

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

This week's top ten is a FREE-FOR-ALL.

I've decided to compile a list of my TOP TEN favorite swoon-worthy book boys.

I am sure we all have this list – Top Ten Fictional Crushes!!

(In order from least to greatest)

10. Catcher from Dead Tossed Waves and Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan:

“He reaches out with his uninjured hand and runs a finger along my lips.‘I can’t let anything happen to you,’ he says. ‘It will kill me.’  (Carrie Ryan, The Dark and Hollow Places)

9. Ky Markhem from Crossed Trilogy by Ally Condie:

 “Ky smiles then, a smile I've never seen before. It's the kind of daring, reckless smile that could make people follow him straight into a firing, a flood.” (Ally Condie, Crossed)

8. Oliver from Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith:

"It seems impossible that she could have liked someone like Mitchell when there was someone like this guy in the world, someone tall and lanky, with tousled hair and startling green eyes and a speck of mustard on his chin, like the one small imperfection that makes the whole painting work somehow." (Jennifer E. Smith, The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight)

If you haven’t fallen in love with Oliver yet, enter my giveaway – The Statistical Probability of Winning a Book Giveaway.

7. Zane from Pretties and Specials by Scott Westerfeld:

“’Summer is just too….I don’t know—Warming or something.’” “’When you kissed me just then, was that to help you stay bubbly and to make me remember better? Or was it….’ (Zane) ‘What do you think?’ (Tally)” (Scott Westerfeld, Pretties)

6. Etienne St Clair from Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins:

“I'm a little distracted by this English French American Boy Masterpiece.”
(Stephanie Perkins, Anna and the French Kiss)

5. Patch Cipriano from Hush, Hush Saga by Becca Fitzpatrick:

 “’If you can't feel, why did you kiss me?’"

Patch traced a finger along my collarbone, then headed south stopping at my heart. I felt it pounding through my skin. ‘Because I feel it here, in my heart,’ he said quietly.” (Becca Fitzpatrick, Hush, Hush) 

4. Archer Cross from Hex Hall Series by Rachel Hawkins:

“Archer Cross, resident bad boy and total heartthrob. Warlock. Every girl here is at least, like, half in love with him. Crushing on Archer Cross
might as well be a class.” (Rachel Hawkins, Hex Hall)

3. Sean Kendrick from The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater:

 “’Does anyone ask you why you stay, Sean Kendrick?’
‘They do.’
‘And why do you?’
‘The sky and the sand and the sea and Corr.’” (Maggie Stiefvater, The Scorpio Races)

2. Jace Wayland from The Mortal Instruments by Cassie Clare:

“’Have you fallen in love with the wrong person yet?'
Jace said, ‘Unfortunately, Lady of the Haven, my one true love remains myself.’
...’At least,’ she said, ‘you don't have to worry about rejection, Jace Wayland.’
‘Not necessarily. I turn myself down occasionally, just to keep it interesting.’” (Cassandra Clare, City of Bones)

AND...

1. Caleb Trask from East of Eden by John Steinbeck:

“I think I love you, Cal." -Abra
I'm not good." -Cal
Because you're not good." -Abra”  (John Steinbeck, East of Eden)

Honorable Mentions:

Will Herondale – The Infernal Devices by Cassie Clare

Adrian Ivashkov – The Vampire Academy and Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Alex – Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Akiva – Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Kent – Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

What is your TOP TEN LIST this week?

Leave a comment and link and I will definitely pay you a visit.

And go here to enter to win a copy of The Statistical Probability of Love At First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith in which my number 8 book crush (Oliver -- swoon) will win your heart too. 

Top Ten Tuesday

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

This week...

Top Five Books I recommend to people who do not read that often.

I have a friend, known as Seashell, who until recently had never finished a book. So when I think about recommending books to non-readers, I always think about what I would tell her to read. Now she is an avid reader. All it took were a select few books to make her realize what a fantastic place the book world can be. 

1. Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer

Twilight is the first book that Seashell read all the way through. And I think that says a lot about this series. Okay, it blew up way, way too big. But, there is something in this series that I think speaks to a lot of non-readers. It is a simple story with simple writing but an ocean full of emotions. It is a journey that captivates the reader. Seashell is proof. Twilight is a must read for non-readers.

2. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Another series turned movie and thus the blow up. All of my friends are reading it. And though I hate it when people only read a book because it is "trendy," I also love that this fantastic series is generating the hype it deserves. It led the way for Dystopian novels. I think it is a great first book for people to recognize this wonderful genre. 

3. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

This is another Seashell suggestion. Nicholas Sparks' novels. They are simple, romantic stories. And The Notebook is the absolute best chick-lit. Plus, people probably have already seen the movie, thus can easily picture Ryan Gosling as the beautiful Noah. 

4. Harry Potter by J.K Rowling

Harry Potter is one of those series that people kind of gawk at if they were not a part of the initial craze. But get them to start the series and they will be addicted. I have not met anyone who has said, oh I didn't like Harry Potter. I would venture to say this is not possible. And if you can prove me wrong, don't. I want to live in this fantasy world where people only find Harry Potter fantastic. Because anyone who doesn't, well... they don't exist to me. 

5. Uglies Trilogy by Scott Westerfeld
I haven't actually recommended this series to very many people--not yet anyway. But of the dystopians out there, I think this is a great one to start with. It is such a genius series. The characters and world are so well depicted that it helps a non-reader easily picture the world.  

What books do you recommend to non-readers?