Listless Monday, Music Books Edition

Listless Monday was inspired by both Amanda at A Bookshelf Monstrosity's feature Books by Theme and Court at Once Upon a Bookshelf's Listed feature.  Be sure to check out their lists!

Listless Monday and Name That Book have kind of been on break for a while.  Not sure when I'll get back to Name That Book, but I did manage to get a new Listless Monday together finally.  Today's list is one that I'm hoping you will have suggestions for, since I don't know many books with a musical element. But, I know lots of people will!  Doesn't have to be a specific type of music or anything, just some aspect of music incorporated into the story.

Music Books

Audrey, Wait! by Robin Fenway
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
Clockwork Three by Matthew Kirby
Countdown by Deborah Wiles
A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban
Drums, Girls, And Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick
Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John
For the Love of Music: The Remarkable Story of Maria Anna Mozart by Elizabeth Rusch
Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly
If I Stay and Where She Went by Gayle Forman
Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
Lament and Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater
The Musician's Daughter by Susanne Dunlap
Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
The Piper's Son by Melina Marchetta
Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
Saving June by Hannah Harrington
The Secret Life of Ms. Finkleman by Ben Winters
Sing Me to Sleep by Angela Morrison
The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
Struts & Frets by Jon Kovron
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
The Vinyl Princess by Yvonne Prinz
Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez
We Shall Overcome by Stuart Stotts

Any suggestions?

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Posted in listless monday , lists , not a review

I Actually NEED It 12

I Actually NEED It is an extremely irregular feature where I express my desire, or rather need, for certain books that haven't come out or aren't available at my library yet.  To learn about the reason behind the name, check out my inaugural I Actually NEED It post.

It's about time for a new year's post about books I NEED.  Here they are, taunting me with their publication dates:


The Agency 3: The Traitor in the Tunnel by Y.S. Lee
The Agency series is one of the few straight-up mystery series I've been able to read and enjoy.  So excited for more Mary adventures!  Coming February 2012.


Partials by Dan Wells
This sounds like an interesting premise for another dystopian/futuristic book riding the wave of popularity.  What can I say, I'm still addicted to them!  Coming February 2012.


A Breath of Eyre by Eve Marie Mont
Dropping into the pages of Jane Eyre?  Yes, please.  Plus, it fits so nicely with my Classic Double Challenge.  Coming March 2012.

Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter
I've slowly been sucked into the secret world of the Gallagher Girls and the last few in particular have been increasingly exciting.  Finally coming March 2012!

The Savage Grace by Bree Despain
Final book in the Dark Divine series, one of the few paranormal romances I've been able to handle lately.  Coming March 2012.


Seeds of Rebellion by Brandon Mull
I really enjoyed the first Beyonders book, and its a fun new series from the Fablehaven author, so yes please to this one, coming March 2012.


Black Heart by Holly Black
I'm also addicted to this Mafia-magic series and looking forward to the final book in the Curse Workers series.  (But what's with the funky cover? I totally prefer this one that matches the other two books.) Coming in April 2012.

Insurgent by Veronica Roth
One of my fave dystopians from last year has a sequel?  Well, of course it does!  Anxiously awaiting May 2012!

The Drowned Cities by Paolo Bacigalupi
This book is considered a companion to Ship Breaker (which, in and of itself makes it more desirable to me than a straight-up sequel).  I'm certainly hoping we get a little more Tool in this book!  Coming May 2012.


Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore
Yeah, everyone has already talked about this one, but just in case you missed it, the last in the sorta-series with Graceling and Fire, two fabulous fantasy books.  Finally coming May 2012.

What books do you NEED this year?

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Posted in i actually need it , lists , not a review

Top Ten Tuesday: More Please

 

It's time for another Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  This week, the prompt is what authors you want more from.  Essentially, if it's not asking too much, could you please squeeze out another book for me?

Markus Zusak
Seems like I've been waiting forever for something more.  Mind you, I haven't read all of his books, so I need to get that done, but I think there is (finally) another book coming, Bridge of Clay.  Crossing my fingers!

Jane Austen
Really, I don't think six complete novels are enough from one of my all-time favorites.  I see no problem with a zombie Jane, since she's already got the Bennett sisters reincarnated to combat them. Plus, I need at least one more heroine to love (and hero to drool over).

Elizabeth Gaskell
What, you let a little something like death prevent you from finishing Wives and Daughters? I'd like another great story, if you don't mind (and if it's not too selfish, something BBC could do a fabulous miniseries for, ok?)

Harper Lee
Admittedly, it would probably be difficult to live up to your first (and only) book at this point, but we could sure use another Atticus.

Megan Whalen Turner
So even if we "just" had one not too long ago, with her usual half-decade between each book, I just don't think my patience will last quite long enough.  And is there more for my favorite thief?

J.R.R. Tolkien
True, LOTR will always be your masterpiece, but I think it would be lovely to have another spanking good adventure of epic proportions from you.  Or maybe just the lost stories of Aragorn?

Nancy Farmer
Seems like it's been a while since we've seen something new and specifically, I'd like a House of the Scorpion sequel, if you please.

Margaret Mitchell
This woman left us with the ULTIMATE cliffhanger and no sequel has done it justice. A little post-mortem writing seems in order, I think.

Moira Young
Having been blown away by your first book, I'm ready for more! Could we speed things along a bit?

Shannon Hale
What, having twins is an excuse? And, ok, she has two books coming this year, one this month, but still! I need them NOW!

Who do you need just a little more from?

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Posted in lists , not a review , top ten tuesday

2012: The Books I Read

Since I decided not to join one of those big number challenges this year, I realized I still needed to have a post where I could keep track of what I read in 2012.  Since I started my new job, I've had a lot less time to read, but I'm hoping to read 100 books, since I think I can still manage that :)

Read in 2012

1. Legend by Marie Lu
2. Brisingr by Christopher Paolini
3. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
4. Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George
5. The Inquisitor's Apprentice by
6. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
7. The Cheshire Cheese Cat by
8. The Dragon's Castle by Joseph Bruchac
9. Tris and Izzie by Mettie Ivie Harrison
10. Prized by Caragh O'Brien
11. Ivy and the Meanstalk by
12.

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Posted in challenges , lists , not a review

Happy Cybils New Year!

Just dropping you a note to let you know the Cybils finalists were announced today! Yeah! What a fabulous bunch of books they are too. I'm judging on the Middle Grade Fantasy/Sci-fi panel again this year and I've read three of the seven finalists, which means I get to discover four more delightful books! Be sure to check out all the finalists in the other categories, since there are loads of great books to be found.
Hope you are all enjoying a great start to 2012!

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Posted in cybils , lists , not a review

Favorite Reads from 2011

So, there have been a host, a flock, a crowd of best lists and favorites lists, and all kinds of year end lists.  I'm just throwing in my two cents.  Since I've read (or will have read) more than 150 books this year, having around 25 favorites isn't too many, right?  Eh, I'm going to talk about them all anyway! :)  I'm not even trying for categories or books released this year or anything.  Here they are in no particular order or even a semblance of order:

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
A fantasy gem in my comfort genre of choice.  Reading it felt like coming home to my old favorite fantasy books.

Blood Red Road by Moira Young
A dystopian adventure that swept me up and swallowed me whole. Impossible to put down from beginning to end.

Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce
This is an oldie but a goodie; one I wish I'd had when I was twelve.


After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick
What I like to call bitter sweet hilarity.  Proof that there is life after cancer, and it can be fun!

Plain Kate by Erin Bow
The ultimate "under the radar" good book - I loved it, but no one else seems to know about it!

Leaving the Bellweathers by Kristin Clark Venuti
I'm such a sucker for quirky families and this MG read had a whopper of an oddball family.

Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi
A smart, thoughtful, unique, stand-alone dystopian (even if there is a companion book coming out).

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
A fave author does it again, and how! With writing so rich, you could be tasting the goulash in Prague.

Okay for Now by Gary Schmidt
I don't know how Schmidt does it, but he creates the most semi-tragic, but somehow comic stories! I simply love Doug.

Entwined by Heather Dixon
A sweet, smart, witty retelling. Brought new life to a tale that's been told many times.

The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
A book that reminds you just how easy your life is, and how to be optimistic in the face of tragedy.

The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima
One of my favorite fantasy series. I thought this was the last one, so I was happy to learn it wasn't!

The Giver by Lois Lowry
There is a reason this comes to mind when you think classic dystopian. Always worth a reread!

Crossed by Ally Condie
Proof (to me) that a slow-moving sequel can be just as good as the first one.

The Ring of Solomon by Jonathan Stroud
Contains one of the most hilarious characters in all of juvenile fiction. And my favorite djinn ever.

These is My Words by Nancy Turner
I do read adult books and apparently they are good too! :)

Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper
A book that opened my eyes and urged me to think differently of those with physical disabilities - works for kids and adults alike.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Still just as powerful and heart-wrenching as that first time.

Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson
Hello historical fiction, I'd almost forgotten how charming you can be.

Divergent by Veronica Roth
A heart-pounding, read-it-in-one-sitting, must-be-devoured-in-big-gulps dystopian adventure.

White Cat and Red Glove by Holly Black
Love this wickedly smart series with con men for characters and surprising twisty plots.

Wither by Lauren DeStefano
A story with writing beautiful enough to overshadow the crazy plot.

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
Another book to remind me that adult books can captivate me still.

Everneath by Brodi Ashton
Been waiting a long time for this one and I wasn't disappointed at the depth and beauty of the tale.  (Bonus: I have a giveaway for this book going on right now.)

Icefall by Michael J. Kirby (review to come)
A bitter cold story filled with warm-hearted characters and intriguing suspense. 

What are your favorite reads of the year?

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Posted in highly recommended , lists , not a review

Top Ten Books I Hope Are Under My Tree

I'm participating in another delightful  Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  This week, as is obvious from the title, is a Top Ten of what I want for Christmas.  Which I didn't think would be all that difficult.  But honestly, I found myself realizing just how many books I already have and how I don't actually need more (right now anyway)!!!  I'm sure if I thought about it some more, I'd come up with other books I'd like, but really I have so many, I am quite happy with what I have!
 

It's no secret that I really need to read this one. And own it. 


A fantasy that I simply adored. While I'm not enamored of the cover, I think this would make a fine addition to my collection. 


I could really use this to complete my collection of the Queen's Thief series. Really.


One of my favorite retellings of all time. And I still don't have it!


This is one of the most inspirational true stories I've ever read. So, I need to read it again (and again).


Chaos Walking is a crazy good series and I already have the first one. Thus, I need the next two!


A very well-written fairy-tale-ish book that deserves more attention! And a spot on my shelf :)


A fantastic dystopian read (though I'm still not sure of this new cover) that I think may already be under my tree!


I have the first two (signed!) so I think this would nicely round out my collection.

What are you hoping will make it under your tree this year?

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Posted in i actually need it , lists , not a review , top ten tuesday