Pity Party Time

The last month and a half or so of my life has been complete chaos. 

Complete and utter insanity.

Do you believe me? 

Well, let me 'splain.

I have cared for 5 kids that are all under the age of 10,

and two of those are toddlers.

I know, I've lost my mind.

But I love them all dearly.

Most of the time.

This would be me at least once a day.

 I have also had to cook, do laundry, and clean up after 

said kids, all while being tied down

with a pile of school work during

the summer semester. 

It is just shy of 8:30 PM right now and

I can hardly keep my eyes open,

but I still have schoolwork to get done

for the night. 

*sigh*

 Do you know what all of this means?

I have had no time to read my beloved books!

Perfect example being the two library books that

I just very recently renewed to keep for THE

SECOND TIME, which means this is my

last two weeks to keep them.

I am not a happy camper over this.

Nope, not at all.

On a lighter note, my wonderful boyfriend and I

adopted a kitty cat over the weekend from the humane society.

He's a little fireball and tends to walk into walls,

but he's sweet and the kids love him.

So I'm going to close out here and try to

wrangle in our little Patches to come snuggle

with me while I do some homework.

Share the love,

read a book for me,

Top Ten Tuesday!

This week's Top Ten Tuesday topic hosted
by The Broke and the Bookish is

about the top ten favorite book covers

of books you've read.

I love this topic.

I'm a sucker for an eye-catching

cover, even if I didn't necessarily

enjoy the book.

1. Switched

I just recently read this one.

I picked it up while grocery shopping one day.

The cover really caught my eye on the shelves

as I walked by.  Great book!

2.  The Storyteller

Another book I just recently read.

I picked this one up at the library simply

because I liked the cover art.  The rose

and the frost seemed like a beautiful

image to me. 

3. Incarnate

Impressive, no?

I thought this cover was absolutely stunning.

4. Everneath

The combination of red and black really POP

on this one.  I think this particular shade of

red is a beautiful color. 

5. Entwined

The dress, I want that dress!
Even though I'd never wear it,
but still....

6. Die for Me

I think it's obvious that I love the

color red.  Or maybe red dresses.

Maybe both.  

I can never make up my mind.

7. Hourglass

I thought the way the girl was depicted

on this cover was quite interesting.

She seems to be standing upright, but

her dress and hair make you want to 

turn the book to the side and

view it that way.  Then you

realize she's walking on the wall.

Makes you want to read the

book to find out more, doesn't it?

8. Wither

This cover is really pretty,

even if the book wasn't that great.

9. The Body Finder

Simple, yet stunning.

10. Hush, Hush

This one is obviously eye-catching.

So are the other covers to the books that

follow in the series.

Until next week,

When I love a book....

The other day I got to thinking, after having read book

 #1298047555478927895 at this point in my 

life, what criteria must a book have in order for me to personally
give a rating of 5 owls for a review here or 5 stars on Goodreads? 

 I know most literary hot-shots wouldn't agree with me, but

here's a list of clues that tell me if I LOVE a book or not:

1. 24 hours or less!

Basically.  And I also have a minor obsession with e-cards.

If I pick up a flippin' book at the beginning and I'm so consumed by the story that I'm done reading within 24 hours or less, I know I loved the book.  I'll miss sleep, miss meals, forget about whatever chores need to be done in the house, all because I cannot stop thinking about this book and the need to finish it.  I know all of you bookworms have been there, and I also know that at least one of those books that have had a similar impact on you has just popped into your head.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but that book is probably considered one of your favorites.  

2. The Book Hangover

The beloved and equally dreaded Book Hangover.  This one goes right along with the first.  It's that empty yet full feeling you get once you finish a book. You feel full because you've taken in everything that was written from cover to cover and you feel like your life was forever changed by the book.  Then there's the empty feeling of wishing you could take it all back and read the book over again just to experience all those emotions that you felt.

I know I've clutched a book while having that same look on my face.

3. I become demanding

I immediately demand that my book buddies read the same book I loved so we can swap thoughts.

This is me while waiting for a friend to read a book I loved.  Creepy?  Yes.  But they still love me.

I'm always ready to gush about whatever book I fell in love with, and I can be such a whiner when no one else has read it.  Plus, I can also be a fairly impatient person when waiting for a friend to finish a book I loved.  Are these negative qualities to have?  Negatron, my friend.

 4. Must. Read. The. Sequel.

I need to read the sequel.  NOW.

 If there is a sequel to the book, I'll forget about whatever book I had next on my reading list and place the sequel on hold at the library to read next.  For example: the Twilight books, Harry Potter, Hunger Games, The Bronze Horseman, The Moral Instruments, these are all books I greedily devoured once I started reading the first book in the series.  I know there's more, those were just the ones that popped into my mah head first.  

5. Was the connection there?

One of the most important aspects of any book that every reader looks for is that connection you feel with the characters and the story.  You know the one, the connection that makes you feel as if you've literally jumped into the pages of the book and you're living out the story yourself.  Call me crazy, but when I feel that super connection I almost believe the characters are real because you want them to BE real.   

Exactly my point.

There are probably more that could be added to my list, these are

just the first examples that came to me when I decided
 to write this post.  I'm sure I'll be kicking meself in the
arse later because I forgot to add one.

Whatevs.

So, what do you do when you read a book you love?

How do you feel?

How does a book make the cut for your favorites list?

Comment below and share them with me!

Stop lurky lurkin' and comment!

Please.

From one book lover to another,

Top Ten Tuesday!

 

This week's Top Ten Tuesday list hosted by

The Broke and the Bookish

is all about the books to read

when you're in the need for something

light and fun.  

I usually read books with darker settings,

but I've got a few light and fun reads that

I can definitely add to my list. 

1. There You'll Find Me - My very first book that I reviewed after my return back to blogging was this little gem.  It is a super cute read.  
2. Anna and the French Kiss - You can't have a list compiled of fun reads without including this book.  It is so sweet, and it's one of my faves!
3. Lock and Key - This is the first of a few Sarah Dessen novels that I'll be adding to the list.  Lock and Key is one of my favorite books written by Sarah Dessen.
4. The Truth About Forever - Book #2 by Sarah Dessen.  If you haven't read this one, go read it.  Dessen is a very talented writer who's books leave you feeling happy and giddy once you're finished.
5. Along for the Ride - Book #3!  One tough call, but this one might be my favorite Sarah Dessen novel.  I fell in love with the beach setting in the book.
6. Amy and Roger's Epic Detour - Shame on you if you haven't read this book by now!  I immediately reread this book after finishing it the first time.  One of my all time faves!
7. Honey, Baby, Sweetheart - Not one of my favorites, but it was definitely a light and fun read. 

After looking at my list, I've decided that

I need to dedicate more time to reading

lighter and happier novels.

I'm ashamed to say I could only

add 7 to this week's list.

Any good light and fun book

recommendations?  It is obvious

that I could definitely use them.

*wink*

Until next time,

read on, Bookworms,

Top Ten Tuesday!

This week's Top Ten Tuesday list hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

is all about the Top Ten Words/Topics That Instantly 

Make Me Buy/Pick Up A Book

1. Young Adult - Of course I couldn't make this list without first including YA!  Whether it be a bookstore or the library, that's usually the section in which you'll find me browsing through the books. 
2. Dystopia - Obsessed doesn't quite cover it.  I'm a dystopian genre nut!  What does that say about me?  The fact that I can never turn down a dark and gloomy, end-of-the-world kind of book?  I enjoy dark stuff, it keeps me thinking. 
3. Paranormal Romance - Ever since I was a little girl, the signs have always been there.  While most girls favored Disney movies like Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty, mine were Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast.  I've always taken a liking to romance stories with a twist, or better yet, romance stories where one of the characters isn't completely human.  Now as an adult, I almost always choose a paranormal romance novel over a regular romance novel.  Again, what does that say about me?  Not sure, but I'm happy with it.
   

   
4. New - You know when you're happily walking through the library in search of your next read and you pass the shelves holding the books that have those colorful, eye-catching labels slapped across the spine labeling those books as "New"?  That's exactly what I'm talking about.  I return home from the library toting AT LEAST one of those new novels 85%-90% of the time.  There's something about the possibility of me being the first person to read that particular copy that makes me want to read it even more.  And besides, who doesn't love a NEW book?
5. The name of any author of any book I've read before and loved - This one mostly pertains to me actually buying a book, especially right now with me living in Brokeville.  I'm more inclined to buy a book of an author I really like, just because I know I'm taking less of a chance with my money  Don't get me wrong, I love reading books by debuting authors!  *points to #4* That one says it all.  When you get right down to it, once you find an author that you feel you have a connection with, it's always easier to buy one of their books over and over again.
6. Cover Art - Y'all know you've read a book based on the cover.  Of course you're taking a major chance, but I'm a sucker for a book with an amazing cover.  For example:
   
   I bought these two books about three years ago, I think the reason why is.... *coughcough* obvious.  Funny thing is, I still have yet to read them.  They have been taking up the same space on my bookshelf ever since I bought them, only because I fear that the story inside won't do the cover justice.  I need to quit being preoccupied by other books and finally read them!
7. Ireland - I enjoy reading novels based in Ireland.  Ireland is beautiful and I hope to visit someday!  Plus, I love daydreaming about those cute Irish boys in the books. *wink*
8. Beach/ocean - Especially in YA novels, my curiosity is piqued if the beach is portrayed in the cover art. 
9. Mystery - I love when I'm kept on the edge of my seat while reading a good mystery!
10. Dark - While I'm a sucker for some sappy romance, I also like to occasionally take a walk on the wild side and read a dark novel that lacks a happy ending.

Do you have any words or topics of your own?
Please do share if you do!

 Lots of bookish love,

Top Ten Books I Thought I'd Like More/Less Than I Did

Top 10 Tuesday is a weekly meme that's hosted by 

The Broke and the Bookish that consists of different

Top 10 book-related lists each week.

This week's Top 10 Tuesday list is all about

books you've read in which you actually like more 

than you thought you would, or the books you liked less 

than you thought you would. 

I'm trying to put this one together last minute today while it's still

Tuesday since I was introduced to this lovely little gem of a meme 

this morning.  I've had many books that either

surprised me, or books that have disappointed me.

I figured I'd share.

 So here it goes!

Books that I thought I'd like more than I actually did

1. Mockingjay

I actually gave this one 5 stars on Goodreads simply

because I absolutely adore the Hunger Games series

as a whole.  But I was sadly disappointed with Mockingjay.

I might get some backlash for this one.

2. Shiver

So many of my lovely friends absolutely adored this

book.  Myself?  Not so much.  I was bored throughout

the whole book.

3. Beautiful Creatures

Another one I might receive some backlash for.

*blows kisses to my book-lover besties*

Don't get me wrong, there were some parts of the book

I did enjoy, but to be honest?  I don't remember

much of the book AT ALL. 

Although, I do plan on seeing the movie!

4. The Woods

 I'm a HUGE Harlan Coben fan.  The man

has a knack for writing mysteries that keep

you on the edge of your seat.  I've read many of his

books, so I immediately bought The Woods when it came out.  

Yeah, well, I kinda wish I could get my money back for this one. 

I guess every great writer has their mediocre novels.

5. Evermore

 I had friends that loved this book and others

that didn't so much.  I figured I'd give it a chance.

I had hope that I'd be on the side of liking it.

Again, I was disappointed.  I never

even read the other books in the series.

6. I Am Legend

Because I liked the movie, and because

the movie scared the bajeesus outta me to

the point where I actually had nightmares,

I had hopes for the book. 

Let me tell ya, the book is nothing like the movie.

I wish I could actually take this one back, as

in, never having read it.  EVER.

7. Extras

I actually feel like weeping for this one!

I dove right into the Uglies books.  I was

obsessed with them for a week or two. 

The first three were just that darn good.

Then Extras came along and ruined it all for me.

Such a sad, horrible shame.

Read the first three books, however, they are amazing!

8. The Enemy

I love zombies as much as the next zombie freak,

but steer clear of this one.  Trust me.

9. Blue Bloods

Highly disappointed, but these books are still like crack.

I didn't like them much, but I still wanted more.  I've 

read most of them.  I know, it's weird.  I'm weird.  Whatevs.

10. We'll Always Have Summer

And to think I was so excited to read this one when 

I picked a copy up at Barnes & Noble.

Can I get my money back?  Maybe?

Please?

 Books I thought I'd like less than I did

1. The Lightning Thief

Here I was thinking I had picked up some silly

kid's book.  Boy was I wrong.  I blew right

through all these books and they're still some of my faves!

The movie, however, not so much.

2. Talyn

 So there I was one day, scanning through

the clearance bin at Barnes & Noble, when

I came across this wonderful book.

I really didn't think I'd like it for only being

$2 at B&N, but oh was I very much mistaken!

I read this book in a day, then turned right around and

read it again.  That's how much I loved this book.

3. The Hobbit

I love, love, LOVE The Lord of the Rings movies.

The books I didn't love so much, only because

there was so much to them and they're hard

to keep up with.  So I was scared to read The Hobbit.

I am so, so unbelievably glad I did.  It's a top favorite of mine.

4. Storm Front

The Dresden Files!!!

I was a bit iffy about this one when a friend

insisted that I read series.

But now I'm insisting that YOU read them.

Go.  Now.  READ.

5. Graceling

This one was a surprise to me.

I came across it at the library and figured, eh, why not?

Big puffy heart these books.

6. Amy & Roger's Epic Detour

 Holy sweetness, Batman, this is such a great read!

I figured I might like it, but I didn't think

I'd love it as much as I do.  This book is perfection.

In fact, I might reread it soon just to relive Amy

and Roger's journey again.

7. Dead Until Dark

 These books really aren't the greatest, by no means.

I love True Blood so of course I wanted to read them.

Yeah, well, I blew through these like a drug addict

trying to find her next fix.  No joke. 

Literary crack.

8. The Bronze Horseman

 I was so pleasantly surprised by this one.

Again, one of my all-time faves.

Such an amazing and emotional read.

9. There'll You'll Find Me

 I just reviewed this one.

It's a super sweet little story that I really

liked much more than I thought I would.

10. Book of the Dead

I picked this one up at a used book store for a 

really cheap price.  I figured because of the price,

I wouldn't have wasted much money if it wasn't good.

Surprise, surprise!

It was actually an all around good read.

So that's my list that I've come up with so far.

Have you read any of these?

What are your thoughts?

Or do you have any books that would would make

your Top Ten?  Do share!

Lots and lots of bookish love,