Top Ten All Time Favorite Characters In Books

Top Ten Tuesday is an original meme created by the Broke and the Bookish. I love lists, and absolutely could not resist joining in the fun.


This week was the Top Ten all time favorite characters in books. It was hard to choose, and hard to remember some, but I did it (YAY!)

1. Percy Jackson from the Lightning Thief and the rest of the series by Rick Riordan- He is so naive about being a Demi God, so it is like we are learning with him. But he is also very loyal to his friends, even people who aren’t his friends like Clarisse. 
2. Regan Reilly from all the Carol Higgins Clark books- her mom is a mystery writer, her dad owns a funeral home and she is a PI who tends to get stuck in a bunch of mysteries. I like that she doesn’t need anyones help, she can take care of herself, and a murderer or two.
3. Katniss Everdeen- I don’t know how anyone could not love her, she might be crazy serious and not very trusting, but considering how she has to live and losing her father and practically her mother, I don’t think I would be a happy go lucky person either. I look up to Katniss, she is a survivor and extremely brave.
4. Cinna from the Hunger Games- I have only read the first one so far, but I fell in love with him since he is so caring about Katniss, almost like a father figure. And he designs clothes, who doesn’t love a guy who designs clothes?
5. Georgia Nicholson from Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging by Lousie Rennison- she is just too funny and keeps me laughing. Reading her “journals” which are so dramatic help me realize that nothing in life is ever as bad as it seems to a teenager, or even a 25 year old.
6. Hilly Holbrook from the Help- it was hard to choose between her and Aibileen but the chocolate pie won it for Hilly.
7. Meggie from Inkheart- I think she is extremely brave during all 3 books and it’s hard not to love her.
8. Abby Cooper from the Psychic Eye Mysteries by Victoria Laurie- I just love that she is psychic and she solves mysteries using her gift. She also puts the people in trouble ahead of herself, even if she can get seriously hurt.
9. Stephanie Plum- I have only just started reading this series by Janet Evanovich but I love that she faces fears in every book she seems like she can be so real.
10. Peter Pan- he lives on an island in the sky and fights pirates while flying. He has been my favorite character for as long as I can remember.

Top Ten Tuesday on Wednesday

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the Broke and the Bookish. This week is the Top Ten Books I Just had to buy but are still sitting patiently on my shelf waiting for me to read it.

1. 3 Willows by Ann Brashares- Loved the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants book and this keeps the sisterhood going. I had to to put it on my Christmas list one year and I had to have it, yet it is waiting for me patiently to read it.
2. Size 12 is NOT Fat by Meg Cabot- I bought this because I loved the title. At the time I was a size 12, I thought it would help me feel better about myself now I know that it is a mystery book, which I love and it should make me want to read it even more.
3. Skinny Dipping by Melissa de la Cruz- This is the sequel to the Au Pairs which I really enjoyed reading one summer. I wanted this book so bad that I had to get it in hard cover. Now I realize I could have waited to match the first book since I haven’t read it yet.
4. Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen- My sister and I saw this book in Marshalls one day and I hadn’t brought my wallet with me so my sister bought it for me as an early birthday present. I am hoping to read it this year (key word=hoping)
5. Shopaholic and Baby by Sophie Kinsella- I  keep putting this one off because I want to get reacquainted with the other books before I read it, but then I find more and more books to read...
6. the Nanny Returns by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus- I read the Nanny Diaries back in college after my sister had bought this and I loved it (I am a nanny during the summer so it was a great fit) When I went to St. Martin this past summer I saw this book in a store (and it was $3 cheaper than the states) so I had to have it, but the store was closed and we were leaving the next day. Then I saw it in the airport and I bought it without a second thought. My sister read it, I just haven’t yet.
7. the first 3 books of the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan- Saw the movie and had to go buy the books, I bought them as a set and they are still nicely wrapped.
8. first 3 books of Harry Potter by J.K Rowling- same as the Percy Jackson books, but I have plans to read it this summer with the kids I babysit =)
9. the Guy Not Taken by Jennifer Weiner- I loved all the other books I read by this author so when I saw this book I had to have it (like all the others)
10. Sleeping Arrangements by Madeleine Wickham- Even though my sister’s friend owns this book I had to get it for myself since I love Sophie Kinsella.

I think I might have a problem, I have a bunch more books that I could have chosen, some of them are hiding in my closet afraid to be taken out and shown to family because I really do have a problem. Oh well, I’m not alone right?

Top Ten Tuesday:Top Ten Book to Movie Adaptations

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the Broke and the Bookish. This week is the Top Ten Books that became Movies. This was hard for me at first basically because I either watched the movie but never read the book or I read the book but haven’t seen the movie yet. So here is the list I was finally able to come up with.

1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney- I read this book last summer when I was babysitting one day. It was so cute, I finished it in the few hours that I was there. On my way back from vacation a couple weeks later, I was able to see the movie and I was laughing so hard that people were staring at me. 
2. Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison- I think this book ends up on all of my lists, but I love it. When I heard about the movie on Nickelodeon, I taped it and I watched it over and over again (I may be 24 in reality but my mind is like 14) If I were to make the movie, I might have done a few things differently, but it was still good...and now I am wishing I still had it taped so I can watch it again.
3. Chronicles of Narnia the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis- I read this book when I was younger and it was one of my favorite series (Boxcar children was the other) I just love how when you read it you can’t help but let your imagination run wild. When the movie came out I was so excited, my mom and I went on a day that I was home from college and kids were in school, it was so much fun. I loved everything about the movie, I think they did such a great job with it. 
4. Chronicles of Narnia Prince Caspian & Voyage of the Dawn Treader- yes I am making these both number 4, I feel the same way about them as the first novel.
5. In her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner- This is the book that made me fall in love with Jennifer Weiner. I own both the book and the movie because I loved them both so much. I think the casting director did a great job with casting the movie. (I also think this book helped add my shoe addiction)
6. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson- I read this book for my Young Adult Lit class and ironically enough one day before class I saw the movie on Lifetime (had to tape the rest so I wouldn’t be late to class) I think the movie probably could have been better, but every time its on TV I watch it. 
7. Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer- I watched the first movie before I read the book and the movie was good enough to make me want to read the book. I think that the casting could have been better for both Bella and Edward, but that's just me. 
8. Ramona and Beezus by Beverly Cleary- It feels like I read this book forever ago, but I saw the movie this past summer with Anna (the 9 year old I babysit and my own personal Ramona) and I of course loved it. When I was younger I couldn’t help but think that I was Ramona and my older sister was Beezus. But now I have my “younger” sister Anna who is not blood related but the best little sister I could have asked for. Sometimes she drives me crazy like Ramona did to Beezus, but in the end I still love her to death. 
9. P.S. I Love You by Cecilia Ahern- Can I just say that I love Gerard Butler. My sister made me read this book and told me “don’t forget to have tissues around when you read it.” I scoffed, I mean I don’t cry while reading books. Well I was wrong, I swear this book ruined my life when it came to crying during books/movies. I still think that it was a great story, but I don’t know if I would ever read it again...I went through a lot of tissues.
10. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares- I have read this book multiple times, I bought the movie right when it came out on DVD. I watch it every time it is on TV. I enjoy the first movie better than the second but I enjoy all of the books. 

So what's on your list...

Top Ten Favorite love Stories

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the Broke and the Bookish. This week is your Top Ten Favorite Love Stories.

1. Graceling by Kristin Cashore- I don't know if this would be considered as a love story, but it was for me. I love Katsa and Po together. I love that Po loves Katsa so much that he will let her be herself and will not force her into marriage. 

2. the Georgia Nicolson series by Louise Rennison: So throughout the series Georgia goes between a couple of guys. But she keeps going back to Dave. I love the relationship between Georgia and Dave. I love their friendship and I loved how hard Georgia fought to fall for other guys. (I know that sounds really strange)

3. Inkheart, Inkspell, Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke: Other books that I don't know if they actually count as love stories. I feel like I can't even explain all I loved about Meggie and Farid. 

4. Rosie Dunne by Cecelia Ahern: It's really a story about best friends and how the time is never right for their love to blossom. It's just a beautiful story and it  makes me believe that some friendships really can last a lifetime.

5. This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen: I don't remember all of this book, I read it quite a few years ago, but I remember feeling hopeful at the end of it. Hopeful that Remy and Dexter would stay together and that she could believe in love after all.

1. Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella: The book version is much better than the movie. I love Rebecca and Luke. He loves her with all her faults, he deals with her shopping problems, it’s a perfect couple. At least in my eyes.

Ok so I could only come up with 6. I think I need help in remembering the books I read more. So what are your top ten?

Top Ten Favorite Debuts

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme by the Broke and the Bookish. This week is the Top Ten Bookish Resolutions which means anything book related, reading related, writing related, or book related.

This week is my favorite Debut books. And like usual, they aren't really in order, just when I think of them. 

1. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer- It took me awhile to read this, my roommate at college read it because all of her students were reading it, then she made me watch the movie which made me really want to read it. Usually I do the movie/book thing the other way around, but this way it worked. Go figure
2. Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison- No matter how old I am, I will always love this book and how much it makes me laugh. 
3. Decked by Carol Higgins Clark- Great series in all, this book came out when I was about 4, but even 20 years later its great.
4. Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard- Another great series, this one got me hooked. Sara Shepard is a great author.
5. Abby Cooper, Psychic Eye by Victoria Laurie- Who knew psychics were so interesting. Picking this book up by accident has been one great adventure. Best suspense books I have read in awhile.
6. One Child by Torey Hayden- Amazing book about a teacher and a little girl with behavior issues.
7. Night Swimming by Robin Schwarz- I honestly think Last Holiday starring Queen Latifah was based off of this book. The story lines are very similar. At least at the beginning. I read this book a long time ago, but I remember how great I thought it was.
8. Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner- I love the stories Jennifer Weiner comes up with. I think all of them are great, but this was her first and I think it’s good enough for my list. If you haven’t read it, or any of her books, and you like chick lit, you should definitely pick it up.
9. A Little Help From Above by Saralee Rosenberg- This wasn’t her first book exactly, but it was her first fiction book, so I am counting it. My sister bought this book for me and I loved it. 
10. Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella- This was her first book under her real name, so I am counting this one also. I love the whole series, I relate to Rebecca in the sense that I am a shopaholic (which is bad when you don’t have a real job.) I just think this book is really cute and fun.

What are your Top Ten Debut Books, I would love to hear them.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Wish I Read as a Kid

Top 10 Books I wish I’d Read as a Kid

1. More Judy Blume anything-I read Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, at least I am pretty positive I did, but I feel like everyone I know has read a bunch of Judy Blume books when they were little, but I read the Boxcar Children and Sweet Vally High. Even back then I loved book series way too much.
2. Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift- I think I read parts of this in school, and I just recently saw the new movie with Jack Black. But I wish I read the whole thing when I was younger. It’s on my list now, so I guess better late than never.
3. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carol- When I was younger, I didn’t like the movie. I also had no idea that the movie came from a book (wow naive much?) I wish I saw that there was a book before the lovely cartoon that Disney made, then maybe I would have been more into it. Like Gulliver’s Travels it’s on my list, so maybe I will read it soon.
4. Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie- This is a big one for me. I am a Peter Pan fanatic, always have been. I remember trying to read the book with my mom, but we never finished. Probably because I was always jealous of Wendy. When I was little and scared of growing up, my mom told me I could fly to Never Land with Peter Pan and live happily ever after. But Wendy is such a big part of the book, I mean her name is in the Title, and I am just going with my jealousy being the reason I never finished it.
5. Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli- I read this book in college for one of my education classes and I loved it. I read it within a couple of hours and I remember wondering why I never picked it up as a child. 
6. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone- This book came out when I was finishing up 5th grade. I think I really would have enjoyed it if I new about it before the movie. I still haven’t read it, I am hoping to this summer with the kids I babysit. 
7. Nancy Drew Series by Carolyn Keen- My sister owned a bunch of the books, I think we still have some of them, but for some reason I didn’t read them. My sister is older and when she was reading them I was reading the Boxcar Children. Then when I went to middle school I started reading Mary Higgins Clark, so I guess they just fell through the cracks. Maybe I can get the 9 year old I babysit to read these with me as well.
8. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinny- I wish these books came out when I was in middle school or before, I would have loved to read them back then. I read the first one over the summer and loved it, I need to get the rest from the library and just read them all.
9. Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan- This is another one that I wish came out sooner. It came out after I finished high school and when I took a bunch of lit classes in my last year of college I heard about it and put it on my list. I finally bought them last year after the movie came out, but they are still all wrapped up waiting for me.
10. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl- I think I really would have enjoyed this book. I loved the movie, and when I had bad dreams my mom used to sit with me and rub my back and tell me to think of my own special garden where everything was candy and there was a root beer fountain (my favorite soda of all time). Maybe my mom could have gotten some more sleep if I read the book.

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Resolutions

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme by the Broke and the Bookish. This week is the Top Ten Bookish Resolutions which means anything book related, reading related, writing related, or book related.

1. Book Reviews: I have been slacking with my book reviews since I started my blog. I kinda think I really need to get better at doing them, but practice makes perfect right? Also what happens is I finish a book in the middle of a school day and start another one and all I want to do is keep reading the new book. I really need to work on this one, hence why it's number 1.

2. Reading challenges: I came up with reading challenges that I would like to do, but I have yet to actually post a blog on which ones I am doing. So this is sort of a short term goal, I just want to post about the challenges that I will be doing.

3. Read the lonely books on my shelf: When I go into a bookstore, I usually have to buy something whether its a book that I wanted, one I found on clearance that looks ok, or a magazine. So most of the books that I bought I think are getting kinda lonely, especially when they are in between books I read more than once. So, I am going to help my books be less lonely and read some of the ones that I bought but have not read yet.  Yet being the key word.

4. Read TBR books: I have over 550 books on my TBR list, and it is getting bigger by the minute, so I really need to read some of these. So when I go to the library, I have to get a book off of this list, I can get books not on the list, but every time I go into my library I must get a book that is on my extremely long list.

So I am only going to do 4 resolutions since I have a few resolutions that I am already struggling with, even though it is only 11 days into the new year. But I would love to know, what are your bookish resolutions for 2011?

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books to Read in 2011

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme by the Broke and the Bookish. This weeks list is the Top Ten Books I Resolve to Read in 2011. So I just spent like 20 minutes coming up with my list and then wrote this whole post out and then I lost it. I have no idea how but I did. So here is to try number 2. 

1. Shopaholic and Baby by Sophie Kinsella. This book, like quite a few on this list, has been hanging out on my bookshelf for a good amount of time. Since the Mini Shopaholic came out I figure I need to get to this one so I can go and buy that one.
2. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling. In October I got Anna (the 9 year old I babysit) into the movies and on Thursday she told me that she wants to read these books with me. I have been trying for ages to get their girl to want to read something and I am so excited that we can do this together. We are even going to try to get her cousin Tommy to join us in our mini book club. Let’s hope it works.
3. the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. I saw this movie with the kids I babysit and I went and bought the first three books right after. They are in a nice little case since they came together and they are still wrapped all nicely just waiting for me to open them up so they can tell me their story. 
4. L.A Candy by Lauren Conrad. First off, yes I am a loser and I love being a loser. And being the loser I am, I love Lauren Conrad and how she didn’t go nuts when she moved to L.A. I love her clothing line and I really hope I will enjoy her books, even just a little. 
5. Marked by P.C Cast & Kristen Cast. I think I get most of my TBR list from the students in the classes I sub. This series was shown to me at the beginning of the year by a 7th grader and in turn I told her she had to read the Pretty Little Liars books before she watched the rest of the show. It’s a great deal I have going with my students, so I will probably get more ideas before school ends in June.
6. 3 Willows by Ann Brashares. This is the fifth book in the Sisterhood series and I am really excited/slightly bummed because it starts with a new group of girls. I am happy to learn about a new group of girls in a different part of the U.S, but I am kinda sad to see Lena, Tibby, Carmen, and Bridget. 
7. Withering Tights by Louise Rennison. I just found this book about an hour ago. I am so happy that Louise Rennison wrote another book. The Georgia Nicolson series was absolutely hysterical and I am so thrilled to read another story by this author.
8. Wrecked by Carol Higgins Clark. This is the 12th book in the Regan Reilly series and it came out this past April. Every time I go to the library I think about looking for it but then I get distracted by all the other great books there.
9. Dead until Dark by Charlaine Harris. When I first heard about True Blood I wanted to watch it, but then I heard that it was a book series and so I decided I wanted to read the books first. I am running a little behind, but I think I might be able to catch up ;P
10. What’s a Ghoul to Do? by Victoria Laurie. I loved Victoria Laurie’s Psychic Eye series and I can’t wait to start the Ghost Hunter series. She is a great writer and I think I will love this series as well.

I would love to see everyone else’s lists. Any excuse to build my TBR list even further is a great idea to me.

Top Ten Tuesday: My Top Ten of 2010

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by the Broke and the Bookish. This weeks topic is Top Ten Books of 2010. I read a lot of series of books this year, so some of my books are in a series as well as the first of the series.

1. Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle... I loved each story on its own, and I loved how each story was connected in some way. It definitely helps put you in the holiday spirit.

2. Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard...I loved the mystery to this book, trying to figure out what will happen and who was sending the notes. As well as who can see everything that is going on. I loved getting to know each character on their own and then as a group.

3. Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison...I love that this book was written as Georgia's diary. I loved reading about Georgia's escapades in trying to get Robbie to fall for her and I loved hearing about her crazy cat Angus.

4. Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer...In my opinion it's the best book in the series. The suspense of what was going to happen kept me on edge. I ended up having crazy dreams about vampire and werewolves. I also loved seeing how the relationships between Bella and all the other characters evolved.

5. Abby Cooper, Psychic Eye by Victoria Laurie...My favorite genre of books is mystery and that is what first made me pick up this book. But then Victoria Laurie made her main character a psychic, and she really did a great job describing what it would really be like being a psychic (I guess she would know since she is one). Victoria Laurie does a great job writing this book, it really keeps you entertained and her writing makes you want to know more.

6. Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz...When I first started reading this book, I was so confused. I don't know what it was, but I had to write down my questions as they came to me because there were so many. I guess that is a good thing since I kept reading. I mean I needed to get my answers. The good part is I did get my answers, all of them. I really enjoyed learning about Schyler and going with her on this journey. I can't wait to get the next book to read, I need to know what will happen.

7. Jingle Boy by Kieran Scott...This book is one of my favorite holiday books. It's the second time I read it and I loved it more now than I did the first time I read it. Reading about Paul and what he is going through really makes you realize what Christmas actually is about. Kieran Scott did a great job writing this book and it's going to be a book that I pick up many more Christmas's to come.

8. Death Perception by Victoria Laurie...I did a review on this book back in November. I was a little slow reading it at first, but then one night, I just kept reading until the end. I was so into the book, I felt like I was there with Abby. I was shivering from the suspense and fear this book gave me. I actually think it might be the best book I have ever read (so far anyway). I have never gotten this reaction from a book, and I have been reading adult mysteries for over 14 years (yes I started young) I think if anyone picks a book off of this list to read in 2011, this should be the one.

9. Are These my Basoomas I see Before Me? by Louise Rennison...This is the last book of the Georgia Nicholson series, and I have to say, I loved the ending. I still want to know more though, and I am a little upset that there will not be any more stories. I have been reading and rereading these books for so many years, that I am really sad it's over. However, Louise Rennison made me laugh out loud, and I have to say, I shed a few tears. Happy tears, and sad tears. This whole series was amazing, and this particular book made the list because of how it ended. I wish I could tell you more, but I really don't want to give anything away.

10. Picture's of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff...I am surprised I haven't read this book earlier in my life. I know I have heard of it when I was younger, but it took me moving to Ct for college and in my last year meeting Patricia Reilly Giff for me to pick it up. I bought this book as well as another and while waiting for a book I ordered to come, i decided to read it. I really liked the fact that the book was written with two narratives, one being the present and the other being flashbacks. I think that it really helps us get to know Hollis and what she went through.

So now I need to know, what are your top ten in 2010? Let's make my to be read list longer (I love the help by the way.)

Top Ten Tuesday: My Christmas List

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme by the Broke and the Bookish. This is my first Top Ten Tuesday post, since I love making lists, following lists, or anything with a list, as well as books, I figured it would be mighty fun.

So last year I asked for quite a few books and only received two, so this year I only asked for one thinking that someone will have to buy it for me, right? But I still have a wish list of books that I want, and Santa, if you are out there and can hear me, I would love these.

1. Naked Heat by Richard Castle...yes it is the book to the show Castle, I received Heat Wave last Christmas (yay) and it was pretty darn good, so when I saw the commercial for the sequel, it was a must for my Christmas list.

2. Mini Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella...I own all the other Shopaholic books and have loved them from the start, I mean I know exactly what is it like to be a shopaholic, especially when it comes to books.

3. Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares...it's not out until June, so I have time to read 3 Willows which is the 5th book of the Sisterhood. I read the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants a few years ago, it feels like forever though, so now I can reread before this book comes out.

4, 5, and 6. You Just Can't Get Enough, Take a Chance on Me, and Love the One Your With by Cecily von Zeigesar...I own all of the Gossip Girl books, and I hate having so many and not keeping up with my collection.

7 and 8, Size 14 is Not Fat Either and Big Boned by Meg Cabot...I own Size 12 is Not Fat, however I haven't read it yet (hopefully in 2011?) but I really enjoy Meg Cabot's books, so I am sure I will love these.

9. the Lying Game by Sara Shepard...I loved the Pretty Little Liars series (both the book and the show) I cannot wait to read this book.

10. Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle...I borrowed this from the library and just finished this book a couple of hours ago, it is 3 short holiday stories that I think I need to read every year at Christmas time.

Let me know about your Christmas List (aka give me some more books to add to my To Be Read list) and I hope everyone has a great holiday.