Tag Archives: top ten tuesday

Sep 3 2013
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Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books I Wish I’d Read in School! (8/3/2013)

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 This feature, hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, is one of my favorites. This week’s topic:

Top Ten Books I Wish I’d Read in School!

The books I’ve chosen are practically classics within their genres, and simultaneously ones I don’t think I’ll ever get around to reading without outside pressure. I realize that admitting this is literary blasphemy…please don’t yell at me.

#1 The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide: I know, I know. How can I possibly be a fan of science fiction without having read this title? I also included this one in my list of most intimidating titles because I just don’t like “punchy” humor, and I’m terrified I won’t like this iconic series.

#2 The Lord of the Rings: I read (and enjoyed) The Hobbit, but couldn’t get into the trilogy despite my best efforts. I finally gave up on going through the motions of reading the book because I wanted to like it so much. The movies, however, remain my all time favorites, and I have die-hard fans of the books to thank for that!

#3 Brave New World: this is a highly conceptual novel that I always wished my professors had made me read in school. I know a lot of writers I enjoy today took inspiration at one point from this book. Also, my go-to guy for science fiction ranks it in his top three favorite books of all time.

#4 The Chronicles of Narnia: I bought these when I was a kid, saved up my allowance and everything for the big nice boxset… And then they sat on my shelves unread for almost ten years. By the time I finally picked up The Magician’s Nephew I realized just how much I didn’t enjoy allegorical stories (plus, it was kind of boring…).

#5 Jane Austen: The Complete Works: Most women I talked to who have read this author fawn over her to a degree that makes me slightly ashamed I’ve never read her. Aside from the fact that I’m not much of a classic fiction girl, I’ve just never found the storyline or time period particularly compelling.

#6 Dune: This one is on my list because, despite the fact that I’ve not yet read it, I wish it’d been a part of my early discoveries of the wonders of science fiction. This one is the exception on the list, as I am pretty sure I will be reading it within the next year.

#7 Don Quixote: of all the classics, this one appeals to me the most. I find the idea of a armored man attacking a windmill hysterical. I likely won’t ever read it, but I wish my teachers would’ve had it on their required reading list.

#8 The Foundation Trilogy: As another pioneer of the science fiction world, this is another one that I wish would have been part of the “foundation” of my sci-fi repertoire.

#9 Grimm’s Fairy Tales: I find these fascinating, and I think I would’ve really enjoyed studying them in school. I tried reading them a couple of years ago, but there were just too many things I enjoyed reading more.

#10 The Book Thief: I know, it’s amazing, it’s beautiful, it’s original… I really wish it’d been included in a history class at some point because it just doesn’t sound like something in my wheelhouse of books.

  Keep in mind that these books are on my list because deep down I really want to read them, I just haven’t been able to bring myself to.

What books do you wish you’d read in school? Did any of mine make your list?

 by Niki Hawkes

Aug 26 2013
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Top Ten Tuesday–Top Ten Most Memorable Secondary Characters! (8/27/2013)

hhh 2 Top Ten Tuesday is a feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s topic celebrates our favorite sidekicks:

Top Ten Most Memorable Secondary Characters!

 I’ve probably chosen a few who are considered main characters, so let’s say my criteria was that they were neither the main protagonist or love interest.

#1 Dead Witch Walking – Jenx: not only is this feisty, loyal pixie in my top ten, so are all of the side characters in this book.  Kim Harrison is the queen of side characters. They are all creative, memorable, and 100% entertaining – they honestly are what tips this series from great to amazing!

#2 Darkest Minds – Chubs: if you’ve read this series, I bet you haven’t forgotten about this character. He has such a lovable personality because it stems from a place that’s both loyal and compassionate. I would recommend this book for him alone. 

#3 Harry Potter – All of Them: need I say more?

#4 Wizard’s First Rule –Cara: the mord-sith are a totally fascinating organization. Quite a bit sadistic, but it was one of my favorite moments in the series to watch one struggle to breakaway from their horrific way of life. I don’t believe Cara actually shows up until the second book…

#5 Hunger Games – Cinna: I think he was Katniss’s rock and the only person who didn’t demand anything from her. He always did his best by her and I think that’s why I love him most.

#6 Sword-Dancer – the horse: this beast was the most ornery animal, and reading about the main protagonist trying to get it to follow direction was hysterical. It’s been ten years and I still remember how funny that stupid horse was.

#7 Blood Engines – Rondeau: aside from the really cool concept surrounding this character, I thought he was an excellent counterpart to the main protagonist. This is yet another series where I enjoyed all of the side characters.

#8 Poison Study – Rosie: animals tend to make an impression on me, and no more so recently in this tiny little pig. She may not stick with me as long as some of the others on my list, but she sure deserves a shout out.

#9 Grimspace – The Ithtorian: this character was so delightfully alien that I’m not really sure how I managed to form such a fondness for him. You would think any one of the amazing human characters would’ve appealed to me more. 

 #0 Assassin’s Apprentice: The Fool: I dare say this character is my favorite on the list. After nine novels, I love this character but I’m sure there are still more things I could learn. His complexity blows my mind and I would be really sad if Hobb doesn’t bring him up again. 

Now that the list is complete, I’m realizing that several of these books are in my all time favorites… Maybe side characters are more important than I initially thought. :-) My

Who are your memorable characters? 

Aug 19 2013
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Top Ten Tuesday – Top Ten Things That Make My Life as a Book Blogger Easier! (8/20/2013)

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Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature where book bloggers come together to geek out about their favorite titles, network with one another, and share our love of reading with anybody who will listen. This week’s topic:

Top Ten Things That Make My Life as a Book Blogger Easier!

In no particular order:

 #1 Dragon Dictate

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About a year ago, my world was turned upside down when I sustained a crippling injury to both my wrists. As a dedicated book blogger and writer, you can imagine how devastated I was to lose the ability to type. This program gave me wings – the freedom to continue pursuing my dreams and following my passions.

#2 The Husband

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As the person who gave me that extra push I needed to pursue my dreams, my husband has always been nothing but supportive and encouraging. Not only does he let me buy books to my heart’s content, but he also is patient and understanding every time I lose myself to my blog and writing. I am one lucky girl.

#3 Barnes and Noble

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 Having been employed with them for eleven years and counting, I get to see all the new product firsthand, stare at books all day, and generally geek out with other people who like the same books I do. They even let me check out new hardcovers and take home the occasional free book. And the discounts! Let’s not forget the discounts – they are the ultimate enabler for my book obsession. It’s positively brilliant on their end: they let me play with the pretty books all week and give me money to spend on them at the end of it.

#4 WordPress

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 Despite the eight month learning curve, I’m finally at the point where almost every function appeases my aesthetic tastes. It took a ton of time to figure out how to do everything (mostly I’m a perfectionist and I wanted it to look a certain way) but now that I’ve got it the way I want it I am incredibly pleased. Everything on my blog has been free (aside from the domain name), and thus far WordPress has been a killer platform!

#5 Followers

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I appreciate both those who follow me and those I follow. You guys inspire me, whether by your support, great ideas, or your shared love for books. Hearing your great feedback makes it worth all the blood, sweat, and tears it takes to run a blog. I wouldn’t be doing this without you guys, so thank you!

 #6 Bloggers

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You guys inspire me every day with your enthusiasm and passion for books. You exude such a great energy that I can’t help but feeling happy whenever I read one of your posts. You guys make being part of the book community fun: between weekly features, challenges, and giveaways I always feel like a part of something bigger than myself. You also keep me in the know about which books are worth my time. I especially appreciate those of you who have taken the time to encourage and support me – you guys rock!

#7 Goodreads

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 Finally – a place that lets me organize all the books I’ve read, am currently reading, and want to read. I used to do this by hand in a journal. I would print out the covers of the books, tape it in the journal, and write a little synopsis next to it. Between Goodreads and my blog, I am totally digital with book organization now, and that makes me very happy! I also love how GR allows you to reference your blog with each review – it really is geared towards creating a great book-loving community.

#8 My Nook

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Yes, I am among those of you who collect and cherish hardcopy books. There is, however, something really exciting about being able to take a few hundred books on a road trip – remember when you used to pack a whole suitcase full? I sure do. I also love the fact that I can turn on the little built-in light and read in the dark. My favorite feature: the font adjustment. I have horrible eyesight and sometimes reading tiny print can affect my enjoyment of the book. Overall, if I love a book I will purchase a hardcopy for my shelf, but I very much enjoy the E-reading experience.

#9 iPhoto

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Once I figured out I could manipulate the photos, a whole slew of possibilities opened up to personalize my blog’s appearance. From creating headers for weekly features to sharing original photos for my Dragon Obsession posts, and has really allowed me to make it my own.

#10 My Notebooks

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I swear these days these notebooks go with me more often than my book. Everything they contains is 100% blog-related and I am constantly jotting down notes and impressions from the books I’m reading. If I’m not writing about the book, I am researching upcoming releases or creating a detailed plan for upcoming posts. Say what you want about me, but damn, I am organized!

What are your essentials? :)

Aug 12 2013
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Top Ten Tuesday – Top Ten Favorite Books with School Settings! (8/13/2013)

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Welcome to this week’s Top Ten Tuesday – a feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Today we got to choose what kind of setting to feature. My choice: schools. Above all else, if a book features a school I am more inclined to read it (even more so than dragons, and that’s saying something). So without further ado:

Top Ten Favorite Books with School Settings!

 All of these books feature schools in one way or another, and most of them include people learning things that I will never have a chance to study in reality. Magic of all different sorts, space ship navigation, and dragonriding – to name a few. Many of these books are among my all-time favorites.

You may notice that my final choice is not a typical cover but in fact a mockup one I converted from a free stock photo online. I debated for quite a long time whether or not to include my own book on the list, but finally came to the conclusion that it’s one of my favorite school stories, despite the fact that I’m the one writing it. It combines two of my favorite subjects (dragons and schools) and is literally the story I’ve always wanted to read. I hope to produce a novel of the same caliber as the other books on my list.

What books made your list?

by Niki Hawkes

Also, don’t forget stop by and vote your favorite book in this month’s Your Pick for Nik! Book Club:

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 Remember, you can vote for up to 3 books.

May the best book win! :-)

Aug 5 2013
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Top Ten Tuesday – Top Ten Sequels I’m Eagerly Awaiting! (8/6/2013)

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This is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish where many of us book bloggers gets together to geek out about our favorite books! This week’s topic is:

Top Ten Sequels I’m Eagerly Awaiting! 

It was supposed to be top ten books I wish had sequels, but I thought it would be more fun to showcase the books we are actually going to get to read, rather than the nonexistent ones I wish had been written!

Shocker – all but one are teen books. I guess you can see which genre I’m more current in, lol. I actually haven’t read Cinder or Everneath, but all of your stellar reviews have convinced me that I’m going to love them. The sequel I am most excited for is The Fiery Heart, with Allegiant as a close second.

What books made your list? :-) 

by Niki Hawkes

Jul 30 2013
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Top Ten Tuesday – Top Ten Favorite Beginnings/Endings of Books! (7/30/2013)

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Posted by The Broke and the Bookish, this is a weekly feature in which I and several other awesome book bloggers get to geek out about our favorite books. This week’s topic:

Top Ten Favorite Beginnings/Endings of Books!

Top Five Beginnings:

The Fifth Wave: This one had quite possibly the most incredible prologue I’ve ever read – and it only got better from there!

A Shadow in Summer: I picked this one up randomly at the bookstore and started flipping through it. Thirty minutes later I had to force my nose out of it long enough to let the cashier ring me up – I couldn’t put it down!

A Devil in the Details: This one survived the annual book purge of my library, saving itself with this stellar opening paragraph: “There’s a certain sound the human head makes when it hits the trunk of the tree. Meatier than a “crack”; not quite as hollow as a “thunk” – it’s unmistakable. And when it’s my head, I tends to take offense.” I died, I was laughing so hard.

The Wizard Hunters: This one also survived the purge with a great opening line: “it was 9 o’clock at night and Tremaine was trying to find a way to kill herself that would bring in a verdict of natural causes in court when someone banged on the door. ‘Dammit.'” Apparently, if you can make me laugh within the first paragraph, I’m hooked. This one gave me a giggle fit. 

Sword Dancer: What started out as slightly chauvinistic soon developed into a hilarious clash of man versus woman. I found it incredibly engaging.

Top Five Endings:

 I don’t think this section really needs a lot of extra commentary – I wouldn’t want to spoil the ending for anyone. ;) Suffice to say these endings were so profound that I’m still reeling from them years later – I love it when books can do that to me!

What top ten books made your list? :-)

by Niki Hawkes