Book Promo: Alive and Well in Prague, New York

Earlier this year I had the privilege of reading an ARC for Alive and Well in Prague, New York by Daphne Grab. This book was released on 03 June and if you haven't read it yet then you should run out and buy it. Its that good. If you want to learn more about it you can find my review here or you can watch the promo video below. Its very well done and makes me want to read the book again.

Sunday Salon: 22 June 08

Greetings and Salutations to all those Saloners who have taken the time to stop by for some tea, scones and chat. I love having you all visit, just as I love visiting your blogs throughout the week.

This weeks post is going to be a short one as I really need to focus on packing today....because I am moving next Saturday!! Where did the time go??? I also probably won't be posting next week as I won't have my internet set up yet....although I will be trying to see if anyone around me has an unsecured network. ;-) No cable/internet for a week after I move....just think of the reading I can do as I avoid unpacking?

This past week I read a wonderful short story by Ursula Le Guin. I posted about it here and I recommend it to all. Its a short (~15 min) read but leaves you with so much to think about. Read it and then let me know...which choice would you make?

I also finished (finally) Rules of Deception by Christopher Reich and found it to be just so-so. Not a book or an author that I would recommend. I've since moved on to Nightwalker by Jocelyn Drake, which after reading only 80 pages isn't shaping up to be much better. But as this is another ARC I plan to stick with it a little bit longer than I normally would so hopefully it will get better.

And with that I will bid you all adieu. I hope that You all have a great week and as always...

Happy Reading!

The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas by Ursula K LeGuin

Publisher: NA
Publication Year: 1975
ISBN: NA
Format: ebook
Pages: 32 (according to Amazon)

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

I stumbled across this story today when I was reading Bibliolatry's blog. In this post she talks about a short story by LeGuin that she had heard about and then found on the internet. The short story is only about six pages in a word file and is a quick read. Despite its shortness this is a story that stays with you as it is very thought provoking.

The opening of this story is about a utopian society. Life is peaceful and everyone is happy. But what is the cost that these people must pay for their happiness? (For there is always a cost.) When you read this story is this a city where you could live? Knowing all there is to know about Omelas. Or would you be like those few who walk away in the unknown?

This story is about about choice. When faced with a difficult decision, what would you do? If you haven't read this story yet then go here and do so now. Then head back here and also over to Bibliolatry's blog and let us both now what you would do if you found yourself in Omelas.

Rules of Deception by Christopher Reich

Publisher: Doubleday
Publication Year: 2008 (ARC)
ISBN: 0385524064
Format: Paperback
Pages: 400

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 Stars

Rules of Deception by Christopher Reich is one of those books that has a lot of promise based solely on the book description but then never really lives up to it. It starts in Switzerland with Jonathan Ransom and his wife climbing up a mountain. During this climb they hit a storm and Ransom's wife ends up dying. A short time after the accident Ransom receives baggage claim tags that were meant for his wife. Curious he travels to the train station to pick up the bags and ends up getting attacked by two cops. What follows next is an impossible series of events that stretches believability and relies heavily on coincidence as Ransom soon finds himself deep in a plot to incite a major world crisis.

Most espionage type novels are like spiderwebs in that there are many strands that weave together in order to make a solid plot. Rules of Deception was more like the spokes of a wheel instead of a web. There were 3 main story arcs at the start of this book and it took longer than it should before any of these story lines started to cross. As a reader you knew that they were all eventually merge into the core but the author just drew it out. Then when the arcs did start to mesh it was done sloppily. Almost as if the author realized that he was beginning to run out of time and had to hurry things along.

Overall this was a tough book for me to read not because its subject matter but because I just never could get into the story. First there was the slow build and merge of the major stories and then mixed in with this were these asides in which the author would cut away from the 'action' to other more distant things going on. These distant events never really added much to the overall story and only served to distract me from the story. In the end I struggled to finish this book and figured out the big mystery long before the big reveal. This is the first time that I've read this author and I am not in a hurry to pick up another book by him. This also is not a book that I would recommend to others. Its a slow read and just fails to deliver on all of its promise.

Meme: Top 100 books on LibraryThing

I got the idea for this when reading J.Kaye's TuesdayThinger posting her blog. The idea is to look at the top 100 books on LibraryThing as listed on their Zeitgeist page. Of the top 100 books I have read 62 (the books in bold). I own another 17 of the books but have yet to get around to reading them....or in some cases finishing them (those books are in italics). Of the 21 books that remain I think there are only 5 or so that I have an interest in reading.

Where to do stack up against LT's top 100?

1. Harry Potter and the sorcerer's stone by J.K. Rowling (32,484)
2. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Book 6) by J.K. Rowling (29,939)
3. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Book 5) by J.K. Rowling (28,728)
4. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Book 2) by J.K. Rowling (27,926)
5. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Book 3) by J.K. Rowling (27,643)
6. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Book 4) by J.K. Rowling (27,641)
7. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown (23,266)
8. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (21,325)
9. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7) by J.K. Rowling (20,485)
10. 1984 by George Orwell (19,735)
11. Pride and Prejudice (Bantam Classics) by Jane Austen (19,583)
12. The catcher in the rye by J.D. Salinger (19,082)
13. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (17,586)
14. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (16,210)
15. The lord of the rings by J.R.R. Tolkien (15,483)
16. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (14,566)
17. Jane Eyre (Penguin Classics) by Charlotte Bronte (14,449)
18. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon (13,946)
19. Life of Pi by Yann Martel (13,272)
20. Animal Farm by George Orwell (13,091)
21. Angels & demons by Dan Brown (13,089)
22. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (13,005)
23. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte (12,777)
24. One Hundred Years of Solitude (Oprah's Book Club) by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (12,634)
25. The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings, Part 1) by J.R.R. Tolkien (12,276)
26. Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden (12,147)
27. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (11,976)
28. The Two Towers (The Lord of the Rings, Part 2) by J.R.R. Tolkien (11,512)
29. The Odyssey by Homer (11,483)
30. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller (11,392)
31. Slaughterhouse-five by Kurt Vonnegut (11,360)
32. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky (11,257)
33. The return of the king : being the third part of The lord of the rings by J.R.R. Tolkien (11,082)
34. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (10,979)
35. American Gods: A Novel by Neil Gaiman (10,823)
36. The chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis (10,603)
37. The hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy by Douglas Adams (10,537)
38. Lord of the Flies by William Golding (10,435)
39. The lovely bones : a novel by Alice Sebold (10,125)
40. Ender's Game (Ender, Book 1) by Orson Scott Card (10,092)
41. The Golden Compass (His Dark Materials, Book 1) by Philip Pullman (9,827)
42. Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Neil Gaiman (9,745)
43. Dune by Frank Herbert (9,671)
44. Emma by Jane Austen (9,610)
45. Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (9,598)
46. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Bantam Classics) by Mark Twain (9,593)
47. Anna Karenina (Oprah's Book Club) by Leo Tolstoy (9,433)
48. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke (9,413) (Started but haven't finished yet)
49. Middlesex: A Novel by Jeffrey Eugenides (9,343)
50. Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire (9,336)
51. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov (9,274)
52. The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien (9,246) (I've tried to read this book but it always puts me to sleep!)
53. The Iliad by Homer (9,153)
    
54. The Stranger by Albert Camus (9,084)
55. Sense and Sensibility (Penguin Classics) by Jane Austen (9,080)
56. Great Expectations (Penguin Classics) by Charles Dickens (9,027)
57. The Handmaid's Tale: A Novel by Margaret Atwood (8,960)
58. On the Road by Jack Kerouac (8,904)
59. Freakonomics [Revised and Expanded]: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt (8,813)
60. The Little Prince by saintexupryantoinede - 75k - (8,764)
61. The lion, the witch and the wardrobe by C. S. Lewis (8,421)
62. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle (8,417)
63. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman (8,368)
64. The Grapes of Wrath (Centennial Edition) by John Steinbeck (8,255)
65. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (8,214)
66. The Name of the Rose: including Postscript to the Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco (8,191)
67. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne (8,169)
68. Moby Dick by Herman Melville (8,129)
69. The complete works by William Shakespeare (8,096)
70. Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond (7,843)
71. Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris (7,834)
72. The Poisonwood Bible: A Novel (Perennial Classics) by Barbara Kingsolver (7,829)
73. Hamlet (Folger Shakespeare Library) by William Shakespeare (7,808)
74. Of Mice and Men (Penguin Great Books of the 20th Century) by John Steinbeck (7,807)
75. A Tale of Two Cities (Penguin Classics) by Charles Dickens (7,793)
76. The Alchemist (Plus) by Paulo Coelho (7,710)
77. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (7,648)
78. The Picture of Dorian Gray (Barnes & Noble Classics Series) (Barnes & Noble Classics) by Oscar Wilde (7,598)
79. The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition by William Strunk (7,569)
80. Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (7,557)
81. The Subtle Knife (His Dark Materials, Book 2) by Philip Pullman (7,534)
82. Atonement: A Novel by Ian McEwan (7,530)
83. The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky (7,512)
84. The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd (7,436)
85. Dracula by Bram Stoker (7,238)
86. Heart of Darkness (Dover Thrift Editions) by Joseph Conrad (7,153)
87. A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess (7,055)
88. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra (7,052) (Started but haven't finished yet)
    
89. The amber spyglass by Philip Pullman (7,043)
90. A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (Penguin Classics) by James Joyce (6,933)
91. The Unbearable Lightness of Being: A Novel (Perennial Classics) by Milan Kundera (6,901)
92. Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse (6,899)
93. Neuromancer by William Gibson (6,890)
94. The Canterbury Tales (Penguin Classics) by Geoffrey Chaucer (6,868)
95. Persuasion (Penguin Classics) by Jane Austen (6,862)
96. Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman (6,841)
97. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova (6,794)
98. Angela's Ashes: A Memoir by Frank McCourt (6,715)
99. A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers (6,708)
100. The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli (6,697)

Tuesday Thingers: 17 June 08

This weeks question: What's the most popular book in your library? Have you read it? What did you think? How many users have it? What's the most popular book you don't have? How does a book's popularity figure into your decisions about what to read?

Using the fun Zeitgeist feature on LibraryThing the most popular book in my library is Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by JK Rowling. I first read this book years ago, around the time that the fourth book in the series was released. When I picked it up I didn't expect to like it. I expected a cutsy children's book that didn't have much plot or substance to it. The only reason why I picked it up was to get one of my friends to stop nagging me about it. Every time I talked to her she asked if I'd read it and when I said no she'd list all these reasons why I should rush right out to get it. I fully expected to tell her that the book was horrible and that she should leave me alone already. Boy was my face red and my head hung low in shame when I had to confess that she was right all along and that the book was amazing....and each book that came after just got better and better. I loved watching the plot develop and get more complex and how each of the characters aged and changed over time. For a book that I never thought I'd like it has since become a much beloved friend in my library.

The most popular book that I don't have is number seven on the list, The daVinci Code. I have read this book though. It was leant to me by the department head of the company that I was working at around the time it was first released. He had bought the book on a whim right before he went away on vacation. When he returned he walked over to my desk and handed it to me. Telling me that since I like read that this was a book that I had to read. While I'm not sure that its a must read book, I did enjoy it and was glad for the recommendation. Especially since I don't know if I would have picked it up otherwise.

If anything, a book's overwhelming popularity might turn me away from a book rather than towards it. Like most things the hype is usually bigger then the reality and I am usually disappointed. I rely most on the opinions of friends and fellow bloggers that seem to like the same books as I do. While tastes don't always coincide....the differences are generally slim and I am usually still glad that I read a particular book even if it won't be listed as a favorite of mine. The only exception to this I think is the book Twilight. Which many of my friends and fellow bloggers have loved but I thought was a prime candidate for my poo pile.

I Have Lived a Thousand Years by Livia Bitton-Jackson

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Year: 1999

ISBN: 0689823959

Format: Paperback

Pages: 224

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

I first heard about this book through one of the many wonderful folks over at librarything. Since I'm trying to cut back on buying books I put it on my bookmooch wishlist and waited. It eventually came up on a time that I was on the site and I managed to snag it. I then began to read it the day that it arrived....ignoring my current read just to spend time with Elli. From the opening chapter I was captivated. I grew up learning about the horrors of the Holocaust. It has always been a part of my past. Like many others I've read the various histories in school but it isn't until you read a first hand account, like that of Livia Bitton-Jackson's, that the true horror of what happened during the war begins to come to light. Bitton-Jackson is part of a living history. A history that gets further and further away with each passing year. Those who survived the horrors of the camps are now starting to die and take their stories with them. So its important that their stories are written down so that they live on in order to teach future generations. Bitton-Jackson said it best at the start of her memoir when she wrote about why she put her story down on paper when she wrote:

My hope is that learning about past evils will help us to avoid them in the future. My hope is that learning what horrors can result from prejudice and intolerance, we can cultivate a commitment to fight prejudice and intolerance. It is for this reason that I write my recollections of the horror. Only one who has been there can truly tell the tale. And I was there.

For you, the third generation, the Holocaust has slipped into the realm of history, or legend. Or, into the realm of sensational subjects on the silver screen. Reading my personal account I believe you will feel - you will know - that the Holocaust was neither legend nor Hollywood fiction but a lesson for the future. A lesson to hel[p future generations prevent the causes of the twentith-century catastrophe from being transmitted into the twenty-first. My stories are of gas chambers, shootings, electrified fences, torture, scorching sun, mental abuse, and constant threat of death. But they are also stories of faith, hope, triumph, and love. They are stories of perserverance, loyalty, courage in the face of overwhelming odds, and of never giving up. My story is my message: Never give up.

There is much to be horrified about when reading this story....just as with reading any other survivors tale. Bitton-Jackson's memoir is made all the more poignant because she was only 14 years old when she and her family was shipped off to Auschwitz. A place where prisoners where greeted at the gate with a sign that read "WORK SETS YOU FREE" and the German soldiers who were stationed there encouraged that belief.....at least for those first few moments after arrival.

I recently had the good fortune to travel to Poland to see some family. While there I took the 1 hour bus ride from Krakow down to Auschwitz. I walked under that sign. I heard the gravel crunch under my feet and saw the endless rows of buildings surrounded by barbed wire. As I read Bitton-Jackson's descriptions I was transported back to those avenues and I think that it made me feel this particular memoir more than any other account that I've read previously. If you ever get a chance to go to Auschwitz (or any of the other surviving concentration camps) then go. Its a truly horrific, yet worthwhile experience. There are no words to say what I felt when I was there, when I saw the crematoria, the barracks, and belongings of the victims that the Nazi's left behind when the camp was liberated. There is such raw emotion that still lingers in that place....and yet it was one of the quietest places that I've even been to outside of church.

Another reason this book and my visit to Auschwitz had such a huge impact on me is the fact that right before this trip I learned that a member of my Polish family spent two years there as a political prisoner. This is not a relative that I've ever met but just knowing that a part of my family was there....no matter how distant the relation....it has an effect. Especially when you read an account such as Bitton-Jackson's. Again its that first hand experience that just takes you right to the heart of it all.

I Have Lived a Thousand Years is filled with many horrible acts but one that jumped out at me was something that I think many people may have overlooked as being momentous. As I mentioned it is only an hour by bus from Krakow to the town of Oświęcim (the Polish name of the town that the German's called Auschwitz). There is a scene where Bitton-Jackson talks about how she and her mother where put on a train in Krakow and brought back down to Auschwitz.....a journey which took them 4 days. Now to those not familiar with that area of Poland that might not have seemed like such a significant journey. It was the 40's...it was wartime...the two places could have been on opposite sides of the country. But when you know that the distance between the two points is only an hour...when I've traveled that same road...it just has such a huge impact on just how horribly the Jews (and other political prisoners) were treated.

As with A Diary of Anne Frank I think that I Have Lived a Thousand Years should be taught in all schools. Anne Frank's story is a powerful one, but its only a small part of what the Jewish people when through during the war. Bitton-Jackson's story tells another part of the story. Her's picks up where Frank's leaves off. Bitton-Jackson's story of life in the camp is Anne Frank's. It is only through some random twist of fate that the endings of their respective stories are different. If you haven't read this book yet, then its one that I recommend. Just as I recommend that you all make the journey to see Auschwitz while it still stands (Poland only maintains it, they do not restore so it exits only as long as mother nature allows). It is only when you walk those gravel roads and breath in that air and see the buildings. Only then can you begin...to fully understand it all....and further appreciate those who somehow managed to survive. When it would have been so much easier to just give in.

In closing I'll post a few of the pictures that I took while at Auschwitz. I did not take pictures of any of the interiors of the buildings. The guides asked us not to as a respect to those that lived and died there. When walking inside the buildings and learning first hand what happened there it wasn't hard to respect that simple request.

"Arbeit Macht Frei" which means Work Brings Freedom

This could have been where Bitton-Jackson "lived" while kept at Auschwitz. This is one of the few unaltered barracks. Many have been converted into exhibits that highlight what happened there. A few have the original metal doors. The sides of this building has windows but they were mostly bricked over. Blocking the light from the prisoners rooms.

Bitton-Jackson writes "We keep marching. On and on. Past rows of barracks, long flat buildings on both sides of the pebble-strewn road lined with barbed wire. It is a road without an end."

Barbed wire that surrounds Auschwitz

The tracks inside Birkenau, where Bitton-Jackson waited with her family and was "sorted" by Dr Mengele.

Then if the main camp of Auschwitz isn't big enough. Isn't horrible enough to see. Just a few short miles down the road is Auschwitz II (aka Birkenau). All those chimneys in the background where once buildings like those in the foreground. Each building held hundreds of bunks crammed together...bunks with three tiers...each tier holding at least 6 people. Countless millions of people forced to live in buildings where the chimney's were just for show. They did not work but even if they did there was no wood to use. It should also be noted that this building design was originally meant as horse stables....a fact that's highlighted by the tether rings that are attached to the walls.

The fence around Birkenau. Only a single layer of barbed wire, unlike the dual fence at Auschwitz. And yet crueler and more barbaric looking.

The Sunday Salon: Father's Day Edition

Hello Saloners! Happy Father's Day to any dad's out there. I hope that you are all well on this rainy Sunday. I thank you all for braving the drizzle to stop. As always there are tea and scones available...and once I get off my tush there will be cookies! Oatmeal Raisin. Made from scratch for my dear ol' dad. Too bad that he isn't around to get them fresh from the oven. Seems as though my 'rents have proven once again that there is no love for their youngest and forget that I would be stopping by today. Father's Day. *le sigh* Ah well, I'll spend time with the cats and with all of you as I bake my cookies. =)

I haven't done much reading this week. My main read, Rules of Deception by Christopher Reich, is moving a little slowly. Its supposed to be this fast paced international espionage but it took 100+ pages just to even begin to connect the 2 of the 3 main stories. And this book is only 300 or so pages long! So much for the publisher's note in the begining that said this was a book that was so action packed and exciting that it would keep you up at night. Its not horrible, but I've read better.

I did take a break from that and read I Have Lived a Thousand Years by Livia Bitton-Jackson. Its a short memoir about the author's experience growing up during the holocaust and the time she spent in the camps. This was a touching read and I'm still processing so keep your eyes open for a review. I've read many other holocaust stories over the years but I think that this one hit me a little harder this time around because I actually had the opportunity to visit Auchwitz last year...and that is the camp that Bitton-Jackson spent the most time in. So I was able to fully visualize her descriptions of the camp. This book was recommended to me from various people on LT and I recommend it to all of you.

I've also been reading a comic/graphic novel called Bone which I heard about on David's blog. I've made it through all of Volume 1 and am enjoying the story. I'd have read more of it by now but I am trying to make it through Rules of Deception so don't allow myself to spend too much time on it, plus I really need to focus on packing....and this is just one more distraction that I don't need. Because I hate packing. I really really really hate packing. I'll do most anything to avoid it....so the least little reason has me do anything but packing. Fortunately I still have time. But don't be shocked if you hear that I'm still sticking things in boxes the day of the move!!

Well, folks the oven is now calling my name. I hope that you are all having a great day and I will see you all again next week. Until then.....HAPPY READING!!!

Do you like free books?

Do you like free books?

Of course you do. Who doesn't? (Well, not counting those crazy peeps who don't like to read for fun.) Anywho...if you like free books and if you like those books to be mysteries....and involve intelligent dogs then head on over to my pal Tapestry100's blog found here for your chance to win two....that's right TWO...books by J.F. Englert. The books are: A Dog About Town and A Dog Among Diplomats. Amazon describes the books as follows:

A Dog About Town

Harry is a man still mourning the loss of his beloved girlfriend, Imogen, who left him suddenly without a word. He’s also the owner of a plump, poetry-loving Lab, Randolph. Like most Manhattan dogs, Randolph spends his days sifting through a world of scents, his owner’s neuroses, and an overcrowded doggy run at the American Museum of Natural History. But now a bereft Harry has drifted into a circle of would-be occultists. Which might not be so bad if one of them wasn’t also a murderer.But which one? With 100,000 times the smelling power of a human being, Randolph can quickly detect the scents of guilt, anxiety, and avarice—and he has no lack of suspects, from a seductive con woman to an uncouth professor of the decorative arts. Now, to protect his hapless owner’s life, Randolph might have to do the unthinkable—and start training Harry to catch a killer…

A Dog Among Diplomats

He reads Proust. Surfs the net. Is the soul of diplomacy.And when it comes to solving crime,Randolph is the dog for the job.Murder has come to Manhattan’s East Village. And when detectives call twenty-something artist Harry to the scene, his Labrador, Randolph, instantly smells a rat. Why? Because Harry’s missing almost-fiancée—and Randolph’s beloved mistress—has been implicated in the murder, which has ties to the U.N. While Harry looks to the spirit world for answers, careening between terror and wild hope that Imogen is alive, Randolph goes into detective mode, using his superior Lab brain—2.3 pounds of smoothly functioning gray matter—to surf the Net, track down clues, and even land a job as a “therapy” dog to a depressed diplomat. Suddenly the brainy, book-loving Lab has done the impossible: he’s penetrated the shadowy corridors of the U.N. (which boasts the most vicious, backbiting dog run in the city) in search of a killer. Now it will take all of Randolph’s cunning to protect Harry, clear Imogen’s name, solve the crime—and stay alive long enough to enjoy his upcoming
birthday.

Even if you don't want to enter the contest you should still check Tapestry100's page. There is a great author Q&A with the author of the above mentioned books as well as lots of great book reviews. Well, that's it for me for now folks. As always thanks for stopping by!

Happy Reading!

Tuesday Thingers: 10 June 08

Today's question is about tags - do you tag? How do you tag? How do you feel about tagging- do you think it would be better to have standardized tags, like libraries have standardized subject headings, or do you like the individualized nature of tagging? What are your top 5 tags and what do they say about your collection or your reading habits?

My answer:
Do I tag? Yes. I love tags. I think that I might be a little addicted to the whole process. I think that tagging is a great way to organize my books. I love the personalized aspect of it. While I do think that it could be helpful if everyone tagged their books the same I think that would take some of the uniqueness away from LT. I think that a person's unique way of tagging could lead to some interesting discussions with people that you may not have otherwise talked to....or used as a way to get to know one of your LT friends a little better. Like while browsing teelgee's catalog I noticed that she was tagging some books as 'y'. This isn't a tag that can be easily explained or figured out and I enjoyed hearing her answer. If you want to know what the 'y' means then ask her. She's a wonderful person and if you don't already know her you'll soon find out just what makes her so special. She's one of the many many LTers that you won't regret making the acquaintance of!

One thing that I would like to see in LT tagging is to have a ready list of tags that I've already used pop up as I type....similar to what blogger has. I think that would save me a lot of time having to go back and edit for spelling and/or capitalization errors.

My top five tags are: Fiction (501), fantasy (274), To Be Read (243), Mystery (219), romance (159)

Not sure what that says about me...although I am glad (and yet a little frightened) that my TBR tag isn't number one....but the high number of it makes me think that I should go on my book ban for longer than September! I'm a self admitted book addict though and I think the withdrawal pangs would be too great if I went for longer than a few months without buying a new book. I also love all sorts of books. Fiction, Fantasy and Mystery. I enjoy a good story. As for Romance....well that doesn't necessarily mean bodice ripper. I'm a romantic and any book with a good love story (ie Pride and Prejudice) will get this tag.

Alphabetical Listing of Titles

An alphabetical listing of all the authors/books that I have read since starting my blog. Any books listed without a hyperlink attached are books that I have read but haven't reviewed yet.

Numbers

• The 6th Target (Womens Murder Club, Book 6) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
• The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff
• 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
• 100 Years of Ermintrude by Tom Evans

A

• The Abbess of Crewe by Muriel Spark
• The ABC's of Kissing Boys by Tina Ferraro
• Academ's Fury (Codex Alera, Book 2) by Jim Butcher
• The Accidental Demon Slayer (Accidental Demon Slayer, Book 1) by Angie Fox
• Across the Universe (Godspeed, Book 1) by Beth Revis
• Admit One: A Journey into Film by Emmett James
• The Adventures of the Princess and Mr Whiffle: The Thing Beneath the Bed by Patrick Rothfuss
• Against the Wall by Julie Prestsater
• After the Funeral (A Poirot Mystery) by Agatha Christie
• Alexis by Alexis Singer
• Alive and Well in Prague, New York by Daphne Grab
• All About Love (Cynsters, Book 6) by Stephanie Laurens
• All He Ever Desired (Kowalski Family, Book 5) by Shannon Stacey
• All He Ever Needed (Kowalski Family, Book 4) by Shannon Stacey
• All Jacked Up (Rough Riders, Book 8) by Lorelei James
• All This Hell: U.S. Nurses Imprisoned by the Japanese by Evelyn M. Monahan and Rosemary Neidel-Greenlee
• All You Desire (Eternal Ones, Book 2) by Kirsten Miller
• The Amber Spyglass (His Dark Materials, Book 3) by Philip Pullman
• Among the Nameless Stars by Diana Peterfreund
• Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
• Angelfall (Penryn & the End of Days, Book 1)  by Susan Ee
• Any Man of Mine (Chinooks Hockey Team, Book 6) by Rachel Gibson
• Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
• Anne of Avonlea (Green Gables, Book 2) by L.M. Montgomery
• Anne of Green Gables (Green Gables, Book 1) by L.M. Montgomery
• Another Faust by Daniel and Dina Nayeri
• Any Given Doomsday by Lori Handeland
• As a Friend by Forrest Gander
• The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl by Barry Lyga
• Asunder (New Soul, Book 2) by Jodi Meadows
• At Grave's End (Night Huntress, Book 3) by Jeaniene Frost
• The Arrival by Shaun Tan
• Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber
• Auschwitz by Pascal Croci
• Austenland by Shannon Hale
• The Awakening (Vampire Diaries, Book 1) by L.J. Smith

B

• Backup by Jim Butcher
• The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 4) by Rick Riordan
• Beautiful Malice by Rebecca James
• Because of Low (Sea Breeze, Book 2) by Abbi Glines
• Because of You (Coming Home, Book 1) by Jessica Scott
• Beseiged (Outcast Chronicles, Book 1) by Rowena Cory Daniells
• Betrayed (House of Night, Book 2) by P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast
• Beautiful Lies (Ridley Jones, Book 1) by Lisa Unger
• Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
• The Big Love by Sarah Dunn
• Bite Me (Demon Underground, Book 1) by Parker Blue
• Bitten (Women of the Other World, Book 1) by Kelley Armstrong
• Bitter End by Jennifer Brown
• Blaze by Laurie Boyle Crompton
• Blink of an Eye by Ted Dekker
• Bliss by Lauren Myracle
• Blood Bound (Mercy Thompson, Book 2) by Patricia Briggs
• Blood Promise (Vampire Academy, Book 4) by Richelle Mead
• Blood Song (Lharmell, Book 1) by Rhiannon Hart
• Blue Moon (The Immortals, Book 2) by Alyson Noel
• Body Check (New York Blades, Book 1) by Deirdre Martin
• The Body Finder (The Body Finder, Book 1) by Kimberly Derting
• The Boleyn Inheritance (Tudor Series, Book 5) by Philippa Gregory
• Boneshaker (Clockwork Century, Book 1) by Cherie Priest
• Bone: Tall Tales by Jeff Smith and Tom Sniegoski
• The Book of Blood and Shadow by Robin Wasserman
• The Book of Names by Jill Gregory and Karen Tintori
• The Book Thief by Markus Zasuk
• The Book Without Words by Avi
• Born at Midnight (Shadow Falls, Book 1) by C. C. Hunter
• Branded as Trouble (Rough Riders, Book 6) by Lorelei James 
• Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote
• The Bride (Laird's Fiancees, Book 1) by Julie Garwood
• The Bride of Pendorric by Victoria Holt (Guest Post by Joanne Renaud)
• Breathe (Sea Breeze, Book 1) by Abbi Glines
• Breath of Angel (The Angelaeon Circle, Book 1) by Karyn Healy
• Brightly Woven by Alexandra Braken
• Burn Bright (Night Creatures, Book 1) by Marianne de Pierres 
• Burning Bright by Tracy Chevalier
• By the Time You Read This I'll Be Dead by Julie Anne Peters

C

• Candide by Voltaire
• Candor by Pam Bachorz
• Captain's Fury (Codex Alera, Book 4) by Jim Butcher
• Carpe Diem by Autumn Cornwell
• Carter Finally Gets It (Will Carter, Book 1) by Brent Crawford
• Castle Waiting Vol. 1 by Linda Medley
• Castle Waiting Vol 2.  by Linda Medley
• Catching Fire (Hunger Games, Book 2) by Suzanne Collins
• Chain Reaction (Perfect Chemistry, Book 3 by Simone Elkeles (audio)
• Changes (Dresden Files, Book 12) by Jim Butcher
• Change of Heart by Shari Maurer
• The Chase (Fast Track, Book 4) by Erin McCarthy
• Chime by Franny Billingsley
• Chosen (House of Night, Book 3) by P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast
• The Christopher Killer (Forensic Mystery, Book 1) by Alane Ferguson
• Circle Nine by Anne Heltzel
• City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments, Book 2) by Cassandra Clare
• City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, Book 1) by Cassandra Clare
• The City of Ember (Ember, Book 1) by Jeanne DuPrau
• City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments, Book 3) by Cassandra Clare
• The City's Son (Skyscraper Throne, Book 1) by Tom Polluck
• Clarity (Clarity, Book 1) By Kim Harrington
• Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, Book 1) by Cassandra Clare
• Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices, Book 2) by Cassandra Clare
• Clone Codes by The Mckissacks
• Code Talkers: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two by Joseph Bruchac
• Coraline by Neil Gaiman
• The Concubine by Jade Lee
• Coulter's Woman by Maya Banks
• Cowgirl Up and Ride (Rough Riders, Book 3) by Lorelei James
• Cracked Up to Be by Courtney Summers
• The Cradle by Patrick Somerville
• Crazy on You (Lovett, Texas, Book 2) by Rachel Gibson
• Croak (Croak, Book 1) by Gina Damico
• Cross my Heart and Hope to Spy (Gallagher Girls, Book 2) by Ally Carter
• Cursor's Fury (Codex Alera, Book 3) by Jim Butcher
• Cut by Patricia McCormick

D

• Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
• Darcy's Story by Janet Alymer
• The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin by Josh Berk
• The Dark Enquiry (Lady Julia, Book 5) by Deanna Raybourn
• The Dark Goddess (Billi SanGreal, Book 2) by Sarwat Chadda
• The Dark and Hollow Places (Forest of Hands and Teeth, Book 3) by Carrie Ryan
• Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 1) by JR Ward
• Darkness, Be My Friend (Tomorrow Series, Book 4) by John Marsden
• The Dark Road to Darjeeling (Lady Julia, Book 4) by Deanna Raybourn
• Darkness Becomes Her (Gods & Monsters, Book 1) by Kelly Keaton
• Daughter of Smoke and Bone (Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Book 1) by Laini Taylor 
• Days of Blood and Starlight (Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Book 2) by Laini Taylor
• The Dead and Buried by Kim Harrington
• The Dead Girls Detective Agency by Suzy Cox
• The Dead of Night (Tomorrow Series, Book 2) by John Marsden
• Dead Tossed Waves (Forest of Hands and Teeth, Book 2) by Carrie Ryan
• Dead to You by Lisa McMann
• Deadly Cool (Deadly Cool, Book 1) by Gemma Halliday
• The Demon's Covenant (Demon's Lexicon, Book 2)  by Sarah Rees Brennan
• Demon Eyes (Witch Eyes, Book 2) by Scott Tracey
• The Demon King (Seven Realms, Book 1) by Cinda Williams Chima
• The Demon's Lexicon (Demon's Lexicon, Book 1) by Sarah Rees Brennan
• The Demon's Surrender (Demon's Lexicon, Book 3) by Sarah Rees Brennan
• Deathday Letter by Shaun David Hutchinson
• Death on the Nile (A Poirot Mystery) by Agatha Christie
• Demonglass (Hex Hall, Book 2) by Rachel Hawkins
• Destined for an Early Grave (Night Huntress, Book 4) by Jeaniene Frost - SPOILERS
• Devil's Bride (Cynsters, Book 1) by Stephanie Laurens
• Devil's Kiss (Billi SanGreal, Book 1) by Sarwat Chadda
• Devil in Winter (The Wallflowers, Book 3) by Lisa Kleypas
• The Disenchatments by Nina LaCour
• Disobedient Girl by Ru Freeeman
• The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart
• Divergent (Divergent, Book 1) by Veronica Roth
• Don't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala
• Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover (Gallagher Girls, Book 3) by Ally Carter
• Double Crossed (Gallagher Girls, Book 5.5 / Heist Society, Book 2.5) by Ally Carter
• Dreamers of the Day by Mary Doria Russell
• Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick

E

• Easy by Tamarra Webber
• Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn
• Elemental (Elemental, Book 0.5) by Brigid Kemmerer
• Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart (Love by Numbers, Book 3) by Sarah MacLean
• Enchanted Ivy by Sarah Beth Durst
• Enclave (Razorland, Book 1) by Ann Aguire
• Ender's Game (Ender Quartet, Book 1) by Orson Scott Card
• Endurance (Razorland, Book 1.5) by Ann Aguire
• Enthusiasm by Polly Shulman
• Entwined by Heather Dixon
• Eon (Eon, Book 1) by Allison Goodman
• The Eternal Ones (Eternal Ones, Book 1) by Kirsten Miller
• Evermore by Alyson Noel
• Everneath (Everneath, Book 1) by Brodi Ashton
• Exclusively Yours (Kowalski Family, Book 1) by Shannon Stacey
• The Exiled Queen (Seven Realms, Book 2) by Cinda Willams Chima
• The Explosionist by Jenny Davidson
• Eyes Like Stars (Theatre Illuminata, Act I) by Lisa Mantchev
• The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde

F

• Fablehaven (Fablehaven, Book 1) by Brandon Mull
• Fables Vol. 1: Legends in Exile by Bill Willingham
• A Faint Cold Fear (Grant County, Book 3) by Karin Slaughter
• Fair Play (New York Blades, Book 2) by Deirdre Martin
• Faith and Honor by Robin Maderich (Guest Post by BGale11)
• Fall For Anything by Courtney Summers
• The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal
• The Fault in Our Stars
• Farworld: Water Keep (Farworld, Book 1) by J Scott Savage
• The Fences Between Us by Kirby Larson
• Fingersmith by Sarah Waters
• Finnikin of the Rock (Lumatere Chronicles, Book 1) by Melina Marchetta 
• Fire by Kristen Cashore (The Seven Kingdoms, Book 2) (Audio)
• Fire Study (Study Series, Book 3) by Maria Snyder
• First Grave on the Right (Charley Davidson, Book 1) by Darynda Jones
• Flat-Out Sexy (Fast Track, Book 1) by Erin McCarthy 
• For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund
• The Forest of Hands and Teeth (Forest of Hands and Teeth, Book 1) by Carrie Ryan
• Forget You by Jennifer Echols
• Food, Girls and Other Things I Can't Have by Allen Zadoff
• Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet (Charley Davidson, Book 4) by Darynda Jones
• The Fray by Joss Wheadon
• French Milk by Lucy Knisley
• Froi of the Exiles (Lumatere Chronicles, Book 1) by Melina Marchetta
• From What I Remember by Stacey Kramer and Valerie Thomas
• Frostbite (Vampire Academy, Book 2) by Richelle Mead
• The Frozen Thames by Helen Humphreys
• Furies of Calderon (Codex Alera, Book 1) by Jim Butcher
• Fury (Fury, Book 1) by Elizabeth Miles
• Fury of the Phoenix (Kingdom of Xia, Book 1) by Cindy Pon
• The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

G

• A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice & Fire, Book 1) by George R.R. Martin
• The Gardener by S.A. Bodeen
• Genesis by Bernard Beckett
• The Girls by Lori Lansens
• The Girl in the Wall by Daphne Benedis-Grab
• A Girl Named Digit by Annabel Monaghan
• A Girl Named Mister by Nikki Grimes
• Girl, Stolen by April Henry
• The Goddess Hunt (Goddess Test, Book 1.5) by Aimee Carter
• Goddess Inheritance (Goddess Test, Book 3) by Aimee Carter
• Goddess Interrupted (Goddess Test, Book 2) by Aimee Carter
• Goddess Legacy (Goddess Test, Book 2.5) by Aimee Carter
• The Goddess Test (Goddess Test, Book 1) by Aimee Carter 
• Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols
• The Golden Compass (His Dark Materials, Book 1) by Philip Pullman
• Gossip Girl (Gossip Girl, Book 1) by Cecily von Ziegesar
• Goth Girl Rising by Barry Lyga
• Graceling (The Seven Kingdoms, Book 1) by Kristin Cashore
• Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley
• Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin, Book 1) by Robin LaFevers
• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
• The Grey Wolf Throne (Seven Realms, Book 3) by Cinda Williams Chima (audio)
• Griffen & Sabine (Griffen & Sabine Trilogy, Book 1) by Nick Bantock
• The Guardians by Ana Castillo
• The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
• Guilty Pleasures (Anita Blake, Book 1) by Laurel K. Hamilton

H

• Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress Series, Book 1) by Jeaniene Frost
• Hammered (Iron Druid, Book 1) by Kevin Hearne
• Harbinger by Sara Wilson Etienne
• Hard and Fast (Fast Track, Book 2) by Erin McCarthy
• Harper Madigan Junior High Private Eye by Chelsea Campbell
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
• Hate List by Jennifer Brown
• The Haunting of Apartment 101 (The Paranormalists, Book 1)  by Megan Atwood
• Haven by Kristi Cook
• Heartbreaker (Buchanan, Book 1) by Julie Garwood
• Hello, I Must Be Going by Christie Hodgen
• Heist Society (Heist Society, Book 1) by Ally Carter
• The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy
• Hexed (Iron Druid, Book 2) by Kevin Hearne
• Hex Hall (Hex Hall, Book 1) by Rachel Hawkins
• Hit and Run by Lurlene McDaniel
• Hold Still by Nina LaCour
• Honor's Splendour by Julie Garwood
• The Host by Stephenie Meyer
• Hot Finish (Fast Track, Book 3) by Erin McCarthy
• The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
• Hounded (Iron Druid, Book 1) by Kevin Hearne
• Hourglass (Hourglass, Book 1) by Myra McEntire
• How Beauty Met the Beast (Tales of the Underlight, Book 1) by Jax Garren
• How Beauty Saved the Beast (Tales of the Underlight, Book 2) by Jax Garren
• How to Dance with a Duke (Ugly Ducklings, Book 1) by Manda Collins
• How to Deceive a Duke by Lecia Cornwall
• How to Romance a Rake (Ugly Ducklings, Book 2) by Manda Collins
• How a Lady Weds a Rogue (Falcon Club, Book 3) by Katharine Ashe
• Howards End by E.M Forster
• How to (Un)Cage a Girl by Francesca Lia Block
• Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, Book 1) by Suzanne Collins
• Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
• Hysteria by Megan Miranda

I

• I Have Lived a Thousand Years by Livia Bitton-Jackson
• I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You (Gallagher Girls, Book 1) by Ally Carter
• Ice by Sarah Beth Durst
• If I Lie by Corrine Jackson
• If I Stay by Gayle Forman
• I Hunt Killers (I Hunt Killers, Book 1) by Barry Lyga 
• If You Stay (Beautifully Broken, Book 1) by Courtney Cole
• Illuminate (Gilded Wings, Book 1) by Aimee Agresti
• Imaginary Men by Anjali Banerjee
• The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
• Incarnate (New Soul, Book 1) by Jodi Meadows
• Indigo Blues by Danielle Joseph 
• In Honor by Jessi Kirby
• Ink Exchange (Wicked Lovely Universe, Book 2) by Melissa Marr
• Insurgent (Divergent, Book 2) by Veronica Roth
• Interred with Their Bones by Jennifer Lee Carrell
• Into the Wild by Sarah Beth Durst
• In the Name of God by Paula Jolin
• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Briand Selznick
• Invincible Summer by Hannah Moskowitz
• An Irish Christmas by Melody Carlson
• The Iron Daughter (Iron Fey, Book 2) by Julie Kagawa
• The Iron King (Iron Fey, Book 1) by Julie Kagawa
• The Iron Queen (Iron Fey, Book 3) by Julie Kagawa
• Iron Wyrm Affair (Bannon & Clare, Book 1) by Lilith Saintcrow
• Island Sting by Bonnie J Doer

J

• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
• The Journal of Curious Letters (13th Reality, Book 1) by James Dashner
• Just Like Heaven (Smythe-Smith, Book 1) by Julia Quinn

K

• Kami-Kaze #1 by Shiki Satoshi
• Kate, Remembered by A Scott Berg
• Kat, Incorrigible (The Unladylike Adventures of Kat Stephenson, Book 1) by Stephanie Burgis
• Katya's World (Russalka Chronicles, Book 1) by Jonathan L. Howard
• The Keepsake (Jane Rizzolo/Maura Isles Series, Book 7) by Tess Gerritsen
• Killer Cows by D.M. Anderson 
• Killjoy (Buchanan, Book 3) by Julie Garwood
• Kill Me Softly by Sarah Cross
• Kira, Kira by Cynthia Kadohata
• Kisscut (Grant County, Book 2) by Karin Slaughter
• Kiss of Night by Debbie Viguie

L

• The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry
• A Lady by Midnight (Spindle Cove, Book 3) by Tessa Dare
• La Petite Four by Regina Scott
• Last Night I Dreamed of Peace by Dang Thuy Tram
• The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 5) by Rick Riordan
• The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner
  Lean Mean Thirteen (Plum Series, Book 13) by Janet Evanovich
• The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1) by Rick Riordan
• The Line (The Line, Book 1) by Teri Hall
• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Chronicles of Naria, Book 1) by C.S. Lewis
• A Little Wanting Song by Cath Crowley
• Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott
• Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
• Long Hard Ride (Rough Riders, Book 1) by Lorelei James
• Losing Faith by Denise Jaden 
• Lost & Found by Shaun Tan
• Lost in Austen (A Choose Your Own Adventure Book) by Emma Campbell Webster
• The Lost Hero (The Heroes of Olympus, Book 1) by Rick Riordan
• The Lost Thing by Shaun Tan
• Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin
• Love & Leftovers by Sarah Tregay - SPOILERS
• Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 3) by JR Ward
• Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 6) by JR Ward
• Lover Eternal (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 2) by JR Ward
• Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 4) by JR Ward
• Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 5) by JR Ward
• Loving Will Shakespeare by Carolyn Meyer
• Lucky Charm (Lucky, Book 1) by Carly Phillips
• Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland

M

• Magic Study (Study Series, Book 2) by Maria V. Snyder
• Making His Mark by Jennah Scott
• The Man Who Loved Books Too Much by Allison Hoover Bartlett
• Marked (House of Night, Book 1) by P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast
• Matched (Matched, Book 1) by Ally Condie
• The Maze Runner (Maze Runner, Book 1) by James Dashner
• Me and Mr Darcy by Alexandra Potter
• Mercy (Buchanan, Book 2) by Julie Garwood
• Mia's Heart (Paradise Diaries, Book 2) by Courtney Cole
• A Million Suns (Godspeed, Book 2) by Beth Revis
• Mine Till Midnight (The Hathaways, Book 1) by Lisa Kleypas
• The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth
• The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney (spoilers)
• Mockingjay (Hunger Games, Book 3) by Suzanne Collins
• Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe
• Monument 14 (Monument 14, Book 1) by Emmy Laybourne
• Monster in My Closet (Monster Haven, Book 1) by R.L. Naquin
• Moon Called (Mercy Thompson, Book 1) by Patricia Briggs
• Moonstone (Unbidden Magic, Book 1) by Marilee Brothers
• Mothership (The Ever-Expanding Universe, Book 1) by Martin Leicht and Isla Neal
• The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (A Poirot Mystery) by Agatha Christie
• Murder List (Buchanan, Book 4) by Julie Garwood
• My Hands Came Away Red by Lisa McKay
• My Secret by Frank Warren
• My Sister Lives on the Mantlepiece by Annabel Pitcher
• Mystery Man (Dream Man, Book 1) by Kristen Ashley
• The Mysteries of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allensburg
• The Myth of You & Me by Leah Stewart

N

• The Name of the Star (Shades of London, Book 1) by Maureen Johnson
• The Name of the Wind (Kingkiller Chronicles, Book 1) by Patrick Rothfuss
• Neil Armstrong is My Uncle and Other Lies Muscle Man McGinty Told Me by Nan Marino
• The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab
• A Need So Beautiful (A Need So Beautiful Book 1) by Susan Young
• Never Enough by Denise Jaden
• Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
• Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
• The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
• A Night Like This (Smythe-Smith, Book 2) by Julia Quinn
• Nightspell (Mistwood, Book 2) by Leah Cypess
• A Night to Surrender (Spindle Cove, Book 1) by Tessa Dare
• Nightshade (Nightshade, Book 1) by Andrea Creamer
• Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake (Love by Numbers, Book 1) by Sarah MacLean

O

• On Dublin Street by Samantha Young
• Once a Princess by Johanna Lindsey
• Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough
• Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr
• Once Upon a Scandal (Scandal, Book 2) by Delilah Marvelle
• Once Upon a Winter's Night (Spindle Cove, Book 1.5) by Tessa Dare
• One Dance with a Duke (Stud Club, Book 1) by Tessa Dare
• One Foot in the Grave (Night Huntress, Book 2) by Jeaniene Frost
• One Good Earl Deserves Lover (Rule of Scoundrels, Book 2) by Sarah MacLean
• The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas by Ursula K Le Guin
• Only the Good Spy Young (Gallagher Girls, Book 4) by Ally Carter
• The Opposite of Hallelujah by Anna Jarzab
• The Other Guy by Cary Atwells
• The Other Queen (Tudor Series, Book 6) by Phillipa Gregory
• Out of Sight, Out of Time  (Gallagher Girls, Book 5) by Ally Carter 
• Outpost (Razorland, Book 2) by Ann Aguirre
• Owly, Volume 1 by Andy Runton
• Owly, Volume 2 by Andy Runton
• Owly, Volume 3 by Andy Runton
• Owly, Volume 4 by Andy Runton

P

• The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham
• Paranormalcy (Paranormalcy, Book 1) by Kiersten White (Audio)
• Partials (Partials, Book 1) by Dan Wells
• Partners in Crime (Sleuth or Dare, Book 1) by Kim Harrington
• Past Perfect by Leila Sales
• Pearl by Jo Knowles
• The Pearl Wars (Skyship Academy, Book 1) by Nick James
• Perception (Clarity, Book 2) by Kim Harrington
• Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
• Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi
• Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return by Marjane Satrapi
• Personal Demons (Personal Demons, Book 1) by Lisa Desrochers
• Persuasion by Jane Austen
• Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
• Pilgrims Don't Wear Pink by Stephanie Kate Strohm
• Pingo by Brandon Mull
• Plum Lovin' (Between the Numbers, Book 2) by Janet Evanovich
• Poets of World War II edited by Harvey Shapiro
• Poison Study (Study Series, Book 1) by Maria V. Snyder
• Prelude to a Scandal (Scandal, Book 1) by Delilah Marvelle
• Pretties (Uglies Trilogy, Book 1) by Scott Westerfeld
• Pretty Little Liars (Pretty Little Liars, Book 1) by Sara Shepard 
• Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
  
• Princeps Fury (Codex Alera, Book 5) by Jim Butcher
• Princess of Glass (Princess, Book 2) by Jessica Day George
• Princess of the Midnight Ball (Princess, Book 1) by Jessica Day George
• Princess of the Silver Woods (Princess, Book 3) by Jessica Day George
• The Prize by Julie Garwood
• Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson
• Prom & Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg
• PS, I Love You, by Celcelia Ahern
• Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Q

• The Queen's Vow by C.W. Gortner
• Quintana of Charyn (Lumatere Chronicles, Book 3) by Melina Marchetta

R

• Raising Kane (Rough Riders, Book 9) by Lorelei James
• A Rake's Vow (Cynsters, Book 2) by Stephanie Laurens
• Rampant by Diana Peterfreund
• Raven Boys (Raven Cycle, Book 1) by Maggie Stiefvater 
• Raw Blue by Kirsty Eager
• The Reading Group by Elizabeth Noble
• Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
• Red-Headed Stepchild (Sabina Kayne, Book 1) by Jaye Wells
• Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella
• The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff
• Rescue Me (Lovett, Texas, Book 3) by Rachel Gibson
• Rise and Fall of the Nazis by Claire Welch
• The Rise of Renegade X by Chelsea Campbell
• Rites of Spring (Break) (Ivy League, Book 3) by Diana Peterfreund
• Rode Hard, Put Up Wet (Rough Riders, Book 2) by Lorelei James
• A Rogue's Proposal (Cynsters, Book 4) by Stephanie Laurens
• The Romanov Prophecy by Steve Berry
• Room by Emma Donaghue
• Rosebush by Michelle Jaffe
• Rosie Dunne by Cecelia Ahern
• The Rossetti Letter by Christi Phillips
• A Rogue by Any Other Name (The Rules of Scoundrels, Book 1) 
• The Rook (The Checquy Files, Book 1) by Daniel O'Malley
• Rough, Raw and Ready (Rough Riders, Book 5) by Lorelei James
• Ruby Red (Ruby Red, Book 1) by Kerstin Gier
• Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles
• Rules of Deception by Christopher Reich
• A Russian Diary by Anna Politkovskaya

S

• Sabine's Notebook (Griffen & Sabine Trilogy, Book 2) by Nick Bantock
• Saint Training by Elizabeth Fixmer
• Salvaged by Stefne Miller
• The Sandman Vol 1: Preludes & Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman
• The Sandman Vol 2: The Doll's House by Neil Gaiman
• The Sandman Vol 3: Dream Country by Neil Gaiman
• Saving Grace by Julie Garwood
• Saving June by Hannah Harrington
• Scandal's Bride (Cynsters, Book 3) by Stephanie Laurens
• The Scent of Shadows (Zodiac, Book 1) by Vicki Pettersson
• The Scorch Trials (Maze Runner, Book 2) by James Dashner
• The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 2) by Rick Riordan
• Sean Griswold's Head by Lindsey Leavitt
• The Season by Sarah MacLean
• Second Grave to the Left (Charley Davidson, Book 2) by Darynda Jones
• A Secret Love (Cynsters, Book 5) by Stephanie Laurens
• Secrets of a Summer Night (The Wallflowers, Book 1) by Lisa Kleypas
• Secret Society Girl (Ivy League, Book 1) by Diana Peterfreund
• The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard
• Seducing Cinderella by Gina Maxwell
• Seduce Me at Sunrise (The Hathaways, Book 2) by Lisa Kleypas
• Send Me a Sign by Tiffany Schmidt
• Sephardi Entrepreneurs in Jerusalem: The Valero Family 1800-1948 by Joesph B Glass and Ruth Kark
• Shades of Atlantis by Carol Oates
• Shadowcry (Wintercraft, Book 1) by Jenna Burtenshaw
• Shadow Hills (Shadow Hills, Book 1) by Anastasia Hopcus
• Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, Book 3) by Richelle Mead
• Shadowland (The Mediator, Book 1) by Meg Cabot
• Shadows on the Moon by Zoe Mariott
• The Shadow Within by Jenine Wilson
• The Shape of Mercy by Susan Messiner
• The Sharp Time by Mary O'Connell
• Shiver (Wolves of Mercy Falls, Book 1) by Maggie Stiefvater
• Shoulda Been a Cowboy (Rough Riders, Book 7) by Lorelei James
• Silent in the Grave (Lady Julia, Book 1) by Deanna Raybourn
• Silent in the Sanctuary (Lady Julia, Book 2) by Deanna Raybourn
• Silent 0n the Moor (Lady Julia, Book 3) by Deanna Raybourn
• Silver Phoenix (Kingdom of Xia, Book 1) by Cindy Pon
• Siren (Siren, Book 1) by Tricia Rayburn
• The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
• Sleepless by Cyn Balog
• Sleepwalking Land by Mia Couto
• Slept Away by Julie Kraut
• Slow Hands by Leslie Kelly
• Slow Ride (Rough Riders, Book 8a) by Lorelei James
• Small Favor (Dresden Files, Book 10) by Jim Butcher
• Small Town Sinners by Melissa Walker
• Smart Girls Get What They Want by Sarah Strohmeyer
• Social Suicide (Deadly Cool, Book 2) by Gemma Halliday
• Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers (Teaser Review)
• Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers (full review)
• Something From the Nightside (Nightside, Book 1) by Simon R. Green
• Something Like Normal by Trish Doller
• Song of the Red Cloak by Chantel Acebedo
• Songs for the Missing by Stewart O'Nan
• Soulless (The Parasol Protectorate, Book 1) by Gail Carriger
• Specials (Uglies Trilogy, Book 1) by Scott Westerfeld
• Spell Bound (Hex Hall, Book 3) by Rachel Hawkins
• Spider's Bite (Elemental Assassin, Book 1) by Jennifer Estep
• The Splendor of Silence by Indu Sundaresan
• Split by Swati Avasthi
• Spookygirl: Paranormal Investigator by Jill Baguchinsky
• A Spy in the House (The Agency, Book 1) by Y.S. Lee
• Stardust by Neil Gaiman
• The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
• Stay by Deb Caletti
• Stolen by Lucy Christopher
• The Strain (The Strain Trilogy, Book 1) by Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan
• Stormdancer (Lotus Wars, Book 1) by Jay Kristoff
• Strong Silent Type (Rough Riders, Book 6a) by Lorelei James 
• A Study in Scarlet (Sherlock Holmes, Book 1) by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• The Subtle Knife (His Dark Materials, Book 2) by Philip Pullman
• Sucks to be Me: The All-True Confessions of Mina Hamilton, Teen Vampire (Maybe) by Kimberly Pauley
• Sugar Rush by Rachel Astor
• The Summoning (Darkest Powers, Book 1) by Kelley Armstrong
• Supernaturally (Paranormalcy, Book 2) by Kiersten White
• Swept Away By a Kiss (Rogues of the Sea, Book 1) by Katharine Ashe
• Switched (Trylle, Book 1) by Amanda Hocking

T

• Taking Chances by Molly McAdams
• Taming Her Irish Warrior (MacEgan Brothers, Book 5) by Michelle Willingham
• Tap & Gown (Ivy League, Book 4) by Diana Peterfreund
• Team Human by Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan
• Tempted by Twilight (The Hathaways, Book 3) by Lisa Kleypas
• Tension of Opposites by Kristina McBride
• Ten Things I Love About You (Bevelstoke, Book 3) by Julia Quinn
• Ten Things We Did (and Probably Shouldn't Have) by Sarah Mlynowski
• Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord (Love by Numbers, Book 2) by Sarah MacLean
• Thief (Brook Street, Book 1) by Ava March
• The Third Day, The Frost (Tomorrow Series, Book 3) by John Marsden
• Third Grave Dead Ahead (Charley Davidson, Book 3) by Darynda Jones
• The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
• This Dark Endeavor (The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein, Book 1) by Kenneth Oppel
• This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers
• Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin
• A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
• Things I Know About Love by Kate Le Vann
• Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
• Tied Up and Tied Down (Rough Riders, Book 4) by Lorelei James
• Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone
• Timepiece (Hourglass, Book 2) by Myra McEntire
• The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 3) by Rick Riordan
• Tithe (Modern Tale of Faerie, Book 1) by Holly Black
• Tomorrow, When the War Began (Tomorrow Series, Book 1) by John Marsden
• Top 8 (Top 8, Book 1) by Katie Finn
• A Touch Mortal (A Touch Mortal, Book 1) by Leah Clifford
• The Translator by Daoud Hari
• Trapped by Michael Northrop
• Triptych (Trent Series, Book 1) by Karin Slaughter
• True Believer by Nicholas Sparks
• The Truth of the Matter (The Homelanders, Book 3) by Andrew Klavan
• Try Me (Demon Underground, Book 2) by Parker Blue
• Turn Coat (Dresden Files, Book 11) by Jim Butcher
• Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
• Twice Tempted by a Rogue (Stud Club, Book 2) by Tessa Dare
• Twilight (Twilight Series, Book 1) by Stephenie Meyer
• Two Moon Princess by  Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban

U

• Uglies (Uglies Trilogy, Book 1) by Scott Westerfeld
• Uncommon Criminals (Heist Society, Book 2) by Ally Carter
• Undercover Professor by December Gephart
• Under the Rose by Diana Peterfreund
• Undeniably Yours (Kowalski Family, Book 2) by Shannon Stacey
• Undiscovered Gyrl by Allison Burnett
• Unearthly (Unearthly, Book 1) by Cynthia Hand
• Unnatural (Archangel Academy, Book 1) by Michael Griffo 
• Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris
• Unspoken (Lynburn Legacy, Book 1) by Sarah Rees Brennan
• Untamed (House of Night, Book 4) by P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast
• The Unusual Mind of Vincent Shadow by Tim Kehoe
• The UnWanteds (The UnWanteds, Book 1) by Lisa McMann
• The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott

V

• Vale of Tears by Paulette Poujol Oriol
• Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, Book 1) by Richelle Mead
• Variant (Variant, Book 1) by Robison Wells
• Vesper (Deviants, Book 1) by Jeff Sampson
• Victoria Rebels by Carolyn Meyer
• Violet Wings by Victoria Hanley
• V is for Vendetta by Alan Moore and David Lloyd

W

• Waterfall (River of Time, Book 1) by Lisa T. Bergren
• Water Keep (Farworld, Book 1) by J Scott Savage
• The Way of the Shadows (Night Angel Trilogy, Book 1) by Brent Weeks
• The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt
• A Week to be Wicked (Spindle Cove, Book 2) by Tessa Dare
• Welcome to the Jungle (Graphic Novel set in the Dresden-verse) by Jim Butcher
• What Happened to Cass McBride? by Gail Giles
• What Happens in London (Bevelstoke, Book 3) by Julia Quinn
• When it Happens by Susane Colasanti
• What's Left of Me (Hybrid Chronicles, Book 1) by Kat Zhang
• When She Woke by Hillary Jordan
• White Cat (Curse Workers, Book 1) by Holly Black
• Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely Universe, Book 1) by Melissa Marr
• Willow by Julia Hoban
• Winkie by Clifford Chase
• Winter's Passage (Iron Fey, Book 1.5) by Julie Kagawa
• Wisdom's Kiss by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
• Witch Eyes (Witch Eyes, Book 1) by Scott Tracey
• Wither (Chemical Garden, Book 1) by Lauren DeStefano
• Without Looking Back by Tabitha Suzuma
• Wizard's First Rule (Sword of Truth, Book 1) by Terry Goodkind
• Wizard's Hall by Jane Yolen
• A World Without Heroes (Beyonders, Book 1) by Brandon Mull
• The Word Made Flesh: Literary Tattoos from Bookworms Worldwide by Eva Talmadge and Justin Taylor
• The Wordy Shipmates by Susan Vowell

X

Y

• You by Charles Benoit
• Yours to Keep (Kowalski Family, Book 3) by Shannon Stacey

Z