Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Topics That Make Me Grab a Book

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and The Bookish

I’ve got to be honest, I am a cover shopper. Period. It has to be something about the cover for me to consider picking it up in a book store or library, but there are always topics I am searching for as well.

I usually love to find books that deal with something I teach so I can help my students (1) connect beyond the classroom and (2) pick up a book for fun.

With that said, I also just love to read and learn myself. The list below comprises mostly of what I love to read, which is what leads me to grab a book off the shelf in the first place.

My list below is in no particular order, other than my thinking about the topic.

Enjoy!

1.    Witches and Magic

I love a good witchy tale, and I am always on the lookout for children/tween/YA reads on this subject. I especially love witchy series novels, and I have discovered a few witchy mysteries, which I love. Also titles with magic—I’m going to pick it up. Even if I don’t purchase/check it out, I am still going to check out the novel. Especially anything dealing with the Salem Witch Trials. I love reading about them.

2.    Cupcakes

I blame Lisa Schroeder for this. Because of her novel ‘It’s Raining Cupcakes,’ I now find myself reading other novels related to cupcakes. My favorite right now is ‘The Cupcake Diaries,’ which is such a great series of friendship and growing up. And of course, cupcakes.

3.    Friendship

This is something I am always looking for in tween novels. While I teach high schoolers, I find that it is important to remember where they are coming from, not just where they are now. So, I love reading tween friendship novels that discuss the trials and tribulations of growing up and holding on to friendships. Lauren Myracle’s ‘Winnie series’ is great for this.

4.    Supernatural

So, since I love all things witchy, I am sure this is no surprise. I love a good supernatural tale. Series are big since studies have shown that younger readers prefer them, so I have recently found myself a lot of great supernatural series reads.

5.    Dystopian

With ‘The Hunger Games’ helping this topic take off, you can imagine how much a love a great dystopian tale. I know this is not really a “topic,” but there are so many elements covered under dystopia, and I love seeing this grow.

6.    Fallen Angels

I know this goes under supernatural, but I am putting it separately. I love a good fallen angel tale, and I am always willing to pick up a book that deals with the topic.

7.    Shakespeare

Some students find him unreadable—for a plethora of reasons. I am aways looking for novels to bring him into the classroom in an approachable way. I’ve even found a pop-up book I use when I introduce him to my kids.

I have taught Hamlet for twelve years, and I love to find all of the “takes” on it. I have read several, and at the play’s conclusion, I always reference these novels and the take the authors have on what happened within the plot. I love it because there are so many unanswered questions that allow students to critically think about the text as well as discuss, and I love finding novels to tie to it.

8.    Elizabethan England

I love historical fiction, especially novels dealing with this time period. I am always looking for something new and intriguing to read, so I would love suggestions if you have any.

9.    Marilyn Monroe

I collect Monroe biographies, so any book about her is going to get picked up by me. I don’t always buy them. I usually check them out of the library to see if they are worth my time.

10. Social Issues

Rape, suicide, anything ethically questionable. It’s one of the reasons I love Jodi Picoult. She seems to have the pulse on society and what we should discuss versus what we are discussing. I especially love YA novels that tie social issues into their plots. It’s a great discussion with my students, for those who love to read.

So…that’s my list. What’s on yours?

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Books I Thought I’d like MORE/LESS Than I Did

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and The Bookish

Today I am going with books I enjoyed more than I was expecting. This was a bit more difficult that I originally thought because I could have kept going. But, I've narrowed it down, and I’ve arranged my list alphabetical by author.

Enjoy!

1.    ‘Zombies vs. Unicorns’ (Black)

I am always looking for an excuse to include this book in anything—and everything. I love it so much. When I bought it, I only did so because the cover was amazing as was the title. I did not think I would love the concept and the book as much as I did, but now I always recommend it to anyone who will listen.

2.    ‘Evolution, Me & Other Freaks of Nature’ (Brande)

This book. Oh man. I did it as an audio and I was not prepared. I thought it would be an okay listen during my drive to and from work. I was not prepared for the message the novel sends—and it’s a powerful one. I loved it from start to finish. So did my husband. This would be great for anyone who teaches biology.

3.    ‘The Other Countess’ (Edwards)

I love historical fiction. A lot. I especially love Elizabethan historical fiction. When I purchased this novel, I thought it would be an okay novel to tie into my ‘Hamlet’ unit. Instead, I found myself caught up in a wonderful story, and I loved it from start to finish. I enjoyed the sequel as well.

4.    ‘The Virgin Suicides’ (Eugenides)

I watched the movie and loved it and did not realize it was also a book. One day while browsing for a different book, I came across it. I purchased it to read because I enjoyed the movie so much, but then when I saw the author I was weary because I usually do not enjoy his style. I was prepared for a real letdown. It did not come. As a matter of fact, I think I loved the book more than the movie.

5.    ‘The Name of the Star’ (Johnson)

I am fascinated by Jack the Ripper, but a YA novel dealing with modern times? Hmmm…On the other hand, it is Maureen Johnson, so I should have been prepared for the epicness of this book. I was not. I really thought I would like it and that it would be interesting to read, but I fell in love with this book. The sequel is epic too.

6.    ‘Jane’ (Lindner)

I am always looking for ways to bring YA into my classroom. When I saw this on the shelf, I knew I had to read it because ‘Jane Eyre’ is taught to our freshmen, and that book usually has mixed reviews. I wasn’t too sure how well Lindner would handle modernizing the tale, but I was pleasantly surprised. Now when I talk my juniors about ‘Jane Eyre’ I always bring this up. I usually have someone leave the classroom with it in her hands.

7.    ‘Anna and the French Kiss’ (Perkins)

Okay, Okay. I was late to the “We love Stephanie Perkins” party. I usually don’t like reading books like this too often. It gives me a false sense of self and my own teen years (which are many, many, many years past). But I was wrong about this. I bought it to see what all the hype was about. I found out, and I fell in love with this novel. I’m not 100% sure I would have given it a chance had I not heard her speak at the Decatur Book Festival, but I am glad I brought her into my life. Her books always leave in someone’s hands when I speak about them. Always.

8.    ‘Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children’ (Ransom)

This book. Are there any words? I bought it after reading a bit about it, and all I could think was, “This is a book with a lot of pictures. Surely it’s not going to be that good?!” Oh man was I wrong. This is the most creative, interesting YA novel I have ever read. And I stand by that all the time. The concept. The execution. I did not think I would love this book, but I did.

9.    ‘Divergent’ (Roth)

After ‘Hunger Games’ series ended, there was a hole in my heart. I thought this would be a HG wannabe series, but I was wrong. As a matter of fact, I enjoyed it more than the HG. So did my husband. Roth had me from the first chapter until the end. I was really surprised by how much I—and my husband—loved this book.

10. ‘Daughter of Smoke & Bone’ (Taylor)

I should have known I would love this book, but I wasn’t too sure. After all, sometimes I will have expectations of a book and am let down. That did not happen with this. This series is one of the most original I have ever read. I love it. I love it. I love it. I have been doing them by audio, and that might make a slight difference for me because sometimes the reader sells the book, but I think even just in print I would be in love.

So…that’s my list. What’s on yours?

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

Top Ten Tuesday: My Top 10 Dystopian Reads

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and The Bookish

I have only participated in a few of these, so I am going to make my own Top Ten for this week and hope that it is a topic that has appeared in the past.

I am going with dystopia. It’s hot right now in YA—and seems to continue to gain steam, more so than the vampire trend. I am curious to see what will come of it because these novels open a lot of ideas of conversation that need to happen with today’s youth.

You may notice that ‘The Hunger Games’ is missing, but it is not because it doesn’t make my list. I heart Katniss. It’s because it is an absolute given. So, here are my ten dystopian reads beyond ‘THG.' 

Enjoy!

1.    ‘Enclave’ series (A. Aguirre)

I did this novel and its sequel as an audio-swoon. Loved it! What happens when society moves underground to protect itself from “the freaks?” And what exactly are the freaks? Welcome to Deuce’s world, one full of honor and survival. This Huntress has properly trained to help her people survive, but what happens when protecting those she loves leads to a moment that changes her life forever? What really happens above ground—and how can society continue with the status quo?

2.    ‘Eve’ series (A. Carey)

Love, love, love this series. I invested in Eve the moment she appeared on the page, and I am curious to see where the author leads her character. Her name is a metaphor for a greater good, and when she discovers the truth of her upbringing, her entire world is turned upside down and she flees. What happens when she flees—and how does society move forward after suffering such disease?

3.    ‘The Way We Fall’ series (M. Crewe)

I read this novel and cringed because it is so topical—and it is the most realistic of all the dystopian reads. The plot moves fast, and so did my heart. Disease and dwindling supplies? Check. The downfall of what happens in a town when disease and dwindling supplies hits? Check. Enjoyed Kaelyn as a character, and I cannot wait to continue with this series.

4.    ‘Wither’ series (L. DeStefano)

If you have not discovered the awesomeness that is this series, you need to ASAP. All three novels make the heart pump. Absolutely loved Rhine as a character, and her journey is a harrowing one. Kidnapping, forced marriage, medical tests, etc. And while her father-in-law gives President Snow a run for his money, her husband Linden is more than he appears.

5.    ‘Awaken’ series (K. Kacvinsky)

This novel. Guys…my high school juniors are already living this life (up to a point). Imagine not having to ever leave your home because everything is virtual—your entire life. After a series of mass attacks on public school, Maddie’s father creates virtual school. But as all utopian ideas/societies experience in these novels, there is a revolution coming. How does Maddie fit into it, and does she want to live a life behind a screen or with human contact?

6.    ‘Delirium’ series (L. Oliver)

Love as a virus that needs to be eradicated? Yes, please! No, I’m kidding…but for any teenager who has been in the middle of heartache, it sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? I did this as an audio and loved every moment of it—the storytelling, the reader, the characters, the plot, etc.

7.    ‘Life As We Knew It’ series (S.B. Pfeffer)

This is one I hand off to a lot of my students because it is an interesting idea: what would happen if a meteor knocked the moon closer to Earth? Well…read this three-book series and find out. It is interesting to see how fast society breaks down. This novel follows two characters, one in one novel, one in the second, and the two meet in the third. Clever Pfeffer. Clever.

8.    ‘Divergent’ series (V. Roth)

Do I need to justify the awesomeness of this series that is on my list?! I mean, I think I enjoy this series more than ‘The Hunger Games.’ But one advantage that ‘THG’ has over this is that the series is shorter and faster-paced. Here, Roth makes us work for it as readers—and I love it. Team Tris all the way! I want to be as badass as her character.

9.    ‘The Forsaken’ (L. Stasse)

I bought this book because of the book cover, and I wasn’t too sure if I would like it. Let me tell you, I couldn’t put it down. Loved Alenna as a character, and if you teach ‘Lord of the Flies,’ you should pair it with passages from this dystopian tale. Civil War between children? Yikes! But man did I love reading this novel.

10. ‘Partials’ (D. Wells)

I had this as an ARC, and I had my husband read it first because it seemed a little too sci-fi for me. He loved it and said I would too—and he was right. I did, in fact, enjoy this tale. Enjoyed Kira as a character, and I enjoyed the nice twist within the plot. I like it when authors surprise me, especially in dystopia, and Wells did.

So…that’s my list. What’s on yours?

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Favorite Books Before I Became a Blogger

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and The Bookish

I started blogging about books a few years ago at the suggestion of my husband. We were driving home from the Decatur Book Festival in Decatur, GA and he said, “You know, you love talking about the books you’re reading and love so much, you should blog about it.” Good man he is.

Before this, I cataloged my reads in Shelfari. I often used it to challenge myself. Now that I blog, I feel like I read less than before, but that’s mainly due to my work load. My kids are demanding, and they come first.

Either way, here are my top ten favorite books before I was a blogger in alphabetical order.

Enjoy!

1.    ‘Thirteen Reasons Why’ by Jay Asher

Still one of the most read books by my students. I did this as an audio and it was amazing. Nothing like hearing Hannah Baker from the grave on audio. It adds to the overall affect of the storytelling.

2.    Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare

I originally picked up ‘City of Bones’ when a student said, “Ms. Hodgens, you have got to read this book.” I did and I was hooked. I drove all the way to Decatur, GA just to meet Cassandra Clare.

3.    ‘The Hunger Games’ by Suzanne Collins

It was a student who turned me on to this book. She said, “You’ve got to read this!” I did and was hooked. So was my husband.

4.    ‘Deadline’ by Chris Crutcher

If you have not read this, you need to ASAP. ‘Fault in Our Stars’ has the same feel as this novel. Just make sure you have a box of tissues. Powerful message, and a great discussion piece with teenagers.

5.    ‘The Lonely Hearts Club’ by Elizabeth Eulberg

From the moment I opened this book to the moment I closed it, I loved every single word. Seriously a huge fan of Eulberg. It’s as if she can see into my “girlfriend” soul. I really want to be her BFF.

6.    ‘Hex Hall’ by Rachel Hawkins

If you’ve read this novel, you know why it’s on my list. Clever. Witchy. And the dialogue, oh my! So full of win.

7.    ‘The Minister’s Daughter’ by Julie Hearn

Teen historical fiction at its best. I always discuss this novel when I teach ‘The Crucible’ because this novel deals with the Puritan’s belief in fairies and how that affected many elements of their faith, which is often left out of textbooks.

8.    ‘Bras and Broomsticks’ by Sarah Mylnowski

Such a fun, fun, fun read. Witchy, funny. Even my husband enjoyed the audio of this book. I’m always looking for a good witchy read, and this series definitely fits the bill.

9.    ‘Harry Potter’ by JK Rowling

Who does not love this series? It is my all time favorite series – it is so full of rich language, mythological allusions, political messages, etc. I love it.

10. ‘The Candy Apple’ books

Various authors, but these tween reads are amazing. They are all about being true to one’s self while growing up in middle school, dealing with wholesome issues that make me want to be in middle school again. I recommend these to all tween readers because they are so fun.

So…that’s my list. What’s on yours?

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator