Jane by April Lindner

"Every so often, a lightning flash would reveal us to each other, and the expression on his face - so rapt, so helpless, so utterly mine - was the most beautiful thing I ever expected to see in my life."  p.212

Jane
by April Lindner
copyright: 2010
publisher:  Poppy an imprint of Little,Brown and Company
format: hardcover
pages: 365
source: Library

Inside Jacket Description: Forced to drop out of an esteemed East Coast college after the sudden death of her parents, Jane Moore takes a nanny job at Thornfield Park, the estate of Nico Rathburn, an iconic rock star on the brink of a huge comeback. Practical and independent, Jane reluctantly becomes entranced by her magnetic and brooding employer, and finds herself in the midst of a forbidden romance. But there's a mystery at Thornfield, and Jane's much-envied relationship with Nico is tested by a torturous secret from his past.  Torn between her feelings for Nico and his fateful secret, Jane must decide:  Does being true to herself mean giving up on true love?

First Sentence:
The chairs in the lobby of Discriminating Nannies, Inc., were less comfortable than they looked.

My Thoughts:  I must first disclose; I love Jane Eyre.  It is one of my all time favorites.  Matter of fact, as much as I love Pride & Prejudice, I love Jane Eyre more.  I have read a few Pride & Prejudice spin-offs and while I liked several of these none surpassed my like for the original story itself. Therefore, I was little concerned that I may have the same feeling for Jane.

I have heard good things about Jane, but honestly, I was not sure what to expect. I was concerned that it would dumb down version of Jane Eyre. I must tell, I truly believe that this book - Jane - did justice to Jane Eyre.  I loved this retelling; it stayed true to Jane Eyre. What is more, Jane brought back all my intense thoughts and feelings that I have for Jane Eyre.  It felt like I was re-reading the story only it was modernized.  To top that off, the modernization was fabulously written as it captured the sense, wonder and importance of Jane Eyre.

I will admit, I was unsure how I felt about the trajectory Jane took as it followed Jane Eyre precisely, save for the modern setting and details such as  Mr Rochester’s progression and Jane’s background. Now that I am done reading Jane, I can tell you that I am 100% okay with this re-telling because while the trajectory of the story and personality traits stay the same, the modern originality flows seamlessly into the story and truly fits.  It really works and works on a level of utter and complete satisfaction.  Interestingly, with this book - Jane - I was far more interested in Jane’s life during the period that she lived with the St. Johns. Much more interested than I was while reading Jane Eyre.  While this book will never overtake Jane Eyre in my heart and mind, it does fill a spot close. 

 
I truly believe,  April Lindner has paid a high compliment to Charlotte Bronte through her writing of this beautiful modernization of Jane Eyre.

Bottom Line:  This is one fabulous modernization of Jane Eyre. I was wowed!  If you love Jane Eyre, I do not think you will be disappointed with Jane.  If you had a hard time getting into Jane Eyre then I think you should give Jane a read; the modernization may help you fall in love with this fabulous story.

You Should Know:  This book is shelved in the teen section of my lending library. There is more sexual tension and detail in this retelling than in the original and for that, I hesitate to put this book into my teenage girls hands. Besides, I waiver between them reading this version before reading the original – the one that Charlotte Bronte penned.

What Are Your Thoughts?  Should a person read the original story before reading a re-telling?

Books from the vault

On Tuesday,  The Broke and the Bookish  asked about the top 10 books we loved but never reviewed.  Yes, I am a day late with this post, but it is a perfect question for me this week so I am not going to let it slide away.  I have several books that I loved but for some reason never reviewed, and a couple of them have made their way onto my Favorite Books from Last Year - 2010 and some more post.

1. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
This was one fantastic book that completely held my attention as I entered the dystopian world – The Republic of Gilead and specifically into the world of Offred – the woman whose point of view this story is told.   I could not get enough of this story and devoured every word on every page. I loved this book yet I could not review it.  I could not write a post well enough to give this book the justice it deserved. Themes abound were found within these pages - depth of writing most certainly was there.  This is definitely a book that I would want my children to read at some point in their lives. Why? Mostly because of it depicts how society can gradually give up their freedoms – little by little without even being fully aware – and then wham, no freedoms left. While there are certainly many more themes within these pages – deep and important themes – this one, the taking away of rights – of freedoms – which led to the subjugation of women is the one that left the biggest imprint upon my mind.

2. Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay
This is one of my favorite books read this year. Guy Gavriel Kay knows how to weave amazing fantasy with historical undertones. He  is an amazingly unique storyteller and Tigana is no exception to his writing talent. Matter of fact, as to date, Tigana would be my favorite G.G.K. book.   The writing is beyond superb. The story has a pace of its own which lured me in and kept me; a drug of sorts that I yearned for every day.  I loved the characters, and I loved how the focus from one group of characters switch to another group of characters from section to section of the book.  There were villains; undeniable and I did not like. Then there was a villain for whom I could not help to like; I felt for him.  There were heroes; undeniable, and with many layers.  That really was the great thing about this story; the depth for which it was told - the layers that were peeled away chapter by chapter.  This was an incredibly damn good fantasy read.   You really have to experience this one yourself.

3. The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck
This book I read several years ago, I think in 2008, but I do not find a review for it on my blog. This book is on my MUST READ list for my children. From what I remember, the writing was smooth and effortlessly drew me into the story. I remember caring about the characters and the world for which they were living; much different from my own. I found this to be an important book full of layers and important themes.  Yes, this is an important read that was incredibly entertaining while delivering harsh reality that was felt by many of the times. I remember being glued to the pages, turning one right after the other; I could not get enough of this story. A MUST READ.

4. Cry, The Beloved Country by Alan Paton
Okay. I admit. I did review this book on my blog, but it was before I was much into the book blogging world.  And, because this book is also on my MUST READ list, I need to point it out to all those who now read my blog. It is a difficult read; the writing flow is none like I read before or since. It took a while to adjust to that flow, but once I did, oh wow! what a story. A story of social injustice, racial tensions, lack of education, deep love for God. It left me thinking deeply about values and kindness within our world.  Please check out my review, but if you do, remember it was written in 2008.

5. The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami
I did write about the first section of this book for a read along, but I never did give my final impressions on the book. Murakami is an unique writer. He tells stories that seem to be about nothing much yet they are full of meaning.  He writes stories with strange and unique characters who tend to go through life without much seemingly purpose. I found both of those Murakami traits to be within the pages of this book. And, let me tell you, it works in a fabulous and intriguing way.  The writing is simply great, and the story flows beautifully.  This book is really a unique and fabulous read.  Intriguing.
If you are curious, here are my thoughts on book one of this story.

6.  The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker
by Leanna Renee Hieber
This is a fabulously fun book. I loved it. I loved everything about it. It is a  Victorian gothic paranormal story with a touch of romance which is probably the best way to describe. It has ghosts, prophecy, and supernatural talents which are all delivered in an eerie yet not spooky sort of way. Romance is embedded within these pages, but not terribly and added to the intrigue of Percy Parker.  Yep, I really, really liked this story a whole lot; held my interest plus I loved the flow and feel of the story. The feel of the story  slightly reminds me of the The Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger.  .  I will definitely be reading the next book in this series – The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker.

7.  One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
This is one fabulous life-touching book. It spoke to me directly and indirectly. Through reading this book, I gained a greater appreciation for loving God and for purposeful finding things throughout my day to be grateful.  Being grateful is a huge soul effecting practice, and being purposeful about it on a daily level  really can help re-direct your focus from one of drowning in life to one of celebrating life.  Does this book sound boring? If it does to you, then you really must read this book because Voskamp’s writing  is far from boring. She tells stories of life in a down-to-earth entertaining style that provokes much thought.  A powerful book.          

8. Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham
Yet another book that I briefly reviewed back in 2008, which really, I consider my pre-book blogging days. Besides, this book is one awesome book that should not be missed. It is on my list of MUST READS even though it is a children’s book. Being a children’s book is good, this means that most of my children have already read it via a family read aloud. I love this book.  It is an exciting, interesting and inspiring true story based on Nathaniel Bowditch who grew up in Salem, MA just after the Revolution war. He grew up in a poor family that lead him to serving an indentureship. Regardless, he did not let his life lead down a path of misery as he new education was important to his future. This served him well as he later became a ship's navigator and authored The American Practical Navigator. Nathaniel Bowditch lead a hard life but had much determination, perseverance and character. He achieved against many odds.

I look forward to pulling this book back off of our shelves when GD is a few years older for another family read aloud.

9. The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White
This is my favorite E.B. White story. Yes, I love this one even more than Charlotte’s Web. Why? I love Louis, the youngest cygnet that we meet in the beginning of the story.  Louis brings the reader on travels from Montana to Boston to Philadelphia.  I love the adventure. I love that Louis is an endearing swan who learns to read. I love Louis’ need to belong and does so in his own way. I love that Louis tries to do what is right. This story reads really kept my attention while I read it aloud to the children many, many years ago. And, keeping my attention while reading aloud is not always an easy task.  Yet, I found this book enthralling. I remember coming away from this read with my heart warmed.  Now that GD is very much into me reading “real” chapter books to her, The Trumpet of the Swan will be read aloud to her very soon – it is next on our list.

 

Yes, my list is of nine book instead of ten. What can I say? I could not think of a tenth – very true.  I also freely admit, I did fudge this list a bit by placing a few books on there that are on my blog. But, they are great

books and were “reviewed” before I was really talking about books on this blog as I do these days.

What books comes to your mind, that you thought was fantastic, but have not mentioned on your blog?  Maybe you did mention the book, but many moons ago, and want to bring it onto someone’s radar – which book would that be?

 

Sunday Post: School? Already???

It has been awhile since I last posted a Sunday Post. Life this summer got carried away, quickly. Hard to believe, summer is over. Wow!  Really…that was fast.

Outside my window….. Sunday morning; and the sun is rising. Peaceful it all looks.

I am listening to:…..Planes passing over the house. We are in the flight path – nothing big, but planes we do hear and not loudly.

I am watching….. EJ and I are  making our way through the manga turned anime series Emma – love it! Oh Emma, Emma, Emma…so sad. We love it! I mean, REALLY love it!  Also, EJ and I are making our way through Fullmetal Alchemist – Brotherhood. Oh yeah! You do know that  I am a Fullmetal Alchemist fan, right?  No, you say. Oh my…please go read, I Have An Addiction: Fullmetal, so that you can be fully in the know.

I am thinking…..I have the day off from work – what shall I do? I will most likely do some running around with a few of the girls – EM and EJ.  What I would like to do is read, read, read and have Sprint fix my phone.  Frankly, my mind is spinning with many thoughts…many thoughts.

I am grateful for…..friends…the rare gems of the friend world.

I am reading….. The Way of the Kings for my group read. Oh big huge sigh…I am behind. Yes, I am behind. I hope to plow through section three today since I am home from work, but doubt that will happen…you know, kids have a way of taking up time.  Also trying to read A Midwife’s Tale  by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich for a group read with Unputdownables– what I have read, I like but I am failing in a BIG way with this group read.  The Map of Time by Felix J. Palma – reading this book with a friend, and I  have not read much yet….why? Well, really, The Way of Kings has been dominating my reading mind which is absolutely fine because this book is great stuff! Really. GREAT STUFF. Seriously. Sanderson is ROCKING my reading world. 

I am photographing….. not too many photos taken this past week. But, I have been looking at plenty of older photos: my childhood, teenage years, and photos of the children when younger.

I am listing…..things needing done for this coming week.

I am creating…..nothing but have been thinking about my photo albums.

I am hoping and praying….that the children are a-okay with the teachers they have this year. AND, that IJ makes a smooth transition to catching the bus – does not look too promising right now. AND for friends AND for life to smoothly go down its path.

Around the house….. cleaning my kitchen floor, almost obsessively. It is interesting as to when I have lots bombarding my mind that I do indeed clean…my kitchen floor….obsessively. Really need a new kitchen floor and children who wear shoes outside, and children who take shoes off when entering the home.

From the kitchen…..the kitchen floor…ha!  Beyond that crack at myself, I made a very yummy dinner last week – my stand by “I can make that well” dinner.  Chicken marinated with GrillMates Tomato Garlic & Basil then grilled the chicken on my George Forman grill. Rice, and veggies (broccoli is the usual fare but this time it was a mix bag of a variety of yummy veggies). For the non-meat eaters, such as myself, sautéed up Tofu with a stir-fry sauce.

One of my favorite things…..attending fantastic shows, mind-blowing fun, fun shows, AND that would be an event…a Josh Groban event.  Yeah, Josh Groban would be one of my favorite things …umm..sorry Josh, you are not a thing, I get that….Josh Groban would be one of my favorites.

The children this week..... School is starting this week for five out of the six.  The oldest, Ben, went back to college. The next four will all be starting back to school on Tuesday - EM (junior), ED, (8th grade)  EJ (6th grade) , and IJ(2nd grade is what they say).   GD does not start kindergarten until next week, but this week she has kindergarten testing. Yeah, don’t like that testing. It is a pride thing with me; figured that out last night with a friend.  Who cares if GD does not know everything asked on the test? Ultimately, I do not care because I KNOW that she can learn, and DOES learn quickly and well.  Oh, talking about GD, she is LOVING books to be read to her, but not picture books. Nope, she does not want me reading picture books to her…not at all. She is craving chapter books to be read. So I am. I am reading aloud to her, Little House in the Big Woods which is illustrated by Garth Williams. GD is really liking the story, and loves the illustrations sprinkled throughout.  Interesting that she does not seem phased at all by the reality of life in the big woods: killing animals for food – the preparation of storing the meat and all for the winter. 

Plans for the week.....To have a smooth week for the first week of school, AND to read (told you I was behind)

Photo credit…..the opening and closing photos taken by me. These days, GD sure does love to walk around with a book – “reading”.

On this date….April 25, 2008 - Education...Ugh! Ugh! Okay, I still think these same thoughts today, and re-reading this post is good timing for me as I will sending GD off to kindergarten in just a week…huge sigh of loss for me.  August 20, 2010 – Yo-Yo Ma with Silk Road Ensemble A fantastic show. Really, if you get the chance to see this show then go.

I wish you all a fantastic week!

Gushing Over Josh Groban!

Last Tuesday, August 9th, was an evening that left me with an ever thought of “Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow!” and honestly, it was not until Thursday that I could start to wrap my brain around the event of Josh Groban. Oh yes, people, Josh Groban is an event.

Let me say, I do love his music. If you have been reading any of my Sunday Posts or Song of the Week posts then you would know that I do indeed gush over him too. Yes, I admit, I do have a fangirl crush going on, in a big way. I can and do gush over Josh Groban. Even so, I was not fully certain as to how I would like his concert. I have heard great things about his shows, but still, that does not mean that I would find his show great. At most, I was hoping that my seats would be decent so that I could see him perform. I envisioned sitting in my seat the entire time enjoying the entertainment of song, and well, him...of course. But people, I will say right now - in case you were confused by the “wow wow wow” statement above - he blew me away!

Now that my preamble is over, let me get right to the heart of this post - How much I loved Josh Groban’s Straight To You 2011 show.  The problem is this people - I have written and re-written the heart of this post. I am not getting it right - not expressing well enough as to how simply amazing the show was - how simply amazing Josh Groban is.  So, I decided, instead of trying to be all witty and creative here with my writing, that I am just going to give you the nuts and bolts of what keeps running through my mind.

~~ Amazing voice. The man has talent and oh how I loved listening to him sing. His voice is a beautiful and amazing instrument. No wonder why women swoon, and adore his public persona and wow, wow, wow…more about all this wowness in the following points because really it is not just his voice that makes you want to feast upon his performance. It really is not just his voice that makes a person get all gushy.

~~ Fantastic musician. The man has talent. Not only does he play the piano, and write music, he can also play the drums. Killer! I love bass and percussion so I completely soaked in the drumming moment which was a segue into the song Voce Existe Em Mim. It was a GREAT segue!! (video below)

~~ Witty Personality shines. He has a knack for not only delivering funny stuff with words but also with a sense of comfort. It came off as if he was just being himself. He has a knack for impromptu interaction with the audience while on the floor stage, main stage and running up and down the aisle which by they way I noted that he could still speak/sing well even while running.  At one point during his audience interaction he made a witty comment of something along the lines of why he is still single. I must say, with his witty humor, and ease of conversation and talent, and friendliness... why people? why is the man single?  Don’t know but one day I am sure he will break million of hearts when he does hook up with his love.

~~ Funny, funny, funny.  I laughed my a** off.  Really people, I have never laughed so hard while at a concert before. Funny, funny...and in such a realistic conversationally way.  The man is funny!

~~ Conversation. He truly spoke to the audience not at them.  There was interaction between him and the audience - it was great! I mean, come on, all the running up and down aisle...whew! I had an aisle seat so yeah..I got some Josh Groban up closeness.  And, he took a few audience questions that were sent to him via text before the show started. His witty humor shined during the question time - he answered the questions with lots of laughter from the audience.

~~ Fun, fun, fun. The man is fun! I had such a great time watching, sitting, standing, laughing, clapping, singing (to myself people, I know not to bring horror to the ears of those sitting next to me). He is fun so I had fun.

~~ Amazing voice. Fantastic musician.
No more really needs to be said.

My Highlights...

~~ I met him!!  Oh.Yes.I.Did.  It was a very fleeting moment - true. But, my god, I met him because I was one of the lucky Friends of Josh Groban Members whose name was drawn for the prize of a Meet and Greet pass.  Yes, you read that right. I am a Friends of Josh Groban member. I fess up and own up to that fact.  Okay, I will admit, I don’t hang out  on the forums. Geesh, I have all of you to interact with so how in the world can I add another group of peeps?  Not. Still, it is fun to lurk around and find out some fun information and yay...to get my name pulled for the Meet and Greet. I was ecstatic when I read that email on Friday, August 5th! ECSTATIC people! I could hardly type a message to Suey telling her the news because my hands were shaking so much from the ecstatic excitement running through my veins.

Back to the actual moment of meeting the man - fleeting as it was - I can tell you that I loved it.  He was friendly, made eye contact, and smiled. I made a comment as he was signing his self-titled album jacket (I chose that one because it is the most special one to me, a gift from Suey and the album that turned my musical ear on to him). Anyway, I made a lame comment I know, but hey, it was spontaneous... I said, something like, “Fancy signature”. For which he replied with such wit, “It is all in the wrist.” for which I smiled and laughed a little and said in a joking type manner, “it is all in the wrist, huh” for which he confirmed his wrist theory. It was very quick, and simple, and such a lame comment from me but at least I said something people. I.Said.Something and smiled and made eye contact with the man himself. hehehe...such fun!  He really seemed to be all good with the meet and greet - my kind of man...oops, I mean artist/performer.  ;)

~~ During the show, like I have already mentioned, JG ran up and down the aisles a few times. But people, listen up, one time, he went right up my aisle! I saw him up close - high five I gave and that is sooo not me so you know I was having a GREAT time - yay!  It was fun. 

~~ The fans were friendly. I have not been to a concert before with such friendly and personable fans. I chatted with a few and people, people, people...me chatting with strangers at an event such as this is really not me so it speaks volumes as to the friendliness in the air.

~~ I have talked much about stuff not related to the songs. Let me tell you, his actual performance is the biggest wow of it all!  He opened the show in the middle of the floor where there was a mini-stage. My seats were great because I was not far from this floor stage either; fantastic.  His singing is such beautiful music to my ears.  What’s more, he sang a couple of songs that are not my favorites but I greatly ...and I mean greatly enjoyed them during his performance. Those songs took on a different light for me.  He also sung a few of my favorites for which I absolutely soaked in and enjoyed every moment.  His show is so totally worth seeing AND when he tours again I will be at another show.

Silly video of me right after the show expressing...errr...trying to express my thoughts.

Some of my favorites….

Voce Existe Em Mim – loved the segue into this song

Oceano (not in Milwaukee)

Changing Colors – not at my show – this is the opening song. I loved it. I could see him well.

Alla Luce Del Sole – one of my overall favorites

Higher Window – one of my favorites from his Illuminations album

Play Me – encore cover of Neil Diamond’s song. I loved it.

Okay…this is funny!! Not the show I went to but still…it shows his witty humor!!

This clip is 15 minutes long. I don’t except you to watch it all but a short viewing can you give a good idea as to how he spoke to the audience and interacted with them.  When he sung Happy Birthday with the 11 year old (starts at about 5:34) , she was one row up from me to the left. I was close to him a few times. 

Galileo, I will admit, is not my favorite song but I liked it far more live.  You can skip Galileo is you want but don’t skip Wandering Kind which starts around the 10:35 mark. I liked this part.

While he is on the piano, he is facing towards my direction – my section is right in front and I was not too far back.

Believe you and me…this was one freakin fantastic show. I cannot believe it is over, but oh, I now do have memories.

Side Note:Photo credit goes to me. Yep, those are mine except for when I am in the shot then someone else took it. The videos are not mine. Found them on YouTube.

The Way of Kings Group Read – Week Two REMINDER

Week Two has been completed for THE WAY OF KINGS Group Read and today we discuss what we thought of week two!  There was wonderful discussion last week so I cannot wait to see what everyone has to say this week as we answer questions provided by Carl.

THE WAY OF KINGS is continuing to provide some great reading stuff!   Last week I said - Sanderson is rocking my world! – he is continuing to do so.  Yes people, the man’s writing is meshing well with my reading mind!

Enough of my rambling, it is time discuss this fabulous story up to part three.

Where is the discussion? you ask.  It is being hosted on my Polishing Mud Balls Read Along Page.  Stop by to share your thoughts and/or to see what we all have to say.

The Way of Kings Group Read – Week Two

It is not too late for you to join in – for more information, take a look at THE WAY OF KINGS Group Read.

You read this book already; fantastic!  You can join in with us on our discussion.

 

Song of the Week: Voce Existe Em Mim

This past Tuesday, I saw Josh Groban…in the flesh. And an exciting night it was – oh yeah, it was!!  I have been writing my post about the concert but have run into road blocks. Mostly, those blocks are caused by me…me! I am in awe…I am in the “Wow! Wow! Wow!” mode of thought still. I want to capture the experience but am finding it hard to do. I have written it, and re-written it, and well…I am still working on it. So, until I have My Gushing Over Josh Groban post done - complete with photos and a short video of me and of course a few of him - I have decided to tie you over with a Song of the Week post.

Voce Existe Em Mim is one of my favorite songs on his newest album – Illumination.  Let me tell you people, this song is even better live. I loved it!  I loved the intro going into this song. No, seriously… I LOVED THE INTRO TO THIS SONG!  It was fantastic and let me say… I do love bass and percussion and have said that many times here on this blog so that is to give you a clue to the intro…to what I loved.  I will show a clip of the intro on My Gushing Over Josh Groban post. 

The man is a talent…an extraordinary talent!  Frankly people, after seeing his performance, I will say that he has made his way solidly onto my Top 5 Favorites. The only problem with this is…who goes off of my Top 5 Favorite list?  Who?  Who?  I will figure that out.

This video version has the English translation – the lyrics are on the screen.

 

What song or artist has caught your attention this week?

 

The Way of Kings Group Read

Yay! I am excited. THE WAY OF KINGS Group Read has begun today!  It is exciting to read a massive book such as this one with a group of individuals who are as enthusiastic as I but still have reservations about maintaining motivation. Beyond the potential for some great discussion, I hope the group read will help provide that motivation to continue on through this 1004 page book. 

THE WAY OF KINGS is an epic fantasy.; that is for certain.  And so far, it is great, great stuff! I am telling you – great stuff!   Sanderson is rocking my world!  I kid you not, his writing has captured me. I am enthralled! I am intrigued! I want more!  On that note, it is time to discuss the world that is being built, the characters, and the story thus far.

Where is the discussion? you ask.  It is being hosted on my Polishing Mud Balls Read Along Page.  Stop by to share your thoughts and/or to see what we all have to say.

The Way of Kings Group Read – Week One

It is not too late for you to join in – for more information, take a look at THE WAY OF KINGS Group Read.

You read this book already; fantastic!  You can join in with us on our discussion.

Song of the Week: All In

The last couple of weeks I have been listening to music that I have not listened to in a while.  Much of the songs I have listened to resonate with me in some way or another.

All In by Lifehouse is one of the songs that resonates strongly with me. Listen to the lyrics – they are great, and have tons of meaning.
I do like Lifehouse – do you?

What songs have you been listening to this week?

 

Favorite Books of Last Year–2010 and some more…

The Little Red Reviewer posted several memes during July while she was living it up on vacation. I enjoyed each of her memes, and asked if I could steal away. She said, “go for it!”, so I am.

Favorite Books of Last Year
The start of 2011 came at me in a whopping rush, so I never did post my favorites from 2010. I made a list, better believe that I did. BUT, then I lost the list. Yep, very true. Then I made another list, and damn if I did not loose it again... I did!  I gave  up. The good thing though, I have a fancy bookmark that I know you all are jealous of, and that bookmark is my record of books read during 2010.  What? Don’t know what bookmark I am talking about? Where have you been?   Here...take a look at my 2010 bookmark…

Now, really, you are jealous...I know you are, fess up.  :)

Onward Deanna, and stop with all this nonsense chattering....

 

…..My favorites for 2010……
The titles are hyperlinked to my reviews (where one exists)

Favorite Series Read in 2010:
A Song of Ice and Fire by G.R.R. Martin
Oh yeah...I am a fan! A huge fan! Although, I will admit, I still do not own A Dance with Dragons.  I know, I know...what kind of fan am I? A great one, I have you know, BUT I am in a “I can’t buy a book mood” and for whatever reason...I just can’t...for myself.   Fear not people, this mood will lift soon...I know it. Also, it has effected my love for Outlander too. I desperately want the 20th anniversary edition and have yet to push the purchase button.  sigh...
A Game of Thrones
A Clash of Kings
A Storm of Swords
A Feast For Crows

Favorite Series read in 2010 Runner up: 
The Queen’s Thief Series by Megan Whalen Turner
Have you read these books?  You say no! What??  You must. It is a great series.
The Thief
The Queen of Attolia
The King of Attolia

Favorite Reading Experience of 2010:  Bible
Yes people...this was the best reading experience of the year.  I read the entire Bible in about 110 days or so. It certainly was life changing because I now view the Bible in a different light.

Favorite Book of the Year - 2010:
A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
Now, if you have read this series, you may not agree with me. I know many of you love A Storm of Swords best, and believe me guys...I love it too. BUT, but, but... A Game of Thrones started it all AND so totally hooked me into the world that GRRM spun. What an amazing writer he is.  Not read this book yet? For shame, I tell you. For shame. Go read it.  AND NO people, the HBO series is not good enough...really.... you must always read the book - you know that.  ;)  ;)

My Top Ten Books Read during 2010
(in order of when read)
1. Silence by Shusaku Endo
2. Dance Dance Dance by Haurki Murakami
3. A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
4. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
5. Battle Royale by Koushun Takami
6. The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
7. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
8. Pegasus by Robin McKinley
9. Is It Night or Day? by Fern Schumer Chapman
10. North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

A Few Favs from this year - 2011 - thus far:
( in order of when read)
1. Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran
2. The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin
3.The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
4. Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay
5. Fire by Kristin Cashore

** Disclaimer... I have not yet read The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss. I am certain that once I do then it will be on my top 5 list. AND I have just started The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson and if the beginning is any indication, then it too will be on my top 5.

So tell me, what are your favorite 5 books read this year - 2011?