Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish:
This week's topic is your Top Ten Favourite Book Covers Of Books I've Read, in no particular order.

1. Midnight City by J. Barton Mitchell
   
2. The Goddess Test by Aimée Carter
   
3. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
   
4. Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
   
5. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
   
6. What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang
   
7. Meant to Be by Lauren Morrill
   
8. The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross
   
9. City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare
   
10. Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish:
This week is a great one that I can refer back to if I feel like I'm slipping. These are my Top Ten Reading Goals for 2013.

First post of the new year! Hope you all had a lovely holiday season, and a very happy new years celebration. I had to get right back into school when I got back from vacation, hence the absence for the last 3 days. That, and obsessing over the Les Misérables movie (seriously, have you seen it?! Brillant). It's disgusting how many videos I've watched on YouTube on this movie. Plus I'm going to see it again this weekend... and maybe another time after that. As if I didn't love the musical enough already, this movie heightened my love for it so much. So worth it.

But it's a new year, and I'm really gearing up to make this blog more active, especially since my school schedule isn't as demanding this time around (yay!).

1. Read at least 100 books.
   
2. Successfully complete all the challenges I signed up for.
   
3. Read and review 5-10 books that have been in my TBR list.
   
4. Read books by at least 10 new-to-me authors.
   
5. Organize my GoodReads shelves.
   
6. Re-read and review an entire series.
   
7. Read at least 5 non-YA books.
   
8. Read more books by Canadian authors.
   
9. Finish series that I've started but neglected to continue.
   
10. And of course, review more; at least 3 reviews per week.

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish:
This week is your favourite authors that are new to you this year. Here's my list in no particular order.

1. Rainbow Rowell: I've had Attachments in my eReader for a very long time, but it wasn't until Eleanor & Park that I started to read Rowell's work. After reading it, I told myself that I have to get on Attachments, because she's an amazing writer. I immediately went to see if she has any more books coming out. Luckily, Fangirl will be out next year!
2. Suzanne Collins: Yes, I'm one of those people that got into The Hunger Games only after I heard there was going to be a movie. I'd heard of it before that, but I didn't bother to pick it up for a reason that I can't remember anymore. I'm really happy I finally gathered my wits and started reading the trilogy.
3. Kady Cross: A book store employee at my regular book store recommended the Steampunk Chronicles to me after we talked about some favourite YA titles we had in common. I'm super thankful to her for introducing me to the Steampunk genre, because I was totally blind to it prior.
4. Gail Carriger: The same employee recommended the Parasol Protectorate series after I asked if there was a Steampunk book that wasn't YA, and I instantly fell in love with the first 2 books. I've yet to read the others, but I'm looking forward to finally getting into them.
5. Marissa Meyer: Cinder was one of those books that I picked up solely for the cover art. It's gorgeous. Then I read it and the story made me love the whole thing even more. Marissa wrote with this style that just pulled me in and I could barely form coherent thoughts after reading.
6. Scott Westerfeld: I bought Uglies-- again, as with the case of Cinder-- because the cover was pretty. It was just so white and eerie and the layout of the whole thing just intrigued me. After reading Uglies I had to buy the rest of the series immediately. I also picked up Leviathan without knowing it was written by him as well, funnily enough.
7. Cassandra Clare: As if I don't mention her enough on this blog. I only started The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices this past summer, even though I've had the first books of each series sitting on my book shelf for well over a year. I'm glad I finally picked them up. Because I'm obsessed. Like please-get-me-professional-help obsessed.
8. Ellen Hopkins: Every time I walked into the YA section, I had always passed by her books and was intrigued by the covers and titles. I finally decided to pick one up and was surprised to find what was inside. I've never been fond of verse until I read Impulse, and after that I had to go get more of her books. I currently have about 5 sitting on my shelves.
9. Tara Lynn Childs: I've had one of her other books on my TBR list since 2011, but I actually started reading Medusa Girls in October and fell in love. Since then I've added more books by her to my list. Sweet Venom and Sweet Shadows made me want to actually start reading Oh. My. Gods. even more, and I swear, I'll get to it asap. Can't wait.
10. Karen Marie Moning: I started really, really late on the Fever series, which is a shame because I'm currently in love with it. Of course I'd heard of the series (as it seems is the case with most of my list, lol), but I never got around to reading the first book until October. I'm really excited to get further into the other books.

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish:
This week is authors/books you're thankful for. Here's my list in no particular order.

1. J.K. Rowling: Obvious choice, but I'm thankful that she introduced the world to these amazing characters and this magical place that has captivated millions. Her books played a big part in shaping my childhood/adolescence, and... let's be real, much of my early adult years. Which are still going on. I don't think I'll ever not love Harry Potter. This series has helped me form strong bonds with people that are very dear to my heart.
2. Stephen Chbosky: For writing my all-time favourite book. It's helped me as a teenager, aided me in discovering who I wanted to be growing up. I'm glad The Perks of Being a Wallflower helped a lot of other teens and continues to do so after all these years. I'm also thankful that a movie finally got made after years of discussion, and that Chbosky was still the one who brought it to life.
3. C. S. Lewis: For just writing some of the most amazing, mystical, and smart stories I've ever read. I was so lucky to be introduced to his work at such a young age. Becuase of Narnia, I was fascinated with his storytelling and continued to discover more of his work as I got older.
4. Annette Curtis Klaus: For introducing me to the YA paranormal/supernatural genre. Blood and Chocolate and Silver Kiss were the first werewolf and vampire books that I had ever read, long before I was even aware of Twilight and the Vampire Diaries.
5. Rick Riordan: For creating these amazing books on different types of mythology that kids and big kids alike can enjoy. Percy Jackson in particular really made me see the fun side of Greek mythology and was a nice aside while I was studying Classics in school.
6. Jonathan Tropper: Because This Is Where I Leave You was the only book I read in the summer of 2010 that actually made me laugh out loud. It was also the first adult contemporary book I had picked up in a long time. I love YA, but it's nice having a break sometimes, and this one definitely made an impression on me.
7. Hans Christian Andersen: I'm thankful for Hans Christian Andersen's work, everything from his fairy tales, poems, and quotes. Ever since I was a kid, my favourite work by him has always been The Little Mermaid. Even at a young age, I was fascinated by his original tale an since then, I've held a strong interest in old fairy tales and folk tales alike.
8. Ann M. Martin: For writing The Baby-sitters Club, the first chapter books I'd ever read. This series kept me coming back to the library at my elementary school.
9. Stephanie Meyer: Because even though I have a vehement dislike for Breaking Dawn, these books were the first that I read after graduating high school. Reading Twilight was a quick getaway in the midst of all that first year university work. Sure, sometimes I let my priorities slip and read instead of studying, but whatever, I've gotten my degree since then so it's A-okay. Plus they really introduced me to the YA genre... after I got sick of reading them over and over, lol. I branched out because of this series, and I'm really grateful for that.
10. Cassandra Clare: She's written the first book series that I've obsessed over in a really long time. I haven't been invested in a series since Harry Potter. Not even my old love affair with Twilight can touch this (and I was obsessed with Twilight). On a more shallow end, I'm thankful that The Mortal Instruments are optioned and that the first is turning into a movie, and that she wanted Robert Sheehan since the beginning for Simon, because Simon is my favourite and even though he's been in some amazing projects since then, I was seriously gutted the hell out since Robert left Misfits and let's just say I was very, very distraught and, and, and... he's really hot, so, you know. Thanks for that. Who are we kidding, though? Robert Sheehan, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, and Aidan Turner in one movie? Thank you, Ireland.

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish:
This week is freebie week, so we get to choose our own topics. I've been reading quite a few fairy tale retellings lately and started thinking back to the others that I've read over the years.

1. Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine (1997): This seems to be quite a popular pick when it comes to retellings (the fact that it's a Newbery Honor book should be proof of why). It's definitely one of the first I've ever read. It's a lovely retelling of Cinderella, but with ogres and elves. No question about it, this was my absolute favourite book in junior high; I even nicked it from my teacher's classroom bookshelf. Shh.
2. Till We Have Faces by C. S. Lewis (1956): I learned during my Classics courses that the myth of Cupid and Psyche was actually considered more of a fairy tale than a myth. It's similar to Beauty and the Beast, which is said to be a variant of Cupid and Psyche. This retelling by C. S. Lewis is one of my favourite books ever, and if you're into Roman or Greek mythological elements, then I highly recommend this book.
3. Cinder by Marissa Meyer (2012): Fairly new, but wow. Such an amazing take on, again, Cinderella. For one thing, I love that it took place in China, and second, there are cyborgs and androids. A sci-fi retelling of a classic fairy tale? Count me all the way in. Plus the cover is super pretty.
4. Snow Whyte and the Queen of Mayhem by Melissa Lemon (2012): I read an ARC of this book, obviously a retelling of Snow White, and I was floored. I loved every bit of it. The narrative was so creative and there were some twists that made me sit up (I mostly read it before going to bed). Definitely look out for this one.
5. Hook & Jill by Andrea Jones (2009): Twisted, twisted retelling of Peter Pan. I read this one a few years back and have never looked at the fairy tale the same way again. I'm sure Barrie never meant for this tale to be sexy at all, but... I don't know. I blame this book. Also it was just made worse (better) by Colin O'Donoghue jumping on board (ha!) as Captain Hook on ABC's Once Upon A Time. Look at that mug and tell me he isn't lovely.
6. Beastly by Alex Flinn (2007): I wasn't a huge fan of the chats, but I loved the modern take on the story. Beauty and the Beast is one of my favourite fairy tales, so my expectations were pretty high. I didn't want to like Beastly, no idea why, but I ended up enjoying the read! ...Terrible movie, though.
7. Wicked by Gregory Maguire (2000): Wait, is Wizard of Oz considered a fairy tale? I'll just go with it. I love this book. Not a lot of people do as I've come across, but it was one of the first books I read a few years ago that really kick-started me getting back into reading as a hobby. Plus this book inspired one of my favourite musicals (of the same name), whose soundtrack I may or may not be listening to right now.
8. A Tale Dark & Grimm by Adam Gidwitz (2010): This book was so weirdly awesome. It was creepy, funny, smart, and just plain old entertaining. It's got Hansel and Gretel and many more Grimm fairy tales... written the way Grimm tales should be. I've always loved how odd and disturbing Grimm tales were, and this book kept on with that. It's also a children's book, which makes it even better. Definitely something for all ages.
9. Fairest by Gail Carson Levine (2006): I mean, it's no Ella Enchanted, but Levine really knows how to engage a reader in this genre. This is another Snow White retelling, but usually where I find the queen terrible, I actually quite liked her in this one. The book is one of those "beauty is on the inside" ones, big time, but I enjoyed it a lot.
10. Beauty by Robin McKinley (1993): I never knew this book existed until after I read McKinley's Sunshine a few years ago (which I loved). Another Beauty and the Beast retelling, and this one is simple and sweet. The ending was alright, but from what I remember of my reading progress, I finished quite quickly and found it really enjoyable.

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish:
The topic for this week is 10 books that people shouldn't forget about. This is pretty hard, as there are so many amazing books out there that have come out in the past. (Note: This is in no particular order, and I'm not limiting this list to YA books)

Wow, been a busy beginning to this week. I didn't get to do Bloggiesta on Sunday, its last day, so I have some tasks on my list that I'll carry over for next time. But they're tasks that I can always work on right now, so I will. Just because it's over doesn't mean I have to stop organizing!

In other news, it's a big day for Half-bloods everywhere. The 3rd book in Rick Riordan's series, The Heroes of Olympus, called The Mark of Athena is out today. I went out before driving to school and picked it up (pictured here). Will you be checking it out?

Without further ado, here's my top ten list this week:

1. Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling (1997-2007): Whether you love it or hate it, we all know how big gigantic a phenomenon this series was. The books, the movies; it's undeniably a big part of this generation. I've been a fan of this series since I was in junior high, and I remain a Potterhead until this day. I probably always will be one. J.K. Rowling introduced me to this amazing world through my teenage years, and I'll be forever grateful for it.
2. The Chronicles of Narnia series by C. S. Lewis (1950-1956): I literally grew up with this series, especially in school. It was one of those staples through school, reading these books. We read them in the 4th grade, and even in the 11th grade. I especially loved analyzing the stories and learning about Lewis' influences from mythology, religion, astrology and the like.
3. A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks (1999): My family absolutely loves Nicholas Sparks' novels. A Walk to Remember was the first one that I read in its entirety. It's probably the first book that made me bawl like a baby, no lie. Can't forget something like that.
4. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll (1865): A childhood favourite of mine that I've re-read countless times. It's made its mark as a classic, and is one of those stories that you can appreciate when you read it as a child and as an adult years later.
5. Till We Have Faces by C. S. Lewis (1956): The story of Cupid and Psyche is one that I've always, always adored. Lewis did it again with this book; his retelling of the Cupid and Psyche relationship inspired and paved the way for a lot of other great stories, and that says something about how great it is.
6. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon (2003): I read this book when I was 14 and fell in love with it. It wasn't that it was the best, most amazingly-written book ever, because it's not... it just has this certain charm. It's strange, sad, and unique.
7. God Behaving Badly by Marie Phillips (2007): This is one of the newer ones on my list, and one of the funniest books I've ever read. You might know by now that I'm a huge Greek mythology fan, so this caught my attention right away after a friend brought it up to me. I absolutely love when authors take these classical and historical figures and bring them into our world. Just reading the summary itself screams hilarity.
8. Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause (1997): Before I got into the Twilight books, the Vampire Diaries, and even Harry Potter books, I was obsessed with this. It had a bevy of paranormal creatures and a simple plot, but it stuck with me at the time. It was the first of its kind that I read and piqued my interest in this genre.
9. Percy Jackson & the Olympians series by Rick Riordan (2005-2009): I didn't start reading this until I was well into my late teens, and, oh boy. Instant favourite. I'm still kind of knocking myself over the head for not reading it earlier. By far my favourite books that concentrate on Classical mythology.
10. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (1999): This is my "last but not least". The book that really made me an avid reader, and remains my favourite to this day. I really can't say much more about it other than it changed my perspective on a lot of things as I got older.

What are some of your favourites?