tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89016213996418875332024-03-05T08:31:10.502-08:00Martha Reads BooksMartha Iveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362732879880662592noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8901621399641887533.post-67195002254881857972013-07-29T10:07:00.000-07:002013-07-29T10:07:13.620-07:00August's To-Read List!<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.21cm; }</style>I have so many new books to get through and I'm really excited to start reading these next month.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJ8zGru-oQjgFf__ycytIqu1Y-oMtjv2Uqmyfe8ruZen0eCkeylhHeUOjVS6p6w1SP3fInJi0BXraIuCMr9YrQoD1tu5P_j-_MR6Vw45JuPuBwciZYSwtfqb8yARX8Jki-f2bNxAlxGYK/s1600/IMG_2348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJ8zGru-oQjgFf__ycytIqu1Y-oMtjv2Uqmyfe8ruZen0eCkeylhHeUOjVS6p6w1SP3fInJi0BXraIuCMr9YrQoD1tu5P_j-_MR6Vw45JuPuBwciZYSwtfqb8yARX8Jki-f2bNxAlxGYK/s320/IMG_2348.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I asked on Goodreads for people to
recommend me their favourite fairytale/princess story and these were
a few that were suggested. Please let me know what your favourite
book of that genre is too :)
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Robin McKinley is an author that I've only
recently discovered through her book “Beauty”, a retelling of
Beauty and the Beast. Since reading that, I've fallen in love with
her writing. I can't wait to read her other books.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“The Hero Strikes Back” is the
second book in the series"Hero" by Moira J. Moore. <span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><a class="authorName" href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/497291.Moira_J_Moore" itemprop="url"><span itemprop="name"></span></a></span>I was orginally put off by their
cringe-worthy covers and titles but I encourage you to give this series a go!
“Resenting the Hero” had been one of my favourite books that I've
read this month! </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
And since I'm going through Game of Thrones related withdraw symptoms I decided to get to work on this massive book! </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ironkyle.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/a-game-of-thrones-book-1-of-a-song-of-ice-and-fire1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ironkyle.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/a-game-of-thrones-book-1-of-a-song-of-ice-and-fire1.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
Martha Iveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362732879880662592noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8901621399641887533.post-53438029001946624992013-07-08T03:06:00.003-07:002013-07-08T03:06:42.993-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzqR896HXM7LjxwfODAfA2Y3YzXR_8Wyz9MG1U-Z4bPhA6PFycK6z9FAe5_1osO6C2Va2kYmTMfzjE7WpI2aUeeuesK-K8l4KAyXLoa6WKMqTXt9O5nFjlMJwr0r9bXXuFi-PaE_4Hxm5/s1600/newtopten2.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzqR896HXM7LjxwfODAfA2Y3YzXR_8Wyz9MG1U-Z4bPhA6PFycK6z9FAe5_1osO6C2Va2kYmTMfzjE7WpI2aUeeuesK-K8l4KAyXLoa6WKMqTXt9O5nFjlMJwr0r9bXXuFi-PaE_4Hxm5/s320/newtopten2.png" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>“I mean, if you're asking a fellow to come out of a room so that you can dismember him with a carving knife, it's absurd to tack a 'sir' on to every sentence. The two things don't go together.”
</i> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>- Thank you, Jeeves, P.G Wodehouse</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />Everything P.G Wodehouse writes is a quote. He is so witty! I laugh all the way through his books and<i> Thank You, Jeeves</i> is one of my favourites! </div>
Martha Iveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362732879880662592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8901621399641887533.post-84492054536032796732013-07-06T01:44:00.001-07:002013-07-06T01:44:35.682-07:00Love Triangles: Yay or nay? <b><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Guys,
it's happened again. The character I wanted the girl to end up with
didn't end up with her. By now, I'm not very surprised. I seem
to usually route for the loosing side of the love triangle.</span></span></b>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">But
it made me think... Does anyone actually<i> like </i>love triangles? I know
I don't. They just frustrate me. Sure, it's quite fun being “Team
whoever” but apart from that? It's usually pretty obvious who the
girl is going to end up with, so we have to watch her string along
another guy. It's pretty boring to read about because they happen <i>all
the time </i>now. I feel like I already know what's going to happen when a love triangle comes into the picture and it makes me want to bang my head against a wall. </span></span></b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">How
do you feel about love triangles? If you like them - let me know
why. :) </span></span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Team Guy Who Almost Hit Bella With A Car</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(Team Ian Somerhalder? I actually haven't read VD...) </span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><s>Team Ducky</s> </span></span></b></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://imlovingbooks.com/freebies/team-stickers" title="Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead"><img alt="Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6744940961_77a05fb195_o.jpg" title="Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead" /></a>
<a href="http://imlovingbooks.com/freebies/team-stickers" title="The Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith"><img alt="The Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7208/6803400332_5ef3127a6b_o.jpg" title="The Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith" /></a><a href="http://imlovingbooks.com/freebies/team-stickers" title="Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins"> <img alt="Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7262/7074369447_996b9b0e0b_o.jpg" title="Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins" /></a><a href="http://imlovingbooks.com/freebies/team-stickers" title="The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins"> <img alt="The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6744940313_2e36555790_o.jpg" title="The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins" /></a>
</div>
Martha Iveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362732879880662592noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8901621399641887533.post-53672367007271163052013-07-04T07:05:00.001-07:002013-07-04T07:20:49.909-07:00Summer Lovin' Read-A-Thon: Tears on My Pillow<style media="screen" type="text/css">
.gr_grid_container {
/* customize grid container div here. eg: width: 500px; */
}
.gr_grid_book_container {
/* customize book cover container div here */
float: left;
width: 98px;
height: 160px;
padding: 0px 0px;
overflow: hidden;
}
</style>
<br />
<div id="gr_grid_widget_1372944767">
<!-- Show static html as a placeholder in case js is not enabled - javascript include will override this if things work -->
<br />
<h2>
<br />
</h2>
<div class="gr_grid_container">
<div class="gr_grid_book_container">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/828388.The_Amber_Spyglass" title="The Amber Spyglass (His Dark Materials, #3)"><img alt="The Amber Spyglass" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348118683m/828388.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="gr_grid_book_container">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/714902.Noughts_Crosses" title="Noughts & Crosses (Noughts & Crosses, #1)"><img alt="Noughts & Crosses" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347207230m/714902.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="gr_grid_book_container">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6063187-twenties-girl" title="Twenties Girl"><img alt="Twenties Girl" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320544759m/6063187.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="gr_grid_book_container">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8723736-harry-potter-and-the-half-blood-prince" title="Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Harry Potter, #6)"><img alt="Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328115583m/8723736.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="gr_grid_book_container">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7955580-harry-potter-and-the-order-of-the-phoenix" title="Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter, #5)"><img alt="Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328031605m/7955580.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="gr_grid_book_container">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/553808.Inkspell" title="Inkspell (Inkworld, #2)"><img alt="Inkspell" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1330776673m/553808.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="gr_grid_book_container">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8786481-harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows" title="Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter, #7)"><img alt="Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1338584170m/8786481.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="gr_grid_book_container">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11512595-shadow-kiss" title="Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, #3)"><img alt="Shadow Kiss" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1331236671m/11512595.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="gr_grid_book_container">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1048645.Private_Peaceful" title="Private Peaceful"><img alt="Private Peaceful" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328868065m/1048645.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="gr_grid_book_container">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13538552-memoirs-of-an-imaginary-friend" title="Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend"><img alt="Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1343851908m/13538552.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="gr_grid_book_container">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9807262-wanderlove" title="Wanderlove"><img alt="Wanderlove" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327877152m/9807262.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="gr_grid_book_container">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11699055-the-disenchantments" title="The Disenchantments"><img alt="The Disenchantments" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1309200951m/11699055.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<script charset="utf-8" src="http://www.goodreads.com/review/grid_widget/4553625.Books%20that%20made%20me%20cry?cover_size=medium&hide_link=&hide_title=&num_books=20&order=a&shelf=made-me-cry&sort=date_added&widget_id=1372944767" type="text/javascript"></script><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><script charset="utf-8" src="http://www.goodreads.com/review/grid_widget/4553625.Books%20that%20made%20me%20cry?cover_size=medium&hide_link=&hide_title=&num_books=20&order=a&shelf=made-me-cry&sort=date_added&widget_id=1372944767" type="text/javascript"></script><style media="screen" type="text/css">
.gr_grid_container {
/* customize grid container div here. eg: width: 500px; */
}
.gr_grid_book_container {
/* customize book cover container div here */
float: left;
width: 98px;
height: 160px;
padding: 0px 0px;
overflow: hidden;
}
</style>
<br />
<div id="gr_grid_widget_1372944767">
<!-- Show static html as a placeholder in case js is not enabled - javascript include will override this if things work -->
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: black;">“Tears on
My Pillow” Participation Post:</span><i><span style="color: black;"> </span></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;">Share a quote from your current
read or tell us about a book that really pulled on your heart
strings. What was it about that book/quote that made you cry?</span></i></span><br />
<div id="gr_grid_widget_1372944767" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="gr_grid_widget_1372944767">
</div>
<div id="gr_grid_widget_1372944767">
<span style="color: black;">Books can make me cry, though for different reasons. The first reason is obvious: if a book is sad. This usually involves a death of my favourite character - it seems that my favourites <i>always</i> die. This became a running joke when me and my friends watched <i>Lost.</i> Other reasons are if the book's ending is bittersweet. If it's happy/sad that usually has me crying. If I feel a connection the characters, that is. The third reason is if it's just incredibly sweet. I'm a sucker for a happy ending and, seemingly, a bit of a wimp. Happy movies tend to make me cry more than sad ones do. </span></div>
<div id="gr_grid_widget_1372944767">
</div>
<div id="gr_grid_widget_1372944767">
<div class="gr_grid_container">
<div id="gr_grid_widget_1372944767">
<script charset="utf-8" src="http://www.goodreads.com/review/grid_widget/4553625.Books%20that%20made%20me%20cry?cover_size=medium&hide_link=&hide_title=&num_books=20&order=a&shelf=made-me-cry&sort=date_added&widget_id=1372944767" type="text/javascript"></script>
</div>
<div class="gr_grid_container">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://static-l3.blogcritics.org/13/04/22/192801/imaginary-friend-cover.jpg?t=20130422044031" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://static-l3.blogcritics.org/13/04/22/192801/imaginary-friend-cover.jpg?t=20130422044031" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://oi42.tinypic.com/6hpxz5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://oi42.tinypic.com/6hpxz5.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm going to focus specifically on <i>Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend</i>. A friend lent me this book and, at first, I didn't have high expectations of it. However, I quickly became enthralled and when I finished I realised what an exceptional book it was. </div>
<div class="gr_grid_container">
<br /></div>
<div class="gr_grid_container">
This book tells of a tale of a young boy's imaginary friend. The imaginary friend, Budo, had been around for five years - much longer than imaginary friends usually last. This is because Max needs Budo more than most kids usually need their imaginary friends. And when a kid no longer needs their imaginary friend, they disappear, they die.</div>
<div class="gr_grid_container" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMP7XfHonsCUurwAC-GrVDwCvVSNSrCEc39aMJUffQOW1yKzE3e635GgjWEti1Vlgt9kM_XEE-5271C1j3bzYG2Y3Z8WfPqNb7DOHG55VJs8qCcBc_creFX2VybHdX9a1UUBsz2_DROw_O/s310/Untitled-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMP7XfHonsCUurwAC-GrVDwCvVSNSrCEc39aMJUffQOW1yKzE3e635GgjWEti1Vlgt9kM_XEE-5271C1j3bzYG2Y3Z8WfPqNb7DOHG55VJs8qCcBc_creFX2VybHdX9a1UUBsz2_DROw_O/s310/Untitled-1.png" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="gr_grid_container">
<br /></div>
<div class="gr_grid_container">
<span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">Matthew Dicks creates a fascinating, detailed world that belongs to these imaginary beings. I loved how they only possessed the abilities that their human friends thought up for them. Budo could walk through walls because Max imagined that he could, but it was very rare thing for an imaginary friend to be able to do. Some imaginary friends had yellow skin and crazy hair, one imaginary friend was just a hair bow! This world was so interesting to read about. </span></div>
<div class="gr_grid_container">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNEseNzim8o9yEH7mzD-6ZYCzLylJTRMa5y_gD63qa2fJ2VwKrcHYTDMx-8mZkZBF_s8quTQf59SfxBGvpeocbFsqcPsHmb9YSSGPDm1dwbDerxtckCeBw16ZzjvvHY2Dsb4R8m_zjDwk/s310/Untitled-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNEseNzim8o9yEH7mzD-6ZYCzLylJTRMa5y_gD63qa2fJ2VwKrcHYTDMx-8mZkZBF_s8quTQf59SfxBGvpeocbFsqcPsHmb9YSSGPDm1dwbDerxtckCeBw16ZzjvvHY2Dsb4R8m_zjDwk/s310/Untitled-1.png" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="gr_grid_container">
This book really made me cry at the end. It falls under category two: a bittersweet ending. When I gave the book back to my friend, I ending up crying all over again and she had to laughingly comfort me. </div>
<div class="gr_grid_container">
<br /></div>
<div class="gr_grid_container">
It was so beautiful because the character ends up confronting the thing he fears most of all, all for the sake of friendship.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://matthewdicks.com/images/2013/01/image_thumb38.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://matthewdicks.com/images/2013/01/image_thumb38.png" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<script charset="utf-8" src="http://www.goodreads.com/review/grid_widget/4553625.Books%20that%20made%20me%20cry?cover_size=medium&hide_link=&hide_title=&num_books=20&order=a&shelf=made-me-cry&sort=date_added&widget_id=1372944767" type="text/javascript"></script>
</div>
Martha Iveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362732879880662592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8901621399641887533.post-20905932604101380192013-07-01T10:29:00.000-07:002013-07-01T10:43:55.479-07:00Quote of the Week <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzqR896HXM7LjxwfODAfA2Y3YzXR_8Wyz9MG1U-Z4bPhA6PFycK6z9FAe5_1osO6C2Va2kYmTMfzjE7WpI2aUeeuesK-K8l4KAyXLoa6WKMqTXt9O5nFjlMJwr0r9bXXuFi-PaE_4Hxm5/s1600/newtopten2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzqR896HXM7LjxwfODAfA2Y3YzXR_8Wyz9MG1U-Z4bPhA6PFycK6z9FAe5_1osO6C2Va2kYmTMfzjE7WpI2aUeeuesK-K8l4KAyXLoa6WKMqTXt9O5nFjlMJwr0r9bXXuFi-PaE_4Hxm5/s1600/newtopten2.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>"May all your bacon burn."</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>- Howl's Moving Castle, Diana Wynne Jones</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Today's quote of the week is a curse uttered by Calcifer, the most lovable fire-demon around. This snarky little guy remains one of my favourite characters to date - as you could have probably worked out thanks to my current icon. Billy Crystal, voicing this character in the movie, makes him even more lovable. My friend even got my a toy Calcifer for my birthday! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Icons by me) </span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkfGos2wF5NifXlXulhj-10D8uanF7uzmTK63daYXknntp4N_DgMqA-ettbCxLFIhSOCKZ36q0au82jpZQ0ADypyDsMYgDAgRsKIilFGbflP-WtEb0vC-RPyW-33WRV3oRtcC8Tg15NG6/s1600/calcifericons.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkfGos2wF5NifXlXulhj-10D8uanF7uzmTK63daYXknntp4N_DgMqA-ettbCxLFIhSOCKZ36q0au82jpZQ0ADypyDsMYgDAgRsKIilFGbflP-WtEb0vC-RPyW-33WRV3oRtcC8Tg15NG6/s320/calcifericons.png" width="320" /> </a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1x52pBVkQZ9Jm8pt8S7_NQo8-n9Y64b91SZHftgiLwJT-JLReFBp76vvZT2KzfC_JjTaxCRCa-BT7NEZKapPxYoNQESsKcld9XoMsrPUhmVugtsJbUfP6PdGLIsGmtId1IhJUigvqXms/s800/IMG_2178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1x52pBVkQZ9Jm8pt8S7_NQo8-n9Y64b91SZHftgiLwJT-JLReFBp76vvZT2KzfC_JjTaxCRCa-BT7NEZKapPxYoNQESsKcld9XoMsrPUhmVugtsJbUfP6PdGLIsGmtId1IhJUigvqXms/s320/IMG_2178.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b> </b><span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
</span>
</div>
Martha Iveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362732879880662592noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8901621399641887533.post-83102194527601524782013-06-28T00:55:00.000-07:002013-06-28T01:48:23.113-07:00Book of the Month: June<style type="text/css"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9807262-wanderlove">http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9807262-wanderlove</a>P { margin-bottom: 0.21cm; }</style>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I'm away for the weekend so thought I'd
do <i>Book of the Month</i> a few days early. And so, my book of the month for June
is...
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard</b> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9807262-wanderlove">http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9807262-wanderlove</a></span></span> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327877152l/9807262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327877152l/9807262.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.21cm; }</style></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Recently,
I've developed a new love for road-trip/travel books and this one
fits the bill. Not many</span><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u> </u></span></span>books manage
to make me cry, especially because of their sweetness (though, I must
admit, I cry more at happy movies than sad ones... I'm weird) but
this one succeeded. It could have won book of the month just from
gaining an emotional response from me, as a book that can do that
must be something truly special. But it was also well-written,
contained likeable, relatable characters and was something <i>different</i>.
A beautiful story about letting go and finding yourself.<br />
<br />
<i>My review: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/628609210">http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/628609210</a></i></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://oi42.tinypic.com/6hpxz5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://oi42.tinypic.com/6hpxz5.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Runners Up: </b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins (Hex Hall </b><b>#2)</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8428064-demonglass">http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8428064-demonglass</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1302308625l/10518543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1302308625l/10518543.jpg" width="137" /></a></span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">This book just seemed, on the whole, more developed than the first one (which I loved anyway). A really fun read.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>My review: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/623310755">http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/623310755</a></i> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://oi42.tinypic.com/6hpxz5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://oi42.tinypic.com/6hpxz5.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.21cm; }</style>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe by
Shelley Coriell</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12962924-welcome-caller-this-is-chloe">http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12962924-welcome-caller-this-is-chloe</a> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1334930557l/12962924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1334930557l/12962924.jpg" width="135" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">The characters make this book shine. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>My review: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/546792405">http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/546792405</a></i> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://oi42.tinypic.com/6hpxz5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://oi42.tinypic.com/6hpxz5.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.21cm; }</style>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Entwined by Heather Dixon </b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8428195-entwined">http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8428195-entwined</a> </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1279037245l/8428195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1279037245l/8428195.jpg" width="131" /></a> </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
A great retelling of a fairytale. Filled with magic, romance and mystery.<br />
<br />
<i>My review: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/544989157">http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/544989157</a></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://oi42.tinypic.com/6hpxz5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://oi42.tinypic.com/6hpxz5.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
Martha Iveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362732879880662592noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8901621399641887533.post-91452391323243697962013-06-27T03:47:00.000-07:002013-07-06T01:13:39.204-07:00Mega Challenge: Help needed! So my favourite group on Goodreads has announced that they will be doing a MEGA CHALLENGE for the month of July! I'm so excited - I love this type of thing!<br />
<br />
You can check out the group and its challenge here:<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1385523-mega-month-challenge"> http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1385523-mega-month-challenge</a><br />
<br />
For one of the challenges, you have to make up the word B-U-D-D-Y-R-E-A-D-S using titles of books. So, for example, Alice In Zombieland would count as the "A".<br />
<br />
I have therefore put it to you dear followers (....dear conductors?) to help me out with this! Have you found a book that you really enjoyed that begins with any of these letters? Please leave a comment and help me out! It's actually harder than you think!<br />
<br />
I will update the list below with the name and the blog link of the person who recommended me the book. I've filled a few numbers myself but feel free to tell me to scrap a letter in favour of a better book. I'd be so thrilled if you could help me with this!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>All books must be Young Adult! </i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">So far:</span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6bae97;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">B - </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Breathe by Sarah Crossan</span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1330286837l/11544466.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1330286837l/11544466.jpg" width="131" /></a></span></i></span></div>
<span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Recommended by <b>Monique LeBlanc</b> @ <a href="http://moniquesmobooks.blogspot.co.uk/">http://moniquesmobooks.blogspot.co.uk/ </a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6bae97;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">U - </span></span><i>Unearthly by Cynthia Hand </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1324782984l/7488244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1324782984l/7488244.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6bae97;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">D -</span></span> <i><span style="font-size: small;">Delirium by Lauren Oliver </span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327890411l/11614718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327890411l/11614718.jpg" width="136" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6bae97;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">D -</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6bae97;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Y -</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6bae97;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">R -</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> Ready Player One by Ernest Cline</i></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1333576871l/9969571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1333576871l/9969571.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Recommended by </span></span><b>Delaney</b> @ <a href="http://theawkward-ness.blogspot.co.uk/">http://theawkward-ness.blogspot.co.uk/</a><br />
Thanks!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6bae97;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">E - </span></span><i>Eden by Keary Taylor</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1307489089l/9635325.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1307489089l/9635325.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6bae97;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A -</span></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><i>Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter</i></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1333628241l/11300302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1333628241l/11300302.jpg" width="135" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6bae97;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">D -</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The Disenchantments</span></i></span> by Nina LaCour</span></i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1309200951l/11699055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1309200951l/11699055.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Also recommended by </span></span><b>Delaney</b> @ <a href="http://theawkward-ness.blogspot.co.uk/">http://theawkward-ness.blogspot.co.uk/</a><br />
Thanks!<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #6bae97;">S -</span> </span><i><span style="font-size: small;">Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins</span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1313010167l/11454587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1313010167l/11454587.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Maybe:</span></b></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6bae97;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">E - </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Erasing Time by C. J Hill</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1337025870l/13015019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1337025870l/13015019.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Also recommended by <b>Monique LeBlanc</b> @ <a href="http://moniquesmobooks.blogspot.co.uk/">http://moniquesmobooks.blogspot.co.uk/ </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This just depends on whether or not I can get it. It ships from America and, as I live in England, it might take a while to get here! However, will use this if I find no other E! Thanks again! </div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Still needed:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Letters D, Y, E </span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here's my read list if you want to check if I've already read it first: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/4553625?shelf=read">http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/4553625?shelf=read</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">(Using the search bar will make it easier) </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Leave your blog link if you're recommending books! :) </span> </span>Martha Iveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362732879880662592noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8901621399641887533.post-66532330942141754402013-06-24T03:45:00.000-07:002013-06-24T03:46:02.801-07:00Quote of the Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzqR896HXM7LjxwfODAfA2Y3YzXR_8Wyz9MG1U-Z4bPhA6PFycK6z9FAe5_1osO6C2Va2kYmTMfzjE7WpI2aUeeuesK-K8l4KAyXLoa6WKMqTXt9O5nFjlMJwr0r9bXXuFi-PaE_4Hxm5/s1600/newtopten2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzqR896HXM7LjxwfODAfA2Y3YzXR_8Wyz9MG1U-Z4bPhA6PFycK6z9FAe5_1osO6C2Va2kYmTMfzjE7WpI2aUeeuesK-K8l4KAyXLoa6WKMqTXt9O5nFjlMJwr0r9bXXuFi-PaE_4Hxm5/s1600/newtopten2.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>“It may be that you are not yourself luminous, but that you are a
conductor of light. Some people without possessing genius have a
remarkable power of stimulating it.”</i> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>- <span class="st">The Hound of the Baskervilles, </span>Sir Arthur Conan Doyle</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
What better way to kick off the start of this blog than the quote that inspired its name. This is one of my favourite quotes from Sherlock Holmes and I just find the wording beautiful, even if it is a backhanded compliment of sorts to poor Watson. Martha Iveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362732879880662592noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8901621399641887533.post-22267040001522456232013-06-22T12:55:00.001-07:002013-06-23T08:24:05.392-07:00Favourite Female Characters: Top 10 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTHnz8p6CJRCpSNPfMvAZqRkZAylY_3xp7As4dr35SrspHvEFi4wbrclHa6o5lGE1fNDE0sCyLTq-dUS8pkwqRF2I9dtBx3nvd8xP_N3XERC-4pAhAczlCARF2S6c4cQJWEQkbvVBsUuk/s1600/newtopten.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTHnz8p6CJRCpSNPfMvAZqRkZAylY_3xp7As4dr35SrspHvEFi4wbrclHa6o5lGE1fNDE0sCyLTq-dUS8pkwqRF2I9dtBx3nvd8xP_N3XERC-4pAhAczlCARF2S6c4cQJWEQkbvVBsUuk/s1600/newtopten.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>10) </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Tiffany Aching</i></span><br />
First appears in "The Wee Free Men" by Terry Pratchett <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327999063l/8478133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327999063l/8478133.jpg" width="123" /></a><a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327999063l/8478133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>
<br />
<b><i>I should have learned this, she thought. I wanted to learn fire, and pain, but I should have learned people.
</i></b><br />
<br />
Tiffany Aching was my heroine growing up. Terry Pratchett knows how to create original, likable, funny characters. And, brave, smart, feisty and sensible beyond her age (though that doesn't exclude her from making mistakes), Tiffany was someone who I loved reading about.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://oi42.tinypic.com/2uy6744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://oi42.tinypic.com/2uy6744.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>9)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Chloe Camden</i></span><br />
Appears in "Welcome, Caller, This Is Chloe" by Shelley Coriell <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1334930557l/12962924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1334930557l/12962924.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
<a href="http://oi42.tinypic.com/6hpxz5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://oi42.tinypic.com/6hpxz5.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><i>I loved being a burrito. </i></b><br />
<br />
Chloe is a refreshing change when compared to female characters usually featuring in YA books. She's fun, outgoing, loyal, friendly, bubbly... Someone who I'd love to be. Her narrative was lovely to read.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>8)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Renn</i></span><br />
First appears in "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1335883669l/911865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1335883669l/911865.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><b>“You cannot go and warn him," Saeunn said sternly. "It is too late. You would never find him."<br />"I know," said Renn without turning her head.<br />To herself she added, But I've still got to try.
</b></i><br />
<br />
Renn has an interesting past which I enjoyed seeing unfolding. In her own right, she was as much a main character as Torak. I loved how she was gifted with mage-craft and found it interesting how much she hated this and tried to avoid it at first. A very interesting, strong and smart female character. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://oi42.tinypic.com/6hpxz5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://oi42.tinypic.com/6hpxz5.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>7)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Linh Cinder</i></span><br />
First appears in "Cinder" by Marissa Meyer<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1317794278l/11235712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1317794278l/11235712.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>She was a cyborg, and she would never go to a ball.
</i></b><br />
<br />
Cinder was also a refreshing change of personality. In fantasy books, I'm used to reading about reckless, fiery characters (such as Scarlet, who features in the second book of this series). There's nothing wrong with these characters, but I've never been able to relate to them. Cinder, a sensible, smart and logical girl, breaks the mould. She's also part cyborg, so that's pretty awesome. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://oi42.tinypic.com/6hpxz5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://oi42.tinypic.com/6hpxz5.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>6)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Coriel Halsing </i></span><br />
Appears in "Summer At Castle Auburn" by Sharon Shinn<br />
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1309212069l/345660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1309212069l/345660.jpg" width="122" /></a><i><br /><b>Now he, too, looked angry. "I am afraid of many things, but those are not the fears that keep me from action," he said.<br />I turned my back on him. "Then I don't understand you," I said.<br />I heard the door open. "No," he said, "and you never have.”
</b></i><br />
<br />
This is one of my favourite books so of course I had include Corie. The development of her character throughout the book makes it such a joy to read. She starts a believably naive young girl and turns into a strong, fierce and brave young woman. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://oi42.tinypic.com/6hpxz5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://oi42.tinypic.com/6hpxz5.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>5)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Pauline Stoker</i></span><br />
Appears in "Thank You, Jeeves" by P.G Wodehouse<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1171561158l/105982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1171561158l/105982.jpg" width="119" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Unquestionably an eyeful, Pauline Stoker had the
grave defect of being one of those girls who want you to come and swim a
mile before breakfast and rout you out when you are trying to snatch a
wink of sleep after lunch for a merry five sets of tennis.</b>
</i></span><br />
<br />
Ha, I really just put this in for comic value. Because Pauline Stoker is hilarious. She's so <i>bossy!</i> She's constantly getting our lovable narrator, Bertie, into such tricky situations without seeming to realise she is. Though she's also a sweet girl, I definitively wouldn't want to cross her. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://oi42.tinypic.com/6hpxz5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://oi42.tinypic.com/6hpxz5.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>4)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Katniss Everdeen </i></span><br />
First appears in "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358275334l/2767052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358275334l/2767052.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>At some point, you have to stop running and turn around and face
whoever wants you dead. The hard thing is finding the courage to do it.
</i></b><br />
<br />
I'm not including Mockingjay when I include Katniss at number four. I'm only taking the first book into consideration because in this one Katniss is an incredibly strong heroine. I wish I could use a bow and arrow like her... <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://oi42.tinypic.com/6hpxz5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://oi42.tinypic.com/6hpxz5.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>3)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Hermione Granger</i></span><br />
First appears in "Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone" by J.K Rowling<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327922124l/7955579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327922124l/7955579.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><b>“Are you planning to follow a career in Magical Law, Miss Granger?” asked Scrimgeour.<br />“No, I’m not,” retorted Hermione. “I’m hoping to do some good in the world!”
</b></i><br />
<br />
Hermione Granger is such a wonderful character. Incredibly brave, smart, logical and flawed. She is the heroine I looked up to when I was younger and continue to do so today. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://oi42.tinypic.com/6hpxz5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://oi42.tinypic.com/6hpxz5.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>2)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Annabeth Chase</i></span><br />
First appears in "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1360566089l/6676603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1360566089l/6676603.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>She raised an eyebrow. "You got something to say to me, Seaweed Brain?"</b></i><br />
<i><b>"You'd probably kick my butt."</b></i><br />
<i><b>"You</b></i><b> know</b><i><b> I'd kick your butt."</b></i><br />
<br />
Annabeth Chase very nearly took the top place. She is smart, brave, dependable, proud and just overall an amazing character. Rick Riordan did an amazing, amazing job with her. Even though Annabeth Chase is not the narrator of this series, I always felt such a strong connection to her and enjoyed reading about her immensely. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://oi41.tinypic.com/hv2n3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://oi41.tinypic.com/hv2n3a.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>1)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Rose Hathaway </i></span><br />
First appears in "Vampire Academy" by Richelle Mead <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1331235498l/11982788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1331235498l/11982788.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><b>“What’s going on?” he demanded.<br />“The usual, old man,” I replied cheerily. “Danger, insane plans... you know, the stuff that runs in our family.” </b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
Strong, dependable, fiercely loyal, badass and brave, Rose Hathaway is exactly the type of female character that I look up to. She does an amazing amount of development throughout the VA series, turning from a reckless young girl to a strong, mature woman. Her snarky running commentary is always welcome. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://oi42.tinypic.com/6hpxz5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://oi42.tinypic.com/6hpxz5.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I guess I can see a pattern forming now that I've finished this list. :) I might do my favourite male characters next. Or my worst female characters!<br />
<br />
Who are your favourite female characters? Are there any on this list? Don't agree? Let me know! :) <br />
<span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name"></span></span>Martha Iveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362732879880662592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8901621399641887533.post-80092908350763414482013-06-22T05:12:00.002-07:002013-06-23T16:38:41.383-07:00Much Ado About Sherlock Holmes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyKJTRxvs2B3Pgxxfo6APCgAM8gfDk_OU9HdLhk-18Bs23I7KZXhDV_yktljBHr_h4NDmWJtYyURyKgcioU9b50Snc4LUIufXN_-nSyxhj9PSL1kQCDoihAxeOZGMQKJdpWd548WUbmNX/s1600/Untitled-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyKJTRxvs2B3Pgxxfo6APCgAM8gfDk_OU9HdLhk-18Bs23I7KZXhDV_yktljBHr_h4NDmWJtYyURyKgcioU9b50Snc4LUIufXN_-nSyxhj9PSL1kQCDoihAxeOZGMQKJdpWd548WUbmNX/s1600/Untitled-3.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Book cover designed by one of my favourite illustrators Joe McLaren) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://oi42.tinypic.com/6hpxz5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://oi42.tinypic.com/6hpxz5.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
I am a <i>huge</i> Sherlock Holmes geek.<br />
<br />
I've read all the books – and some fan written ones. I love the TV series' (<i>Sherlock</i> and <i>The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes</i> staring Jeremy Brett are my favourites) and the Guy Ritchie movies. I've watched <i>Sherlock</i> listening to just the commentary so many times. I have a toy bear dressed like Sherlock Holmes. My childhood toy was not called Mouse (for he is a mouse) or Tatty or Patch but Moriarty. I've even been to the Sherlock Holmes museum IN Baker Street!<br />
<br />
You get the point. I love it. It turns me into a complete dork.
Yet what is it about Sherlock Holmes that makes me – and so many others – love it so much?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.britishtelevisiondrama.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Sherlock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://www.britishtelevisiondrama.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Sherlock.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For me, it's not just about the clever mysteries and the wonderful quotes, though they certainly play a part. For me, at the centre and heart of Sherlock Holmes it's all about the characters and their relationship.<br />
<br />
Who doesn't love Holmes and Watson? No, really – if you hate them let me know why because I am convinced no one can dislike these two.<br />
<br />
Starting with Sherlock Holmes. Because why on earth do we love this character? He's arrogant, scarily unpredictable, shoots walls when he's bored, closes himself off from humanity for days, is dealing with a drug problem and is just a little bit mean. If you came across someone like this in real life you'd hate them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQ9thxIBzo78RMNrBTL_njcgrJyEazPj-S9J85XeZa15ClNr_ojD_0bfxZ9Hsax-zpEGphu6adbMz4ZH1fEyMzwl8R3zw4tHB3kKrtyDtSrU1NaXjarLyBh0J3Gz2JCUly80DljamCwnc/s1600/Untitled-4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQ9thxIBzo78RMNrBTL_njcgrJyEazPj-S9J85XeZa15ClNr_ojD_0bfxZ9Hsax-zpEGphu6adbMz4ZH1fEyMzwl8R3zw4tHB3kKrtyDtSrU1NaXjarLyBh0J3Gz2JCUly80DljamCwnc/s1600/Untitled-4.png" /></a></div>
<br />
So why do we love him? Is it because he's brilliant? Unintentionally characteristic? Because of the deerstalker? Because Benedict Cumberbatch is so gorgeous?<br />
<br />
Well, perhaps because he's <i>interesting</i>. He's absolutely <i>fascinating</i>, just as much as one of the mysteries he's running around solving. Sherlock Holmes is one of the most unique characters in fiction. On one side, he is a genius. He's able to tell you everything about a stranger's life in one look, he solves mysteries no one else can, he's the world's<i> only <span class="st">consulting </span> detective! </i>Yet I love the balance, because on the other side he has these horrible flaws.<br />
<br />
He's not perfect in any means. He doesn’t even know that the earth goes around the sun, for god's sake!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNMe_lBP7jxIFNeoaR2kyUw3QK3YyR-a7w5m_Z-Hd6nmfhKaVs8lx-vgX82QLiy_kNwoGxpVmtqHL26jqTEqzyM8aKfRcJnIquj-G8Lf6k9MfbbI3GaZEjYp6R36KK9JXNzNM5CH6eoZr/s1600/Untitled-4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNMe_lBP7jxIFNeoaR2kyUw3QK3YyR-a7w5m_Z-Hd6nmfhKaVs8lx-vgX82QLiy_kNwoGxpVmtqHL26jqTEqzyM8aKfRcJnIquj-G8Lf6k9MfbbI3GaZEjYp6R36KK9JXNzNM5CH6eoZr/s1600/Untitled-4.png" /></a></div>
<br />
And we love him for these great big flaws. A perfect character is a boring character. And Sherlock Holmes is, as Spock would say, fascinating.<br />
<br />
Watson – well, he's the everyday man. He gives clarity to the story, he's the grounding anchor to this bemusing, brilliant character. If you were dropped into the life of Sherlock Holmes, you'd be the Watson of the story.<br />
<br />
Yet Watson is brilliant in his own right too. He's an former solider. He is brave and strong and exactly the person you'd want around in a crisis - or after one, for you certainly wouldn't get comforted by Sherlock Holmes. Watson has <i>buckets</i> full of patience. He's lost without the war and Sherlock Holmes offers him the alternative. For, as it is noted in <i>Sherlock</i>, “When you walk with Sherlock Holmes you see the battle field.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTwPxf1sgALPwRc5xu9D6Xi4xSynVcj5KKvzVwfstsd4gTcijeDLg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTwPxf1sgALPwRc5xu9D6Xi4xSynVcj5KKvzVwfstsd4gTcijeDLg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Their friendship is one of the greatest friendships in history. There is no doubt about it. These two men, who are seemingly such opposites, have a friendship that really starts to define them both.
I could go on for days, but I'll leave it for another time. :)<br />
<br />
Have you read Sherlock Holmes? Just seen the series? Haven't decided if you want to do either yet? Let me know what you think of it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5N8a5Cmmr445hXTcVqoZnTa43jomAhylG5XZ5-jDD4eexdY4ua3Of3by1rcf3QwxLxrOUg2WITp5AoOOmfUDoIrJQ79rlEx5Bvhp1cyGtIOhxpHO-omncpfR2HAffcSEoPAm1LL7xY66/s1600/Untitled-4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5N8a5Cmmr445hXTcVqoZnTa43jomAhylG5XZ5-jDD4eexdY4ua3Of3by1rcf3QwxLxrOUg2WITp5AoOOmfUDoIrJQ79rlEx5Bvhp1cyGtIOhxpHO-omncpfR2HAffcSEoPAm1LL7xY66/s1600/Untitled-4.png" /></a></div>
Martha Iveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362732879880662592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8901621399641887533.post-12262696963635874672013-06-21T13:55:00.002-07:002013-06-21T19:43:38.399-07:00Favourite BooksWhat makes a book your favourite?<br />
<br />
Is it the world in which it is set? Is it the author's descriptive flair? Is it the characters? It is the message that you are left with? Or a combination of all these things?<br />
<br />
To me, a book becomes a favourite when you can't exactly work out WHAT makes it become one. It's something you can't put into words – something you can't even put into sound, unless it is a high-pitch “Eeeeeeeeeeee!” It is the feeling when you put it down and think, “Wow”. It's the feeling after that when you jump up, find the nearest person or quickly text your friend, demanding them to read it or discussing with them what you thought.<br />
<br />
It's instinctive.<br />
<br />
This book has oomph. Something that speaks to you – and continues to speak to you days, months, years after you've read it.<br />
<br />
Is it perfection? Well, no. A book will always have flaws for, similar to the people who write them, books are not perfect. But a favourite book is near perfect to <i>you</i>, even if it might repulse or bore others. Perhaps you even know it has many flaws, yet you love it anyway, regardless.<br />
<br />
Here is a few books that rendered me to squealing or aww-ing or grinning.<br />
<br />
Let me know what makes a book a favourite to you. :) <br />
<br />
<style type="text/css" media="screen">
.gr_grid_container {
/* customize grid container div here. eg: width: 500px; */
}
.gr_grid_book_container {
/* customize book cover container div here */
float: left;
width: 39px;
height: 60px;
padding: 0px 0px;
overflow: hidden;
}
</style>
<div id="gr_grid_widget_1371864032">
<!-- Show static html as a placeholder in case js is not enabled - javascript include will override this if things work -->
<h2>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/4553625-martha?shelf=favourite-books&utm_medium=api&utm_source=grid_widget" style="text-decoration: none;">Favourite Books</a>
</h2>
<div class="gr_grid_container">
<div class="gr_grid_book_container"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7979788-harry-potter-and-the-goblet-of-fire" title="Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter, #4)"><img alt="Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327432603s/7979788.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="gr_grid_book_container"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/181133.And_Then_There_Were_None" title="And Then There Were None"><img alt="And Then There Were None" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348593296s/181133.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="gr_grid_book_container"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8786481-harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows" title="Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter, #7)"><img alt="Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1338584170s/8786481.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="gr_grid_book_container"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3950967-the-tales-of-beedle-the-bard" title="The Tales of Beedle the Bard"><img alt="The Tales of Beedle the Bard" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1309666721s/3950967.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="gr_grid_book_container"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16382.Very_Good_Jeeves_" title="Very Good, Jeeves! (Jeeves, #4)"><img alt="Very Good, Jeeves!" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1360270388s/16382.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="gr_grid_book_container"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11365045-frostbite" title="Frostbite (Vampire Academy, #2)"><img alt="Frostbite" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1331236206s/11365045.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="gr_grid_book_container"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11235712-cinder" title="Cinder (Lunar Chronicles, #1)"><img alt="Cinder" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1317794278s/11235712.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="gr_grid_book_container"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6060787-summer-lightning" title="Summer Lightning (Blandings Castle, #4)"><img alt="Summer Lightning" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328030763s/6060787.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="gr_grid_book_container"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18025.Something_Fresh" title="Something Fresh (Blandings Castle, #1)"><img alt="Something Fresh" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1332871925s/18025.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="gr_grid_book_container"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9725419-amy-roger-s-epic-detour" title="Amy & Roger's Epic Detour"><img alt="Amy & Roger's Epic Detour" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327218715s/9725419.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="gr_grid_book_container"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/836610.Fruits_Basket_Vol_10" title="Fruits Basket, Vol. 10 (Fruits Basket, #10)"><img alt="Fruits Basket, Vol. 10" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348098641s/836610.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="gr_grid_book_container"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11982788-vampire-academy" title="Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, #1)"><img alt="Vampire Academy" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1331235498s/11982788.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="gr_grid_book_container"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/285943.Holes" title="Holes"><img alt="Holes" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348218592s/285943.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="gr_grid_book_container"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7955580-harry-potter-and-the-order-of-the-phoenix" title="Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter, #5)"><img alt="Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328031605s/7955580.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="gr_grid_book_container"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7092507-you-wish" title="You Wish"><img alt="You Wish" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1257982946s/7092507.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="gr_grid_book_container"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/395473.Heavy_Weather" title="Heavy Weather"><img alt="Heavy Weather" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347706578s/395473.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="gr_grid_book_container"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/250457.The_Spook_s_Curse" title="The Spook's Curse (The Last Apprentice / Wardstone Chronicles, #2)"><img alt="The Spook's Curse" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1369541319s/250457.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="gr_grid_book_container"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13603796-city-of-shadows" title="City of Shadows (TimeRiders, #6)"><img alt="City of Shadows" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1344281423s/13603796.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="gr_grid_book_container"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7995843-the-ring-of-solomon" title="The Ring of Solomon: A Bartimaeus Novel"><img alt="The Ring of Solomon: A Bartimaeus Novel" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1280879711s/7995843.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="gr_grid_book_container"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5327.A_Christmas_Carol" title="A Christmas Carol"><img alt="A Christmas Carol" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320482353s/5327.jpg" /></a></div>
<br style="clear: both"/><br/><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4553625-martha" class="gr_grid_branding" style="font-size: .9em; color: #382110; text-decoration: none; float: right; clear: both">Martha's favorite books »</a>
<noscript><br/>Share <a href="/">book reviews</a> and ratings with Martha, and even join a <a href="/group">book club</a> on Goodreads.</noscript>
</div>
</div>
<script src="http://www.goodreads.com/review/grid_widget/4553625.Favourite%20Books?cover_size=small&hide_link=&hide_title=&num_books=200&order=a&shelf=favourite-books&sort=random&widget_id=1371864032" type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script>
Martha Iveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08362732879880662592noreply@blogger.com5