Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Bookstores I Want to Visit

Top Ten Tuesday is an original blog meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. and is currently being hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. This week’s topic is “Ten Bookstores I’d Like to Visit.” This topic was both easy and hard. On one hand, it was easy to find ten bookstores for this list and on the other, it was difficult to only name ten. I haven’t been to any of these and probably won’t get a chance to visit most, but a girl can dream.

1. Libreria Acqua Alta (Venice, Italy) – This bookstore has accepted the losing battle with nature and as a result has learned to adapt. Books can be found in tubs and boats and stacked high in order to preserve them from the rising water in Venice, Italy.

2. Livraria Lello (Porto, Portugal) – It’s rumored that JKR found inspiration for HP from this bookstore and and it’s not surprising. I’m inexplicably drawn to this red staircase. How can you look at it and not think there’s something magical about it?

3. Underground Books (Coober Pedy, Australia) – This bookstore is literally underground. How…groundbreaking. In all seriousness, I think I might end up feeling a little claustrophobic being here, but I’d like to at least visit it once anyway.

4. The Last Bookstore (Los Angeles, California) – I really need to carve out some time and take a trip here. It’s within driving distance from where I live, but ugh, traffic. Also, weddings can happen here? Ransom Riggs and Tahereh Mafi got married here. Can you imagine?

5. El Ateneo Grand Splendid (Buenos Aires, Argentina) – Do you even need to ask why I’d want to go here? Just look at the place. It’s a former theatre and then cinema and now houses a bookstore. I just want to stare at this picture for a while.

6. Polare Maastricht (Maastricht, Netherlands) – This one is apparently closed now, but if it wasn’t I’d want to visit it. Books are housed in a former church that was built way back in 1294. It looks so grand and so appropriate for those of us who revere books.

8. Strand Bookstore (New York, New York) – I’ve actually been to New York, but somehow missed visiting this famous bookstore. If I ever go back, it’s at the top of my list.

6. El Péndulo (Mexico City, Mexico) – I’ve always been fond of the combination of books and nature and this one looks like a place where I’d instantly feel at home.

8. The Gladstone Library (Flintshire, North Wales) – This is not a bookstore, but a library at a B&B. If dreams come true not only would I get to visit this place but my own personally library would be modeled after it.

9. Zhongshuge Book Store (Chengdu, China) – I don’t even know where to start with this one. If you haven’t googled this bookstore, do it now. I picked this children’s section because I’m so enamored with the structure and art pieces, but there are several rooms/floors that are equally as gorgeous.

10. Shakespeare and Company (Paris, France) – I get teary eyed just thinking about this place. I don’t know if you can still do it, but they’ve allowed people to sleep here and work on their writing/other art as long as they work at the bookstore a couple of hours a day. I think I could die happy here.

Have you had the pleasure of visiting any of these places? Any of these bookstores also on your bucket list? Let’s talk in the comments and be sure to leave a link to your own TTT post, so I can visit!

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Top Ten Tuesday: Longest Books I’ve Ever Read

Top Ten Tuesday is an original blog meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. and is currently being hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. This week’s topic is “Longest Books I’ve Ever Read.” I feel like I don’t pick up as many big books as I used to and I think being a book blogger is partially to blame for this. It’s hard to justify spending a week or two on one book when there are so many books to get to. Here are ten of the longest books I’ve read according to Goodreads. To ensure some variation, I limited myself to mentioning only one book in the same series. Example, several HP books would make this list, but I’m only listing Order of the Phoenix since it’s the longest. Covers are linked to Goodreads.

1. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke – Number of Pages: 1,056 – This book was so long that I literally paused in the middle of it, read another book, and then returned to finish it. Still impressed that I read this gigantic book.

2. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling – Number of Pages: 870 – This and Prisoner of Azkaban are my favorite HP books. Pretty sure I got through this in only a few days. I didn’t need sleep back then.

3. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon – Number of Pages: 850 – I did a buddy read for this one and thankful I did because I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have been able to get through it otherwise. It wasn’t a bad book, just wasn’t really for me.

4. Winter by Marissa Meyer – Number of Pages: 827 – I’m surprised to find this one on the list, but yes, it was a big book. I wish I remembered it more vividly.

5. Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke – Number of Pages: 699 – I do remember how big this one was because I took the whole series with me when I spent some time overseas and it wasn’t the best idea when I had to pack up and come back.

6. To Darkness Fled by Jill Williamson – Number of Pages: 681 – I read this series years and years ago. Don’t remember much, but they are all paperback, thick, and heavy. Couldn’t take them anywhere.

7. Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas – Number of Pages: 648 – I always felt that SJM’s books never really needed to be as long as they were. Is that just me?

8. Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick – Number of Pages: 640 – I almost didn’t put this one on my list because this novel includes illustrations, but hey, those count too.

9. A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab – Number of Pages: 624 – This is one of those big books that I loved partially because it was so long. It meant I got to spend more time with these particular characters.

10. Son of the Shadows by Juliet Marillier – Number of Pages: 608 – I’m so glad this one made it onto my list. I love Juliet Marillier’s books and this one is one of my favorites. I should totally reread this one soon.

What’s the longest book you’ve ever read? Have you picked any of these up? Let me know in the comments and be sure to leave me a link to your own TTT post, so I can visit.

Top Ten Tuesday: Latinx Authors I’d Love to Meet

Top Ten Tuesday is an original blog meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. and is currently being hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. This week’s topic is “Authors I’d Love to Meet.” Did you know that it’s Latinx Heritage Month? I loved that this topic came up because I’ve been paying homage to Latinx authors (you can check out my posts here and enter my Twitter giveaway in celebration here) on my blog and I’d love to gush some more. Covers are linked to Goodreads.

1. Anna-Marie McLemore – Who could have guessed that Anna-Marie McLemore would end up on this list? Yes, I’m being sarcastic. I am continually impressed and enamored with her novels.

2. Zoraida Córdova – Labyrinth Lost was one of the first books I read where I felt represented and I will be forever grateful to Zoraida Córdova because of this.

3. Silvia Moreno-Garcia – I love when authors surprise you with their ability to write any genre. Silvia Moreno-Garcia is such a gifted writer, I think everyone could benefit from hearing her speak.

4. Adam Silvera – I have a feeling Adam Silvera is a delight in person even if I somehow also suspect he enjoys torturing us a little bit with his novels.

5. Lily Anderson – I will be forever screaming Lily Anderson’s name until she gets the recognition she deserves. Also, she is hilarious on paper and I am sure in person as well.

6. Elizabeth Acevedo – If you haven’t heard Elizabeth Acevedo recite her poetry, do yourself a favor and head on over to YouTube and check her out. Acevedo has such a powerful voice and I would love to be in a room with her and hear her speak.

7. Ibi Zoboi – American Street was such a wonderful debut and after finishing Pride, I’d love to hear Ibi Zoboi talk about how she infuses spiritual elements into her novels

8. Guadalupe García McCall – I feel that if you haven’t at least heard of this author, you haven’t been paying attention to Latinx authors of influence in YA lit.

9. Isabel Quintero – How many years must pass between a book being written and it being called a classic? Gabi, a Girl in Pieces is one of those books I wish I had around as a teen.

10. Daniel José Older – Because I need to know how Older came up with the brilliant and vibrant world-building in Shadowshaper, I need to hear him speak.

Have you had the pleasure of meeting any of these authors in person? Which Latinx author would you like to meet? Let me know in the comments and be sure to leave me a link to your own TTT post, so I can visit.

 

Top Ten Tuesday: Books By Favorite Authors I Still Haven’t Read

Top Ten Tuesday is an original blog meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. and is currently being hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. This week’s topic is “Books By My Favorite Authors That I Still Haven’t Read.” Yikes, I feel like this week’s topic is personally calling me out. I have quite a few book on my shelf as well as my TBR in general by authors I’ve enjoyed immensely that I just haven’t gotten around to picking up. I need to make myself do a backlist challenge or something. Covers are linked to Goodreads.

1. The Caller by Juliet Mariller – I have had this final book in Marillier’s Shadowfell series for years now and haven’t read it. It’s been so long, I don’t think I can pick it up without revisiting the first two.

2. The Obelisk Gate by N.K. Jemisin – While it hasn’t been that long since I finished reading The Fifth Season, I have had this book for a few months now and really have no excuse for not picking up this sequel.

3. Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik – This was a summer release that if you asked me before summer, I would have told you I was going to get to asap. That didn’t happen. I’m aiming for the end of the year though.

4. Invictus by Ryan Graudin – I’ve put off reading this one because of all the average reviews I’ve come across, but I still feel the need to read it because I loved her Wolf By Wolf duology so much. At some point I’m going to check this out from my library.

5. In the Shadow of the Blackbirds by Cat Winters – I think Cat Winters is one of the most underrated authors, but I’ve been guilty of neglecting her as well. I’ve had this one on my shelf for years and haven’t fit it into my schedule.

6. Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo – I am a huge fan of the Six of Crows duology, but I never got around to finishing the Grisha Trilogy. I will need to read the first again to continue.

7. Vicious by V.E. Schwab – I am also guilty of having this one on my shelf for years and not reading it. Every indication says I’m going to love it and yet…

8. The Fallen Kingdom by Elizabeth May – I am a little afraid of this final book in The Falconer Trilogy, but now I fear I’ve waited too long to read it, so I might have to skim through the first two before picking it up.

9. They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera – I try to space out my Adam Silvera books because if you know anything about his novels, they are emotionally heavy. I do want to read this one by the end of the year.

10. Listen to Your Heart by Kasie West – I’ve actually neglected the last two Kasie West’s books, but this is the one I’m really eager to get to. Next time I’m craving a light read, I might reach for this one.

Do you ever put off a sequel for too long? What’s one backlist book you’d like to get to by the end of the year? Let me know in the comments and be sure to leave me a link to your own TTT post, so I can visit.

Top Ten Tuesday: Fall 2018 Books I’m Excited For

Top Ten Tuesday is an original blog meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. and is currently being hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. This week’s topic is “Books On My Fall 2018 TBR.” I usually fail when it comes to TBRs (see my summer TBR), so for this week’s topic I’m sharing Fall 2018 releases that I’m excited for and which, realistically, I probably won’t get to by the end of the season. Feels nice to have low expectations, haha. Covers are linked to Goodreads.

Are any of these on your TBR as well? Which fall 2018 release are you most looking forward to? Let me know in the comments and be sure to leave me a link to your own TTT post, so I can visit.

Top Ten Tuesday: Hidden Gems You Should All Read

Top Ten Tuesday is an original blog meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. and is currently being hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. This week’s topic is “Hidden Gems (which books haven’t been talked about as much or haven’t been marketed as strongly that you think deserve some recognition?)” Yes, I love having the chance to scream about books I think more people ought to read. For this topic, I’ve limited my list to books with less than 1000 ratings on Goodreads and which I read in the last year or so. Covers are linked to Goodreads.

1. Shame the Stars by Guadalupe Garcia McCall – Publication Date: September 15th 21016; Ratings: 121 – This book tackles a part of history that I wasn’t at all familiar with until I heard about this book: how the Mexican Revolution ignited racial tension between Tejanos and Texas Rangers.

2. Bruja Born by Zoraida Córdova – Publication Date: June 5th 2018; Ratings: 762 – I know this has only been out for three months, but I still feel like more people should have read it. It’s a great sequel to Labyrinth Lost. If you like books about magic, witches, and sisters, this is the one for you.

3. Pitch Black by Courtney Alameda – Publication Date: February 20th 2018; Ratings: 458 – I was so surprised by how much I enjoyed this sci-fi/horror novel. If you’re building your October TBR, maybe consider this one?

4. A Dash of Trouble by Anna Meriano – Publication Date: January 2nd 2018; Ratings: 633 – I love a good, charming middle grade novel. Leo was such a sweet character and I love how the author combined baking and magic.

5. The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno-Garcia – Publication Date: October 24 2017; Ratings: 786 – This is my favorite read in 2018 and I’m so sad that more people haven’t read it. If you’re a fan of Charlie N. Holmberg’s The Paper Magician or Zen Cho’s Sorcerer to the Crown, this ought to be your next read.

6. Not Now, Not Ever by Lily Anderson – Publication Date: November 21st 2017; Ratings: 509 – I can’t for the life of me figure out why Lily Anderson isn’t a more popular author. Her books are always so much fun and she writes the most witty characters. Never has an author made me laugh so much.

7. The Hollow Girl by Hillary Monahan – Publication Date: October 10th 2017; Ratings: 310 – This book is really good and really underrated. After finishing this novel about magic and revenge, I feel like we’ve all been sleeping on this author.

 8. The Victoria in My Head by Janelle Milanes –  Publication Date: September 19th 2017; Ratings: 219 – I would love to read more fluffy books with Latinx protagonists, but as of now, this is one of very few.

9. Odd & True by Cat Winters – Publication Date: September 12th 2017; Ratings: 893 – I haven’t come across too many bloggers who’ve read this one, but I was immediately drawn to it because at its heart are two sisters. The paranormal element, with its many spooky creatures, sealed the deal for me.

10. Star-Touched Stories by Roshani Chokshi – Publication Date: August 8th 2018; Ratings: 296 – I may be jumping the gun on this one. It only came out a month ago, but Roshani Chokshi has graced us with her writing again. We should all be devouring this short-story collection.

Have you read any of these books? Which book do you wish more people read? Let me know in the comments and be sure to leave me a link to your own TTT post, so I can visit.