Top Ten Books on my To Be Read (or re-read) list for Winter

The Broke and the Bookish

1. Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens: I just love that name. But I suppose a lot of people do. It's original and cute. Anyway, not here to talk about another name I'd assign to a future cat. I begun reading this book on my iBooks app sometime this year, and I want to finish it this winter. We're going on vacation in less than two weeks and I'm hoping to do a lot of reading! But I might get stuck reading...
2. The Pickwick Paper's by Charles Dickens: Yes, Dickens is for winter. I want to re-read this book, which I've raved about previously here . The first and only time I read it, it was in a fortnight. That's how intrigued I was. Anyway, I'm really looking forward to laughing my head off and rebuilding my vocabulary again. 
3. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: I said to a friend yesterday that one of the advantages of not having easy access to a library is that you can re-read your own books as many times as you want; and no one can accuse you of avoiding new material. Not that I want to avoid new material anyway. I really do want to get to the library...why do I keep going off? Yes, Little Women- I was originally planning to re-read it this month, November seemed so suitable. But November has slipped away along with my little, casual attempt at NANOWRIMO, and so I 'm bringing this book with me on vacation as well. It's just such a cozy read!
4. The Lamplighter by Maria Cummins: If I had lots of dedicated followers who've read every single one of my posts, I'd be afraid that you're tired of my mention of this book. But yeah, it's awesome. Makes me cry every time, it's nostalgic, excellent plot, great...just everything. And it's a romance, a mystery, and some other genres. Always on my winter re-read list, unconsciously. :)
5. An Old Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott: This book is up there with Little Women for me. It may be dull and boring to some, but I find it absolutely charming and even encouraging. I can't wait to read this with the little book club I have with my two younger cousins. (If anyone's interested in reading an eleven year old's perspective on our current reads, click here and follow :)
6. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte: I saw the 2011 movie adaptation. First word that comes to mind is-lame. It was less than any other adaptation I've seen or heard of, and the only interesting thing was the change up of the show of timeline. Then I watched what I call my version, the 2006 one. Which is awesome. Anyway, I need to refresh my memory to do a proper mental movie and book re-analysis. Did you say nerd?
7. Agatha Christie: I would like to read and re-read some Agatha Christie books. I've read the Tommy&Tuppence series, and loved it. It combined my love for the old-fashioned with my new experience of mysteries. 
8. The Time Machine by H.G Wells: I started reading this (I must state how uncharacteristic it is of me to not finish things... but when it comes to reading electronic books or uninitiated self help....) I have no idea when, but should finish it this winter. Should. Do I want to? Yes. I've heard it's interesting and rather creepy. That intrigues me. Do I really want to? I have no idea. 
9. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams: A friend of mine will be giving me the audiobooks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've longed to read this for so long, but could not obtain a copy. I'm excited. Yay. This is more on my "instant inhale" list....
10. Walden and Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau: Thank goodness I have an available paperback. I have a feeling this may end up being read near spring...but we'll see. We briefly went over this in my English class of Senior year, and I decided to read it in entirety. Some decisions need time for action..eh?

 I actually made it to 10...can you believe it....
Hope this was interesting.... or that you had another person or something nearby to keep you from falling into a coma...

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Wish I could Read again for the First Time

Hello! It's been a while! I'm back now, and thought I'd do today's Top Ten while I conjure up some personal bookish posts I want to do :)
Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, Top Ten Tuesday is a really fun meme with a different topic every time!This week is a really good one, which I think I can come up with 10 to!

1. Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. I automatically thought of this one, because I recently re-read it and it was like-probably better-than the first time. Such a refreshing series! I highly recommend it. Absolutely delightful. For those who don't know, it's about an orphan girl who "accidentally" gets adopted by a middle aged brother and sister, and her experiences and growth. Poor summary, but there it is. 
2. The Lamplighter by Maria Cummins. I've mentioned this book before, I'm sure, because I absolutely adore it. I loved it from the time my mother read the first words aloud. Every time I read it, it's like the first time so I don't know if it counts...but it's certainly relevant :) About another orphan girl, rescued from almost absolute death and a terrible existence by an old lamp-lighter, and her life-full of such unexpected twists and turns. Absolutely lovely :)
3. Emma by Jane Austen. This I sincerely wish I could read for the first time again. I've read it several times, but the first time was so delightful, and so surprising and enjoyable, no re-read has amounted to it. :p If you're not familiar with Austen novels you must've been living under a rock. But this one's about a rich, rather arrogant young woman and the learning of her lessons. Ultimately a delightful romance and otherwise entertaining story. 
4. Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens. I haven't re-read this yet, but there are no words to describe how much I enjoyed it the first time I did. I'm planning to re-read it this winter, and I hope it's as enjoyable. Which, knowing Dickens books long-standings as classics, it shall be. This incredible story is a wonderfully amusing and entertaining novel with an amazingly intricate plot. This book gave me all the admiration and respect for Dickens brilliance that I didn't have before I read his work. One of the best, Pickwick Papers is. 
5. Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell. I'm currently re-reading this, and it's almost as good as the first time. It's not as good, because my dislike of certain characters is stronger :p. But, I've been gaining a lot of insight into human character that I didn't realize the first time I read the book. Lovely story about a young girl and her trials subsequent to her father's remarriage. Intricate plot and excellent writing. Truly. Recommend.
6. Mrs.Frisby and the Rats of Nihm by Robert C. O'Brien. This is certainly one of the books I wish I could read again for the first time. I don't think I could re-read it with as much pleasure-I think most of my enjoyment of this book came from the unexpected contained within. For those who love all animals, mystery, and unique stories, this book is for you. 

Well, not even past 6 and I'll have to admit, I can't come up with 10 to this! But I enjoyed it anyway, and I hope you take up one of my recommendations if they appeal to you :)

Top Ten Five Tuesday:Movie Adaptations (late)

"Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!"

I'm only doing 5 because of time and brain space. :p

1. Jane Eyre: The 2006 movie adaptation is absolutely wonderful. Period. Ok, yeah, maybe it isn't completely accurate, but it is completely...AWESOME! :P Here's my review...
2. Sense and Sensibility: The 1990 something and 2008 adaptations(my review) are both wonderful, though I have a soft spot for the 1990something version with Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Kate Winslet, and other great actors. :) The book is my favorite of Austen's, and so I treasure the movies too. 
3. Pride and Prejudice: Of course, of maybe not so of course for some people, I'm talking about the 1995 adaptation with Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth. Though its a long movie (TV series actually) it is just so...indescribably wonderful. I think it reallly conveys the Austen spirit. 
4. A Series of Unfortunate Events: Is it just me or does Lemony Snicket sneak his way into all of my top tens? :p The movie adaptation with Jim Carrey is absolute brilliance-the only thing I could wish for is that they would've done the whole series....
5. Emma: Both recent movie adaptations- 1990something with Gwyneth Paltrow and the 2009 one(my review) with Romola Garai are both fantabulous. Both bring something new and different and yet without losing any of the classic Austen or Emma. 

There's my top 5-agree or disagree?

From Evernote:

Top Ten Tuesday:Characters That I'd Name My Children After Clipped from: http://www.brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/

"Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!
Each week we will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of our bloggers' answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on our post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share with us and all those who are participating. If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. If you can't come up with ten, don't worry about it---post as many as you can!"

I'm excited to be doing a meme again!! Especially this week's- Top Ten Characters (and Literary Figures) That I'd Name My Children After.  :) I'll be changing it to That I'd Name My Children or an Animal After. :P

1.Emma (Emma by Jane Austen): I've been drawn to this name for as long as I can rightly remember, and I cannot tell you why. I just find it so lovely in a simple way..

2.Anne (Anne of Green Gables by L.M Montgomery): I absolutely LOVE the name Anne (with an e ;)!! I have the same excuse as I do as to why I like the name Emma, but I must add that it of course reminds me of Anne Shirley  and she is such a fascinating character. :)

3. Charles Dickens: because I love this name and it just won't leave me alone. No, its not for a child, but for a future cat I hope to own. :) 

4. Louisa May Alcott: I don't like the name Louisa, but I am very fond of the combination May Alcott. I don't know if I'll name a child May, but I do want to name an animal Alcott. Preferably a cat...they just seem so much more...literary...:P

5.Lemony Snicket: For those of you who frequent my blog or know me, you probably saw that coming, or its no surprise. Besides adoring A Series of Unfortunate Events, I also adore this alias because its so original and catchy. Two things I love in names. :) 

This would be for a cat, once again. Oh dear, I'm afraid I'm giving the impression of becoming a cat lady. :p

6.Oscar Wilde: Another original and catchy name, its endeared to me by the many witty or otherwise known as sarcastic quotes of his. I have yet to read one of his works, but I soon shall. :)

7.Adelaide: I might name my child this..or perhaps keep it as an optional middle name..I'm not sure. But I do know that I like this name very much. Its lady like, youthful, and original. 

8.Dumbledore(Harry Potter): Again for a cat. Gosh, I just can't help it!!! There aren't a lot of literary names out there that I'd name my children after. And I don't see myself owning any animal except for a cat so...

And now that I've come so far and so close to bed time (in fact a few minutes past), my mind has drawn a blank for names. And it doesn't help that I'm only coming up with ones for cats :p  Hope to post again soon! 

Top Ten Picks:Favorite Male Literary Character's and Top Ten Favorite Books of all Time

*i'm using my mother's computer so no top ten picks picture :p*

Another Top Ten Picks  topic, hosted and created by Jillian at Random Ramblings. I didn't get to do last weeks, so I'm doing it, since I found out you can do past topics and still link up-on the specific topic's post! :) So I'm going to do Top 5 of this topic, and Top 5 of this weeks topic, which is Top Ten Favorite Books of All Time.

1. Gilbert Blythe. Anne's longtime secret (or maybe not so secret) admirer-er, a one in a thousand young man, and of course he must be good looking, or else Josie Pye wouldn't have bothered, I'm sure. :p If you don't know who Gilbert is, you MUST read the Anne of Green Gables series, by L.M Montgomery. Not just for him, of course. *secretly grins*
2. Klaus Baudelaire. I like Klaus for one reason and one reason only. His amazing ability to read thousands (or was it hundreds?) of books and remember their contents. Jealous I am, you say? No, I am an admirer-er. :) And of course, any of the three Baudelaire children can be admired for their capabilities and their extreme endurance during a series of unfortunate events.
3. William Sullivan from The Lamplighter. "He's a dream!" is a phrase that can be used to basically describe Willie. But of course he's only a dream because he has a deeper foundation of character, love, and he is always himself. The Lamplighter  is not a well known book. Its one of those things I marvel at-how can people not have read or heard of this lovely, fascinating, awesome book? So I've taken it upon myself to spread the word. Find this at your library, or an online bookstore (even amazon). If not, listen to it for free at Librivox. 
4. Mr.Knightley from Emma. who doesn't have an Austen man on their list? :p Mr.Knightley has been my favorite since I saw the 1995-6 movie adaptation of Emma. When I saw the (2009?2010?) version it was cemented. His sense of humor is, I think, what makes us so perfect for each other :p Joking aside, Mr.Knightley is such a true gentleman, and has so much character (and not such a bad judge of it either;) he is really admirable. You see, I often ask three questions when considering characters. 1-If I met them in real life, would I like them or admire them the same? 2-If they are imaginary (as in fanciful, for example, character's in Alice in Wonderland), do they have a point to their lightness? 3-Are they handsome or intelligent? or both? :p ok that last one is doubtful, but nonetheless, in Mr.Kinghtley's case I can answer the first and third question quite satisfactorily.
5. Edmund Pevensie. I have always ( I think) liked Edmund because he made a mistake, was forgiven, and learned his lesson so so well. Once he got over his faults, he made for quite a nice young man, adding some wisdom to his brother and sisters. 

Now for my Top 5 Favorite Books of all Time

1. Elsie Dinsmore. I am just so attached to the Elsie Dinsmore series, but the first one especially. This is the book that  got me into reading, and I can't be grateful enough to Martha Finley for that. 
2. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. This book just fascinates me. Brings me to tears, to laughter, and  back to reality, yet lifts me to the heavens. It is so versatile in its age group, and the moral point is just so mind-blowing (if you're a christian or messianic).
3. Sense and Sensibility. I'm getting to feel I should add a label just for this book because I'm constantly mentioning it! I cannot stop saying how much I love this book. I connect to the character's, I love the plot- I could go on and on. But I think it's enough to add it to this list.
4. The Lamplighter. I obviously cannot stop mentioning this book. I think its simply wonderful. It really is. Its really really is.A story about a girl, a generous man, a friendly boy,and basically-when people touch each others lives.  What could be better?
5. The Pickwick Papers. Humor has to be my second favorite genre in any category. I cannot get enough. And I won't even add a yet to that. "A day without laughter is a day wasted". Well, during your reading of this book, no day will be wasted. Its the ultimate classic comedy. A must read for humor-lovers. 

There's my five of each! Go link up before the next topic comes!

Top Ten Picks:Favorite Books to Movies

Go check out hostess Jillian's picks for her weekly meme! And join in and link up!


BBC's recent adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma was simply fabulous!!!! I cannot admire it enough. It was-really really good. Very good. See? I can't stop admiring it. A must watch! They have it on youtube. I've written about it here. Did I like the book or movie better? Well, the book is much richer, but I'd watch the movie more times than I'd watch the boo-ahaha, I mean, read the book. I should rephrase that- I have watched the movie more times then I've read the book.
I can't remember what year this excellent adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic book Little Women was produced in, but all I know is that it is such a good, homey movie. I must have watched it a million times. Don't believe me? I can tell you the very first line of dialouge in the movie. "Marmee's home!" Book or movie? Book, definitely. But this is about my favorite books to movies, or movies to books, so...

I have to say that the 1995 or 1996 adaptation of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility is really good. I mean, the cast is amazing- great acting, and its just a classic. Though I hear that the new adaptation is more accurate, and I do think it has a lot of great aspects and other things, but I can't feel about it how I feel about this adaptation :p Book or movie? Book, though the newer adaptation is a great light watch, if you don't feel like watching this seemingly longer version, or reading the book.

Number 4- Mansfield Park. I prefer this version, I much much prefer this adaptation to the 1995 one. Though its not exactly accurate and etc etc, it has a lot of faults, but I still like it. Book or movie? Book!!! Much better than the movies. People get the wrong idea about Fanny in the movies- you must read the book!

David Copperfield. I'm not sure which year or anything, I just know that there are known British actors in it, and the guy that does Harry Potter-David something ( I know I'm butchering this) plays David Copperfield as a boy. This is a great adaptation-very long, but very accurate. And good-excellent. Book or movie? I'd say movie. This adaptation that is. :)


The 1990-something adaptation, the only adaptation, I think, of Elizabeth Gaskell's classic Wives and Daughters, is really really good. I'm reading the book now, and there are some thing's that aren't accurate in the movie, but its still so good that you can't complain or be upset. The movie has an incredible cast-its just altogether excellent.

I almost forgot about this just because its like second nature to me- such a part of myself that this is the best Pride and Prejudice adaptation and so much like the book that they're one and the same, I think.

I can't rave enough about BBC's adaptation of Jane Eyre. It's really awesome. Must watch! Click the link there to read my previous rave about it and get the link to see it on youtube. Yeah, I didn't realize until recently that we have the BBc channel. So I see recent adaptations on youtube. :p

A Little Princess. Warner Brother's adaptation. Really really good. REALLY really really good. :) Book or movie? book. Why? I don't know-the book just has something really magical about it.

The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. I think everyone knows what I'm talking about when I talk about the most recent movie adaptation of this book. Its awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Book or movie? Both!

And there are my top ten! Go link up!

Top Ten Picks: Favorite Reads This Year (so far)

Hosted by Jillian at Random Ramblings, Top Ten Picks is a weekly meme that allows you to explore your top ten picks of book and reading related things.

Whoa. Favorite reads. I am so glad to have an awesome friend that has lent me so many books, several different genres, this year, so that I can actually answer this question. And I'm thankful for having the miraculous self initiative to actually read. Well, maybe its not so miraculous, since I do love doing it ;)
At any rate, let me muster up my top ten favorite books I've read this year (so far). And in no specific order.

1. Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell. The movie adaptation of this book has been a favorite of mine for years now. I would beg my mom if we could watch it-over and over again. Yeah, it that good. Well, reading this book has been epic for me cause I'm actually reading a book that I saw the movie to first, and its not by Jane Austen. ;) But seriously, this is a  really good book-such an easy read, yet so much food for thought-if you look hard enough. 
2. The Unauthorized Autobiography (or The Pony Party) by Lemony Snicket. I had to add this because it was hilarious-in a priceless way, and is definitely one of my favorite books ever. See? I tell you I am in love with humor. We're getting married when we grow up. 
3. Around the World in 80 days by Jules Verne. Besides being proud of myself for having read this classic, short as it was, I found myself delightedly surprised by this book-expecting it to be extremely boring or extremely childish. I found it light, funny, and interesting. 
4. More Love to Thee by George Prentiss. This book made such an impression on me, that I always feel as if I had read it recently. I recommend this biography to Christians and those who know how to take the good and leave the objectional (so far as difference in religion goes). Otherwise, this book deeply touched me-and changed me, I think. Change is not always fireworks or surgery, sometimes its an adjustment of a hair or going under a wave. Or some other smooth flowing thing. ;)
5. I thought it was just Me by Brene Brown. This book, being about shame, power, perfectionism, and taking that out of your life, was a bit hard to read at times, as it dealt with insecurities and my inner self, but it was very good. And yes, life changing. For sure. 
6. The Fascinating Girl by Helen Andelin. An amazing, entertaining, and helpful book, it teaches young girls some things they may not know about bringing their femininity out and actually using it. Very fun, thought provoking, and easy read. Though not for children, I think. 
7. Silent Spring by Rachel Carson. Though it had too much scientific information to keep me from burning my brain every time I read it  for a long period of time, it was extremely thourough, excellently written, and action provoking. Heart breaking, yes. But good things sometimes come out of caring about things other than ourselves.
8. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Very dark and mysterious book, but not totally deprived of cheer, happiness, or etc etc.Basically there's a lot of lessons to be learned and things to be cleared up, and I like that because it leaves room for development. I have trouble in my own writing with doing that, so I think that putting character's in the midst of an un-seemingly epic and transforming event in their lives is a good idea. :) And of course, I was glad to read a classic. :) Yeah, they make me feel accomplished....
9. The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass. This was an awesome autobiography. Definitely inspiring and informing. Completely honest, completely open, reflective, to the point- great read. Definite definite favorite. 
10. Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. Last but of course not least, this was a good read, especially as I saw contrasting and a bit contradictory interpretations of Fanny in two different movie adaptations. I wanted to find out for myself what she originally was, so I did. I was not disappointed- a bit pleasantly surprised. IT is a different type-well, all of Austen's books are different in style. But because of all the "scandal" in this one, its a bit separated from the other. But its written from a nice point of view, and I know a lot of people hesitate to read Mansfield Park, but..don't. Unless of course it would be an inappropriate read for you.

Go link up!

Top Ten Picks:Favorite Writers

This is my first (awesome!) time doing Jillian's weekly meme, Top Ten Picks, hosted at Random Ramblings. Isn't that a pretty button?  Anyway, each week there's a different top ten. This week is favorite authors, obviously. To join in just post about your favorite authors and put your link in the linky on her blog. There's no proper way to do it, so don't worry. But before you do, check out her answers by  clicking on the link to her blog. Alright, let's get started with this difficult task. To make it easier, I'm not going to list them in order of greatness. :)

1. Jane Austen. Is that too obvious? ;) And this is pretty self explanatory :)
2. Charles Dickens. He.is.awesome. I mean, the intricate details, personalities, and plots? I don't think there's another author like him. I especially like how long his book The Pickwick Papers is, and yet its a comedy! I love humor, so that book is a dream. 
3. Louisa May Alcott. Her books are just so sweet and pleasant. Little Women is a classic, and yet so lighthearted, yet real. That's what I call good writing.
4. L.M Montgomery. Incredible writer of personalities, humor, and depth of feeling. Because Anne of GG is intense :) A friend of mine has been reading her other books, and now I want to read some more of her work as well. 
5. Elizabeth Gaskell. Not as well known as my first four, but as good a writer. I'm currently reading Wives and Daughters, and am itching to read Cranford :) 
6. Martha Finley. Though even less known than the former author, her writing (a series called Elsie Dinsmore, another called Mildred Keith, and if I'm not mistaken some other books) is great for older children, I'd say 8-14, because as the books progress so do the plots and character's. And their ages :) 
7. Lemony Snicket. Oh.my. goodness. This man is a genius, a literary genius. His writing is so so good-yeah, its all dark humor, or things that might be otherwise thought boring, but his style and way of putting things just makes it a constant laugh. And I love laughing :)
8. Elizabeth Prentiss. Her book Stepping Heavenward is really really good. It can bring you to tears several times, over and over. You can relate to it, feel with it. Her other books(I'm not sure how many she's authored)  I don't like as much, but they are really good. I read The life and letters of Elizabeth Prentiss(by her husband George Prentiss) and she was really a remarkable lady.The book extremely blessed me.
9. Bronte sisters. Of course, their books are great, though I have yet to read some of them. 
10. E.B White. I must say, I love this man's writing. It is so-I can't describe it. I'm yet to read more of his books, but Charlotte's Web and The Trumpet of the Swan brought me to tears, and I must also add I love quoting him. He's said a lot of wise things. 

Welp, there we go!