If You Liked That…Read This: Classics Edition

I’m sure you all have seen this kind of post at some point or another so I don’t think it really needs too much explaining. But today I wanted to start out with some recommendations based on classic books that you might have read and really enjoyed! I used to read classics really often and lately I’ve been thinking back on some of my favorites and comparing them to newer releases. I hope you enjoy! 🙂


If You Liked Little Women by Louisa May Alcott… Read Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Now it might seem like these two books are vastly different, but I would have to say that below the surface they share a lot of common themes. The dynamics of sister relationships changing, female coming of age stories, strong focus on writing and literature, and a bit of romance can all be found and explored in both of these stories. I would say Cath might not be as immediately likable as Jo is, but her journey of self-discovery is still enjoyable.

If You Liked Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray… Read Forest of a Thousand Lanterns (Rise of the Empress, #1) by Julie C. Dao

I don’t think many people would say that Becky Sharp is a shining example of a human being, and you sure as hell can’t say that about Xifeng either. These two women come from low backgrounds and are willing to do anything to climb to the top of the society. If you like reading about strong and independent women clawing their way to the top, I think you’ll enjoy both of these. Though be warned, Xifeng is a much darker than Becky!

If you liked Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte… Read Sadie by Courtney Summers

Okay, these two books are completely different on the surface – one is a romance and the other is a mystery/thriller. However, both follow two of the most courageous and amazing heroines. You won’t get any romance in Sadie, but what you will get is a girl who will do anything to figure out the truth and seek vengeance for her sister. Jane and Sadie are both women that have the kind of inner strength to persevere and stick to their sense of right and wrong, even amidst some of the most trying circumstances. I also recommend listening to the audiobook version of Sadie if you get the chance. It brings a whole new experience to the story.


Do you enjoy reading classics? Have you read any of the books on my list? Would you agree with my recommendations? What books would you recommend based on these classics?

Recommendations: Winter Reads

It’s that time of year again when the snow starts falling, the fires start crackling, and out come the coats and mittens! I don’t know if it’s because I’m a winter baby or what, but I’ve always loved wintertime. It’s the season of nostalgia and the perfect time for curling up with some hot cocoa and a good book. And to make it just a little easier or deciding what books to grab, I’ve compiled a list of some that I think would be perfect to pick up this season.


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Hunted by Meagan Spooner

This is Beauty and the Beast retelling that is just really beautiful. The writing is lyrical with lush descriptions and the story itself really evokes that sense of nostalgia that this time of year is all about. Plus, the romance is the kind of slow burner that we all love!

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The Crown’s Game (The Crown’s Game, #1) by Evelyn Skye

This first book in a duology, follows two enchanters who must compete to become the Imperial Enchanter to the tsar of Russia. I haven’t gotten around to reading the sequel yet, but this book was just such a warm and fuzzy read. If you enjoyed the competition aspect of The Night Circus, then you’ll easily be able to dive into this story as well. If you’re a history lover like me, you’ll also appreciate the mix of real life with the fantastical elements.

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The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

This book is all about nostalgia. It will remind you of the classic children’s novels you read when you were little, and still be completely enjoyable at any age. This is one book that I recommend for the entire family, especially the audiobook version. There’s a special audiobook version that includes an entire cast, music, and sound effects. IT IS AMAZING. This would be a great story to listen to while everyone sits around the fireplace in food coma after Christmas dinner.

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Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

Now, this story is a little bleaker than the rest on this list but I think it still fits perfectly for winter. It’s a love story set during the Civil War, but is more about the journey rather than the destination. I can’t promise you’ll finish this book all rainbows and sunshine, but I can promise that you’ll appreciate the beautiful prose. Afterwards, you can turn on the movie adaptation starring Nicole Kidman and Jude Law. It’s actually a very good adaptation that I highly recommend.

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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling

Because Harry Potter. Duh.

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A Discovery of Witches (All Souls Trilogy, #1) by Deborah Harkness

This is just one of those that you want to savor and stay up all night devouring. It has an actual vampire to fangirl over, no Edward-wannabe here! This series actual combines science with the paranormal/fantasy elements which I found to be incredibly intriguing. You can definitely see Harkness’ scholar background coming through in this series. It has actually been turned into a television show that is currently filming its first season. The wait is killllllllling me!

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A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

This is the perfect book if you’re in the mood for something with a wonderful cast of characters and a heartwarming story. I read this one just last month and absolutely fell in love with it. It’s charming, sweet, and is definitely a story that I can see myself revisiting for the rest of my life.

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A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1) by Sarah J. Maas

I don’t what it is about this trilogy, but something about it just screams winter to me. I feel like this is one of those series that you should binge it over Christmas vacation. The story, the characters, the romance – all of it will completely engross you from beginning to end. I recommend reading this one while munching on some holiday treats!

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Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Nothing will give you the holiday spirit quite like spending time with your loved ones, and this book will definitely get you in that kind of mood. The March sisters will make you feel like family as you follow their adventures. One of my all-time favorite books and one that is perfect to pick up this season.


What are some books that you recommend reading during the wintertime? Have you read any of the books on my list? Do you like to reread old favorites during the holidays?

A Ravenclaw Reading List

I was originally sorted into a Hogwarts house a few years ago on Pottermore. Now, this was long before the new updated sorting system, and I was sorted into Gryffindor. While I do agree that I fit into Gryffindor, I always had a little inkling in the back of my mind that I could be in Ravenclaw, too. Well a few days ago, I decided to redo my Pottermore account and take the new sorting quiz to verify my House, as I had heard that some people were actually getting sorted into different Houses. And y’all, I’ll be damned if that didn’t happen to me! It’s official, I am a Ravenclaw, just as I had always suspected!

So in honor of my new House, I decided to list a few books that you are most likely to see a Ravenclaw reading. Yippee!


1. The Great Library Trilogy  by Rachel Caine

Okay, this is a series set in an alternate history where the Great Library of Alexandria never burnt down, but ended up becoming a universal government that controls all of the knowledge and writings ever created. It’s a story about books, knowledge, and a library. I think it’s a no-brainer for any Ravenclaw!

Ruthless and supremely powerful, the Great Library is now a presence in every major city, governing the flow of knowledge to the masses. Alchemy allows the Library to deliver the content of the greatest works of history instantly—but the personal ownership of books is expressly forbidden.

Jess Brightwell believes in the value of the Library, but the majority of his knowledge comes from illegal books obtained by his family, who are involved in the thriving black market. Jess has been sent to be his family’s spy, but his loyalties are tested in the final months of his training to enter the Library’s service.

When his friend inadvertently commits heresy by creating a device that could change the world, Jess discovers that those who control the Great Library believe that knowledge is more valuable than any human life—and soon both heretics and books will burn…

 2. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

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A magic school? Check! I think that makes it a no-brainer. Ravenclaws would definitely be reading this book!

Simon Snow is the worst chosen one who’s ever been chosen.

That’s what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he’s probably right.

Half the time, Simon can’t even make his wand work, and the other half, he sets something on fire. His mentor’s avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there’s a magic-eating monster running around wearing Simon’s face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here—it’s their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon’s infuriating nemesis didn’t even bother to show up.

Carry On is a ghost story, a love story, a mystery and a melodrama. It has just as much kissing and talking as you’d expect from a Rainbow Rowell story—but far, far more monsters.

3. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

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A book about how much books affect our lives and shape us into who we are. And the main character owns a bookstore!…Yup, I would almost bet that Zevin is a Ravenclaw.

A. J. Fikry’s life is not at all what he expected it to be. His wife has died, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. Slowly but surely, he is isolating himself from all the people of Alice Island—from Lambiase, the well-intentioned police officer who’s always felt kindly toward Fikry; from Ismay, his sister-in-law who is hell-bent on saving him from his dreary self; from Amelia, the lovely and idealistic (if eccentric) Knightley Press sales rep who keeps on taking the ferry over to Alice Island, refusing to be deterred by A.J.’s bad attitude. Even the books in his store have stopped holding pleasure for him. These days, A.J. can only see them as a sign of a world that is changing too rapidly.

And then a mysterious package appears at the bookstore. It’s a small package, but large in weight. It’s that unexpected arrival that gives A. J. Fikry the opportunity to make his life over, the ability to see everything anew. It doesn’t take long for the locals to notice the change overcoming A.J.; or for that determined sales rep, Amelia, to see her curmudgeonly client in a new light; or for the wisdom of all those books to become again the lifeblood of A.J.’s world; or for everything to twist again into a version of his life that he didn’t see coming.

4. My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows

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That Jane has read book on all sorts of random things. The amount of knowledge she has is insane. I bet she would even be at the top of her class at Hogwarts, basically a Hermione twin!

The comical, fantastical, romantical, (not) entirely true story of Lady Jane Grey. In My Lady Jane, coauthors Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows have created a one-of-a-kind fantasy in the tradition of The Princess Bride, featuring a reluctant king, an even more reluctant queen, a noble steed, and only a passing resemblance to actual history—because sometimes history needs a little help.

At sixteen, Lady Jane Grey is about to be married off to a stranger and caught up in a conspiracy to rob her cousin, King Edward, of his throne. But those trifling problems aren’t for Jane to worry about. Jane is about to become the Queen of England.

5. The Magicians Trilogy by Lev Grossman

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Another magical school but this time a college. And a school that requires passing a test to get in? Ravenclaws are always looking forward to a reason to use their knowledge, wits, and creativity! I think that school is full of Ravenclaws.

Like everyone else, precocious high school senior Quentin Coldwater assumes that magic isn’t real, until he finds himself admitted to a very secretive and exclusive college of magic in upstate New York. There he indulges in joys of college-friendship, love, sex, and booze- and receives a rigorous education in modern sorcery. But magic doesn’t bring the happiness and adventure Quentin thought it would. After graduation, he and his friends stumble upon a secret that sets them on a remarkable journey that may just fulfill Quentin’s yearning. But their journey turns out to be darker and more dangerous than they’d imagined.

6. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

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Cath is a total Ravenclaw. She’d rather spend time with her books and writing fan-fiction than out partying? Ohhhh yeah, she’s a Ravenclaw.

Cath is a Simon Snow fan.

Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan…

But for Cath, being a fan is her life—and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving.

Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to.

Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words… And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this?

Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories?

And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

7. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

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I think Jo, who is a strong, creative, independent woman, would make a wonderful Ravenclaw.

Following the lives of four sisters on a journey out of adolescence, Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women explores the difficulties associated with gender roles in a Post-Civil War America.

8. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

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DUH!

In this historic romance, young Elizabeth Bennet strives for love, independence and honesty in the vapid high society of 19th century England.

9. A Song of Ice and Fire Series by George R.R. Martin

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Ravenclaws enjoy using their wits, wisdom, intuition, and creativity. All of the political intrigue and strong characters in this series are the perfect combination to spark the minds and interest of a Ravenclaw. In fact, I bet Khaleesi would be a Ravenclaw and Arya would be a Slytherin. Obviously, Jon Snow is a Gryffindor. Right?!

In a land where summers can last decades and winters a lifetime, trouble is brewing. The cold is returning, and in the frozen wastes of the north of Winterfell, sinister and supernatural forces are massing beyond the kingdom’s protective Wall. At the center of the conflict lie the Starks of Winterfell, a family as harsh and unyielding as the land they were born to. Sweeping from a land of brutal cold to a distant summertime kingdom of epicurean plenty, here is a tale of lords and ladies, soldiers and sorcerers, assassins and bastards, who come together in a time of grim omens. Amid plots and counterplots, tragedy and betrayal, victory and terror, the fate of the Starks, their allies, and their enemies hangs perilously in the balance, as each endeavors to win that deadliest of conflicts: the game of thrones.

10. Anne of Green Gables Series by L.M. Montgomery

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Anne is one spunky chick, with a super good creative and individual outlook on life. Her fight to be number one in her class is like music to my ears. And she meets the love of her life while doing it? That girl is living the Ravenclaw dream.

Everyone’s favorite redhead, the spunky Anne Shirley, begins her adventures at Green Gables, a farm outside Avonlea, Prince Edward Island. When the freckled girl realizes that the elderly Cuthberts wanted to adopt a boy instead, she begins to try to win them and, consequently, the reader, over.

And there you have it. If you see anyone walking around and reading one of these books, then chances are, they’re a Ravenclaw. So when you see one of us out and about, be sure to stop and say hi! 😉


So what did you think of my list? What are some other books that you think a Ravenclaw would be reading? Do you disagree with any of the choices on this list? What House are you sorted into and what books would one of those members be reading?

Hype or Like Friday – September 16th, 2016

Woohoo, it’s Hype or Like Friday again! This meme and Goodreads group were created by myself, Jill @ Rant and Rave Books, and Britt @ Geronimo ReadsBritt @ Geronimo Reads. To join our group and find out more information about what it’s all about, please go to our Goodreads page HERE.

September’s BOTM is Carry On by Rainbow Rowell and the topic of the month is Back To School!

RULES:

  • Answer the weekly discussion topic.
  • Optional: Discuss your chosen hyped book of the week.
  • Optional: Talk about your progress on the BOTM.

TOPIC OF THE WEEK: Books That Made Me Want To Read


5 Books That Made Me Want to Read

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Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

I cannot say enough about this beautiful, funny, sweet, and comforting series. This was probably my first “big book” that I read by myself when I received it as a gift from my Nana when I was about 7 years old. It’s my number 1 most favorite novel. If you haven’t read this series yet, then please do so soon and let Anne charm you just as she has for so many of us already!

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Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

Fine, I’ll be just another cliché. SUE ME.

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Little Women by Louisa M. Alcott

Yeah, you could say I was a bit of a precocious child as I liked to read way above my level. I think the first time I read Little Women, I was probably 10 years old and some of the references went over my head. Luckily, I’ve read it a few times since then so now I do get the significance of Meg’s glove! Yes, I’m still bitter over the whole Laurie ordeal. And no, I don’t want to talk about it.

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Emma by Jane Austen

You thought I’d choose Pride and Prejudice, didn’t you? HA! Joke’s on you, buddy! But seriously, while that book is incredible and I do love it dearly – there’s just something about Emma that I just can’t explain. Maybe it’s because I’ve got the hots for Jeremy Northam’s Mr. Knightley and it’s completely affecting my judgement on this one? Maybe it’s because there’s a Frank Churchill and we share the same last name? Maybe I’m just crazy? Hmmm, I’ll need to ponder this one some more.

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Hank the Cowdog Series by John R. Erickson

And coming all the way from left field is…… HANK THE COWDOG!!!! That’s right, you are reading this correctly. I’m pretty sure I read this entire series in the 3rd grade because they were quick, funny reads that helped build up my AR points faster than you can say ‘snickerdoodle’. It’s really funny to think about now considering that I was reading this series at the same time that I was reading Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. Talk about Larkin reading some majorly random books all over the spectrum in terms of genres and reading levels. I don’t like to discriminate, it hurts the books feelings.  😉


What do you think about the books of my childhood? Pretty strange, huh? Which books got you into reading when you were younger? Leave a link to your Hype or Like Friday post in the comments below!

The Book Love Tag

Big thanks to Beth @ Reading Every Night for tagging me to do this! I always enjoy talking about my favorite literary couples. 🙂

This tag and image were created by Anette Reads, so thank you too Anette!


Your favorite book couple…

I will forever ship Anne and Gilbert from Anne of Green Gables. The best book couple ever with a slow burning romance and how can you not love a boy who says this about a girl?!

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Your top three book boy/girlfriends…

  • Gilbert Blythe from Anne of Green Gables
  • Laurie from Little Women
  • Rhett Butler from Gone with the Wind

Honorable Mention: Ron Weasley from Harry Potter (Yes, Ron will always be better than Harry and I don’t care what anyone else thinks!)

I like my men to have a personality and who aren’t afraid of smart, strong willed women. I’m a pretty opinionated and stubborn girl so I need a man who can handle that. HAHA!

Imagine your favourite book couple. Who would propose, and how? (If there’s already been a proposal: who would be more into organizing the wedding?)

Well, Anne and Gilbert already had the proposal and wedding but I’m pretty sure that Anne and Diana would be the ones organizing it. Anne is all about the romance and reads so many novels that she will be stressing over making sure it’s the most romantic affair. I’m picturing tons of lace, flowers, with a whimsical touch of pastel colors. They will get married by the ‘Lake of Shining Waters’, because home is very important to Anne.

Unpopular opinions time! Name a popular pairing you can’t stand.

Well, most of you can probably guess what I’ll choose here..

Alina and Mal from Shadow and Bone, The Grisha Trilogy

I could not stand Mal throughout the entire series. He’s controlling and selfish, a major no-no when it comes to what a good boyfriend should be like. Not only that, but he was also wayyyy boring! #TeamNikolai

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What’s your favourite and least favourite romance trope?

Favorite: I’m gonna agree with Beth here, definitely the enemies to lovers. I’m all about the slow burn romances where you can feel that connection and it’s driving you crazy that they just won’t get together already. I want to feel that sexual tension until at least book three, then they can get together. 😉

Least Favorite: Insta-love. It’s so not realistic and makes no sense. There is no such thing as love-at-first-sight, people! It’s called lust and y’all need to learn the difference. I also really dislike it when it’s the best friends that fall in love, where one has been in love with the other for forever. That’s just boring to me.

Do you ship non-canon couples often? Name some if you do.

Nah, it’s not really my thing for the most part. Though, I can see where Hermione and Malfoy might make a good couple. I think there was some sexual tension between them in the movies, more so than in the books.

Your opinion on love triangles. Go!

I don’t mind them as much as some people do. If they’re well-written then it’s totally fine with me. I guess I dislike it when they just come out of nowhere, like you get to some later book in the series and all of a sudden this massive love triangle comes out of nowhere because now the best friend is starting to like the MC or whatever. I see you pandering there, author, and I don’t like it!

Favourite and least favourite love triangle?

Favorite: Will, Tessa, and Jem from The Infernal Devices Trilogy by Cassandra Clare. I adored the friendship between these three and was just really well-written I think. Also, it ended perfectly. Go ahead and toss Jeb, Alyssa, and Morpheus from the Splintered Trilogy by A.G. Howard in there, as well. Bravo!

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Least Favorite: Katniss, Peeta, and Gale from The Hunger Games. Seriously, I didn’t like it at all. Maybe it’s because I totally am Team Gale and I just don’t care for Katniss’s character in general. Bit of a whiner, isn’t she?

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Sometimes romance just isn’t the way to go. Favourite friendship?

Puh-lease, the Golden Trio, of course! If the friendship between Harry, Ron, and Hermione isn’t perfection, then what is?! Nothing. That’s what.

What’s your favourite scene with your bookish OTP?

Yes, I am using photos from the Anne of Green Gables miniseries. Why? Because it was amazing and followed the book so perfectly!

Imagine your favourite book couple again. Who’s most excited about Valentine’s Day (either ironically or genuinely)?

Hmmm, I don’t think Anne or Gilbert would be too excited about it. They would probably just buy each other a new book and spend the evening by the fire reading together. The ultimate Valentine’s Day, in my opinion.


 

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