Top Ten Tuesday #66: Ten Books That Should Be Read In Creative Writing Classes

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. 
 
This Week's Topic:

Ten Books That Should Be Read In Creative Writing Classes

 

When I took a Creative Writing class in high school, we would spend one day each week just reading, so here are a few books that I think students should read!

 

1.

 

2.

 

3.

 

4.

 

5.

 

6.

 

7.

 

8.

 

9.

 

10.

 

If I were to teach Creative Writing, I'd want my students to read a wide variety of works. From Middle Grade to New Adult, and Fantasy to Historical Fiction, I'd want them to experience different genres to find out which one they like the most. DoSaB was actually recommended to me by my CW teacher, and I recommended The Chemical Garden Trilogy to her after she saw the chapter page design.

 

What would you have your Creative Writing students read?

Top Ten Tuesday #62: Ten Books Set Outside the US

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. 
 
This Week's Topic:

Ten Books Set Outside the US

 

1.

While the book starts off in the US, Etta and Nicholas spend most of the book traveling from country to country, with places in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

 

2.

All of the places visited here are London, but different versions set in different worlds.

 

3.

Even though it does have fantasy elements, it's still set in a futuristic dystopian China, France, Sahara Desert, and Moon.

 

4.

I'd say that being set in outer space would be pretty outside of the US.

 

5.

This is the only book I've read set in Scotland, and I hope to find more set there as it's incredibly beautiful!

 

6.

I don't know of any other books set in Norway, but I'd like to find more.

 

7.

I really loved this series and it's set in England, the South Pacific, and Scotland in total.

 

8.

Yes, the first book is set in Philadelphia, but the second and third are set in France and Egypt respectively.

 

9.

I loved this series, as it was set in Imperial Russia, a setting that I'm absolutely obsessed with.

 

10.

Even though it begins in Texas, I'd say that it's mostly set in Wonderland, and I loved the creepiness of it.

 

So here are some of the books I've read that are set outside of the US. I have read a few more, but overall I haven't read that many. I'm hoping to read more books set in new places.

 

Review ~ "Truthwitch" by Susan Dennard

Title: "Truthwitch"
Series: The Witchlands, #1
Author: Susan Dennard

Website ~ Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Tumblr ~ YouTube

Published: January 5, 2015
Publisher: Tor Teen
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Pages: 416
Format: Hardcover 
Source: Bought 

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

On a continent ruled by three empires, some are born with a “witchery,” a magical skill that sets them apart from others.

In the Witchlands, there are almost as many types of magic as there are ways to get in trouble—as two desperate young women know all too well.

Safiya is a Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lie. It’s a powerful magic that many would kill to have on their side, especially amongst the nobility to which Safi was born. So Safi must keep her gift hidden, lest she be used as a pawn in the struggle between empires.

Iseult, a Threadwitch, can see the invisible ties that bind and entangle the lives around her—but she cannot see the bonds that touch her own heart. Her unlikely friendship with Safi has taken her from life as an outcast into one of reckless adventure, where she is a cool, wary balance to Safi’s hotheaded impulsiveness.

Safi and Iseult just want to be free to live their own lives, but war is coming to the Witchlands. With the help of the cunning Prince Merik (a Windwitch and ship’s captain) and the hindrance of a Bloodwitch bent on revenge, the friends must fight emperors, princes, and mercenaries alike, who will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.

Waiting on Wednesday #26: "Truthwitch" by Susan Dennard

 

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

 

Title: "Truthwitch"

Author: Susan Dennard

Expected Publication: January 5, 2016

On a continent ruled by three empires, some are born with a “witchery”, a magical skill that sets them apart from others.

In the Witchlands, there are almost as many types of magic as there are ways to get in trouble—as two desperate young women know all too well.

Safiya is a Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lie. It’s a powerful magic that many would kill to have on their side, especially amongst the nobility to which Safi was born. So Safi must keep her gift hidden, lest she be used as a pawn in the struggle between empires.

Iseult, a Threadwitch, can see the invisible ties that bind and entangle the lives around her—but she cannot see the bonds that touch her own heart. Her unlikely friendship with Safi has taken her from life as an outcast into one of reckless adventure, where she is a cool, wary balance to Safi’s hotheaded impulsiveness.

Safi and Iseult just want to be free to live their own lives, but war is coming to the Witchlands. With the help of the cunning Prince Merik (a Windwitch and ship’s captain) and the hindrance of a Bloodwitch bent on revenge, the friends must fight emperors, princes, and mercenaries alike, who will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.

I feel like I talk about this book all the time, but I am SO EXCITED for this book! I was heartbroken when I found out the publication date was pushed back to 2016, but I can wait for this book! I loved Susan Dennard's other books, the Something Strange and Deadly series (review, review, review), and I know that this one will not disappoint! I mean, who doesn't want a book with a badass pair of best friends, amazing witcheries, a prince, and a terrifying mercenary? Sign me up! I'm (impatiently) waiting for this book! I'm just so excited to read this book!
 

Preorder

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

 
What are you waiting on?

Top Ten Tuesday #40: Quotes I Loved From Books I Read In The Past Year Or So

 

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

 

This Week's Topic:

Top Ten Quotes I Loved From Books I Read In The Past Year Or So

 

I actually don't pay much attention to quotes, meaning I don't remember them after finishing the book. So this was a hard topic for me.

 

1.

"I can still make a fist, and breath still burns in my chest. So look at my face. Look at my mortal soul, and remember it. You did not crush me, and you will have the rest of eternity to think on it."

 ~Susan Dennard, Strange and Ever After (*sobs*)

 

2.

"He held on to me like I was a rock, the only thing keeping him from drifting out with the tide of dark memories.
It was the first time I realized he need me too."

~Jodi Meadows, Incarnate (I regret not reading her work sooner)

 

3.

"It seems love is the most important thing. Someone who doesn't love us and uses us to hurt others was never worth our devotion."

~Jodi Meadows, Asunder (So beautiful.)

 

4.

"I was asking Cole to risk his life, again and again, for the boy I loved. And it wasn't him."

~Brodi Ashton, Everbound (COLE!!! Is it bad that I loved him?)

 

5.

"What's more frightening? The known or the unknown?"

~Jodi Meadows, Infinite (This trilogy was so amazing!)

 

6.

"If you won’t be my friend, you’ll regret being my enemy."

~Marie Rutkoski, The Winner's Crime (This book broke my heart into a million tiny pieces.)

 

7.

"The Darkling slumped back in his chair. 'Fine,' he said with a weary shrug. 'Make me your villain.'"

~Leigh Bardugo, Shadow and Bone (Oh, Darkling. How I love you so.)

 

8. 

"Don't feel bad for one moment about doing what brings you joy."

~Sarah J. Maas, A Court of Thorns and Roses

 

9.

"'When people say impossible, they usually mean improbable.'"

~Leigh Bardugo, Siege and Storm

 

10.

"'Oh, I see. I'm the wicked Grisha seductress. I have beguiled you with my Grisha wiles!'
She poked him in the chest.
'Stop that.'
'No. I'm beguiling you.'"

~Leigh Bardugo, Six of Crows (I love Nina and Matthias' arguing!)

 

So I just went through all the books I've read this year, looked up the quotes, and chose some I liked. Maybe I should keep track of the quotes I like.

 

Something Strange and Deadly: Discussion Two

If you want to join in there is still time to sign up. Whether you want to join in on the first book, second, third, or all three! Sign up HERE

Discussion Questions for Chapters 1-14

**Disclaimer: It's okay if you haven't gotten through the first half yet. Or if you have already passed that point. Just answer them to the best of your ability. For the people who are joining this for the Heist in the Street Team. Just answer 1-2 questions for a discussion and post it somewhere (Blog, Tumblr, Instagram are acceptable for Heist Points!) And remember this is for fun!**

 

Last time I answered all of the questions, but due to mass amounts of homework and stress, I'm only going to answer two.

7. Who is your favorite character in the first book and why?

Eleanor, of course!!! I love how she's so sassy and independent. She's not afraid to do what other people tell her not to do. I also love her comebacks for when she bickers with Daniel. I love their banter!! *swoons*

 
8. How would you convince your friends to read this book?
Well, if they're my friend, they'll read it because I tell them too!
Badass girl who helps fight zombies with 19th century Ghostbusters!

Who ya gonna call!? SPIRIT HUNTERS!!

I'm not sure if I'll reread the second and third book too, as it depends on how much time I have. I'd at least like to reread some of my favorite scenes. If you haven't read this series, or the sequels, you NEED TO! It's an amazing trilogy and it's one of my favorites!

Something Strange & Deadly: Discussion One

 

 

If you want to join in there is still time to sign up. Whether you want to join in on the first book, second, third, or all three! Sign up HERE

 

Discussion Questions for Chapters 1-14

**Disclaimer: It's okay if you haven't gotten through the first half yet. Or if you have already passed that point. Just answer them to the best of your ability. For the people who are joining this for the Heist in the Street Team. Just answer 1-2 questions for a discussion and post it somewhere (Blog, Tumblr, Instagram are acceptable for Heist Points!) And remember this is for fun!**
 
1. How do you think you would react to the Dead walking around in your city?
I'm pretty sure I'd run and hide and would let everyone else be attacked. I don't wanna die!
 
2. What do you think about the Dead? Are you glad it isn't too Zombie-ish, or were you hoping for a more Zombie-esque theme?
I thought that it was the perfect amount of Zombie! Not too gross, but not too wimpy!
 
3. How do you feel about Eleanor as a character?
She's one of my favorite female characters! She's towards the very top of my list! She's very independent. She knows what she wants to do, yet she also takes into consideration what is best for her family and those she cares about.
 
4. What was your first impression of Daniel Sheridan? Joseph Boyer?
I thought that Daniel was a jerk, but he eventually grew on me. Swoon! I really like Joseph. I saw him as a very smart, almost paternal figure. Maybe it was because he is so well put together and confident?
 
5. What was your favorite part of the first half of the book and why?
I loved how Eleanor and Daniel met. It wasn't love at first sight. It was almost like distaste at first sight. But I love how they learn to get along.
 
6. If you haven't read this before (or already finished it), what are you theories for the second half of the book OR even the rest of the series?
I have already finished this series, so I feel like I shouldn't say anything! *Zips mouth shut and makes muffled noises*
 
7. Bonus: Share with us some of your favorite quotes!
"Miss Fitt, you know curiosity gets men killed."
I grinned. "Then I daresay it's good I'm a woman."
This was my Twitter #SSaD quote today! Isn't sassy Eleanor sassy!?

Top Ten Tuesday #35: Author Duos I'd Love to See Write a Book Together

 

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

 

This Week's Topic:

Ten Author Duos I'd Love to See Write a Book Together

 

1.

Sarah J. Maas and Susan Dennard (I know they have an online book, but I want it to be a physical book)

 

2. Leigh Bardugo and Sarah J. Maas 

 

3.

Jodi Meadows and Cynthia Hand
 

4. Jodi Meadows and Susan Dennard 

 

5.

Jennifer L. Armentrout and Kiersten White

 

6.

Elizabeth May and Sarah J. Maas

 

7.

Marie Rutoski and Susan Dennard

 

8.

Leigh Bardugo and Marie Rutkoski

 

9.

Jodi Meadows and Sarah J. Maas

 

10.

Marissa Meyer and Susan Dennard

 

This list involved a ton of fangirling. Can these authors PLEASE write books together? Pretty please?!?!

 

Top Ten Tuesday #33: Books to Read if You Like Sarah J. Maas

 

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

 

This Week's Topic:

Ten Books to Read if You Like Sarah J. Maas

1.

Reason: Other half of Team Sarusan. Plus it has an amazing female protagonist who learns how to kick butt. review

2.

Reason: Fairytale retellings of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Snow White. All feature strong girls who do whatever it takes to save those they care about. review

3.

Reason: An orphaned girl must do whatever it takes, even risk using her magic, to get back her kingdom that was attacked when she was young. review

4.

Reason: Fantastic world full of magic and strange creatures where a meek girl finds that she holds a great power within her that she never knew existed. review

5.

Reason: A magical world full of lies and hidden secrets that no one remembers, and only one girl can uncover the truth. review
 

6.

Reason: A girl finds herself in the middle of a rebellion after buying a slave from the enemy country her people conquered. review
 

7.

Reason: A terrifyingly creepy retelling of Alice in Wonderland where a teenage girl finds out she's Wonderland's only chance of survival. review
 

8.

Reason: Three arguing kingdoms find themselves in the middle of a war after the murder of a young man, and four teens are thrust into the roles of saving themselves and their kingdoms. review
 

9.

Reason: In Imperial Russia, a girl must hide her necromancing abilities from those around her, especially from the Tsar and his family, until she accidentally reveals it. review
 

10.

Reason: After agreeing to stay with a polar bear for a year, she must save him from a troll princess who plans to marry him. Also, this is one of the stories that ACOTAR pulls elements from. review
 

Most of these have elements similar to ToG or ACOTAR, whether it be a retelling, fantasy, or magic. I highly recommend all of them!

Top Ten Tuesday #31: Books/Series that Made Me Cry or Get Emotional

 

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

 

This Week's Topic:

FREEBIE-Ten Books/Series that Made Me Cry or Get Emotional

 

1.

I cried like a baby after reading this book. I still get emotional. Not gonna lie.

 

2.

The whole series made me emotional, but I was holding back tears with the final book.

 

3.

I was reading this book during a long car ride and was blinking my eyes so much to keep the tears from falling!

 

4.

 

This one was such an emotional roller coaster ride, even if I didn't really love the ending.

 

5.

I was so nervous about the ending, especially since we all know how the Russian Revolution ended...

 

6.

Even though I felt this trilogy was more of a fluff series, I had no clue how it would end, especially with finding out what Evie was.

 

7.

This book turned me into an emotional wreck afterwards, and I'm scared of what Queen of Shadows will do to me!

 

8.

I sad/angry screamed after finishing this book. Please let everything work out. Please?

 

9.

I was blinking back tears during the last few chapters because of what we were supposed to think happened to the main character. But it didn't happen, so then I had to hold back relieved tears.

 

10.

 I absolutely loved the first book, and this one as well. Sadly, the ending was left kind of open for a third book, and the third book will likely never happen. Even though it's super sad, I do respect and understand what the author has to say about it.

 

There are plenty of other books that made me cry/teary/runny nosed/other gross stuff. An honorable mention goes to JLA, especially with some of the last books in her series. Origin and Opposition got me on the verge of tears multiple times. As I said, there were many books that could have been listed, but these were the top ten.