Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Oops! I Did it Again

First off, I'd like to thank Amy Sonnichsen at The Green Bathtub for bringing to my attention that the website I referred to as Miss Snark's is not actually Miss Snark (her blog has been discontinued but is still accessible on the web), but is Authoress, Miss Snark's First Victim. Sorry about that, and thank you Amy!
It's Thursday again, and here's what I'd like to toss around today: What books are on your shopping list at the moment?

Those of you who have been following me for a while know that I have a penchant for buying way more books than I could possibly ever read (a common problem among us writers, I imagine.) I even wrote a post about my stack of books waiting to be read, which is even taller than I am (and I have the proof.) So why in the world did I go out and buy even more new books the other day? Well, look at them. Who could resist? I bought:

Wake by Lisa McMann - I've wanted to read this ever since I read her query letter in a query letter how-to article (and all the great things I've been hearing about it on other blogs didn't hurt either.)

Hush Hush by Becca Fitzgerald - I'm so behind the times, I don't even know what this book is about, but I've seen it featured on several blogs, and who can resist that cover photo? This looks like my kind of book.

Fang by James Patterson - Those of you who have been reading my blog for a while also know that I love, love, love the Maximum Ride series. My kids and I have been waiting for this one to come out for a long time. I haven't read it yet, but both my daughters finished it right away and loved it.

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness - I read a comment on another blog recently about this book having an opening line that draws you in and doesn't let go. That's something I have to check out! I haven't read the opening line yet, though - it will have to wait its turn.

I ordered Hooked by Les Edgerton. It should come in in a few days, and when I get it, I'm going to revamp that first chapter so it grabs the reader and doesn't let go. (NOTE: You have a chance to win your own copy of Hooked by entering Christine's contest, so go enter, and good luck!)

So, how about you? What books are on your shopping list right now?

43 comments:

Karen Jones Gowen said...

The Fablehaven series, which I just discovered. And realise to my great surprise that I love. (fantasy isn't usually my genre) I would buy the second through fifth right now if I could. In hardcover of course.

Jemi Fraser said...

Hush Hush is also on my list - along with Hex Hall, Cinderella story, and about a billion more. Wish I had more money, more time... :)

Talli Roland said...

Great question! I'm a library kind of gal at the moment, due to finances, so I generally just go in and persue what's on the shelves! However, if I could choose anything, I want to read 'Luxury' by Jess Ruston and 'The Dating Detox' by Gemma Burgess. Not sure if there're out anywhere else but the UK.

Unknown said...

Don't feel bad about Hush Hush I'm with you and have yet to read it!

I saw someone list Hex Hall and I have to say if you've yet to read it put it on your list pronto! You will not be disappointed it's absolutely fantastic!!!

Susan Fields said...

Karen - I'm reading Fablehaven out loud to my kids right now (yes, they're 13, 12, and 10, but I still read out loud to them at night - it's a tradition I'm not ready to part with and they're still willing, so why not?) It's a great series - I think we're on the fourth book right now.

Jemi - I've heard a good deal about Hex Hall as well, that will have to wait for the next big splurge day, though.

Talli - My sister always gives me a hard time because I buy books rather than getting them from the library. I know she's right. Books are definitely my weakness - I need to work on that self control (hence the "oops - I did it again")

Susan Fields said...

Jen - thanks for the recommendation, it's on the list for the next time I abandon all self control and go wild in the book store!

Theresa Milstein said...

I've been seeing Hush, Hush make the rounds too. I think it's about a fallen angel.

I hope you like Hooked (and find it as helpful) as much as me. Just ignore examples from his own work.

Susan Fields said...

Theresa - I just read Fallen which is about a fallen angel (and would have been on this list if I hadn't already bought it last month). The cover of Hush, Hush sure looks like it would be about a Fallen Angel. And I just won a copy of Hooked over on Falen's blog so I'm glad I only ordered it and didn't actually buy it!

Bish Denham said...

So many books! Not enough hours in the day, not enough days in the year, not enough years in my life to read everything I want to read!

Susan Fields said...

Bish - ain't that the truth! I could stop buying books right now and still have plenty to read for the rest of my life (though of course my Barnes&Noble addiction won't let that happen!)

Susan R. Mills said...

Hush Hush is great. I read it a while back. Hooked is on my list to buy, but I have a stack of books I need to read before I order anymore.

Ann said...

Hi Susan, First thanks for stopping over at my blog. I love new visitors. I haven't readk Hush Hush, but now it is on my ever growing list. I do have Hooked! Maeve Binchy's Writers Club is number one on my list at the moment. I love Maeve Binchy, she is a woman after my own heart.

Tess said...

I lean more for contemporary or historical MG pieces, so my TBR list includes: The Evolution of Capurnica Tate (just started it), Chicken Dance and Homefront.

Will you give us reviews?

Tara said...

I'm jealous! I have a stack of lonely books next to my computer waiting for some attention. Thing is, I can't read while I'm working on a WiP - at all!

Enjoy :)

Carolina M. Valdez Schneider said...

Ha! I have two huge piles of books waiting to be read at the moment, including Hush, Hush. But I still plan on getting more, especially since I have a Barnes and Noble gift card burning a hole in my handbag. Books are just so addictive! Love your suggestions. I just won the third book in the Wake series, so I'll probably buy the first 2!

TerryLynnJohnson said...

Just found you through Diane's blog. New follower!
I really enjoyed Hush,hush despite some of the controversy over at goodreads. Yeah, he's a bad boy, but it's just a book.
Let us know what you think of the rest!

Tahereh said...

i have before i fall and hex hall on my TBR pile :P

also: i have exactly the same mug (with the smiley face) and YAY FOR COFFEE!!

great post!

Susan Fields said...

Susan - I admire your self-restraint, I have a stack of books, too, but somehow that doesn't seem to stop me and the stack just grows deeper and deeper.

Ann - I'll have to check out Writers Club. Thanks for the recommendation!

Tess - you always come up with these great-sounding books I haven't heard of before! I'd love to give a book review, but I have no idea how to write one. If you do one on your blog first so I can see a good example, I'll give it a shot.

Susan Fields said...

Tara - You really can't read another book when you're working on a wip? I'd probably never get to read anything, it seems like I'm always working on a wip. I try to put my laptop away after the kids go to bed and read instead (which doesn't usually last too long before I'm fast asleep, unless it's one of those can't-put-it-down kind of books.)

Carolina - Oh, lucky you - you won a Wake book! The query I read sounded just awesome, I can't wait to get to it. I LOVE Barnes&Noble gift cards - they're the best

Terry - I haven't heard the controversy over Hush, hush (head under a rock again!) but maybe that's better - I'll be reading it very soon. The problem is, I can't wait to start all of these books so I can't decide where to begin. Tough problem, I know.

Tahereh - I love that coffee mug! It was given to me by a group of kids I managed a team for, so it's special to me. How can you go wrong starting out your day with coffee in a smiley face mug?

sarahjayne smythe said...

Hush, Hush is on my list since I won a signed copy of it from Shannon. :) I've also got a couple of WWII novels to read this week for some research on the Holocaust.

Susan Fields said...

Sarahjayne - have you read The Book Thief? Great book! I remember Shannon's contest when she was giving away Hush, Hush - and you won? Hooray! I'm reading Sea Change right now which I won in Shelli's contest at Market My Words.

Travis Erwin said...

I love the cover of Hooked. Will have to check it out.

A.L. Sonnichsen said...

Susan, LOL! *blush, blush, blush* You're very welcome. It's not really a big deal about the Authoress thing, though. I think most people make that mistake! :)

I have a big to-be-read list that I have to get back to. I've taken a break with an Agatha Christie novel I picked up at the used book store for 25 cents. I'm a sucker for a good old fashioned murder mystery. :)

Also, I gave you another Prolific Blogger Award. I know you already have one, but I guess it just means your blog is extra-amazing. :)

Amy

Susan Fields said...

Travis - Thanks for coming for a visit - nice to see you here. I won a copy of Hooked on Falen's blog today, so I should be able to let you know how it is soon!

Amy - I hope I didn't embarass you with the Miss Snark thing, but I do appreciate that you pointed that out - I hate to have mistakes like that on my blog and I was glad to be able to rectify it.

I love Agatha Christie, too! I found a super, super old copy of Ten Little Indians at a library book fair once and I'm still kicking myself for not picking it up.

Thanks for the award! I can never get too many! Prolific Blogger is one of my favorites, too!

Susan Fields said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

I'm wrapping up a few things, then will be open to read a few books. I'm going to read the MS for a couple friends first and give them feedback.

Stephen Tremp

Tara said...

Nope, Susan, I can't do it. Don't know why? I'm a greta multi-tasker, but reading and writing don't mix for me. I think it's the way i get so swept up in the book I'm reading - I only have eyes for those MC's ;)

I have something for you at my blog.

Anonymous said...

I wish you ... Happy Easter Holidays!!!

Susan Fields said...

Stephen - How nice to have friends that will read a manuscript and give feedback, and to be one! I hope you can hit your to-be-read stack soon.

Tara - you're super focused on your own novel, that's a very good sign!

Ebook Author - Happy Easter to you, too - and thanks for stopping by!

Anonymous said...

Hi Susan, I havent read Bad Girls Don't Die yet, am saving it for winter reading :o), but Sharon Mayhew has read it and she was really scared hehe

Susan Fields said...

Niki - I do remember Sharon saying that. Make sure you don't read it too close to bedtime!

Jude said...

A Woman's World by Graham Rawle, out in 2008 but still haven't read it. Have you heard of it? He cut and paste phrases from women's magazines to create a story about a woman's place in the world and it took him years to complete!

Also, you should add The DUFF by Kody Keplinger to your list!! I promise it'll be a favorite :)

Susan Fields said...

Judith - thank you for the suggestions! I haven't heard of either of those. A Woman's World sounds very interesting - I'd love to see how he did that.

A.L. Sonnichsen said...

Susan, you probably noticed my huge flub up when you visited my blog. I am so embarrassed! I have given you a new award, so I hope you will stop by my blog again to receive it ... as well as the explanation (there isn't much of one -- just a lot of blushing), which I posted today!!

Amy

Susan Fields said...

Amy - Doesn't my new award look beautiful? Thank you! Please don't be embarassed - I didn't give it a second thought. :)

Jackee said...

Oh man, my Amazon list is huge. Here are a few: Tortilla Sun by Jennifer Cervantes, Prophecy Of Days By Christy Raedeke, and The Mockingbirds By Daisy Whitney. Yep, all debuts!

And my brother-in-law's blog has a follower side bar now if you're interested! Thanks for interesting the contest! :o)

Jai Joshi said...

I'm not planning on buying any books right now. I've sworn off them until I publish my next book because I've been spending too much time and resources on new books when I need time and resources to publish my novel.

That's what I keep telling myself, anyway.

Jai

Susan Fields said...

Jackee - All those titles sound great. And I'm heading over to your brother's blog right now. I really did enjoy it, so funny and wonderful pictures! How fun that you have a brother that blogs, too.

Jai - You're so right, I spend way too much money on new books. I do consider them one of life's great pleasures, but the library is full of books I haven't read as well. After my husband reads this post, I'll probably be banned from Barnes&Noble anyway. :)

... Paige said...

Congratulations, because of the comment love you shared at Jai Josi's Tulsi Tree you won a prize. Drop by my place for more infomation.

Susan Fields said...

Paige - what a nice surprise - thanks!

Lola Sharp said...

Oh, my TBR stack is taller than me too! :o)

Never enough books. Never.

I have a few books that I have on preorder but must wait (Charlaine Harris!), other than the pre-orders, I don't have anything else on my buy list. That's because I already bought 'em, and they're in my (tall) stack. ;o)

Susan Fields said...

Lola - How funny! I think we writers alone could keep the publishing industry in businees.

Myrna Foster said...

The Dragonback series, by Timothy Zahn - I've already read them, but they were fantastic. And I can't wait to get my hands on Paranormalcy, by Kiersten White and Anna and the French Kiss, by Stephanie Perkins.

Is Fang part of the Maximum Ride series? I've read the first four.