Top Ten Tuesday, as always, is hosted at my other blog — The Broke & the Bookish
This week’s topic: Top Ten –Errr TWELVE– Books I HAD To Buy…But Are Still Sitting On My Shelf Unread
I could have very well just taken a picture of all of my bookshelves and been done because YEAH I have a lot of books that sit unread on my shelves because obviously I had to have them. BUT I picked the ones I remember pre-ordering or RUSHING to the store or making a big stink about more than the others. This was kind of fun to make me remember some of the books I’m dying to read but have gotten pushed aside.
1. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater: I bought this as soon as I started blogging because everyone RAVED about this series and knew this was one of those series that I MUST READ NOW. It’s still unread…by me. My sister borrowed it and loved it!
2. The Fault In Our Stars by John Green: You know I’m obsessed with John Green’s books and just him in general so I pre-ordered this one OBVIOUSLY because that’s what you do with your fave authors. Well, I’m too scaredypants to read it so here it sits. Books with cancer always bring up a lot for me obviously, even though I love reading them, so I always have to be in the RIGHT state of mind.
3. Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma: This one was pretty buzzed early on and then I saw some good reviews for it and meant to buy it. I was in DC at a used bookstore and saw it there –one of the only newer YA books I saw– and I HAD to have it. I only had a credit card and there was a minimum purchase so Will had to go find an ATM machine because I HAD to have it….let’s not remind him that I didn’t read it yet.
4. Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta: This one was on my list last week for the books on my Spring TBR so I’ll be getting to this one soon especially since everyone says it’s a ME book. But it was one of those books that was on every favorites lists so I had to get it…but I fail apparently. I think I’m so intimidated by it because everyone raves.
5. Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer: I don’t know about you but I’m the sort of person who buys ANYTHING my favorite authors put out — no matter the subject. Jonathan is an auto-buy author for me so I bought this and cannot bring myself to read it because I’m afraid that I’lll stop eating meat and DAMMIT I LOVE CHEESEBURGERS and CHICKEN. I’ve cut down my meat consumption but I’m terrified that this is going to gross me out forever. Although, I DID watch Super Size Me and still crave cheeseburgers and fries. Sooo who knows.
6. The Lost Girls: I’m obsessed with travelogues as you might well know. So naturally when I heard about this one I made Will take me to my bookstore to get it. I couldn’t be bothered to wait for it to ship. YEP…still unread. It was like THE travelogue I HAD to have.
7. Vaclav & Lena by Haley Tanner: So remember the sad days when Borders was closing? I saw this puppy for 30% off and I reallyyy wanted it so I made Will and I stand in the long line just for this book because I HAD TO HAVE IT. Are we sensing a theme with my stories in which I torture poor Will. I’m lucky we made it to the alter haha.
8.Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen: This series and Vixen came out around the same time and I’m so obsessed with flappers and the 1920’s so I pre-ordered them both but picked up Vixen first.
9. Across the Universe by Beth Revis: This was THE hot book that was being buzzed before it came out. I pre-ordered it and even got really stabby when it didn’t show up that exact day. I don’t know why I never picked it up as soon as it finally arrived.
10. Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly: Jennifer Donnelly had her release party near me and I had heard good things about this historical fiction novel so naturally I got out of work early to go to this and purchased the book. I had to finish my current read and then I was going to pick it up.
BONUS BECAUSE THE DESIGN LOOKED BETTER:
11. Edie by Jean Stein: So in college I was going through this phase where I was obsessed with Edie Sedgwick. I watched Factory Girl and searched to find any and all books about her and this one seemed to have the best ratings so naturally I needed to have it. I still WANT to read it but my obsession is more just a fascination now so not much motivation to pick it up.
12. Beauty Queens by Libba Bray: Another one I pre-ordered because I HAD to have it after good buzz for it. I promise I will read you!
So tell me…have you read any of these books? Have any of them on your TBR list? Do you have any books you HAD to have but still haven’t read…like ones that really stand out?!
Kelly @ Belle of the Literati says
Jamie I love ya but how have you NOT read The Fault in Our Stars?! That has to move up on your list you will LOVE it 🙂
Audris says
Beauty Queens and Across the Universe also made my list! Still need to read Shiver and Revolution too. Hope you get to them soon. You have some great books waiting for you.
Savindi @ The Streetlight Reader says
Eating Animals is on my tbr list as well. I received Jellicoe Road as a Christmas present, but I haven’t gotten around to reading it yet. I’ve heard nothing but good things about it so I hope you enjoy it Jamie! Wonderful list :).
Tara @ Hobbitsies says
You know I’m totally with you on The Fault in Our Stars – I can’t quite bring myself to read it yet. I’m just not ready and I accept that.
But you definitely need to snatch Bright Young Things off your shelf and dive in ASAP. I love that series so much!
Christine @ BookishlyB says
I’ve read Eating Animals, Vaclav and Lena, and the Lost Girls and must say they’re all worth the time. Doooooo it!
marissa | Rae Gun Ramblings says
I still haven’t read The Fault in our stars yet but I will, this month for sure! I know some people will flip about this but I was kinda let down by beauty queens and across the universe (not sure why people are so head over heels about those two).
Marissa @ Rae Gun Ramblings
Kristen says
I’ve read the first book in the Vixen series, Bright Young Things, and I was not a fan. I’ve read her Luxe series and loved it, but this one was a much slower build and I just couldn’t get into it.
Britt says
I too have Jellicoe Road sitting on my shelf unread! You really should read Linger as its an enjoyable read!
Nemo @ The Moonlight Library says
I’ve read Shiver, The Fault in Our Stars, Imaginary Girls and Across the Universe. They’re good, solid reads, each of them. I hope you get to them soon! I think you will enjoy them.
Natalie says
Revolution was SO GOOD! And I have Jellicoe Road checked out from the library right now, so I’ll be reading that soon and I’ll let you know what I think!
Kate says
Well I’ll just be the millionth person to say… Fault in Our Stars… WHAT?!
Rebecca says
I hope you read The Fault In Our Stars soon! I wish I could wipe that book from my mind just so I had the pleasure of reading it again for the first time…sigh.
Ciska (@_Ciska_) says
That are some great stories you got there. Good luck with trying to read all the unread books on your shelf 😉
Ashley says
My co-blogger and I decided to do Top Ten Tuesday (finally) and as a book hoarder this was an interesting topic for us to tackle.
Kat (AussieZombie) says
Oh Across the Universe! I did exactly the same thing, got all excited and even hugged it when it came. Then put it on the shelf, where it still sits. One day!
Leela says
I highly recommend you Shiver, although I didn’t like the other two books in the series as much as I did with the first one. The first one is GREAT! 😀
I’ve read like 100 pages of Eating Animals and I didn’t finish it because it was too disgusting for me to keep reading. I like eating meat, but when I was reading this book, just the thought of meat, made me want to throw up. Ugh 🙁 Don’t get me wrong, it’s an interesting read and it made me think about the subject, but I couldn’t finish it.
Angelica says
Jamie, Bright Young Things was quite an entertaining read. Hope you get the chance to eventually read the books in this list as there are some fantastic books there 😀
My Top Ten
Have a great week!
Carla says
another list, another mention of Jellicoe Road. DO YOU NOT LOVE ME JAMIE?
bookrockbetty says
Since our conversation about The Fault in Our Stars I have to tell you that I chickened out so badly I returned it!! hahaha Can you believe that?! I couldn’t even stand seeing it on my shelf anymore. We’ll have to do a read along for Jellicoe Road– I can’t remember if Ellie & Katie read it, if not…. possible book club pick???
Lauren @ Love is not a triangle says
I’m glad I read The Fault in our Stars before I was blogging, so that I could ignore the hype/reviews. It was EXCELLENT, but I can see why it would be frightening to think about reading it. I had to work myself up to it for sure.
LOVE Shiver series and Jellicoe Road!!! Revolution was good too. I really want to read Imaginary Girls, and the Across the Universe series. Thankfully it’s completed now you can breeze through it if you end up loving book 1.
Jenna @ Making the Grade says
Um, yeah… Eating Animals? I went vegan for about three weeks after reading that one (but I am the same as you, I just can’t stay away from a cheeseburger). But stil… Um, yeah. It’s not a pretty book to read. Probably THE MOST difficult book I have ever read. And that’s saying a lot, because I have read some disturbing books… Yeah…
Good luck! Regardless of the content, it is still an excellent JSF book!
Kim @ Book Swoon says
Shiver and Across the Universe are two books that I’ve had my eye on, but just haven’t got to them yet! The Fault in Our Stars- I heard so many good things, but just have not been in the mood for it I guess. 🙂
Brittany @ The Book Addict's Guide says
I actually wasn’t a fan of Shiver and decided not to read the rest of the series. It’s what made me so nervous to read The Scorpio Races (but I really enjoyed it)!
I need to read Across the Universe too! I actually have the entire series now… Whoops.
Aylee says
I’m right there with you! With some books, it just seems like it is URGENT that I NEED to buy them and read them as soon as possible. Except for of course, my intentions to read them get sidetracked with all the review books I have on my plate. I have GOT to start making more time to read my unread books because I really am very excited to read them! I also have Jellicoe Road and The Fault in Our Stars unread on my shelf – I’m kind of intimidated a bit by them, too. I would definitely recommend Across the Universe because it’s such a fun read and you should get through it fairly quickly on account of the fast pacing and the short chapters that all end in mini cliffhangers.
sarabara081 @ Forever 17 Books says
Sam in Shiver is the sweetest! He made the books for me. The Fault in Our Stars is one of my all-time favorites, but you definitely need to be in the mood to handle the heavy. I read Jellicoe Road last year and really ended up loving it. Jonah Griggs is love! I also have Imaginary Girls and Across the Universe unread on my shelf too. 🙁
My Top Ten
Lulufrances says
Really loving this TTT theme I think I will participate again this week!!
Sooo I highly recommend you dig your teeth into revolution! Such a fret great book, although you really need to be in the mood for it! Haha and Will and you must be true love – congrats on finding someone who endures the book craziness 🙂 xx
Kim @ Divergent Gryffindor says
Oh, there are some really great books here, and some I’ve been wanting to read 😀
Top Ten +++ Books I Bought But Never Read
Dragana @ Bookworm Dreams says
I didn’t read any of these books, but I have Across the Universe by Beth Revis on my shelf too, friends sang praises to it so I bought it and still didn’t read it.
I decided to dedicate today’s guilt trip top ten list to top ten series sequels that I own and didn’t read. If I loved the series I HAD to have them but then from various reasons I didn’t read them: fear, lack of attention or unknown publication date for next part so I want the gap between books not to be too large.
Loni says
I have Shiver (and the rest of the series) unread. I HAD to have it, but didn’t read it.
Kaley @ Books Etc. says
Ah, The Lost Girls! I so want to read that one, too. It’s on my list of books to get from the library (my wallet is demanding a break) and I just haven’t gotten around to it yet.
Larissa says
I have read Eating Animals and I loved it. I love anything Jonathan Safran Foer writes, granted, but also I thought the way he approached the question very smart and very non-judgmental. He doesn’t present you with full-on truths but rather brings you on his questioning and shows how complex this issue is nowadays. It has since become a gift we sometimes give to friends and so far everybody loved it.
Molli says
GIRL. We need to talk. *sits you down* *plops down beside you*
Here’s the truth about TFIOS. It broke me. It was ugly, and truthful, and beautiful. PAINFULLY truthful. And I cried and cried, because it was a “cancer book,” and it made me think SO MUCH about my grandma and my grandpa, who we lost to cancer. Like…I teared up at first, but about halfway through I started crying and couldn’t stop.
But, but, hold on.
It was worth it.
It’s gorgeous. It hurts deep down, but in that way that lets you know you’re HEALING at least in some small, small, meaningful way. And it keeps on hurting after you’ve finished but the healing doesn’t stop either. It gets under your skin, and makes you think, and makes you feel. I’m in the middle of thinking on a discussion post about some of the quotes from TFIOS that hit me so so so hard, but you know…after all the tears, I wouldn’t trade having read it for ANYTHING in this world.
So. Read it. for me? 🙂
Molli | Once Upon a Prologue
Ginger @ GReads! says
Jellicoe Road made my list, too. Why have we not read this book yet Jamie?! Seriously.
Kristilyn (Reading In Winter) says
Across the Universe!!! You have to read it!! And The Fault in Our Stars! YOU HAVEN’T READ IT YET?!??! Get on it, Jamie! 🙂 I’ve seen The Lost Girls on a few lists now and am intrigued … may have to add it to my shelf!
Bonnie says
Shiver and Jellicoe Road were both lovely. I’m also a big fan of the flapper era but didn’t much care for Bright Young Things. Vaclav & Lena is definitely going on my list (because I obviously don’t have enough) it sounds lovely. 🙂
My TTT!
Christina (A Reader of Fictions) says
LOL! Our post titles are the same in different directions. That’s hilarious.
Usually we have more that are the same.
Edie Sedgwick is such a weird person to be obsessed with. I had to read a book about her for my class on countercultures. What I learned was that I don’t like counterculture, or at least the ones based on drugs. lol. Awkward.
Beauty Queens was hilarious. I didn’t like Revolution as much as everyone else, but, let’s face it, it’s still pretty damn good. Across the Universe is a bit slow, but the series is worth it. I’m also afraid of Eating Animals, because, dammit, animals are delicious, okay? I’m a picky eater already and I do not need to be cutting meat out of my diet. We are omnivores. Oh, also, Jellicoe Road is one I NEED to read.
Gabbi @ BookBreather says
I understand why you’re scaredypants to read The Fault In Our Stars, but I’d honestly just go for it. It’s such an emotional ride, but it’s one that will stay with you for a long long long long time. I think Molli said it better than I did.
I haven’t read Across the Universe either, though I’ve heard LOVELY things. It’s on my list on books I want to read, I just haven’t gotten around to it yet.
Christianna says
Shiver and Beauty Queens are quite good fun! Those are the only ones that I’ve read out of your pile, but I have some of the others on my TBR list!
Courtney @ Courtney Reads A Lot says
The Fault In Your Stars and Jellicoe Road were so good! Shiver wasn’t for me, but I know a lot of people loved it. Those are the only ones I’ve read out of these, but they all look great.
Cecelia says
The Fault in Our Stars, Jellicoe Road and Across the Universe are all sitting unread on my shelves, as well. For the first two, I can say that I’m waiting to be in the right mood… but that third one? No excuse. YA sci-fi is my jam! Dangit. Too many good books, too little time.
Thanks for sharing your list!
Kristy F says
When TFiOS came out I was SO excited but I hadn’t had the chance to pre-order it, so I went to the store to pick it up, saw it, got so intimidated by it and ran away. Basically I waited and waited and told myself that I shouldn’t buy it yet because I had too many books to read already (true) and this one could wait (not true). Eventually it came to be my birthday in the end of April and my brothers bought me TFiOS because my mom knew I wasn’t going to buy it for myself. Then it sat on my shelf for another two-three months because I was so intimidated by everyone’s love for it, still! But eventually I did read it and SURPRISE SURPRISE I loved it! I hope you will too when you eventually pick it up!
Nikki @ Foil the Plot says
Oh man, sadly, I too have Shiver sitting on my poor little Nook. I don’t know what’s wrong with me because I ADORE Maggie Stiefvater! And werewolves. Same thing goes for Libba Bray’s Beauty Queens. Sigh. I suck.
Emmah says
You MUST read “Shiver” and the other two in the series! Even thought the ending of the third book was a little disappointing :/
Jessica @ Books: A true story says
I’ve seen Jellicoe Road on a bunch of lists today. I want to Revolution, Across the Universe, too….
My TTT
Luna's Little Library says
I finally read The Fault In Our Stars last month and it’s good but not his best (in my opinion), loved Beauty Queens though. 🙂
Hollie @ Music, Books and Tea says
Jellicoe Road is amazing! Well worth the read. I read Shiver nearly three years ago and remember barely anything about it, other than the fact it’s a werewolf story haha, so I think a re-read is definitely in order before I continue on with the series.
Alexa Y. says
Shiver was a book I picked up on a whim at the bookstore – and I LOVED it. Turning that last page, I knew I’d found a new favorite author in Maggie! Even though I didn’t really like the rest of the series, this first book will always stand out to me.
The Fault in Our Stars, I read that when I was on my way back from visiting you! Instead of crying through it, I just found myself incredibly moved and laughing at lots of parts of it. John Green’s writing is phenomenal, as always.
You need to read Jellicoe Road! It’s hard to get into at the beginning, but I promise that it’s totally worth it. Melina’s writing is GORGEOUS, and her characters are easy to love. Especially Jonah.
I have The Lost Girls on my list this week too! I’ve had it FOREVER, since I love travelogues, but haven’t read it. My sister has beaten me to it, in fact, and she thoroughly enjoyed it. I really want to read that one soon!
I’m reading Revolution this week, and it sounds really promising. A lot of people with similar tastes have enjoyed it, so I think I will too!
Beauty Queens, on the other hand, is HILARIOUS. I thought it was so funny when I read it, and very different from Libba’s other books. I enjoyed it, though I know that not everyone did….
Iris says
Hi!
I read the first two books on your list and I loved them!
I actually just finished The Fault in Our Stars, it is one of the best books I have ever read! It left a big impression on me so definitely a book I would recommend!
Annabelle H says
This is such an interesting list. To be honest Shiver is the best book in the Series and from there it goes majorly downhill. The Fault in Our Stars on the other hand is epic!
My Top Ten!
Lucy says
I’ve been seeing Across the Universe around quite a lot this week and it seems that quite a lot of us have it unread (myself included).
I cannot believe that Shiver is sat on your shelves waiting to be read. Can you not hear its cries to be read?! It’s such a brilliant book and I definitely suggest that you read it. Same goes with The Fault in Our Stars, which is one of my favourite books of all time.
Hope you get around to them soon! 🙂
Jen says
SHAME ON YOU. After all the fangirling I’ve done over Across the Universe? YOU WILL NOT REGRET READINT HIS.
Jen says
READING THIS * (whoops)
Vicky Hooper says
Haha, there are a few on your list that were very nearly buys-and-then-never-read books for me! I am getting better at resisting now though. Sometimes. 🙂
Justine says
WHAT?! I could have sworn you were one of the people raving about Jellicoe Road. It is very “you” – maybe that’s why? Or I saw it on your Spring TBR and that’s how I decided to pick it up? I don’t know, but you definitely need to get on that.
I keep reading about Across the Universe and how much everyone loves it but…it just doesn’t sound like it should be that loved. You should hurry up and read it so I know if it’s worth it or not haha.
Asheley Tart (@BookwormAsheley) says
There are a lot of good ones in this list and I think I could comment about them all but mostly I want to say WAHHH I WANT TO READ VACLAV & LENA TOO, like really bad lately for some reason. It looks SO PRETTY on my shelf. And this just makes me want to read it even more. Perhaps soon. The only other one on your list that I have but haven’t read is Bright Young Things which looks really fun.
You do have a ton of good ones up there that I have read, though! Get to reading, lady!
Fern Chasida says
I loved The Fault in Our Stars, thought Vaclav and Lena was okay, and listened to Beauty Queens which is an experience. And I’ve added Jellicoe Road to my TBR list because of you 🙂
I’m listening to Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater right now. Maybe I’ll add Shiver to the TBR list too.
Ashley M says
I highly recommend the Across the Universe Trilogy. My boyfriend and I read it together and I absolutely loved it. Beth Revis is an amazing author and I can`t wait to see what she writes next.
Danie says
Like everyone else, I’ll say, The Fault In Our Stars!? How have you not read it yet, SO good!
Across the Universe is on my list as well. I don’t know why I haven’t sat down to read it.
-Danie
Alaina (@ ReflectionsofaBibliophilicBarista) says
I currently have my friends copy of Shiver sitting on my bookshelf that I just HAD to borrow… still haven’t gotten to it and I’m not sure why.
Racquel says
You can survive without reading these books (because I’m surviving lolol) but you cannot survive without Jellicoe Road. I would know because recently read it 2 months ago and OMG. Okay that’s all the raving I’m doing. (It’s an awful book, just saying ;D)
Daphne says
like pretty much everyone else, i cannot believe you haven’t read TFiOS. my fave YA book from last year. and they’re making a movie, now, too. so get on that!
Rachel says
I love Shiver–it’s a great series with the sweetest romance and one of my top book boyfriends. I just read The Fault in Our Stars the other day and oh. my. gosh. SO GOOD but I cried like all day yesterday. I was such an emotional wreck. But still read it; I say bump it up to the top of your list!
Rachel @ Beauty and the Bookshelf
DeAnna says
Of this list, I’ve only read The Fault in Our Stars, but it was so, SO good! Apparently, Shailene Woodley has been offered the lead role in the movie.
Lisa says
I’m right there with you on TFIOS. I’m scared. It’s a heavy issue book and YOU KNOW it is going to be so well done and hard hitting and I just CANNOT.
Steph Su says
lol you must be the last person in the literate world to read The Fault in Our Stars. Time Magazine picked it as their best book of the year, for goodness’ sake.
It didn’t blow my mind, but I think you’d have a lot of feels for it.
Lily says
Jamie…. HOW HAVENT YOU READ TFIOS??? YOU NEED TO GET ON THAT! 😉
Lily @ lilysbookblog
Vivian says
Lol, we should read Beauty Queens, Jellicoe Road, & tFiOS together lol. Don’t even bother w/Imaginary Girls bc it sucks & Shiver is okay…I’d wait on that if I were you.
Rosie says
I also want to read The Fault of Your Stars but have been putting it off. My mom had breast cancer, as well as both of my grandmothers. and it’s hard to read about it or see shows about it. The parenthood season was really tough for me this year. My Sister’s Keeper was also a really hard book for me to read.
Jenni says
I loved Shiver! I haven’t read most of the others yet though. I’ve really wanted to read Beauty Queens since I heard about it but I haven’t gotten around to it yet.
Jasmine Rose says
I hadn’t read TFiOS until a couple weeks ago either, so you’re not alone.
Also, if you don’t want to give up meat, you probably don’t want to read Eating Animals. I haven’t read it myself, but I got to see all my husband’s reactions to it and that was enough (it’s possible I’m biased since both my husband and I are vegetarian, though.)