Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Waiting On Wednesday (5-30-12)


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. Each week, you highlight an upcoming release that you are eagerly anticipating. This week, I'm looking forward to Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead (release date: June 12, 2012).


Synopsis (from BN.com): Winn Van Meter is heading for his family’s retreat on the pristine New England island of Waskeke. Normally a haven of calm, for the next three days this sanctuary will be overrun by tipsy revelers as Winn prepares for the marriage of his daughter Daphne to the affable young scion Greyson Duff.  Winn’s wife, Biddy, has planned the wedding with military precision, but arrangements are sideswept by a storm of salacious misbehavior and intractable lust: Daphne’s sister, Livia, who has recently had her heart broken by Teddy Fenn, the son of her father’s oldest rival, is an eager target for the seductive wiles of Greyson’s best man; Winn, instead of reveling in his patriarchal duties, is tormented by his long-standing crush on Daphne’s beguiling bridesmaid Agatha; and the bride and groom find themselves presiding over a spectacle of misplaced desire, marital infidelity, and monumental loss of faith in the rituals of American life.
Hilarious, keenly intelligent, and commandingly well written, Shipstead’s deceptively frothy first novel is a piercing rumination on desire, on love and its obligations, and on the dangers of leading an inauthentic life, heralding the debut of an exciting new literary voice.

So, what are you waiting on this Wednesday?


Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Top Ten Tuesday (5-29-12)


Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and The Bookish. Each week, 
they post a different topic, and you get to create your own top ten list. So, this week's 
topic is:


Books Written in the Past 10 Years that I Hope Are Still Being Read in 30 Years


1) The Harry Potter series - some of the books were published over 10 years ago, but it's a series that I hope will endure forever (and I think it will).

2) Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand - a great book, well researched and something that every American should read. 

3) The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach - a great coming of age novel, one that I think will be around for quite sometime.

4) any David Sedaris book - just because he is so funny and I would hate to see his humor disappear.

5) The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern - a wonderful work of fantasy, something that will be entertainting people for years to come.

6) The Help by Kathryn Stockett - okay, so a TON of people read and fell in love with this book. I just hope that it wasn't a bunch of hype and that this book sticks around for future generations to read.

7) Bossypants by Tina Fey - okay, I am huge Tina Fey fan. I just hope that she is till around in 30 years, still making us all laugh and being an inspiration for women.

8) Faith by Jennifer Haigh - a great read. It was such a good book, and one that really made me think. I hope that she is still writing in the years ahead.

9) The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - I thought the first novel in this series was great and that Katniss is a character that younger girls could look up to (by the end of the series, I wasn't such a Katniss fan).

I could only think of nine this week, but I know that there are so many books that I hope are still being read in the years to come! What books do you hope people are still reading? Let me know!

Monday, May 28, 2012

Review: Spin by Catherine McKenzie

Spin
Author: Catherine McKenzie
Published: December 29, 2009
Genre: chick lit
Paperback: 424 pages
Source: borrowed from the library


My Rating: 3.5 stars


Synopsis (from GoodReads): Katie Sandford has just gotten an interview at her favourite music magazine, The Line. It's the chance of a lifetime. So what does she do? Goes out to celebrate - and shows up still drunk at the interview. No surprise, she doesn't get the job, but the folks at The Line think she might be perfect for another assignment for their sister gossip rag. All Katie has to do is follow It Girl Amber Sheppard into rehab. If she can get the inside scoop (and complete the 30-day program without getting kicked out), they'll reconsider her for the job at The Line. Katie takes the job. But things get complicated when real friendships develop, a cute celebrity handler named Henry gets involved, and Katie begins to realize she may be in rehab for a reason. Katie has to make a decision -- is publishing the article worth everything she has to lose?


My Thoughts: I picked up this book mostly because of the cover. I know, it's pretty shallow. But I read the description and thought it might be okay, but it was the cover that made me decide to read this book. And while not a literary masterpiece, it was still a pretty good read and one that makes me want to read more of Catherine McKenzie's work in the future. McKenzie's novel follows Katie, a writer who wants to land her dream job but manages to screw it up. When she is given a second chance but must enter rehab for 30 days, she decides to give it a shot. Although she doesn't consider herself an alcoholic, Katie realizes that maybe she needs to change her lifestyle in order to get that dream job that she's always wanted. She makes a few new friends during her time in rehab and comes to grips with who she is as a person. You definitely see the change occurring in Katie's life as you read the book, and you can't help but cheer her on as she makes changes to better herself as a person.


While following the typical chick lit storyline (girl meets guy, falls in love, ends up with guy), it was all of the changes occurring in her life that made me want to read this book, not the romance. Katie grows as a person, and you can't help but be happy for her. I do wish that the writing was a little stronger at points (just reminded me of a YA novel with the simplicity of the writing), but it was still an enjoyable read. As I said before, I will definitely be looking for more of McKenzie's work in the future!

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Review: Defending Jacob by William Landay

Defending Jacob
Author: William Landay
Published: January 31, 2012
Genre: legal thriller
Hardcover: 421 pages
Source: borrowed from the library


My Rating: 4 stars


Synopsis (from GoodReads): Andy Barber has been an assistant district attorney in his suburban Massachusetts county for more than twenty years. He is respected in his community, tenacious in the courtroom, and happy at home with his wife, Laurie, and son, Jacob. But when a shocking crime shatters their New England town, Andy is blindsided by what happens next: His fourteen-year-old son is charged with the murder of a fellow student. Every parental instinct Andy has rallies to protect his boy. Jacob insists that he is innocent, and Andy believes him. Andy must. He’s his father. But as damning facts and shocking revelations surface, as a marriage threatens to crumble and the trial intensifies, as the crisis reveals how little a father knows about his son, Andy will face a trial of his own—between loyalty and justice, between truth and allegation, between a past he’s tried to bury and a future he cannot conceive.


My Thoughts: I tend to stay away from legal thrillers, but after hearing so much buzz about this book, I decided to give William Landay a shot. Taking you into the murder trial of a 14 year old boy, where the defendant is another 14 year old boy, you figure it's already going to be a pretty good story. But with Andy Barber, assistant DA and father of the defendant, narrating the story, Landay weaves a story of parental love, devotion, mystery, and legal thrills all into one story. There were so many twists and turns throughout this story that it constantly kept my attention. I loved that Landay kept the story realistic but added in those twists to continually grab the reader and make them want to keep on reading.


The characters in this book are complex and will definitely force you to think about how much a parent should love their child. Laurie, Andy's wife, is grappling that her only child maybe a murderer and she doesn't know how to handle these thoughts (but honestly, what person could?) Then there are the Barber's friends, who have known them for years, yet now that their son is accused of murder, they mysteriously drop out of the picture. You have Jacob, who you are never quite sure if he is guilty or not (I loved how Landay did this! He really does give you all of the evidence, and leaves it up to you to form your own conclusion). Then there is Andy, who will fight for his son's innocence, no matter what the cost. I loved the complexity of emotions that each character deals with, and with Andy telling the story as if looking back in time, you are subjec to the true feelings of each character.


If I have one complaint about this book, it's that it wasn't always as gripping as I would have liked it to be. There were certain points where the novel just seemed to be bobbing along and the reader is left waiting for something to happen. I did feel like Landay made up for it with his ending (probably one of the best conclusions I have ever read), so I will definitely be looking for more of his work in the future. If you aren't into legal thrillers, I would try this one out. There is enough family drama going on to make you forget at times that this is centered around a trial.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Book Blog Hop and Follow Friday! (5-25-12)

Happy Friday everyone! Ready for the holiday weekend? I have been on vacation since Wednesday and it has been wonderful! I haven't done anything really exciting, but just not dealing with the craziness at work is a welcome relief. And, I'm about to start on the fun part of my vacation in just a few hours ... getting my wisdom teeth pulled! Definitely glad to finally be rid of them, and the excuse to eat ice cream for an entire week. Now, onto the Friday fun ...



Blogging Question: How do you handle the writing of a negative review?

This may sound weird, but it's easier for me to write negative reviews than it is to write reviews for books that I loved. I can easily pinpoint what it is that I didn't like, so I just focus on that in my review. I never make it a personal attack against the author.


GReads asks:

Show Me Your Cover: What are some of the worst book covers, but hold some of the best stories inside? Don't be embarrassed, show us your cover!

The one that always comes to mind is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. This is one of the worst covers I have ever seen and I believe that sometimes, it's alright for you to judge a book by it's cover. This book looks dreadful, but it's a wonderful story.


So, how do you write a negative review? What are some of the worst bookcovers you've ever encountered? Let me know and have a great (and safe) holiday weekend!





Thursday, May 24, 2012

Sweet Treats: Coconut Lime Cupcakes

With summer right around the corner, I am starting to dream to fruit, delicious, sweet things. And what is more summertime that coconut and lime? Combine them in a drink and they are great. In cupcake form, just as good! So, with Memorial Day weekend coming up, you may want to make these to share at a barbeque ... or maybe, just make them for yourself.

Coconut Lime Cupcakes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooke Time: 25-35 minutes
Yield: 24 cupcakes



Ingredients

2 cups granulated sugar

Zest of 1 large lime

3/4 pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

5 extra-large eggs at room temperature

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon coconut extract

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup buttermilk

3/4 cup shredded coconut

For the Coconut Lime Buttercream Frosting
1 cup butter, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon coconut extract
6 cups powdered sugar
4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
3/4 cup coconut, for sprinkling on top of cupcakes



Directions

1) Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a muffin pan with paper liners. Set aside.
2) In a small bowl, combine sugar and lime zest. Rub together with your fingers, until fragrant. In the bowl of an stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar mixture together on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs, 1 at a time, scraping down the bowl after each addition. Add the vanilla, coconut extract, lime juice, and mix well.
3) In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In 3 parts, alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined. Stir in coconut.
4) Fill each liner to the top with batter. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until the tops are brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Remove to wire cooling rack and cool completely.
5) While the cupcakes are cooling, make the frosting. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter, vanilla, and coconut extract until creamy. Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, alternating with lime juice, beating until combined.
6) Frost the cupcakes and sprinkle with coconut.
*Note: The frosting is made to taste. Make sure that you taste the frosting after adding each tablespoon of lime juice so that it is just right for you.*



Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Waiting On Wednesday (5-23-12)


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. Each week, you highlight an upcoming release that you are eagerly anticipating. This week, I'm looking forward to One Breath Away by Heather Gudenkauf (release date: June 26, 2012).


Synopsis (from bn.com): One School, one gunman, your child. One Breath Away is the story of one harrowing event seen through the eyes of five very different narrators. Nearing retirement, Evelyn Oliver has been teaching for forty three years and believes that she has seen it all until the safety of her classroom is compromised by a man with a grudge. When her school goes into lockdown all thirteen year old Augie Baker can think about is getting to her little brother. Instead she comes face to face with the intruder and quickly understands that she may be the only one who can save her brother, his classmates and his teacher. Holly Baker, Augie’s mother, lies miles away in an Arizona hospital recovering from a terrible accident, and can only wait helplessly while the horrors of the day unfold at her children’s school. Will Thwaite, Augie’s grandfather and pillar of the community, upon hearing of the siege at the school realizes that he may have lost the opportunity to repair his fragile relationships with his daughter and granddaughter. Police Officer Meg Barrett, the only woman on the small Broken Branch police force, has responded to domestic abuse calls, exploding meth labs, hunting and drunk driving accidents. She prides herself in being impervious to the emotion and heartache that often accompany her chosen profession, but nothing prepares her for the potential devastation this one lone man could have on her community and on her own future. As the minutes pass relentlessly, the hidden fears and grudges of the small town are revealed as the people of Broken Branch race to uncover the identity of the stranger who holds their children hostage.

I love Gudenkauf's books and cannot wait to read this one! So, what are you waiting on this Wednesday?


Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Top Ten Tuesday (5-22-12)


Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and The Bookish. Each week, 
they post a different topic, and you get to create your own top ten list. So, this week's 
topic is:

Blogs/Sites You Read That AREN'T About Books

1) Facebook - pretty obvious.

2) Perez Hilton - I am a pop culture junkie. Perez keeps me up to date on all my celebs!

3) Pinterest - I am a HUGE Pinterest junkie. I just love getting on there and getting lost in all of the pins. (Wanna follow me? Just go here!)

4) Postsecret - these are published as books, but every Sunday, they post additional secrets on here. I just love Postsecret. It's sometimes heartbreaking to read, but there are times when you read one that makes you think, "I feel the exact same way." It makes you realize that we aren't alone.

5) My Baking Addiction - I love to bake, and this blog has TONS of recipes on there! There are also some great kitchen give aways. If you like to bake, or want to bake more, then definitely check out this site!

6) The Bitchy Waiter - I work in the restaurant industry and it can be stressful at times. This guy (he's a waiter in Manhattan) puts a sarcastic spin on serving food. I always laugh when I read his posts.

7) Sephora - I just love Sephora. And now that they have redesigned their site, it's so much fun to look and shop.

8) Etsy - there are so many things on Etsy that it boggles my mind! I love that their are so many different things for sale on here, and I also love when I am able to support someone with their small business.

9) Confessions of a Cookbook Queen - another baking site, but this lady is hilarious. I don't know which I like more, her recipes or her sass.

10) MSN - not a very exciting page, but a great homepage. Everything that you need to gathered in one place and they have relevant news and interesting stories.

So, what are your top sites? Let me know!

Monday, May 21, 2012

Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay (Hunger Games #3)
Author: Suzanne Collins
Published: August 24, 2010
Genre: young adult
Hardcover: 390 pages
Source: borrowed from the library


My Rating: 3 stars


Synopsis (from GoodReads): Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding. It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plains--except Katniss. The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay--no matter what the personal cost.


My Thoughts: I had pretty high expectations for this book. I felt like the second book was better than the first book, so I was expecting the third book to be even better. Unfortunately, I was left feeling disappointed and wanting so much more once I had finished the novel. For me, I felt as if Suzanne Collin's was just holding back. All of these action scenes in the book just felt mundane, as if they weren't really action scenes at all. I constantly felt like Collins was on the verge of writing a great scene, but held herself back. Another issue for me was Katniss. She was like a brain-dead zombie in the book. She complained the whole time about the rebellion. She may not have realized the part that she played in starting the revolution, but she is a part of it, and she just seemed to complain the entire time about what was going on. I just wanted to slap her and scream, "Pull yourself together!"


I also hated how Katniss was continually going back and forth between Gale and Peeta. In real life, if someone isn't sure, they typically tell everyone back and give them some time and space. Not Katniss. I understand that Collins used these two to help with the story, but it was just awful how she treated both of those boys. I also hated the ending. Katniss shoots Snow. She is locked in a tower for awhile, then gets to go home to District 12. There was no explanation of what was happening at this supposed trial! Definitely frustrating to read about.


I did like how the epilogue. I felt like Collins wrapped everything up without being too cheesey or overly sentimental. For me, this was my least favorite book in the series and a huge let down. What did you think of this one? I would love to hear other people's opinions on this one!

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Review: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (The Hunger Games #2)

Catching Fire (Hunger Games #2)
Author: Suzanne Collins
Published: September 1, 2009
Genre: young adult
Hardcover: 391 pages
Source: borrowed from the library


My Rating: 4 stars


Synopsis (from GoodReads): Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol - a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create. Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying. 


My Thoughts: Picking up right where The Hunger Games left off, Suzanne Collins pulls you deeper into the world of Panem with the second novel in this trilogy. After a brief recap, you are back in Katniss's world of District 12, but everything has changed now. Not only has she won the games, but she has changed as a character. Collins makes you aware of this from the beginning, that there is something changing with in Katniss, that she is grappling with something that she might not ever be able to come to terms with. I loved that Collins lets this build throughout the novel, this angst that Katniss is dealing with. 


I also loved that Collins keeps you guessing throughout the entire novel. Just when I think I know what will happen next, she throws a curveball and surprises you. The suspense continues to build and you are wondering, "What is going to happen next?!?" For me, this is a mark of a great action novel. You have no clue what's going to happen next, how Katniss will handle this, how Peeta will react, what Haymitch will do. I also liked that Haymitch was featured more prominently in this novel. Although Katniss doesn't always follow his advice, the reader is able to learn more about him and how he became a victor. 


The other great thing about this book? The ending! Seriously, such a cliffhanger! I was just lucky that I was able to get both books from the library at the same time or I would have been a very unhappy reader! As I said in my last review, I don't read young adult novels, but this trilogy is something worth taking a look at. If you have wondered whether to read it or not, just give it a chance!

Friday, May 18, 2012

Follow Friday and TGIF! (5-18-12)

Happy Friday everyone! I hope that you are having a great week and are ready for the weekend. I am super excited because my vacation starts next week, so just a few more days and I have 9 glorious days off. I'm having my wisdom yanked, so my vacation will be spent drugged up and eating ice cream. Not a bad way to spend a week at home, if you ask me. Now, onto the Friday fun!


Parajunkee asks:
Summer break is upon us! What would be the perfect vacation spot for you to catch up on your reading and relax?

Well, it may sound crazy, but I would prefer to be anywhere but the beach. It's so noisy and crowded during the summer. I would have to say somewhere in the Colorado Rockies. It would be warm but not hot, nice cool nights, and some breath taking scenery to look at. Now, how much would I have to pay in baggage fees to get all my books there? God, there's a scary thought!

(source ... isn't it beautiful?!?)



GReads asks:

A Book Blogger is Born: What made you decide to start your very own book blog?

Great question! For me, I started my blog on February 24, 2011. I was looking for a way to connect with other people who loved to read as much as I did. I was finding it difficult to share books with people and figured, a book blog seems like a great way to discuss books with others who love them just as much as I do! I didn't do a lot of research on book blogs before I started, I just went and made my own site and started from scratch.

So, where's your dream reading vacation spot? What made you decide to start your book blog? Let me know, and have a great weekend!


Thursday, May 17, 2012

Sweet Treats: Butterscotch Walnut Cookies

One of my favorite things in life is butterscotch pudding. I rarely have any, but when I do, it's just so good. So, when I found this recipe, I just knew that I would have to try it. And while it's not butterscotch pudding, these cookies are pretty good. They are the perfect non-sweet. (And now you are wondering, what the heck is a non-sweet?) A non-sweet is a baked good that isn't too sugar or decadent, something that it is a treat but doesn't make you think that you are eating something rich or sweet. And these cookies are just that. For me, I think they go perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.

Butterscotch Walnut Cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Yield: about 48 cookies



Ingredients

1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
11 ounces (about 1 3/4 cup) butterscotch chips
1 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped

Directions

1) Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2) Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
3) In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
4) In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium until smooth, about 2 minutes.
5) Add eggs one at a time, beating a full minute after adding each egg.
6) Lower the mixture speed and add the oats, making sure to combine well.
7) Add the dry ingredients, mixing only until just combined.
8) Gradually add the butterscotch chips and walnuts by either turning the mixer on and off quickly or stir in with a rubber spatula.
9) Place rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the lined baking sheets about 1 1/2 - 2 inches apart.
10) Bake in the oven for about 15-18 minutes (depending on your oven), turning the sheets halfway through baking time. The cookies are down with the edges are golden brown.
11) When cookies are down, let cool on baking sheet for a minute then transfer to cooling rack.


(These are my dough balls. As you can see, they vary in size, but I prefer it when my cookies are not all the exact same size.)


(And there you have it! Delicious, butterscotch-y goodness!)




Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Waiting On Wednesday (5-16-12)


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. Each week, you highlight an upcoming release that you are eagerly anticipating. This week, I'm looking forward to The Unfinished Work of Elizabeth D. by Nichole Bernier (release date: June 5, 2012).


Synopsis (from BN.com): 
Summer vacation on Great Rock Island was supposed to be a restorative time for Kate, who’d lost her close friend Elizabeth in a sudden accident. But when she inherits a trunk of Elizabeth's journals, they reveal a woman far different than the cheerful wife and mother Kate thought she knew.
   The complicated portrait of Elizabeth—her troubled upbringing, and her route to marriage and motherhood—makes Kate question not just their friendship, but her own deepest beliefs about loyalty and honesty at a period of uncertainty in her own marriage.
   The more Kate reads, the more she learns the complicated truth of who Elizabeth really was, and rethinks her own choices as a wife, mother, and professional, and the legacy she herself would want to leave behind. When an unfamiliar man’s name appears in the pages, Kate realizes the extent of what she didn’t know about her friend, including where she was really going on the day she died.
   Set in the anxious summer after the September 11th attacks, this story of two women—their friendship, their marriages, private ambitions and fears—considers the aspects of ourselves we show and those we conceal, and the repercussions of our choices.

So, what are you waiting on this Wednesday?



Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Top Ten Tuesday (5-12-12)


Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and The Bookish. Each week, 
they post a different topic, and you get to create your own top ten list. So, this week's 
topic is:

Fictional BFFs
(I decided to take the freebie option this week!)

1) Hermione Granger (Harry Potter)- a girl who is interested in books and not worried about her appearances? This was totally me in high school, so Hermione and I would definitely be BFFs.

2) Skeeter (The Help) - I just know that Skeeter and I would get along so well. Plus, we both have unruly hair, so we could bond over that.

3) Scout Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird) - anytime I read this book, I think that Scout and I would have been great friends when I was younger. 

4) Jane Eyre (Jane Eyre) - I would have been cheering Jane on, "You go girl! You leave that brooding man behind and get out there and see the world!" (Maybe not that exactly, but I feel like Jane and I share a pretty similar view on men and relationships, so I would have been supportive with her.)

5) Lara Lington (Twenties Girl) - I just really loved this book and loved Lara's personality. I think she is my favorite main character from a Kinsella novel.

6) Emma Morley (One Day) - Emma and I would bond over our post-college lives and how it's never what we thought it would be. At least she would have a hunky best friend to look at!

7) Maisie Dobbs (Maisie Dobbs series) - Maisie and I would get along so well. I could become her new assistant!

8) Tina Fey (Bossypants) - okay, I realize that Tina Fey is real and not a fictional character. However, I just really wanna be her BFF! 

Well, that's all I could come up with for this week! What's your top ten Tuesday about? Let me know!