Top Ten List: Want to read Topics

I should be writing a paper right now. I had some brilliant idea to go back to school for my Master's Degree, and I have a paper due this week. My upstairs neighbors, however, have decided to blare their music at ridiculous levels, and I can't focus. Also, I don't want to write ten pages about my leadership skills. 

I thought I'd make a top ten list.  I think this one could be kind of interesting. Instead of To Be Read list, or want to read list that's specific to books, I wanted to discuss which topics or people I wanted to read more about (Fiction or Non-Fiction.) These aren't any particular order, I'm just jotting them down as they pop into my head. Feel free to comment with your own lists or suggestions, if you'd like! 

1.) Salem Witch Trials

2.) Different cultures- I'm lumping this as one because otherwise, it will just take over my list, and I'll feel like I left something out. That may have to be a separate list in itself. 

3.) Queen Victoria

4.) Paganism

5.) Sister Rosetta Tharpe

6.) Romanov Family

7.) Joan of Arc

8.) Pre-Medieval times

9.) Women's Suffrage

10.) Catherin the Great

Bonus Topics because narrowing things down to ten is hard:

11.) Jack The Ripper and H.H. Holmes

12.) Mythology- Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Norse

13.) Medici Family

Feel free to let me know what topics you'd like to read about, any book suggestions you have for me, or something you'd like to see as a top ten or discussion post in the comments!

Top Ten List: Favorite Series

Hello, Readers! One of my followers suggested making Top Ten lists, and I wanted to give it a shot. I've got a handful of ideas for different lists, so this may become a regular feature. If you have a suggestion for a top ten list or another discussion post, please let me know!

I thought I'd start off with my favorite series. This one is actually really hard for me because I get sucked into series really easily. I'll try to give some reasons as to why each of these is on the list. I had to put a limit on myself, or otherwise, I'd end up listing every series I've ever read. If you've been reading my blog for a while, you probably have figured out that I go into binges frequently on whatever series I find on Kindle Unlimited. I tried to get these in some form of order, but truthfully favorites for me change depending on the day.

1.) Outlander by Diana Gabaldon- I am a sucker for historical fiction, which is weird because most of what I've been reading lately is fantasy/paranormal. I love the details that are given that make it feel realistic. I also like that this has a fantasy element with Time Travel.

2.) Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling- I feel like this is just a given. I got into this series in either Middle School or High School. I just have fond memories involving the books. This series has been a massive part of my life and one I still re-read every couple of years.

3.) Penny Green by Emily Organ- This is probably one of the few series that I'm mildly decent at keeping up with. It's available on Kindle Unlimited and follows a female reporter in the 1800s as she helps solve mysteries. I like that it's a quick read and keeps me entertained.

4.) Arch of Scythe by Neil Schusterman- This trilogy is just amazing. It's a unique Science Fiction that provides an interesting solution to population control when death has been conquered. It's witty and well written.

5.) Dresden Files by Jim Butcher- I love the world-building and snark in the Dresden Files. Each book is easy to get through and stays entertaining. It's action-packed, and I just love it.

6.) Caster Chronicles by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl- For me, a lot of my love for the Caster Chronicles is the different take on witches and other paranormal. This one refers to its witches as casters, and they all have their own unique power. There are also Incubus characters, which I feel are fairly unique.

7.) The Hollows by Kim Harrison- This could probably go higher on my list, but I don't know what I'd knock down if it did. The Hollows is a lot like the Dresden Files. Rachel, the main character, is a witch and bounty hunter who works with her vampire and pixie partners. I love the details provided in how Rache's magic works in The Hollows. Kim Harrison goes really deep into the explanation of when spells are created.

8.) Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs- This series is just creepy, and I love it. It features odd photos that the author has acquired over the years, and the story is built around those photos. It's really different and entertaining.

9.) All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness- I'm a fan of the academic approach to this series. Even though I don't fully understand a lot of the information surrounding Alcamey, I stay interested and always want to read more.

10.) The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare- The Infernal Devices is the prequel series to the Mortal Instruments. I love the sort of steampunk vibe that this series has, and we still get a lot of the Shadowhunter world. Plus, we get it without the drama that is Clary and Jace!

And since I had such a hard time narrowing it down, here's some Honorable Mentions! These are in no particular order.

Honorable Mentions:
11.) Sookie Stackhouse by Charlaine Harris- This could have potentially been higher on the list. It's probably one of the more impactful series in my life. I had been in a long hiatus from reading, and when my husband went to boot camp for the marines, I found I had a lot of time on my hands. A friend suggested this to me, and my love of vampires was sparked.

12.) House of Night by P.C. and Kristen Cast- I kind of have a love/hate relationship with how the main character is written in this one, but I like the different take on vampires. I love a lot of the side characters, and it always has kept me interested.

13.) His Fair Assassin by Robin La Fevers- I've meant to re-read this one for ages. I need to really get the books again since I don't think they are on KU anymore. Anyways, I can't really see any downside to Assassin Nuns, who serve a death god.

14.) Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan- The only reason this isn't higher is that I've only read two books of what? 15 books? It's growing on me, and I need to read the rest of the series.

15.) Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins- I had this on the main list, but knocked it down because of Mocking Jay. I loved it at the time, but I'm not sure if me still putting it on my favorite list is because the movies are always on, so it's fresh in my mind. I need to read the prequel.

Discussion Post: Podcasts

Happy Friday, Readers! I've been wanting to do this post for a while, but keep forgetting about it. I thought since I actually remembered, I should probably actually get it done. Like most things in life, I am woefully behind on the trends and really just started getting into podcasts in the past two years. I thought I'd switch things up from books for a bit and talk about the podcasts I typically listen to and where I listen to them at.

I typically listen to podcasts while I'm working. Since I've been working from home, I haven't been as good at keeping up with them. I also start from the oldest and work my way up; that way, I can be clued in on any inside jokes or info that might be discussed. Typically, I either listen to podcasts on Google Play or Stitcher, depending on what it is.

There is a distinct trend in what I listen to. It is either about murder or writing. I'm not sure what that says about me as a person. The following info is in no particular order. I've also put a link to the website, if possible. I don't get anything out of it, I just want to share these podcasts.

Podcasts: 

1. Small Town Murder- Hosted by James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman, who are both stand-up comics. Each episode they take you on a trip to some small town. They discuss the town and then tell you a murder story. There is swearing, and a lot of rants abound. Truthfully, murder shouldn't be this funny. I really have to watch when I listen to this because I will legitimately crack up laughing while listening to these guys. Bonus, They also have another podcast called Crime in Sports. I haven't listened to this one as much as Small Town Murder, but I'm sure it's great. You can check them out at their website, https://shutupandgivememurder.com.
   
2. True Crime Garage- Hosted by Nic and The Captain, who are both based out of Ohio. They take a really deep dive into what the case is about, and usually, the episodes are done in two parts. Not only do they tell the story, but they give their thoughts on the case. Each episode also has a new beer that they are trying in the Garage. Not as hilarious as Small Town Murder, but still pretty comical at times. I listened to this a lot before moving to Minnesota when I had an hour to an hour and a half commute. You can check them out at their website, https://www.truecrimegarage.com.
   
3. Crime Junkie-  Hosted by lifelong best friends Ashley and Brit. These ladies are what started me into my Podcast listening. They are based out of Indianapolis, where I am originally from. Ashley does a lot of work for Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana and, once upon a time, was doing a True Crime story each week on one of the local radio stations. Murder Monday was the best!  Anyways, she and Brit started their own podcast. Because Ashley is on the board of directors for Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana, a lot of the stories they cover are unsolved. Find them here at their website, https://crimejunkiepodcast.com/.
   
4.  Today in True Crime- This is put on by the Parcast network. This one appeals to the history nerd in me. There is a new episode each day, and they are only about 15 to 20 minutes long. What I really like is that it's not always about a murder. There are other crimes mixed in. It's perfect for binging at work, honestly, and I feel like I'm learning something. You can find out more info on the website, https://www.parcast.com/today-in-true-crime.
   
5. Stuff You Missed in History Class- This is hosted by Holly and Tracy. I think It's switched networks a couple of times, so I'm not sure what the correct website for them is. Anyways, as a history nerd, this appeals to me. It covers a little bit of everything, and the hosts are likable.
   
6. Writing Excuses- The host list for this includes authors Maurice Broaddus, Aliette de Bodard, Amal El-Mohtar, Valynne E. Maetani, Mary Robinette Kowal, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, and Dan Wells. This podcast features all of these writings (a lot of the writers vary from season to season), giving writing tips to other writers. I like it because it is short and to the point. Plus, I feel like I get better at writing by listening to it and practicing some of what they discuss. You can find out more info on their website, https://writingexcuses.com/.
   
7. Self Publishing with Dale- This is the most recent podcast I've added to the list of things I've started listening too. I just started this one earlier in the week. So far, it seems like it has a lot of good advice not only from the host, Dale but also other self-published authors that he interviews. I'm hoping this helps me with my own self-publishing efforts because I have no clue what I'm doing. You can find out more info on his website, https://selfpublishingwithdale.com/.

So these are the main podcasts I try to listen to. What kind of podcasts do you listen to? Feel free to comment with your own suggestions!

Discussion Post- Twenty Facts about Me

Twenty Facts About Me:

Hi Readers. I felt like doing a random post today and found a list on another blog. I thought I'd snag the twenty facts about yourself idea. The original post can be found here.

I guess if I'm going to do a post about me, I should put a face to the words.

1.) My favorite animal is hedgehogs, and I used to have one named Xavier Tyler. He thoroughly enjoyed getting out of his cage and scaring the bejeezus out of my mom, but would only do it if I was gone for the weekend.

2.) I have three favorite movies that are about as far as part of one another as you can get. They are Beetlejuice, Draft Day, and Hook.

3.) I am an aspiring author. My first book is currently in the rewrite/editing stage. It's a children's fantasy/adventure book. It's going to be illustrated by my dad. It is about a little girl who goes on adventures with a group of Pirates. I've got a dozen or so other works in progress. If you'd like to read some of my non-blog post writing, check out the short stories found here.

4.) I've been with my husband, Chris, for half my life. We started dating in high school and have been married for eleven years. We've even lived all around the US.

5.) I am terrified of snakes and spiders. Even seeing them on TV freaks me out and sends me into a mild panic attack. If I go to a zoo, I avoid exhibit areas that may have them in there.

6.) I have three tattoos. I have music notes around my ankle in memory of my mom, who passed away when I was a teenager. I also have a sun and a moon on my shoulder blades. I've got a couple of others planned, including a water color hummingbird in memory of my grandma.

7. I have an associate's degree and a bachelor's degree. They aren't related, and I don't really use either of them. I use my bachelor's degree more, which is in Human Resources. My day job is doing compliance reviews for a manufacturing company.

8.  I am a massive sports fan. I love Football (American) and Baseball. I'm a die-hard Patriots and Red Sox fan. I get a lot of flack for rooting for teams for an area of the country I've never even lived in. I play fantasy football every year and am pretty proficient in my football knowledge.

9. I've been gluten-free for six or seven years. It's not by choice, and I wish I didn't have to be. I kind of had to go at it alone, and its a hard and confusing thing. I've tried to make a point to be as helpful as I can be to anyone who has to start on this lifestyle change.

10. My favorite colors are black and green.

11. I absolutely love dogs. I don't have one right now, which makes me sad, but if I see a dog in passing, I have to pet it.

12. If the fate of the world depended on me doing math, we would all be doomed.

13. The only non-US country I've ever been to is Canada. I love it there and try to visit whenever I can.

14. I love classic cars. If I could have any car, I would have an early to mid 70s Nova. I'd also take an old Camero.

15. I don't have children, nor do I want any. I don't think I'm particularly motherly and don't want a little thing dependent on me. I am, however, an aunt, which I love. I spoil my nephew whenever I can.

16. I generally only have a TV on for noise. If I do, it's usually either ESPN (well not so much right now since there are no sports right now) or Food Network. If I'm actually watching a show to watch it, it's probably Outlander, Arrow, Lucifer, or sports.

17.  I'm obsessed with music. I listen to just about everything, but my favorite bands/artists include All Time Low, Queen, Blink 182, Taking Back Sunday, and Halestorm.  Of those, I've seen All Time Low in concert twice and Blink 182 once.

18. I used to be able to play the Piano, Bass, and Guitar. For a brief moment in time, I wanted to be a Singer/Song Writer.

19. I am addicted to Starbucks and go multiple times a week. My drink of choice is a peppermint white chocolate mocha- extra hot.

20. I make jewelry and have since I was nine years old. It's just one of the outlets I use to be creative when I can. I sell it, but usually pretty cheaply because I like to make it. Plus, it makes good gifts when I need them.

This was surprisingly harder than I thought it would be. I really started struggling from like 10 onward, because truthfully I'm kind of boring. But now you know about me.

If you have an idea for a post you'd like to see, or a question for me, feel free to ask. If it's not for a book review request or a product review request, feel free to comment, use the contact form, or ask on Twitter/ Goodreads. I'll do my best to answer. If I don't respond, don't be afraid to send it again. I'm half scattered brained most of the time and likely just thought I answered when I didn't.

Discussion: What themes are you drawn to?

Discussion:

As I mentioned in my last post on The Palace Job by Patrick Weekes (find it here) the character of Desidora gave me an idea for a blog post. It worked out and also coordinates with a reader suggestion for discussions. I'm wondering if there are specific themes within stories or characters that you are drawn to?

I've realized over the years that I'm really drawn to death-related themes and characters. I have no idea why this is. It's not really a new thing for me. Even as a young kid I was drawn to the more morbid things. Growing up I wanted to be Lydia from Beetlejuice (my favorite movie, by the way.) My mom would jokingly call me Wednesday Addams when I got especially morbid. There's even a show with two seasons and a movie that I got obsessed with called Dead Like Me it has Mandy Patinkin (Princess Bride, Criminal Minds) and Ellen Muth who star as Grim Reapers.

I thought that I'd give some examples of books and characters that I've been drawn to, starting with Desidora from the Palace Job. Now let me start by saying that while she was my favorite, she was definitely not the main character of the story. What interested me about Desidora is that she began as a Priestess for the book's God/Goddess of love where she did matchmaking. She was then pulled to become the god of Death. Throughout her scenes in the book, there's a constant struggle between her two personas. On the note of serving Death Gods, one of my favorite books is Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers where the main character is a nun within a convent that serves the books God of Death. I may have to reread this one sometime.

Another Death Character I've been drawn to is Terry Pratchett's character Death in the Disc World series. If you aren't familiar with Disc World, there are about 40 or more books, and there's really no specific reading order. You can read them chronologically or by a list of themes/ characters, one of them being Death. I've read the books involving Death out of order, and I'm most drawn to him in The Hogfather. I don't think I have a blog post for any of these books to link to, but the general idea is that Hogswatch is the Disc World's version of Christmas, and the Hogfather is their version of Santa Claus. The Hogfather has gone missing, and it's up to Death to take up the robes and save Hogswatch. It's highly entertaining.

If you've been reading my posts recently, you'll know I've gotten completely addicted to a series by Neal Shusterman. The series starts with Scythe and is a futuristic Science Fiction where we've conquered death and illness with science and the creation of the Thunderhead. However, for population control deaths still need to happen, and an elite organization called the Scythedom is in charge of "gleaning" the population. The Scythes are supposed to be above corruption and uphold a specific code of honor.

Going further back, there were two series that I really got into that involved two female characters as grim reapers. The first being Death has a Daughter by Candice Burnett. You can check of my review of the second book in the series, Death's Dilemma, here. In this series, Cendal is the first female Grim Reaper and must deal with all that comes with that prestige. There's also a series that starts with Graveyard Shift and is by Angela Roquet. In Graveyard Shift we follow Lana Harvey who is a subpar Grim Reaper in Limbo City, which is a modern collective of all of the afterlives. This one is a humorous paranormal novel that features a lot of different paranormal characters.

I'm not really sure what it is about Characters centered around death themes that grabs my attention so much. I think in a lot of the instances I've mentioned here it's the fact that they are often something more than just an agent of death (or death themselves). Or maybe I'm just a morbid little freak. I don't really deny that one, to be honest.  I'd love to hear what themes or characters you are drawn to in books in the comments below. If you have topics of discussions, you'd like to see me tackle feel free to let me know! I've got a list going that I'm going to try and get through in 2019.