"I Have Been" 3

I've done this cute little meme a few times before, and since it has been a few months, I decided it was time to pull it out once more. :) Let me know if you decide to participate!

I have been:

{writing}

 A little bit of everything. :) I'm working on a new writing project (only a little at a time, since typing for too long kills my hands). I've also been revamping lessons and creating new resources for my students. I typed up a sample essay for The Great Gatsby last week since I wanted them to see what I was going for! I also spent some time last night catching up on writing some posts!

{reading}

I've been having a little bit of reading ADD. I'm still in the midst of Anna Karenina, but I'm also making steady progress in my Willa Cather Project. I also have my eye on a few YA titles lingering on my shelves. So....yeah, I'm a little unfocused. :)

 

{listening}

I've been listening to Muse's newest album all day in preparation for going to their concert in a couple of weeks. :)

 

{watching} 

Matt and I have been hooked on HGTV recently, and for no reason since we still live in an apartment! But I think we like getting ideas because...

 

{looking}

...we're looking at purchasing a home before the end of the year! We've done all kinds of budgeting, etc, and I think we'll be ready to make that big step towards searching for a new home by the fall. In the meantime, we keep looking online for houses and gathering ideas about what we want. :) It's a fun hobby!

 

{learning}

A lot about going gluten free! My doctor suggested it as a way to feel healthier, and I have to say, since reducing my gluten intake (to almost nothing), I have felt a lot better. It's a challenge, for sure, but I like feeling like I am doing good things for my body.

  

{feeling} 

Just a little achy today. I've been fighting off a cold for the last week or so, and I think it's starting to settle in (yuck). Hopefully it is over with soon. 

 

{anticipating}

The Muse concert in a couple of weeks! Its going to be a blast (we have floor tickets). I'm also excited to get to my Spring Break. I thought that I would have time this weekend (no school yesterday or today) to go through clothes to donate, but I just couldn't get to it. I can't wait to clean everything out and get rid of our extra clutter. 

 

{wishing}

For a good night's sleep tonight. My aches and sniffles kept me awake last night.

 

Also hoping that my sophomores have good essays to turn in this week. ;)

 

{loving} 

My husband.

 

Buying new clothes (my pants were too big). 

 

Feeling positive about myself. :)

"I Have Been" 2

I did this cute little meme way back in September, and I decided it was time to update. :) Enjoy!

I have been:

{writing}
Lesson plans! Actually, I've been really trying to work ahead of where I am now so I can finish my semester strong and launch into content I've done before (as a long-term sub). I'm also figuring out a unit plan for Maus, which I am teaching to my U.S. History kids next semester! I am way over the moon about this!

{reading}

I have definitely been on a big YA kick. I told Matt that I felt like I was "catching up" on all the titles everyone else has been reading in the last couple of years while I've been focusing on the classics. I am definitely enjoying my little excursions into YA, but I know that in another month or two, I'm going to want something more substantial. I'm already trying to decide what Austen to read in December...I think it might be Northanger Abbey, since I have read it in a very long time!

 

{listening}

Matt got me hooked on Mumford and Sons, so that has been on repeat for the last week or two as I grade. :)

 

{watching} 

I've been really hooked on The Walking Dead (can't wait for the episode on Sunday), as well as The Big Band Theory. I've also been watching some other shows when I catch them-Project Runway, Top Chef...I just don't have tons of TV watching time recently. And reruns are always a better choice when I'm grading.

 

{looking}

I have another tab open to Goodreads...I guess I'm looking at what to read next?

 

{learning}

I'm doing a lot of side research into some other aspects of WWII to make that a really amazing unit at the beginning of the semester. I know that there are a lot of kids who get really into the war units, so I'm trying to find some fun activities to help them learn the material. I think activities and other things are great alternatives to the days when I lecture. 

I'm also trying to find some more resources for teaching this graphic novel. Anyone done that before?

  

{feeling} 

Quite achy. My joints are hurting something fierce today!

But emotionally-really good. Things have been going well at school-finally found that balance I needed!

 

{anticipating}

Christmas break! ;)

I know the kids are excited for break as well! Two whole weeks!

 

{wishing}

For a good meal. I've been scrounging around the last week trying to empty our pantry a bit...I really just want someone to make me something delicious. :)

 

{loving} 

My husband, my kitties, and the fish that entertain everyone.

Reading Habits.

I've seen this in a few places (not sure where it started), and since I am lacking inspiration for a real post today, I thought this would be fun to fill out. :)

Do you snack while you read? If so, favourite reading snack:
I try to avoid snacking while reading...it generally leads to too much snacking. :) However, I like a small bowl of popcorn every once in awhile!

What is your favourite drink while reading?
It used to be diet coke, but since I am cutting back (and trying to quit) on drinking pop, I've been turning more and more to tea and flavored water. I have a new addiction to Mio, so I've taken to always flavoring my water.

Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea of writing in books horrify you?
I used to write in my books far more than I do now. Most of the books I read while in college have writing in them somewhere. Nowadays I use little post-it tags to mark passages and pages I want to come back to, or that have quotes I like (any quote that I use in a post here comes from those that I mark). I have nothing against writing in books, but if I buy a used book, I always check for writing. Other peoples' highlighting, etc bothers me.

I've also been keeping a separate journal just for thoughts on my reading. I like having everything in one place so I can flip through it.

How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark? Dog-ears? Laying the book flat open?
I am huge fan of bookmarks. :) I own something like 80-90 of them, and I am constantly looking for more. I used to dog-ear pages before, but don't anymore. I'm also one of those people who tries not to break the spine of my paperbacks to make them last longer. Since I purchase pretty much everything I read, I want my books to stay in good condition. Sometimes a little abuse can't be helped, but I don't purposefully do things to hurt my book! It drives my friend Kyla crazy. She is really one of the only people I trust to lend books to, and she says she always feel pressured to keep my books perfect. :) It makes me chuckle. I know that I'm just crazy, but I figure if I am investing in building myself a library, I want my books to last until I'm 80 and want to revisit an old favorite.

Fiction, non-fiction, or both?
I read more fiction now, but I really like non-fiction. I'm partial to history titles, biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs. I miss my history books especially...

Are you a person who tends to read to the end of a chapter, or can you stop anywhere?
I prefer to stop at a chapter break, but sometimes I just get too tired to finish. :) Some books have really long chapters, so sometimes I just can't get through to the end. But really, I can stop anywhere (I do try to finish a "scene" before stopping in the middle of a chapter).

Are you the type of person to throw a book across the room or on the floor if the author irritates you?
I've done both. :) I threw Atlas Shrugged at the wall quite a few times, as well as tossing it on the floor for my cat to sleep on. It is a rare occasion for me to throw a book, so you know something was up if I did!

If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop and look it up right away?
Depends. I usually try and figure it out based on context and most often I figure it out. If it is something I can't figure out, then I'll look it up. :)

What are you currently reading?
I've been focusing on Middlemarch since starting it last Sunday. I've also poked back into Nicholas Nickleby a little bit (I think I have to just finish it this coming week and be done with it). Not sure what I'm going to pick up next!

What is the last book you bought?
I've actually bought quite a few in recent weeks. I discovered the new Penguin English Library series and bought quite a few....like....16 or 17? They've slowly been trickling in...which is driving Matt crazy, but it had been quite some time since I'd bought a bunch of books, so I don't feel bad. ;) I'll show them off once they all get here.

Do you have a favourite time/place to read?
I really like reading while in bed. I know a lot of people have a hard time with that, but I feel really comforted being in bed with a good book. I especially love those opportunities and books that make me stay up all night just to know what happens. That's harder being married and having to make sure that I don't bug Matt with the light. :)

Do you prefer series books or stand alones?
It depends on what kind of mood that I'm in. There is something pretty amazing about sinking into a big long series. It allows you to get to know the characters so well! But I also love a good stand-alone. Most classics ARE stand-alones, so I have been getting a good mix between those and some fantasy titles.

Is there a specific book or author you find yourself recommending over and over?
I've been pushing a couple of books on people recently-The Mill on the Floss, Portrait of a Lady, and David Copperfield. And, as always, The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton. :)

How do you organize your books? (by genre, title, author’s last name, etc.) 
The shelves that I do have are alphabetized. The only exceptions are books that are too tall to fit on the normal shelf, books belonging to a collection or set, and my Shakespeare titles. I prefer to have books in a set all together (all my Penguin clothbounds are together-they look way sweeter that way). I will also pull books out every month or so to put on my nightstand. The nightstand pile is what I hope to get through in that month. Sometimes books stay there for a month or two before being read...some stay longer...and some books never make it there! But generally speaking, once it is on the nightstand, I make it a priority.

I also have books all over the apartment-some on my desk, there is a pile on an end table in the living room, and a couple in my bag that I've been lugging to the park. :) I call it controlled chaos.


I think the only other interesting reading habits I have are these:
-I keep a written record of books read each month. They are all in a spiraled journal and I've had it since the beginning of 2008.
-I have a big printed out list of the titles on my 250 list taped to the back of our "office" door. I highlight each title as I finish it. I'm a big fan of crossing things off, so it helps me visualize my progress!

One, Two, Three Reading Meme.

It is Saturday night, and I am just sitting here, so I thought that this would be fun. :) Enjoy!

(I should note that I got this from Jillian, who got it elsewhere).

1. The books I’m currently reading: I am in the middle of a number of things, mainly because I have too many commitments and not enough time to read recently. I am in the middle of The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James, which I set aside for a bit to finish some other titles. I am also close to the end of both Purgatorio by Dante and Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad.

2. The last book I finished: This is going to make me sound pathetic, but the last book I finished was Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks on November 6. I've been a little busy this month....

3. The next book I want to read: I’m going to be starting Walden and "Civil Disobedience" for Transcendentalist Month. I also need to get to Paradiso and Sense and Sensibility before the end of December. There are also a number of things I want to finish before the end of the year-including a read of all 4 of Paolini's Inheritance Cycle titles (I got the fourth one a few weeks ago-I forgot that I preordered it over the summer).

4. The last book I bought: My Student Government class gave me a wonderful gift card to Barnes and Noble on my last day, I went a little crazy and ordered a few things, including a hard copy of Clarissa, one of the books I am tackling next year (I had an ebook copy, but wanted the actual book to lug around). As soon as all my new purchases arrive, you'll see them. :)

And before anyone points it out, since I didn't spend my own money, I didn't break my book buying ban. So there.

5. The last book I was given: I was sent a beautiful copy of Sense and Sensibility for review! I'll be reading it soon!

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books I Wish I Could Read Again For The First Time.

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the wonderful folks over at The Broke and the Bookish. Each Tuesday, they pick a topic and bloggers participate by posting their own responses. I like to participate now and again, most because I am a list person. I like lists. Lists dictate my life.

Anyway, this week's topic is "Top Ten Books I Wish I Could Read Again for the First Time."

Since I have been focusing on the classics, I am reading a lot of books for the first time. And there are many cases where I think to myself, "Wow, I wish I could have saved this." Because as much as I love rereading, there is nothing like the mystery and joy in reading a book for the first time. That feeling of awe, enthrallment, and wonder just simply cannot be beat.

Here are the top ten books I wish I could read again for the first time...

1. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte: This was one of the titles I was saving for later on in my project. But, I finally caved in and read it, knowing nothing about the story before I began. This one grabbed me and absorbed in a way that few books have. That first reading experience was powerful and I would love to have it back!

2. Moby-Dick by Herman Melville: While I enjoyed my first foray into Melville's writing with Typee in college, it was Moby-Dick that left me stunned. I don't think there is a comparison to the power of language in this novel, or of the carefully constructed story. I was continually impressed by the attention to the smallest and most important details. A beautiful story, that I, again, went into without any prior knowledge of the end (the rest of my posts on this one will be going up later this week).

3. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: What I wouldn't give to go back to the night when I first decided to read this one. It was only a month or two before starting my blog. It was about 11:30 at night, and I had finished my other book. I decided to pick this one up and start it...I didn't set it down until I finished it. I was simply sucked into the story, the adventure, and the horror.

4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling: I was one of those people who waited to get their book at midnight. I took it home, as did my sister with her copy, and stayed awake until I finished it. I had to know how it would all end, what would become of my beloved Snape, and if it would end the way I hoped it would. But now that the story is over, I am sad and wish it was still ongoing.

5. The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton: I remember the first time I read this I was working for one of our parks. It was a rainy day in the summer, so I was sitting in the booth with uninterrupted reading time. I cried. For sure. And while I still get an emotional punch in the gut every time I read this one, I still wish I could capture that first time feeling.

6. Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier: While I have only read this one once, I know that nothing will beat that first time through. It was a book that I sailed through-the action intense, the story riveting...and while I know I'll love it just as much the second and third times, nothing can really beat the first read of this!

7. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien: As any fantasy nerd will tell you, there is nothing like conquering Tolkien's masterpiece. But the reading of this trilogy also has great memories for me. I bought my copies of the trilogy while on vacation in Colorado at some tiny bookshop (I had already run out of things to read), and as we drove through the mountains, I sank deep into Middle-Earth. It was before the movies had come out, before the hype, and I just fell in love with the world.

8. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas: This is another novel that I have fond memories of reading the first time. It was on the summer reading list before ninth grade, and I began reading it up north on vacation. We were at the beach, the boat anchored in the water, and my family playing on the sand or in the water. I escaped to the boat to lay out and read...I can vividly remember the boat rocking in the waves as I read about the escape...it was just so powerful.

9. The Awakening by Kate Chopin: This was a title I picked up as a senior in high school. I was immediately sucked into the story and desperation. I remember finishing it over a weekend and going in to talk to my teacher about it that Monday morning. I have reread this one numerous times and while it still has a great deal of "magic" about it, it is never as strong as that first time.

10. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: This was one of the first classics I ever picked up on my own. It was in the middle of the summer, and sick of reading some really bad YA, I decided that for every two "fun" books I read, I also had to read 1 classic. This was the first classic I read that summer and like so many other books, I have fond memories of reading it.

What books do you wish you could read again for the first time?

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books That Are On The Top Of My TBR List For Fall.

I am excited about this week's Top Ten Tuesday topic. For those of you unfamiliar with Top Ten Tuesday, it is a meme hosted by the wonderful people over at The Broke and the Bookish where bloggers create their top ten lists in the week's chosen category!

This week's topic is "Top Ten Books That Are On The Top Of My TBR List For Fall." I don't know about you, but I have a lot of books that I have been meaning to get to, but just haven't this year. I am also due for another pile to land on my nightstand (books on my nightstand mean they are being read sooner rather than later). So without further ado, here are the titles I am looking to read this fall, in no particular order:

1. Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens: Reading this one would serve two purposes. First, it will count towards Adam's TBR challenge (which I am woefully behind on), and second, it will knock another Dickens title off my list. I am intimidated by the length of this one. At just over 800 pages, it will take me a bit to get through it, but it needs to be done.

2. Dracula by Bram Stoker: I am planning on bringing back a few readalongs, with some alterations, this fall, and Dracula is one of those titles I need to read with someone else. I have read it once (way back in high school for a class), and I think it will be the perfect read in October.

3. Walden and "Civil Disobedience" by Henry David Thoreau: I have been meaning to read both of these for quite some time. In fact, I think my volume that contains this has the record for being moved to my nightstand, back to the bookshelf, and back on the nightstand. But with Transcendentalist Month coming up in November, I know I'll get through these with some great company (and you should join the fun!).

4. The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James: This is another title for Adam's challenge, as well as one that has been picked up and moved quite a few times. I really enjoy James, but for some reason, this one frightens me. I, of course, have no idea why, it just does. Again, it is a little on the lengthy side, but who really cares?

5. Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyon: I have toyed with reading this one ever since finishing Little Women back in March 2010. I also think it'll be a great title to read with the coming holiday season.

6. The Divine Comedy by Dante: This is another title I have been avoiding, since the collection of three titles is REALLY LONG, but spread over three months, I think it is completely doable. Anyone want to join in? ;)

7. Birdsong by Sebastian Faulk: I had the HARDEST time finding a copy of this novel, but I scooped it up at Borders a few weeks ago. I really love long war-based epics, so I think this is something I can really sink my teeth into as the weather begins to turn.

8. Shakespeare: I am leaving this one broad. I told myself that I would read more of his plays this year, and guess how many I have read? One. I read Romeo and Juliet back in February (my upteenth reread) and have avoided the bard ever since. I do have two plays on my nightstand (Julius Caesar and Antony and Cleopatra), but I am avoiding them. I actually think that I am going to read ALL Shakespeare for the upcoming 24-hour readalong. Doesn't that sound FUN?

9. Moby Dick by Herman Melville: I have been wanting to read this for months, so I should probably just do it. I think people are of two minds about this one, so I am hoping I fall into the "love it" mindset. Otherwise this one might be a little torturous.

10. The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells: It isn't that I want to read this one. I have not-so-good memories of my first attempt a few years ago. But since reading my first Verne novel a month ago, I want to give the other old sci-fi master a chance at redeeming himself. And I might even watch the awful Tom Cruise version of the film again (I laughed in the theater when we saw it at inappropriate times. This is why my husband doesn't take me places).

As you can probably see, I am in the mood for some long, epic-style novels. I have been sticking to short pieces during the summer months, and I do believe it is time to switch it up. While I do love short little reads, I am craving something to sink my teeth into.

What are your reading plans for fall? Any similar to mine?

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Favorite Love Stories In Books.

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted over at The Broke and the Bookish. It is a fun, weekly meme where participants count down their favorite "top tens" in the given category for each week.

I don't participate every week, but only when the topic is really inspirational. And since I am home alone tonight (Monday night when I am writing this), and it is Valentine's Day, I'm getting all sappy (the husband is working late tonight).

This week's topic is "Top Ten Favorite Love Stories in Books" and I am really excited to see what you all picked as well! So if you feel inspired by all the love going around, participate!

Without further adieu, here is my top ten, in no particular order. :)

10. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice: I don't think any list is complete without these two. Their story, their struggle to come to terms with their own feelings, and that tension that bubbles just below the surface really hits on that early stage of love. When you're still all awkward and uncomfortable with one another. You know what I mean. ;)

9. Penelope and Odysseus from The Odyssey: Now, while Odysseus may have wandered in his 20 years away from home, Penelope didn't. She stayed true to her man and kept those pesky suitors at bay, all while waiting for her man to come home. She never knew for sure if he would, but she stayed faithful and true until the end. You have to respect her for that. She must have really loved him.

8. Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger from Harry Potter: If I have to pick one couple from the Harry Potter series to love, it has to be Ron and Hermione. I love the growth of their relationship as the books go on. They show how sometimes the people you least expect turn out to be perfect for you. And we all cheered when they finally realized it, didn't we?

7. Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler from Gone with the Wind: I am so glad I finally read this book last year and now I understand the love connection! While never truly romantic, this love story captures some of the nasty and unforgivable aspects of love. Full of drama and pain, their love affair really is a story for the ages (and you need to go read this. Don't wait like I did).

6. Daisy and Gatsby from The Great Gatsby: Again, probably not the most romantic love story, on her part. But he loves her, even years after he knew her. Everything he does is for her, to show her how he feels. It gets me every time he stands at the end of the dock and looks toward that green light.

5. George and Lucy from A Room with a View: This was one of the most surprising and wonderful reads of my current project, and I absolutely loved this story of going against convention. And I love that they did it without permission from everyone.

4. Beatrice and Benedick from Much Ado About Nothing: Hand's down my favorite Shakespearean comedy, these two and their banter just make me grin every time. They poke fun and tease, but under it all, you can sense the real emotion. And of course, the movie version is fantastic...even with Keanu Reeves. ;)

3. Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth from Persuasion: Oh, how I LOVE this grown-up love story. I was surprised by the more mature tone and the passion in that love letter (omg, the LOVE LETTER). Yes, this is a love story for the ages people!

2. Andromeda and Perseus from...Greek mythology: I have always loved the story of Andromeda. Because of her mother, she is chained and sacrificed to a sea monster. Perseus sees her, saves her, and eventually marries her. I love the heroics...and the monster. :)

1. Lily Bart and Lawrence Selden from The House of Mirth: Long known as one of my favorite novels, I love the heartache in this love story. It pulls at my emotions every time I read it. It makes me want to be a better wife and love Matt more for all he does for me. Tragic? Yes, but beautiful.

What are some of your favorite love stories? Any big ones I missed?

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books I Hope Santa Brings.

Every Tuesday, the bloggers over at The Broke and the Bookish host Top Ten Tuesday, a weekly feature where bloggers count down their top ten of the given topic!

Given the holiday season, this week's topic is the top ten books I hope Santa brings. There was no way I could ignore this one this week, as I asked for a LOT of books this year. :) I did show some restraint and only passed along my most wanted, but that was still a really high number.

In any case, here are the top ten books I really want for Christmas. And in some cases, I cheated and put a few under one number. You'll see why when you get there. :)



10. Halt's Peril by John Flanagan: This is the newest release in one of my all-time favorite series. I adore the Ranger's Apprentice series and can't wait to pass them on to my children (very far off in the future). They are fun and action-packed reads that I always enjoy!



9. The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook by Dinah Bucholz: If you're telling me that I can make Cauldron Cakes and Pumpkin Pasties here at home, I want to. A friend bought this book and after looking in it, I know that I am going to have to get my own copy. And you can bet that I'll even try casting spells as well!



8. The Divine Comedy: Paradise (Book 3) by Dante: I only own The Inferno, so I need to finish the set!



7. The Divine Comedy: Purgatory (Book 2) by Dante: Like above, I need to collect the whole set before I begin. Since The Divine Comedy counts as only 1 book on my master list, having all three at hand would make conquering them a bit easier.



6. The Iliad by Homer: I don't own a copy of The Iliad!! And considering how much I love The Odyssey, this is surprising (really, I named my blog after it). I also would love to have another Greek masterpiece translated by the awesome Robert Fagles at my hands, since he is a master of Greek translation.



5. The Death of Ivan Ilych by Leo Tolstoy: I would really like to read this shorter Tolstoy piece before I begin the mammoth War and Peace next month. I feel like a small taste of Tolstoy before the whole big chunk would make conquering it feel a bit easier.



4. The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoevsky: I have one more novel by this big Russian guy to read and I have yet to get my hands on an edition. And since I am hosting a readalong of it this coming year, I suppose I need a copy eventually.



3. Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak: I have yet to get my hands on a copy of this one, and since it is yet another title on my list of books to read, it'll be easier to do so if it is sitting on my shelf! And this new edition is so lovely!



2. Assorted plays by William Shakespeare: I asked for the rest of the Shakespeare plays on my list that I don't own (about 12???). I am really going to work on getting more of his plays read this coming year (I did sign up for a Shakespeare Challenge), and owning the plays is one step closer to making that happen! I asked for a combination of the lovely Folger editions (seen above) as well as the Barnes and Noble Shakespeare editions (surprisingly wonderful editions that are easy to read).



1. Penguin Clothbound Classics: I already own 13 of these beauties, but there are 8 (10 if you count the two that are no longer in production-Crime and Punishment and Madame Bovary) that I don't own (and I just noticed that Gulliver's Travels isn't pictured here. That one too). I LOVE these editions and want to own the whole set. I've already read a few of the ones I own and I simply love these editions. They are well done and all of the supplemental material makes these a treasure.

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Fictional Couples.

Every Tuesday is Top Ten Tuesday at The Broke and the Bookish. Each week, there is a topic and bloggers create their list of their "top ten!"

I am a big list maker, so I love this idea!

This week's topic is our top ten fictional couples from literature. I thought this was going to be easy for me, but I found I had a hard time narrowing it down to my top ten. Anyway, I persevered, so I hope you enjoy my list and consider joining in!

*I should note there might be slight spoilers for these if you haven't read them, but nothing that will ruin the book for you if you do.


1. Beatrice and Benedick from Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. This is my favorite play and I love the banter between the two. Their witty arguments and conversations make the play, and distract us from Claudius and Hero, and their whining. :)

2. Penelope and Odysseus from Homer's The Odyssey. How could I leave these two off the list? I mean, we can brush aside that little part where Odysseus and Calypso have their thing and focus on the connection between these two. Penelope waited 20 years for Odysseus to come back to her, and Odysseus fought all kinds of monsters to be reunited with his love.

3. Etienne Lantier and Catherine in Emile Zola's Germinal. While they may not have the most beautiful and romantic relationship, it was still a relationship that grabbed my heart. The scenes near the end of the novel were so beautifully written....if you haven't read this book, you NEED to.

4. Lily Bart and Lawrence Selden from Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth. This is another set of tragic characters who cannot find the courage to express their feelings for each other. Their relationship develops slowly, and painfully, until the ultimate tragic end.

5. Rhett Butler and Scarlet O'Hara from Mitchell's Gone with the Wind. I can't believe it took me so long to read this novel, but I love their relationship! Constant strain, fighting, passion....what more could you ask for!

6. Anne and Frederick from Austen's Persuasion. I could just have easily put Elizabeth and Darcy here, but I am a bigger fan of the more mature and lasting relationship found in Austen's later work. I related to it far more than the P & P relationship! And that letter? Oh boy....

7. Gatsby and Daisy from Fitzgerald's The Great Gastby. While I wasn't a huge fan of this the first time I read it, as I have gotten older I have begun to appreciate the power of the green light and Gatsby's love for Daisy. The end of this novel captures that feeling of a lost love and what we do to try and attain someone.

8. Macy and Wes from Sarah Dessen's The Truth About Forever. My favorite Dessen novel, I have always felt that the relationship between these two characters was the most mature and realistic. The way they fall for each other is simple and heart-warming. It reminds me a lot of some of those early conversations I had with Matt when we began dating.

9. Beauty and the Beast in Robin McKinley's Beauty. The tale of Beauty and her Beast is one of my all-time favorites (and I am in love with the Disney movie). McKinley manages to take this classic tale and make it real. I love the connection between these two characters, and the growth they both show from beginning to end.

10. Jamie and Claire from Diana Gabaldon's Outlander. The love story in this series is EPIC. The characters have such a deep and passionate love that I adore. And wouldn't adore Jamie? I remember reading this and telling Matt that if Jamie was real he would have some competition. :)

Top Ten Books I Haven't Read:

Top Ten Tuesday is held every week over at The Broke and the Bookish. It is a meme that simply requires the blogger to create a list in response to the topic.

Personally, I love lists. I make lists for everything. It drives my husband crazy because he finds them everywhere. And it annoys him that I even put a little space to put a check mark by my to-do lists.

Anyway, this week's subject is to list the top ten books we haven't read. I felt this was a great topic-especially since I had this discussion yesterday with my co-worker! Most of the titles listed below are from my list, but there might be a few surprises!

1. Ulysses by James Joyce. I discussed this at work yesterday, but Joyce absolutely intimidates me. I'm not sure why since I have no experience with him, but the idea of this monstrosity frightens me.
   
2. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Until this past winter, I had never read anything by any of the Brontes. For some reason, none of their work appealed to me. And I have heard many great things about Charlotte, but I still have little interest in her masterpiece.
3. Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. This is another one of those titles that intimidates me, but for no real reason. I just feel like it is going to be way over my head, or overly complex...or something!
4. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy. While I feel like I have conquered Dostoevsky and his work, the other Russian mastermind scares the living daylights out of me. While I have heard this is a little more accessible than my number 5 choice, it still hasn't left my shelf.
5. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. This book is a monster. And I feel like the only way I am going to get through it is with a support group. I may tackle this during the winter months, but we'll see how THAT goes.
6. Othello by William Shakespeare. Usually when I talk about Shakespeare, people mention this play as one of their favorites. I have never had the opportunity to read it, but at least I now own a copy!
7. Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne. Considering how much I love science-fiction, this one always comes as a surprise to people when I mention I haven't read it yet. Verne seems to encompass a lot of things I love about literature, so hopefully I fix this soon.
8. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson. I bought this way back when it first hit the shelves....mainly because the title and cover attracted my eye. It seems as if everyone who reads this, loves it, but I just haven't had time to get around to it. Perhaps when I am done with my challenge I'll finally pull this from the shelf.
9. The Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan. I bought the first three a few years ago at a book sale and they sat next to my bed for months. Considering how much I really do love YA, these books seems to be right up my alley. I just haven't gotten to them yet!
10. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. I think I began to read this book back in college, but got carried away with classes and never returned to it. Again, as a lover of science-fiction, that surprises me! Luckily it is on my list and will soon be read!