Thursday 13- Books to Read

I thought today I would do a Thursday 13 post on 13 books I'm hoping to read over the next few months. Some of these I have been meaning to read for a while but alas, I get distracted by other books so they get put aside. Yes, I know. I'm a book nerd. Lately it seems I haven't had time to read a whole lot. I'm hoping to find a weekend here pretty soon where I can do nothing but sit on my balcony and read (unless it's as warm as it is today, then I'll sit in my air-conditioned apartment and read). :) Most of these I already own. I've already started reading the first one. For more information on the book, just click the name. And yes, I realize I like all kinds of books. That's a good thing right? It means I read a variety of things! :)

Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith: Indiana, 1818. Moonlight falls through the dense woods that surround a one-room cabin where nine-year old Abraham Lincoln kneels at his dying mother's bedside. Only later will the grieving Abe learn that his mother's fatal affliction was actually the work of a vampire. Gifted with his legendary height, strength, and skill with an ax, Abe sets out on a path of vengeance that will lead him all the way to the White House.

The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson: Bringing Chicago circa 1893 to vivid life, Erik Larson's spellbinding bestseller intertwines the true tale of two men- the brilliant architect behind the legendary 1893 World's Fair, striving to secure America's place in the world; and the cunning serial killer who used the fair to lure his victims to their death. Combining meticulous research with all the wonder of newly discovered history and the thrills of the best fiction.

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas: Set in 19th century Paris, Marseilles and Rome, this is the story of Edmond Dantes, a man betrayed and incarcerated. It tells of his search for Abbe Faria's hidden treasure and his reappearance as the fabulously rich, brooding Byronic and vengeful Count of Monte Cristo.

The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux: Set in the Paris Opera in 1881, it is a story that pits the powers of evil and good, reality and illusion, sensuality and death to evoke our emotions as only a true master can write.

The Princess Bride by William Goldman: S. Morgenstern's timeless tale- discovered and wonderfully abridged by William Goldman, pits country against country, good against evil, love against hate. From the Cliffs of Insanity through the Fire Swamp and down into the Zoo of Death, this incredible journey and brilliant tale is peppered with strange beasties monstrous and gentle, and memorable surprises both terrible and sublime.

11/23/63 by Stephen King: King sweeps readers back in time to another moment- a real life moment- when everything went wrong: the JFK assassination. And he introduces readers to a character who has the power to change the course of history.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger: This books recounts the days following Holden Caufield's expulsion from Pencey Prep, a private school. After a fight with his roommate, Holden leaves school two days early to explore New York before returning home, interacting with teachers, prostitutes, nuns, an old girlfriend, and his sister along the way.

Barefoot in the Sand by Roxanne St. Claire (one of my favorite authors, this is her newest book.): When a hurricane roars through Lacey Armstrong's home on the coast of Barefoot Bay, she decides all that remains in the rubble is opportunity. A new hotel is just what Mimosa Key needs, and Lacey and her teenage daughter are due for a fresh start. And nothing is going to distract Lacey from finally making her dreams a reality. 

Slightly Bad Girls of the Bible by Liz Curtis Higgs: Good girls behaving badly. A spiteful boss, a defiant employee, a manipulative mother, a desperate housewife, an envious sister...we know these women. We've lived with them, worked with them, or caught a glimpse of them in our mirrors. Now let's take a look at their ancient counterparts in Scripture: Sarah mistreated her maidservant, Hagar despised her mistress, Rebekah manipulated her son, Leah claimed her sister's husband and Rachel envied her fertile sister.

Unhallowed Ground by Heather Graham:When Sarah McKinley is finally able to buy and restore the historic Florida mansion that she has always loved, she dismisses the horror stories of past residents vanishing and a long-dead housekeeper who practiced black magic. Then, in the midst of renovations, she makes a grim discovery. Hidden within the walls of Sarah's dream house are the remains of dozens of bodies, some dating back over a century.

The Rope by Nevada Barr: The adventures of park ranger Anna Pigeon have filled pages of 16 books, and now her legion of loyal fans can find out how her story began. After her husband's death in 1995, Anna leaves New York City to take a seasonal position at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. On a hike to explore the dry canyon lands around Lake Powell, Anna literally falls into a mystery. Fighting thirst and drug-induced delirium, she extricates herself from the dry well and begins to unravel the who and why of her tortuous ordeal. Anna emerges from this canyon escapade as a strong, determined woman who plans to return to park service employment as a law enforcement ranger, stating that "more women should carry guns."

The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella: Workaholic attorney Samantha Sweeting has just done the unthinkable. She's made a mistake so huge it'll wreck any chance of a partnership. Going into utter meltdown, she walks out of her London office, gets on a train, and ends up in the middle of nowhere. Asking for directions at a big, beautiful house, she's mistaken for an interviewee and finds herself being offered a job as a housekeeper. Her employers have no idea they've hired a lawyer, and Samantha has no idea how to work the oven. She can't sew on a button, bake a potato, or get the ironing board to open. How she takes a deep breath and begins to cope-and finds love-is a story as delicious as the bread she learns to bake. But will her old life ever catch up with her? And if it does..will she want it back?

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis (I actually read most of these when I was in elementary school, but I want to read all of them in order). The complete Chronicles of Narnia book includes The Magician's Nephew, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Silver Chair, The Horse and His Boy and The Last Battle.

Hang on friends, the weekend is in sight!!

XOXO!