Top 10 Fictional Characters Sitting at My Lunch Table

A Feature of the Broke and the Bookish

Though no longer in high school... or even college... or even graduate school... I still get excited for back-to-school season.  It might mark me as a major nerd (I'm cool with it) but early autumn was always my favorite time of year.  Something about the crisp air, reunions with friends, and brand new books to read filled me with the sense of purpose and productivity.  If I could relive those days and have 10 regulars at my lunch table, I'd want the following:

Etienne St. Clair from Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Because he's flirty, witty, British and a chum who can get along with everyone.

Julie from Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
Because she'd have fantastic impressions of all our professors and even a boring night in, told by Julie would be an entertaining tale.

Cath from Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Because we can geek out about our favorite fandoms together.

June from the Legend series by Marie Lu
Because sharp, strategic, brilliant, I'd want her on my side.

Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling
Because she'd make the best study-buddy.

Tessa Gray from The Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare
Because we could go to the library together and talk books for hours.

Emma from Emma by Jane Austen
Because she would have the best gossip, and I wouldn't mind if she tried to play matchmaker for me with any of the fellas at our table.

Landon/Lucas from Easy by Tammara Webber
Because he's a tutor, a self-defense instructor, and a feminist.  Probably also doesn't hurt that he's tattooed and gorgeous.

Jacob (in human form) from the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer
Because before he turns lupine, he's such a warm, positive person that I would totally want to be around.

Tess from Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
Because she's such a sweetheart and would be a true and loyal friend.


-Kate

Top 10 Books I Really Want to Read... But Can't Get My Hands On!

A feature of the Broke and the Bookish

For better or worse, I am not one to buy books without reading them first and knowing I'm going to love them.  I rely heavily on the Boston Public Library, which, for the most part, has every book I could every want to read.  Problem: a library is a sharing place, which means looooong wait times for popular books.  Below are some of the novels that I can't wait for my turn with!


Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
No surprise here, since this is the 3rd week in a row I'm mentioning it!  (Not-so)Patiently waiting for the library to tell me it's my turn.


Scarlett Doesn't Live Here Anymore by Laura F Edwards
I know I may be in the minority in my love of Civil War history and culture, but I can't wait to dive into this exploration of the lives of women of varying races and incomes pre-, during, and post- War.


Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
Loved Anna and the French Kiss so much more than I ever thought I could.  Was completely let down by Lola and the Boy Next Door.  I need Isla as the tie-breaker to decide if I like Perkins or not.


The Maze Runner by James Dashner
I can't see the movie until I've read the book!


Lumberjanes by Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis and Booke Allen
My library doesn't have this series, and I don't like to buy graphic novels, but I definitely want to lose myself for an hour or two in the all-female cast of characters and their adventures at summer camp.  I'm waiting for my library to take up my suggestion and purchase a few copies.


Time Traveller's Guide to Elizabethan England by Ian Mortimer
Little known fact: I went through a big phase where I couldn't read enough about Queen Elizabeth and her parents. This sounds like a fun read to help better understand that world.


An American Heir by Chrissy Breen Keffer
Another book my library lacks (and it's a pretty extensive network!).  This is a modern retelling of Jane Eyre, which can only be fantastic, right? Right...?


Through to You by Emily Hainsworth
Ghost-like beings? Yes! Perfect for the impending autumn! And the cover is so, so pretty!


Heart's Blood by Juliet Marillier
A very highly rated Beauty and the Beast retelling.  I am determined to read every B&B retelling I can find...


The Retribution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
HAVEN'T I WAITED LONG ENOUGH?  This was supposed to be in my hands October 2013 and has been postponed TWICE.

-Kate