I started avidly reading a few years before I started blogging. This means that I have tons of books that I never got the chance to review or that I’ve never shared with you. However, today, I’m throwing it back to before the blog was even born to give you a taste of what kind of books I loved before 2010.

Top Ten Tuesday is created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's topic is: 10 Books I Loved Before I Started Blogging. Since The Bucket List just celebrated a 7 year blogiversary, I am so glad to be sharing this sort-of throwback post with you. Here’s some amazing books I loved (and still love today) before I started blogging:


Zombies vs. Unicorns edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier (9/21/10): Zombies vs. Unicorns is an anthology filled with stories written by great authors who have chosen their side: team zombies or team unicorns. The stories are so much fun! Before going into this book, I remember I didn’t know much about these authors but found that I adored each and every story in the anthology. Plus, I’m team zombie all the way!

Blue is for Nightmares by Laurie Faria Stolarz (11/8/03): Stacey is having nightmares about her best friend. The last time she ignored her nightmares, a little girl died. This time, Stacey vows not to make the same mistake. This series is truly fantastic. Stolarz, to this day, is still one of my favorite authors. Her writing is magnificently chilling.

The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien (7/29/1954): In middle school, I was obsessed with these movies. I knew every word said by Frodo in the movies, collected Gollum figurines, and dressed up as an elf for Halloween. The Fellowship of the Ring is the first book in the Lord of the Rings trilogy that is a must read for any fantasy-lover. After watching the movies a hundred times, I read the books at least that many. The world building is absolutely astounding and the magic of the story will always stay with me.


Going Bovine by Libba Bray (9/22/09): After Cameron gets some bad news, he embarks on an adventure of a lifetime with a dwarf and a garden gnome. I love love love this book. So much in fact, I made all of my friends and family read it just to share the ridiculousness and pain that comes from reading Going Bovine.

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (3/27/07): Over the years, Clare’s series has really blown up with spin-offs and sequels. The hype is well warranted because, not only, is her world building genius but her characters and stories are absolutely delightful. In the first year of blogging, I hosted a City of Bones book discussion which many of you joined. I think it’s time for a series reread!

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles (12/23/08): When Brittany is partnered with Alex to do a chemistry project, she knows that her secrets will soon be found out. Fun fact: this is actually the book that made me a book reviewer. Growing up, I didn’t know many other readers so after reading Perfect Chemistry, I just needed to get my thoughts about it on paper. I started a personal book review journal which I filled up two large tomes before beginning the blog. If you are looking for a really good contemporary that gives you all the feels, Perfect Chemistry is it.


The Princess Bride by William Goldman (1973): After reading Isolde and enjoying the movie, I wanted to give more book-to-film adaptations a try. The Princess Bride movie has always been one of my favorites, I can recite some scenes word for word. When I discovered it was based on a book, I just had to read it and see how closely each compare. In truth, I like the movie a little more (probably because that is what I saw first). However, the book is, equally, fantastic with quotable dialogue, in-depth action sequences, and fun characters.

The Luxe by Anna Godbersen (11/20/07): The Luxe follows several characters in the drama-filled 1890s in Manhattan. This book, at the time, was very much out of my comfort zone. Primarily, before I started my blog, I read paranormal and fantasy books. The Luxe is a historical drama that will have you stressed out (you know, in a good way). This is also one of the first books I started to ship people with. I’m still routing for Diana and Henry, even though the series have long since ended.

Isolde, the Queen of the Western Isle by Rosalind Miles (6/24/03): Star-crossed lovers threaten their home to be with each other. I’ve mentioned many times that Isolde, the first in a trilogy, was the book that started it all. If it wasn’t for these amazing characters, non-stop action, and stressful (but fantastic) drama, I would not be a reader today. Rosalind Miles is an absolute genius when it comes to luring readers in and keeping them wanting more.


Stolen: A Letter to my Captor by Lucy Christopher (5/4/09): Gemma is kidnapped and taken to the Australian Outback by her captor, Ty. The lines between love, dependency, and obsession blur in the months Gemma is held captive. At a recent trip to Barnes and Noble, I came across this book. Publishers have just redesigned the cover. It has been so long since I’ve heard anything about this masterpiece. It’s a short read but incredibly powerful.