In honour of Valentine's Day, I thought I'd do just a little bitty feature, sharing those books I've read recently (or ever) that I'd absolutely love to have sequels. You know those books that just speak to your soul from the start, then crush it with abandon, only to end after a mere 350 pages? Yes, those books. There is something to absolutely love within all these books, and I'll hold out hope until the end of time.

Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis

Coincidentally enough, I discovered that it's getting a companion novel in September 2014…I, quite literally, accosted Ms. McGinnis on Twitter about my oblivion and my excitement. 

The following three novels all had a significant impact on me. One was read in my youth, but I've longed to know more since then. Another was read only a few years ago, but I'd give my left foot to see the story continued and given true, final closure. The third simply remains on my shelf through thick and thin. I can't tell you the number of times I've imagined another installment and another ending to the story. I know that ship has sailed, but I can't help but want more to this day.

The Last Silk Dress by Ann Rinaldi

This book has a clear and definitive ending, but it's also open-ended in terms of Susan's story. I'd love to have a chance to see whether this Southern girl truly braved the North.

Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar

Carly is broken when we first meet her, and we slowly but surely watch as she begins to heal. We don't see her fully healed though, and selfish me wants more.

Many Waters by Madeleine L'Engle

I'm crazy because this is a Biblical retelling, and we all know how Noah's Ark ended. But seriously? Who wouldn't want to know whether Sandy and Dennis got over Yalith, or if Adnarel really saved Yalith in the end?

Reading, for me, is all about love. I fall in love with the characters, with the story, with the author's writing style; I have a love affair with books every single day. And no, I'm not ashamed of it. What books would you love to see have a sequel?

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

This awesome survey was created by the lovely Jasmine at Flip that Page, and after reading Jasprit's over at The Reader's Den, I felt like it was the perfect way to round up my favourite (and least favourite) books. For those of you that know me, you also know that I love Harry Potter, so I figure this is a win-win. 

If you want to play along, too, it's simple enough! Take the spells from Harry Potter and answer the prompts about books you've read...Today's part one of the survey involves books I, personally, would like to cast some serious spells on. So, without further ado, here we go.

Reparo

Fixes damaged objects

A Book that Needs Some Serious Fixing: Tumble & Fall by Alexandra Coutts. This one, sadly, fell into that "beautiful cover, terrible book" trap. It had so much potential, but it really fell flat for me.

Lumos

Creates a narrow beam of light

A Book That Deserves More Attention: Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis. Just when I thought that the dystopian genre was dead, this one really revived my faith in the potential for the genre, as a whole.

Nox

Counters the effects of Lumos

An Over-hyped Book: Losing it by Cora Carmack. I finally tried it the other day, and guys, it just wasn't for me. Holy hype over a book that just didn't work for me.

Accio

Summons an object from a significant distance

A Book You're Highly Anticipating: The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkowski. I just got this one in the mail, and I cannot wait to read the entire thing! Here's hoping the story lives up to its gorgeous cover.

Expecto Patronum

Conjures an incarnation of positive feelings

A Book That Made You Cry, or Want to Cry: Hate List by Jennifer Brown. Holy feels, guys. This book isn't what I would ever consider a feel-good novel, but wow. It is remarkable.

Morsmordre

Conjures the Dark Mark

A Book You'd Like to Mark as One of Your Favourites: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. I devoured this book in two and a half hours on an airplane. And yes, I cried like an infant.

Petrificus Totalus

Petrifies your victim

A Book You'd Like to Keep Forever: Many Waters by Madeleine L'Engle. It doesn't matter how many times I read this book. I just keep coming back for more. If you haven't read it yet, please do!

Protego

Shield Charm

An Intimidating Book You Keep Putting Off: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. I know. I know I've failed in not reading this book, but there are only so many feels I can take!

Riddikulus

Used against a Boggart

A Book with a Deceiving Synopsis: Fault Line by Christa Desir. I thought this was going to be a powerful, profound and emotional read, but it was just this cluttered, graphic and uncomfortable book for me.

Wingardium Leviosa 

Levitates objects

A Book You'd Like to Re-Read: The Summer Series by Jenny Han. I really enjoyed it, which was so very unlike me, so I'd love to try it again and see what exactly is so magical about these books.

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Stay tuned for the second installment tomorrow, guys! Tomorrow is all about those books that have cast their spell on me (whether that's good, or bad!) 

Let's Talk is a weekly feature here at i swim for oceans. I think it's important that we all have our say, and there's something to be said for raising our voices. Simply put, here on the little old blog, I like to host some of my very own discussion posts because, well, I like to converse with you all.

And so, Let's Talk will feature questions or prompts, which I will answer, too. Love it or hate it, weigh in or don't, it's my hope that Let's Talk will at least get you thinking...and maybe even get you discussing with the rest of us!

Do you ever re-read books that didn't work for you the first time around but have them work the next time? Has it ever worked the opposite for you?

I'm a re-reader. Any books that I actually keep on my shelves are ones that I'm committed to re-read to this day, but I can't say it's always been that way for me. I love books. I love collecting books, and I love to have thousands upon thousands of pages of the written word throughout my house - good or bad. Through book blogging though, it's safe to say that I've amassed quite the collection, and re-reading has really served to narrow those books down for me a little bit.

Take, for instance, Mockingjay. The first time around, I gave it a five-star review. As much as it pains me to admit it, I think that I got swept up in the hype and loved the rush of reading the final installment. When the hype died down and the craze had settled just a little bit, I decided it was time to read it again. And, lo and behold, I found myself immensely disappointed in it.

The magic that we had between Katniss and Peeta had truly been watered down into mere shades of what it was before. The tension between Katniss and Gale was, well, non-existent. And, frankly, we watched Katniss go from a proud, enigmatic heroine to one coloured deeply by revenge and retribution. It darkened my impression of her.

On the flip side though, I first read Madeleine L'Engle's Time series when I was in middle school, and I hated it. I remember reading the first few chapters of the fourth book, Many Waters, and thinking it was just horrible. I didn't want to read more about the boys, and I really didn't want to read about a fantastical world where mammoths were real, Seraphim and Nephilim walked the Earth, and unseen El was going to rain hell on the planet.

When I read it a year or so later though, I was utterly entranced by this remake of the Biblical tale, and it remains one of my all-time favourites to this day. I cannot believe so many people haven't read it, and that my judgment was so wrong the first time around. This is one book that I'm so glad I re-read

I think it works both ways. I really have to be in the right mind to give a book another shot, and I won't always give books a second go. If I loathed it the first time around, or if the writing is really bad, chances are it won't get a re-read. Some books though...some books deserve that shot.

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists over at The Broke and the Bookish.

Each week they will post a new top ten list that one of our bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a great way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

Top Ten Books I Would Love to See as Films or Shows
(where they wouldn't be butchered - in a perfect world)

1. The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab - I swear this will forever remain one of my all-time favourite and surprise hit books. It's eerie, it's gorgeous, and it would be breathtaking on screen.

2. Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis - This one actually makes other dystopians quiver because it doesn't fall for the "bleak world, hot boy" mold. It's raw, real and powerful - all of which would be incredible as a film.

3. The Raft by S.A. Bodeen - I don't know how I can better explain my love for this book than to see I would probably die of sheer happiness if it became a movie. Think - Castaway - but for the younger lot...and a whole lot more eloquent.

4. Find Me by Romily Bernard - This one seems to have slipped under the radar for a lot of readers, but holy hell...it's creepy, and thrilling, and powerful, and real. I haven't read a such a good YA thriller in a long while. It would make a great show!

5. The Diviners by Libba Bray - Nothing is better than the 20's onscreen. I dare you to argue with me on that. Seriously, with a mystery, that time period and a whole lot of awesome, how in the world could it miss as a film?

6. Reality Boy by A.S. King - I recently finished this one, and I was thinking of how very harrowing it would be as a film - very gritty and emotional... just the way I love my films.

7. The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler - I didn't expect this one to have much depth, but it surpassed all my expectations. It's emotional, and it will make you weep out loud in a cinema.

8. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin - Yeah, I maintain that this is one of the best paranormal, eerie and unbelievable books ever. That cliffhanger on screen? Yeah. Score.

9. Hate List by Jennifer Brown - This book is so striking and profound that I'm surprised it's not yet a movie. I've never been so emotionally invested in a character and town. Epic.

10. Many Waters by Madeleine L'Engle - It's a Noah's Ark re-telling with a sci-fi twist. How would that NOT be perfect as a movie? 

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists over at The Broke and the Bookish.

Each week they will post a new top ten list that one of our bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a great way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

The Top Ten Books I Wish Had Sequels
(even if they really, really wouldn't work)

1. Not a Drop to Drink - This was a newer title that I read, and I really, really loved it. I just wish that the ending hadn't been so hurried so we could have lived in Lynn's world a bit longer.

2. Raw Blue - I doubt I really have to justify this being on any of my lists anymore. This book is perfection, and I would have loved to learn more about Carly's healing process.

3. Find Me - There aren't too many thrillers that really captivate me and capture my attention, but this book had me rabid for it from the start. I want more, I want more! (cue AT&T commercial)

4. Between - I still don't know why so few people have read this book. Seriously, it's one of my all-time favourites even in spite of a bit of predictability. It's a true diamond in the rough. 

5. Many Waters - I don't think there is any logical way to make a sequel to a sci-fi version of Noah's Ark, but I wish there could be a way! This book is pure gold. I own five copies.

6. The Fault in Our Stars - Okay, I know that any sequel to this would probably be the most depressing thing in the world, but I loved, loved, loved this book. I wish there was a way!

7. The Raft - For a book with one character (okay, I guess you could say two), this book is a winner. It's eerie, it's tense, it's incredible, and I just want to know what happened after the last page.

8. Wintergirls - Of all Laurie Halse Anderson's books, this is my favourite, hands down. Lia was a powerful, horrible character, and I wanted to hit and her save her at the same time. 

9. Safekeeping - I didn't think such a simple, low-key dystopian novel would work, but this one really did. On one hand, I loved the ending, but on the other hand, it was so good that I definitely want more.

10. Sea Change - I read this one when I first started blogging, and I actually emailed the author to find out if there was a sequel I didn't know about. There isn't. I'm still crushed.

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists over at The Broke and the Bookish. They'd love to share their lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week they will post a new top ten list that one of our bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

Top Ten Books That Make You Think:

1. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein – This book was tricky on a lot of different levels – including the narration. I found that I consistently had to be on my toes to uncover the little details that made this story rich, engaging and heartbreaking.

2. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury – I still remember reading this in Honours English when I was younger and being blow away by the context of censorship. If you don’t have an opinion on the matter, this book will help you develop one. Trust me.

3. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins – What would you do if your world was so irrevocably broken that it had to resort to a death-match of children to keep and maintain order? This book, if you can look beyond the surface has SO much going on.

4. Many Waters by Madeleine L’Engle – Whether you’re religious or not, you’ve probably heard of the story of Noah’s Ark. Add in a twist about a single family member not allowed on the Ark, and you have quite the heartbreak to come to terms with. Think about it.

5. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green – I swear this single author has the most innate ability to truly and honestly capture human emotion and put it into words on pages. This book will have you contemplating your very existence and life in general.

6. Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar – Love isn’t always pretty, and it can be messy and painful. Life and love can break you down to a point where you isolate yourself from it all, but what would you do if you had the chance to let your guard down and live again?

7. Life As We Knew it by Susan Beth Pfeffer – Truthfully, this is the only book I liked in the series, but it makes you think. The world could be on the brink of destruction at any time. How would you cope? How would you maintain a semblance of normalcy when everything turns to dust?

8. The Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin – Abuse in families runs rampant in literature, but this is one of the most truthful, heartwrenching accounts. A young boy is learning to cope with his mother’s instability, attempting to raise his sister and find someone to trust. Who would you trust?

9. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson – This one is a strange choice for me. Having suffered from ED, myself, this one is dangerous because it actually makes you think about this addicting and debilitating disease. There’s a cold comfort in it, but is it really worth dying for?

10. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling – Tease me if you must, but tell me honestly…did you really NOT try to piece the outcome together only three books in? I was attempting to maze it out by the time I was merely halfway through the series, and it still blows me away.

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists over at The Broke and the Bookish. They'd love to share their lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week they will post a new top ten list that one of our bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

Top Ten Characters I'd Change Places with For 24 Hours:

1. Hermione Granger from Harry Potter - I don't think this one really requires an explanation, and if it does, then you're not really a fan. Hermione is a bada$s witch with some seriously awesome friends, and if I could be her for a day with all her knowledge (and prettiness), I'd be one happy camper.

2. Arwen from The Lord of the Rings - Well, first of all, guys, she's an elf, and elves are the best. Second of all, pretty sure that she was fairly chummy with Legolas, and Aragorn loved her. Seriously. Aragorn? I rest my case.

3. Lyra from His Dark Materials - Lyra gets all this amazing adventure in her life, and while she always seems to get into some sort of mishaps, I wouldn't trade those opportunities for the world. Plus, she gets to hang out with all of the coolest characters in the world.

4.Ella from Ella Enchanted - Ella had some serious snark. Plus, she had the most awesome, awesome retelling of Cinderella going for her. I swear her world was alive.

5. Mara from The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer - Well, if you know me, this should be a given. This girl has some serious issues, and Mara isn't really her name (or is it?!), but hell...she rocks. Dark and twisted, I'm pretty sure I could get around in her world!

6. Rose from Vampire Academy - I have a few reasons for this choice, obviously, but I'm going to stick with the most obvious. She's sassy. She loves Dimitri...regardless of their "circumstances." I think it would be awesome to be a kick-a$s heroine like her.

7. Elizabeth Bennett from Pride & Prejudice - This girl marched to the beat of her own drum in a time when it wasn't really acceptable to do so. I wish I had half the courage she did. I also want Mr. Darcy, if only for 24 hours.Although, I'd probably fight her to keep him.

8. Carly from Raw Blue - This actually might seem like an odd choice because of her inner turmoil, but let me explain. She is one of the strongest, most powerful characters I know, overcoming tragedy and heartbreak to find a new lease on life. I admire that strength, and I'd love to experience it for a day.

9. Elena Gilbert from The Vampire Diaries - Ok, while this series isn't really one of my favourite book series, I would totally change places with Elena to get my paws on Damon Salvatore. Or Stefan. Or both. But let's be honest...mostly Damon.

10. Yalith from Many Waters - There's something about her character that makes me think she's got this quiet strength that sings through a huge cast of characters. Her life is bleak, and she most likely won't survive, but she has two hot twins in love with her, and she has the angels on her side. I would love to live in the time of Noah for a day.

Let's Talk is a new weekly feature here at i swim for oceans. I think it's important that we all have our say, and there's something to be said for raising our voices. Simply put, here on the little old blog, I like to host some of my very own discussion posts because, well, I like to converse with you all.

And so, Let's Talk will feature questions or prompts, which I will answer, too. Love it or hate it, weigh in or don't, it's my hope that Let's Talk will at least get you thinking...and maybe even get you discussing with the rest of us!

Question: What ONE underrated book book do you want to share with the blogosphere - new or old?

Sometimes I stump myself with my own questions, guys. Seriously. I'm cruel even to myself! There are so many underrated books that I've read since starting blogging that I'm still blown away by and wish more people had read. That said, there are a ton of books I read even before I started blogging that I wish the blogging community knew, too. Some of those books remain my favourites today, and you probably hear me touting them all the time.  One such book is Many Waters by Madeleine L'Engle. I wish I could say it had the world's prettiest cover, but it doesn't. It's what you'll find in the pages though, that really counts.

Sandy and Dennys have always been the normal, run-of-the-mill ones in the extraodinary Murry family. They garden, make an occasional A in school, and play baseball. Nothing especially interesting has happened to the twins until they accidentally interrupt their father's experiment.

Then the two boys are thrown across time and space. They find themselves alone in the desert, where, if they believe in unicorns, they can find unicorns, and whether they believe or not, mammoths and manticores will find them. The boys find they have more to do in the oasis than simply getting themselves home--they have to reunite an estranged father and son, but it won't be easy, especially when the son is named Noah and he's about to start building a boat in the desert.

Regardless of whether you're religious or not, this take on Noah's Ark is one you've never heard. It's fantasy, it's paranormal and it's utterly beautiful. You're enmeshed in a battle of light and dark angels, humans and an unknown god named El. There are touches of romance, and it's a sweet, soaring story line that is, at times, heartbreaking and, at other times, intense a riveting. The end is beautiful and triumphant, packaging this fourth installment of the Time series in a neat bow.

And yet, for some reason, this book remains probably the least known of the series. I don't know if it's the face that it revolves around the twins or the Biblical context, but it seems rarely read by bloggers that I've met. Honestly, the Biblical details are there, but it's not a religious book. It is, however, immensely powerful, and I've read my copy so many times that the cover fell off...so I bought a few more. If I could just offer bloggers one piece of advice...try Many Waters! You might very well LOVE it!

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists over at The Broke and the Bookish. They'd love to share their lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week they will post a new top ten list that one of our bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

Top Ten YA Books to Read in One Day:

1. Many Waters by Madeleine L’Engle – This one is a quick read, friends. It’s under 300 pages, it has a non-stop pace and there is a sweet romantic element that soars throughout the entire story. If you know Biblical story of Noah’s Ark, you might think you’re prepared for this one, but trust me…it’s a new twist!

2. Dark Song by Gail Giles – When I first read this book, I was in a reading slump, and I was so sick of trying to struggle through a book day after day. I picked this up, and I read it in four hours. It’s a quick read – dark and furious – and I was left feeling completely uncomfortable for days. I think, however, it’s the best when a book makes you feel something.

3. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling – Seriously…does anyone not have these books on their lists? I read every single one of these books in less than a day each. Nonstop. They’re so chock full of twists and turns that, let’s be honest, if I put the book down, I would have been in withdrawals for hours. That’s simply not ok.

4. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins – I’d throw in Catching Fire and Mockingjay, too, honestly, because I read them all in less than a day each, as well. I re-read them in less, too! They’re powerful, they sick their claws into you and you simply cannot put them down. I’m jussayin’.

5. The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab – This is one of the most beautifully poetic and well-written stories I’ve read in a long time. It’s such a searing storyline, and the words are like poetry, as much as they are a story. So graceful and lyrical, I re-read this anytime I’m in a book slump!

6. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin – Okay, I realize this is a longer book, but I couldn’t stop reading it once I started. A) Noah Shaw was too dang hot for me to let him go. B) Mara had some seriously bad mojo going on, and I really had to know why. C) Cliffhanger of Doom. I want MORE!

7. On the Banks of the Bayou by Roger Lea McBride – This is one of the Rose Wilder books (daughter of Laura Ingalls Wilder). I was obsessed with them when I was younger, and the series still sits proudly on my shelf. I really hope to share them with my children someday. They’re great, fast reads, and you get to watch as Rose grows up.

8. Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater – I don’t like her Shiver series. I’m sorry. I really, really, REALLY dislike it. That said, I do love both Ballad and Lament, and I think this is the better of the two. It’s fast-paced, it’s twisted and a bit dark and it’s a story that you wish had a next installment!

9. Vampire Academy by Rachelle Mead – I swore these off forever. I said I would never read a vampire book, and I would certainly not read a series with vampires in a boarding school. Well, I was wrong. I read the series, and I adored it…and now I can’t stop reading it. I could definitely read all these non-stop in a day.

10. Between by Jessica Warman – I didn’t know what to expect from this book, but I was just blown away. Though a bit predictable, the story has a beautiful theme, a tragically beautiful storyline and the chance to watch someone grow after life – something truly beautiful and unexpected.

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TEAM AMITY!

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists over at The Broke and the Bookish. They'd love to share their lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week they will post a new top ten list that one of our bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

Top Ten Books I'd Skip Work to Read:

1. Fever by Lauren DeStefano - I'm not kidding. With a cover like that, I'd practically swing the other way! I'm jussayin'! Truly though, in all honesty, the first book captured me upon re-read, and I'm totally invested in it now. I'm proud to say I'd skip just about anything to read it.

2. The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin - I'm slowly pining away waiting for this one. That cliffhanger of doom simply destroyed me, and I MUST know what happens! I MUST, MICHELLE! I'm going to whine and waste away until I have book two, then I'm going to go all Harry Potter and play hooky to read it.

3. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling - Did you know that once upon a time, way back when I was an NCAA Division 1 swimmer, I played hooky from practice to read these books straight through? Well, I did. I went to all the midnight releases, got the books, and read the last few in about 15 hours each. Well done, self.

4. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead - I swore up and down I would never read this series. I hate vampires, I said! I will NOT read that rubbish, I told everyone! I was wrong. I became a Vampire Academy addict, and I can't help but stay up far past a normal hour to read this series.

5. Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar - Ummmm I was never a contemporary fiction fan. Ever. In fact, I'm pretty sure I told everyone they were petty, annoying and trite...definitely not a match for my superior intellect. Well, I was wrong. I stayed up all night to read this one, and I'd gladly take a day off to re-read it.

6. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - I got into the series a bit later than some (about a year and a half ago), and well, naturally I was hooked. I read this book straight. I read the next book straight. I read the final book straight. I'd gladly take a day to read all three books back to back...straight...again.

7. Many Waters by Madeleine L'Engle - It's always on my lists. I'm well aware of that, thank you very much. No matter how many times I read it though, it's simply not enough, and I feel a little bit like I get something more every time I re-read it. So, I'll continue to do so, and I'll most certainly take a day off to read it!

8. Pearls of Lutra by Brian Jacques - I love the whole Redwall book series, but there's something so very human about this book. I have to say I think it is one of the strongest standalone books in the series.

9. Dark Song by Gail Giles - There's something so dark and so incredibly fascinating about this book. It's mildly horrifying, and I'll be honest, it's one of the darkest books I've ever read, but it's like a trainwreck. You just can't look away.

10. The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab - I expected nothing from this book at all. Nothing, I tell you. Yet, it was one of the most beautifully-written books I've read in a very long while, and I'm proud to say that it is so graceful and so lyrical that I'd very happily read it all day every day.

Let's Talk is what I like to call a semi-regular feature here at i swim for oceans. Does it happen every week? No. Will there be weeks when it happens more than once? Probably. Can you set your calendar by it? Heck no. Here on the little old blog, I like to host some of my very own discussion posts because, well, I like to converse with you all.

And so, Let's Talk will feature questions or prompts, which I will answer, too. Love it or hate it, weigh in or don't, it's my hope that Let's Talk will at least get you thinking...and maybe even get you discussing with the rest of us!

Question: What book from your childhood do you still cherish to this day?

Reading, in and of itself, defined my childhood, to be honest, and there were a lot of books that became instant favourites of mine. I remember reading for the sake of reading at that age. Anything and everything was fine with me, as long as it was the written word. I read those words like they were a breath of fresh air, and a lot of books played defining roles in my childhood. It's those books that I someday hope to pass on to my children someday, as well.

There are a few books, however, that stand out in my mind, and you've probably seen them mentioned on one or two of my Top Ten Tuesdays. One such book (ok, fine, I'm cheating) is actually a series. Most of you probably know about the Laura Ingalls Wilder books, but did you know her daughter, Rose Wilder Lane, had a series, too? I own every copy, and as battered as they are, I love them dearly. They're not the world's best writing, but they were real, and I became invested in her story. I grew up with Rose.

You know those books you read and re-read until the covers fall off, then you tape the cover back on and the pages become brittle and rip? Many Waters is that book for me. No, it's by no means the most powerful story in the world. Nor is it flawless in execution, but it presented something new to me. I was captivated by the fact that this book seamlessly merged the science-fiction genre with a classic Biblical story, Noah's Ark, and somehow was never blashphemous. The love story, the rich Biblical theme and the power of the prose speaks to me to this day.

Last, but certainly not least, no list is complete for me without Harry Potter. This series is one that I literally grew up with. I can't say enough good things about it either. The adventure, the heart, the themes, the rich storytelling - all of it merges into an epic series that, for all intents and purposes, transcends the genre and captures the hearts of pretty much all readers. I, personally, can't wait to share Harry with my children. 

What about you?

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