More books that make me look forward to driving

So very sorry to have taken SUCH a long hiatus from my blog. There really is no excuse...

As I mentioned in my earlier Books that make me look forward to driving post, I drive two hours a day. I have all but stopped reading actual books, because I have discovered something wonderful... listening to audio books allows you to multitask - something you can't really do while holding a book. For example, my newest favorite thing to do is to put together a puzzle while listening to a book and enjoying a glass of wine.

Really, it doesn't get much better than that... relaxing, yet mentally stimulating.

So grab a puzzle - my most recent one was this... Early to Rise by Darrell Bush... I love this picture

And grab one of these books. The books themselves are fantastic, whether you listen to them on audio or not... 


 The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins - This is the first book of a trilogy, all of the books are out though, so you can go ripping through them - and you will. I am looking forward to seeing Katniss on the big screen as well. If you didn't know, these books are being made into movies. The books are always better though (with few exceptions) so read the books now, before you see the film.

 Divergent by Veronica Roth - This book is technically a young adult book, but don't let that dissuade you from listening to/reading it. Wow... fantastic novel, and the first of a trilogy. They're not all out yet, so if you don't want to be like me and chomping at the bit for the next installment (coming in May!!) you can put this on your "to read" list. This book is very similar in tone to the Hunger Games series - post-apocalyptic world with a young, female lead.

 A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness - This is the first book of The All Souls Trilogy (are you seeing a pattern here??). The second books is due out in July. Ms. Harkness is a history scholar, and it shows in her writing. In the world she creates witches, vampires and daemons are real, among us and take great pains not to call attention to themselves. She'll have you believing it before you are a quarter of the way into the book. This book has it all - history, mystery, suspense and romance. I can't wait to read the others!

 The Parasol Protectorate Series by Gail Carriger - Soulless is the first of this series; which is currently up to four published books - the next one is due out March 1st(!!). These books are laugh out loud funny! I love, love, LOVE Alexia! This series is populated with dramatic vampires and sexy werewolves and a writing style that will delight you from beginning to end. This is my first foray into "Steam Punk" books - but I loved every moment of it! Also, you should check out her webpage (http://gailcarriger.com/) - also fantastic!

 Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder - Another trilogy... ok, I admit it, I love series books. I think I mentioned this before, I have a passion for series books. Once I find characters I liked, I hate to let go of them. Some of my best friends have been characters in novels. One of those friends would be Yelena, who is offered the position of food taster rather than be executed. Over the three books you'll explore Yelena's past, present and future in a world filled with magic, intrigue and mystery.

That's all for now. I have other books to recommend, but they just don't fit well with these. These ladies, both the characters and the authors, made me laugh, they drew me into their worlds and they left me wanting more. What more could you ask for?