2nd Blogoversary Celebration - Day 5 (and giveaway!)

Well, I bailed on the Day 4 celebrations yesterday. I was too busy schmoozing with Penguin Canada the night before which left me no time to prep. But, all is not lost! I will just incorporate my idea for that post into this, my final day to celebrate 2 great blogging years.

Yesterday, I wanted to offer my own Top 5 list. All of the previous days, I had great recommendations from some of my best blogging buddies. Without a doubt, most of those books (if not all) will be going on to my TBR list very soon. What I want to share are the Top 5 books I have on my shelves that I really want to read, but haven't yet had the chance to. Without further ado, here are my picks:

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams - I bought the omnibus edition of the Douglas Adams' classic at the time that Eoin Colfer was just about to release the sixth book in the trilogy. While I did read and review Colfer's offering, it is seeming more and more like sacrilege that I still haven't read the original. (I've made it as far as page 11 but I will remedy this soon, I swear!)

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman - Mr Gaiman has a certain reputation around the internet and the booking world which makes me think I will really enjoy his writing, yet this book has sat untouched for almost two years! I really do want to read it...really!

Going Bovine by Libba Bray - Libba Bray is one of those crazy people you would be proud to call a friend. I think life would never be dull when she's around. You just have to watch one of her videos to see what I mean. And, seriously, a cow with a garden gnome on the cover? What's not to love?

Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornsby - I have enjoyed a few of the movies that were made based on Hornsby's book. They all seem to involve musical elements, which I truly enjoy. I'm not sure if Juliet, Naked has this same feel, but I think the dialogue and insights would keep me entertained.

Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides - When this book was first suggested to me by Mel at He Followed Me Home as something we should read in our small book club, I thought it was about an area in England. Silly me! Since then, I see this book title named-dropped all over the place, making me even more intrigued.

I'd would also like to highlight some of my favourite books, the ones I have treasured for years and have every intention of re-reading, when time allows:

Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink - I'm just about to delve into the third and last book of the series but the original novel struck such a chord with me (I devoured it in one day) that I feel it will be necessary to re-read the entire series, all over again.

Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore - This was a book i had reviewed early in my blogging period. In fact, it may actually have posted to my other (seriously neglected) blog before I had decided on the dedicated book blog. Lamb had me laughing so hard, I cried at times. I want to enjoy this book again soon.

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon - This book recently celebrated it's 20th year with a special edition. I read it about ten years ago on a flight to Scotland, ironically. Once there, I read it so fast, I had to scour the Scottish book stores for book 2. I truly loved this series, though my attention wained around book 5. It is time, I think,  to submerge myself once again, into this fascinating tale.

Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay - I think I've mentioned before my love of all things GGK. I discovered him while reading his novel The Summer Tree and within the first page I was hooked (it didn't hurt that he mentioned The University of Toronto on that page; a school I've driven past thousands of times in my life. I loved the local connection) But, Tigana is the story that resonates for me (until his recent release of Under Heaven.) The ending of this book still stays with me, though the details have long since faded. I definitely need a refresher!

Pawn of Prophecy by David Eddings - I found David Eddings by accident, when I saw his novel The Diamond Throne. A story involving knights and diamonds? Instant appeal for a hopeless romantic. After reading that, I went to find more by this awesome author. That's when I met Garion. From then on, it has been a favourite series of mine. There are ten books in total and I have re-read the series several times already. I have been away from it too long and need to pull out my slightly tattered books and indulge. These books all remain in my heart, especially as the source of my learning one of my fave words, "defenestration". I just like the way it sounds :)

What do you think? Have you read these books? Which would you pick first to tick off my to do list?


Anyway, enough about me! Now, I would like to thank my guests once again for taking the time out to help me celebrate. And to thank you all for helping me too, I want to offer up a few prizes :)

First prize will be a choice of any the mentioned books or whatever you decide, up to a value of $15, from Book Depository. Second prize will be your choice of book, to a value of $10. Third prize will be some swag I have (buttons, bookmarks, maybe a little something signed by an author...it's a veritable grab bag!) I'll recap the previous recommendation posts, in case you can't choose. Hopefully, they'll help.

Caroline from The Secret HEA Society recommends her fave HEA's
Melissa from My World...in words and pages recommends some great UF choices.
Mel from He Followed Me Home recommends must-read YA titles.

Just fill out the form below to enter. Winners will be picked on August  26th, using random.org. The contest is open wherever Book Depository ships too. Good luck and thanks again for making my two years of blogging such an amazing experience!