Top Ten Books I Recommend All the Time
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. It’s awesome. Every Tuesday, the lovely folks over at The Broke and the Bookish post a top ten list topic so that book lovers like you and me can pour over our shelves and make our own lists. You can check out all the other Top Ten Tuesday’s on their site!
Forgive me, friends, if these books look overly familiar to you. I do love to talk these books up at every opportunity, and I have a tendency to MAKE those opportunities when more natural ones don’t present themselves. It’s only because I love these books lots, and want so many other people to read them and love them, too.
The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
I don’t know what else I could possibly say about this book–about a young girl dealing with the sudden death of her beloved sister, and the two boys who both confuse and ease her feelings of grief. It’s GORGEOUS, and so emotional. Lenny sometimes does imperfect things, but I find her completely real and lovely. I just about DIED when I heard that Jandy Nelson’s follow up is FINALLY coming out later this summer.
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
The action in this book is really understated, friends. In face, I’m noticing that this is kind of a little theme with a lot of these books on my list. But I was completely captivated by the world here, and the characters, and the horses. Just…enchanting. And Sean and Puck are one of my favorite couples.
The Penderwicks: The Penderwicks #1 by Jeanne Birdsall
THESE KIDS!! AHH! I just adore them. This family is so special: they’re loving and quirky and warm and devoted. The shenanigans that the Penderwick sisters get up to are just plain fun, but fun in a retro, innocent way. No phones, no TV. Just running around, making friends with THE VERY BEST BOY ON THE PLANET.
Graceling: Seven Kingdoms #1 by Kristin Cashore
I just reread this book as part of the Cashore Goodtimes Rereadalong, and it reminded me anew how much I love it. High fantasy, strong heroine, charming male lead, clever world-building, and great drama. Whenever I see people who haven’t read this book, I always urge them to read it.
A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R. R. Martin
YOOOOO, everyone should read these books. Granted, they probably aren’t for everyone. For one, they’re huge, and if fantasy isn’t your thing, the detail and extensive twistiness and plethora of characters might be overwhelming. That being said, I don’t know of a better example of an excellent fantasy to recommend. They’re all-encompassing and dramatic.
Fablehaven: Fablehaven #1 by Brandon Mull
If you’re a fan of middle grade books, this series should be on your TBR. Like near the top-ish. It’s about these two kids who go to spend the summer with their grandparents on what turns out to be one of only five magical preserves in the world, home to fairies and other magical creatures and hidden from humans. As this series progresses, the drama builds, the danger ramps up…this series is just so fun and vibrant and really well-done.
The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa
I talk this series up to people all the time. If they don’t like fairy books, I tell them to give these a try. I wasn’t much of a fan of them myself–I still have a hard time finding fairy books I truly adore–but THESE. SO GOOD.
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelley
THIS is one of those middle grade books that I wish more people read. It follows the minor theme of understated books I’ve got going on here in that it doesn’t have a very distinctive plot device; there’s no major driving action. Unless you count Calpurnia herself, and she should be counted that way. She’s AMAZING. Living in 1899 Texas in a family of boys, she’s smart, spunky, and so charismatic. And I LOVE LOVE LOVE how much she wants to be a scientist. I love how she wants to flout standard girly living.
Grave Mercy: His Fair Assassin #1 by Robin LaFevers
I am basically in love with this series. It’s historical fiction about a time and place I have never encountered, characters I respect and adore, and a historical/paranormal/fantasy setting that Robin LaFevers gets absolutely right.
Playing Hurt by Holly Schindler
I feel like not many people have read this one, but if they’re ever in the mood for a fun-but-also-serious contemp with legit sexytimes, I shout out this book. It’s got all of those things, plus two characters who are pretty great, too.
Oh, man. Clearly, this is going to be a week where everyone’s TTT posts lead to my TBR list inflating like crazy.
I’ve seen The Sky Is Everywhere mentioned all over the place recently—or it feels that way, at least—so I guess I need to make that one a priority. And OMG, that cover for Calpunia! Silhouettes get me every time.
I got Fablehaven for Christmas and I haven’t gotten to it yet. I was just thinking, Should I give this away? Thanks for answering that for me!
Here’s my list of Top Ten Books I Recommend!
I think I am going to read Grave Mercy over my spring break next week! I have it in my classroom library, so as long as a student doesn’t grab it, it’s mine =D
From your list, I’ve read A Game of Thrones, The Iron King, and Grave Mercy. I also really want to pick up The Scorpio Races and The Sky is Everywhere—I’ve heard wonderful things about those two, especially the latter.
I didn’t manage to make it through Graceling on my first try, but lately I’ve been considering attempting to read it again, since I definitely feel like I missed something before.
I’m happy that you liked Fablehaven and recommend it! I don’t really read middle grade books anymore, but I used to and I remember that being near the top of my list for MG favorites. Something about it was so magical and creative.
This is the second time I’ve seen The Sky is Everywhere on a list. I’m definitely going to be checking it out.
Graceling? Grave Mercy? The Sky is Everywhere? HELL YES. You have such good taste haha.
I’ll have to check out the ones I haven’t read yet! Clearly I’m missing out!! 🙂
Ahh, ASOIAF. I have the first one. I promise I will get around to it one of these days. *stares longingly* I’m a big fan of the television series.
And Grave Mercy. HECK YES. Loved that one, and loved Dark Triumph, as well. Only problem is now I’m like twitching in the corner for Mortal Heart.
I have not read a single one of these books. How horrible! But I will definitely be checking them out. Grave Mercy has been on my radar for a while, and the Scorpio Races was recommended to me recently, but most of these others I haven’t heard about. Thanks for the list!
Playing Hurt made my list, too! I also loved A Blue so Dark by Holly Schindler!
There is something about middle grade novels that are so…amazing! I don’t know if it’s the innocents of the characters, but from time to time I just love reading a chapter book!
Great list!
I adore the Penderwick series! 🙂 My TTT list: http://aliceinreaderland.com/2013/03/25/mostrecommended/
Alice @ Alice in Readerland
Clearly, I’m going to have to try out The Iron Fey series. I’ve been wary of fairy books, since they’re one of my least favorite paranormal creatures. Since I do know that you liked the series and I completely trust your opinion, I may just have to give it a go!
(Also, the Penderwicks sounds totally adorable.)
Ahhhh, I still need to read a few of these, especially because I have Playing Hurt and your taste is impeccable so I know I’ll like it!
Same with the Penderwicks.
OMG.
I love, love, love The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate! It’s one of my favorite books. And the cover is beautiful. The Penderwicks is a great book, too!
I still need to read The Scorpio Races! It’s crazy that I haven’t read that one yet.
OMG! YES 🙂 I totally read The Penderwicks because of you and I totally loved it just as much as you said I would!