If you’re looking for a chunky book recommendation, then today’s Top Ten Tuesday post is for you! This week’s featured topic is Books with a High Page Count. Given I read a lot of fantasy, I knew I wouldn’t struggle with the topic.
However, in the spirit of appealing to a wider reading audience, I feature books from the following genres in today’s post: –
Fantasy
Historical Fiction
Classics
Horror
Non-fiction
If you’re a fan of any of these genres, take a look below for some of my recommendations that have a high page count.
Half of this list tops 1,000 pages – have you read any of these? Are you brave enough to give them a go?
Today’s Top Ten Tuesday post hopefully features a book that appeals to everyone, regardless of the genres you read. If you are looking for your next read with a high page account, this Top Ten Tuesday can scratch the itch.
Have you read any of the books on today’s list? Are any of them on your reading list?
We all go through reading slumps. Even us voracious readers find ourselves unable to pick up a book now and then. Whether it’s due to a bad run killing our reading vibe, to the complete opposite – a book so good nothing can live up to it, we’ve all been there. That’s where my Books Guaranteed to Put an End to Your Book Slump can help!
Personally, when I’m struggling I tend to seek out the familiar, or favourites. Let’s take a look at some of mine ☺️
Books Guaranteed to Put an End to Your Book Slump
A Game of Thrones
If there was only one series I could read for the rest of my life, I’d choose this one! I love getting immersed in the details of the story. There are characters I love and some I love to hate. It has so much to give! I’ve reviewed this first book which you can check out if you haven’t already.
I’ve already re-read this series once and I don’t doubt I’ll do it again. Certainly I will be if we get word on the next book…
The Hunger Games
I keep threatening to re-read this series!
Having enjoyed reading A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and Sunrise on the Reaping in more recent history, I want to return to the main trilogy. I read these books as a teenager and I’m keen to see how they stand the test of time now I am an adult.
I love the world. These books are set in a dystopian world. Fiction is always something I look forward to. For that reason, The Hunger Games series is always a safe bet if I’m looking for books guaranteed to put an end to my book slump.
Mistborn
Brandon Sanderson and his Mistborn series were very highly rated by me the first time I read them. Again, the immersive world and strong characters are easy to love and fall in with.
Honestly, I could have featured any number of Brandon Sanderson books on this list. I have yet to find one I haven’t loved. I have a particular fondness for Mistborn, however, as it is one of the first books I ever read. It’s also a substantial series of seven books across two timelines. The time difference between these two settings also makes a very different world. Whether I’m looking for something of a traditional fantasy, or something a little bit more western, the books in the series can appeal to either of those wants.
Harry Potter
Regardless of the controversy surrounding the author, I really enjoyed the Harry Potter books both as a child growing up, and again more recently as an adult. The latest books in the series are my favourite by far, and I find them very easy to dive back into.
The earlier books are lighter and shorter. If I’m looking for a quicker, lighter fantasy read, these are ideal. But, as I said, I love the latter books. The darkest storyline and more sinister aspects of the plot are really enjoyable to me. Even if the page count is heavier, the content is what I love, and I can devour it!
Daughter of Smoke and Bone
I really loved this trilogy by Laini Taylor. The main character, Karou, was one of the reasons why I experimented with dyeing my hair blue 😂
If there was one thing Laini is good at, it’s encompassing an engaging storyline with a lyrical narrative. Her books are very easy to read, and it’s for that reason I’m confident the Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy makes my ‘books guaranteed to put an end to your book slump’ list.
Strange the Dreamer
It’s for the exact same reason above that I’ve got Laini Taylor‘s Strange the Dreamer duology on this list!
An added bonus is that the series is only made up of two books, so it’s not too much of a commitment to read, and I can get through it quickly!
Lord of the Rings
Although not the easiest to read, due to the long-winded and complex sentence structures, I love Lord of the Rings. For that reason, this trilogy also makes the cut.
It’s a series I couldn’t get tired of, even if I tried. Plus, it’s a classic!
The Handmaid’s Tale
I’ve already mentioned in this ‘books guaranteed to put an end to your book slump’ that dystopian fiction is a safe genre.
Another dystopian novel I could read over and over is The Handmaid’s Tale. I do enjoy feminist fiction as well as dystopia. The Handmaid’s Tale is also a book I’ve read multiple times already and no doubt will again in the future!
The Midnight Library
In the last two years, I have read this book twice. Both occasions, the experience was different.
The Midnight Library is an interesting and quite short book to read. The subject matter isn’t the easiest, but it’s engaging and thought-provoking. I strongly believe I can take away more from this book the more I read it.
Babel
Combine magic, language, and historical fiction, and you get Babel! I loved this book so much that I plan to read it again.
Babel has a number of elements I love in a book. This will be a great read to pick up if I’m in a slump and don’t know what to pick up next!
Summary
Thanks for taking the time to read my ‘books guaranteed to put an end to your book slump’ Top Ten Tuesday.
Have you read any of the books on this list? What is your go-to book when you’re in a reading slump?
Today’s Top Ten Tuesday post is regretfully coming out later than planned. Unfortunately, despite my prep work on Monday to get this post ready for drafting, work got in the way.
We’re usually busy at work after a bank holiday anyway. Combine that with quarter-end and there being several people out of the office. It’s fair to say yesterday didn’t particularly go well.
Long story short, I ended up logging back on at home during the evening and so I didn’t have time to finish this Top Ten Tuesday. The good news is that I’ve managed to get my most time sensitive work now finished. And, I’ve been able to draft this post for you just a day later than planned (instead of a week!)
So, I hope you’re excited to read this Top Ten Tuesday post and that it was worth the wait!
Books I’d Love to Re-read
The Hunger Games
I’ve been threatening to re-read The Hunger Games for a little while now. I’m hoping to do so later this year!
It’s been a little while since I read the books of the main trilogy. These are the books I want to go back to in particular because they are the ones I’ve not read for a while. I read A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes last year and Sunrise on the Reaping just recently. I haven’t decided if I’ll include these two books in my re-read as yet, but no doubt I’ll update you on that as and when the re-read happens.
A Game of Thrones
If there was one series I had to limit myself to read for the rest of my life, I would choose to read and re-read A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin.
It’s my favourite series of all time. That shows in the way I have a copy of each book in physical, ebook, and audio format. It also shows in the number of times I’ve read the books (the series to date twice and the first book four times!)
There is so much detail in the series that every time you go back, you pick up on something new. It’s also very difficult to get bored of as there’s so much going on and so much to take away.
Mistborn
I read the early Mistborn books when I was a teenager. Having finished the series as an adult, I want to go back and appreciate these earlier books from an older and more experienced perspective.
I loved these books when I was younger and I’m interested to see how much, if at all, my experience changes second time around!
The Midnight Library
I have already read The Midnight Library twice. I initially read it for myself, and then picked it up again as one of our early book club reads. The Midnight Library is a very profound narrative. It’s a narrative in which you can take something new away each time you read it.
I’d be interested to see if the book lands differently reading this at different times in my life, each with its own pressures and joys.
The Midnight Library is a pretty rare entry on this Top Ten Tuesday and that it’s only one of two entries to the list that isn’t a series!
Empire of the Vampire
I’ve enjoyed the first two books of Jay Kristoff’s Empire of the Vampire series so much that I already know I want to re-read it once it’s done.
I believe the final instalment is coming out later this year. Honestly, I will be very sad to see this finish. But that opens the door for a re-read!
Babel
So far, I have only read Babel once. However, I loved this book the first time round. When I first read the book, I only had a token appreciation for its nods to historical English colonialism. When I go back to re-read this book, I want to do so with a better understanding of this point in the narrative.
It just goes to show that you can learn about a wide variety of topics in books where you don’t even realise that’s a theme…
Realm of the Elderlings
I’m only on book 7 of Robin Hobb’s The Realm of the Elderlings series. However, I already know that this is a series I will read and re-read throughout my life.
Here’s a huge thank you to my friend Rachael for getting me into this series. Whilst I had already purchased a copy of the first book, Assassin’s Apprentice, she gave me the nudge to get started. I’ve never looked back!
The world in which I have read so far has such a detailed history and lots of complex action. It also has its fair share of heartbreak. I sobbed finishing Fool’s Errand. If you know, you know. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the series entails in the first place, and then no doubt can’t wait to get back to it!
Harry Potter
A classic story, Harry Potter is going to be a well-read series throughout the ages. I have a particular love for this series because I grew up with it and I aged with it.
I have already re-read the series once in my life. Reading these books from an older perspective was already more interesting. I have more of a love for the later books in the series where events get a little darker than the comparatively lighthearted first books.
Nevernight Chronicles
Jay Kristoff features for a second time here in today’s Top Ten Tuesday post. I first discovered his writing when listening to his Nevernight Chronicles books. I loved this story so much that I definitely want to re-read it. This time, I want to experience the books in either e-book or physical format as opposed to audio. I really enjoyed the footnotes and witticisms throughout the narrative, and I want to see how differently these come across in the different format as opposed to audio.
Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Although I’m not much of a romance girly, I could route behind the character Karou and the romance that unfolds in Daughter of Smoke and Bone.
Plus, Laini Taylor has such a beautiful and effortless writing style. Daughter of Smoke and Bone would be such an easy trilogy to pick up and read again. And again…
Summary
Apologies this Top Ten Tuesday went live later than planned. However, it’s been a fun post to write, and I definitely need to write my priority list on when to re-read each of the books and series featured in today’s post.
Have you read any of the books on today’s Top Ten Tuesday? Have you ever re-read any of the books?
Today’s Top Ten Tuesday topic is Books on my Summer 2025 TBR. If you’ve already read my 20 Books of Summer Challenge post, you will know that I already have this summer’s reading list pretty much set.
For today’s post, my plan is to share the next ten books I’ll be prioritising from that challenge after my June TBR.
Shall we see what’s coming up in the near future?
Books on my Summer 2025 TBR
If We Were Villains
If We Were Villains has been on my TBR since July 2017. After a long time waiting on my bookshelf upstairs, I’m excited to be picking up this book shortly.
Having read and enjoyed dark academia books before, I’m even more excited for this read. Although I’m not a big fan of or well-versed in Shakespeare, I believe this book makes it approachable.
The Pagan Lord
I recently reviewed Death of Kings by Bernard Cornwell, which is the prequel to this book. It’s been a couple of years since I delved into this Saxon Stories series. I’ve almost ashamed myself into picking up the next book, The Pagan Lord.
At just over 300 pages, it’s a great book for this challenge, but also a good length to get me back into it without overwhelming myself. Fingers crossed it gets me back into the series and I can pick up pace with it.
The Dragon Republic
Reading series is a priority for me this year. Having just started The Poppy War, I am now looking to pick up the sequel, The Dragon Republic, whilst events are fresh in my mind.
I really enjoyed The Poppy War and the Eastern fantasy elements of the story. It’s also got me interested in reading the underlying story behind events. And that can (will) come later. First, The Dragon Republic will take centre stage. At over 600 pages, this is one of the chunkier reads among the books on my Summer 2025 TBR. That said, I’m excited to read it!
Of all the books on my Summer 2025 TBR, this is the one I’m looking forward to most. I’m also surprised it’s the only pure fantasy book on this list. For my most-read genre, there is surprisingly little on this list.
Eve
I originally meant to pick up Eve months ago, but I didn’t get to completing the monthly TBR it was on. Now, in an effort to read more non-fiction, Eve makes a reappearance.
I love the idea behind this book and that it emphasises the role women had in human evolution. Although women’s history is often overlooked, we cannot deny that women have influenced human biology and how we have evolved in the last 200 million years. It’s a different take on women’s history, and I’m sure I have plenty to learn about my body that I currently don’t appreciate, but will after this book!
Alan Turing: The Enigma
Another non-fiction read I added and will be reading shortly is about Alan Turing. You may recognise the name, but not be able to place him out of context. Alan Turing was the man who invented the computer that cracked the German Enigma code, or military cipher code, during World War II. I added this book to my reading list after watching The Imitation Game.
I was horrified by the notes at the end of this film as to how Turing was treated despite his contribution to his country. Naturally, I now want to read more about him. So, you can be sure I’m looking forward to picking this biography up.
The Burning Girls
It’s been a little while since I last picked up a book by C. J. Tudor. I’ve enjoyed her books to date, and I want to read The Burning Girls before I watch the TV series.
I’m pretty sure Mum has read this book. She’s read books by C.J. Tudor that I have on my TBR at the moment. I’m looking forward to continuing on with her writing. Not only that, but it’s been a little while since I picked something up like this. It will make a refreshing change of pace compared to other books on my Summer 2025 TBR.
Yellowface
Another R. F. Kuang book on this summer reading list is Yellowface. I’ve had a copy of this book for a few years now and it’s begging to be read. I’ve only read fantasy by R. F. Kuang so far. Something of a more contemporary nature will be an interesting experience. Will I enjoy this book as much as I have enjoyed her fantasy books? That remains to be seen. Am I looking forward to finding out? Yes!
The Measure
It was the synopsis of The Measure that caught my attention. Imagine waking up to a box on your doorstep. The length of a piece of string within this box tells you how long you have to live. Is that a question you want to know the answer to? What are the consequences of that knowledge?
If I’m right, that’s what’s explored in this book! I’m looking forward to picking this up at last. I reckon it’s going to make for an interesting read; it’s unlike anything else on my TBR right now.
Sisters Under the Rising Sun
Over the years, I’ve come to love Heather Morris’ books. To date, I’ve listened to the audiobooks of her The Tattooist of Auschwitz trilogy. Next, I plan to read Sisters Under the Rising Sun in physical format!
I want to read more of Heather Morris’ books anyway. However, Sisters Under the Rising Sun appeals all the more as it’s a historical fiction book leaning into the atrocities that shaped the inspiration for The Poppy War. I’ve already mentioned that I wanted to read up on the topic anyway; sticking with a familiar author to start my exploration of the topic seems a no-brainer…
A Man Called Ove
Finally, the last book in this Top Ten Tuesday post I want to feature is a contemporary fiction book I want to read soon. A Man Called Ove is a book I added to my TBR comparatively recently — January this year. It came up as a suggestion to read by our work book club group. Whilst it wasn’t ultimately picked, it was a prompt for me to decide I wanted to read it in my own time.
Summary
Thanks for reading today’s Top Ten Tuesday instalment and finding out which books on my Summer 2025 TBR are coming up next. Have you read any of the books I feature in today’s post? Are any of them on your reading list?
In today’s Top Ten Tuesday post, I’m sharing the ten books that surprised me. Most are for good reasons, although there are a couple of exceptions to that rule.
Very often we go into books with a preconception of what we’re going to make of it. The books in today’s Top Ten Tuesday post are featured today because they didn’t live up to this preconception, for one reason or another. I’ll explain why for each book below.
Books That Surprised Me
A Promised Land
I had my doubts about whether I’d enjoy the A Promised Land and a book with a heavy emphasis on politics. It’s not a topic I’ve ever really taken much interest in before.
I think it helped that the book was written by (and the audiobook narrated by) Barack Obama. I quite like him as a person and I already had an idea of the family history through reading Becoming by his wife, Michelle.
Don’t expect me to be reading books by any and all politicians now. But this was a pleasant surprise.
Ship of Magic
In contrast to Assassin’s Apprentice, I didn’t take to Ship of Magic straight away. Having read three books in the wider series so far and then changing to something set in a world seemingly completely different, it took some time for me to adjust.
I confess I also wasn’t sure initially of how I felt about the magic around the ships. It was a bit of an odd concept, but I came to love it over the course of the trilogy.
Empire of the Damned
Empire of the Damned surprised me in a good way. Having loved the first book of the series as much as I did, I had very high expectations, and therefore doubts, that the second instalment could live up to the first. I’m pleased to say that I was very wrong!
I really enjoyed the further character development and seeing where the plot is starting to go. If there’s one thing I like in my books, it’s feeling a little bit of worry or concern for characters. I never know if they’re going to make it out of a sticky situation or not. It adds tension to an already action-packed and exciting narrative, and I’m looking forward to continuing this series!
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
I confess The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a book that surprised me in a less positive way.
After watching the film at the cinema when it came out, I decided to pick up the book pretty much straight after. However, I struggled a little with motivation to finish the book despite loving the series.
I expect this is because I’d watched the film and didn’t have the anticipation of ‘discovering’ the ending. Still, I got there in the end!
Wizard and Glass
Wizard and Glass surprised me as the vast majority of the book isn’t set in the present day. In contrast to the earlier books in the series, this one largely recounts how characters have ended up where they are to date.
This didn’t really fit with the rest of the series to my mind. Earlier info drops (albeit on the lighter side, admittedly) were interspersed with the present-day action. However, Wizard and Glass provided important context, and in hindsight, this probably couldn’t have been covered in any depth in any other way.
A Brief History of Time
I went into reading A Brief History of Time with the worry that it would be too technical a book for me to understand. That proved not to be the case, though!
I’m by no means a scientific brain, so I’d say this is largely approachable to anyone with an interest in the subject. Whilst there is a good level of detail in the book if you wish to delve that far, it’s not essential to complete the book or understand the topics within.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine surprised me because I allowed myself to be disarmed by the main character.I trusted her perspective more than I think I would and should have in hindsight.
It made for good reading though, and when the twist came I felt a little daft for not seeing it for myself.
The Lost Metal
The Lost Metal finds itself on the list of books that surprised me because I didn’t expect the ending. I both enjoyed and railed at its ending; only a handful of books make me cry. The Lost Metal reduced me to tears at the very end.
The Lost Metal is a fantastic series and one I’ll read again. As much as a part of me was sad it was the end, the way it ended was the icing on the cake.
As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow
The book As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow surprised me because it’s a very different contemporary fiction to what I normally listen to/read. Still, I was captivated by the story and the cultural aspect of the book. I loved this book so much that it made my list of debut novels I enjoyed.
Also, as a bonus, I didn’t anticipate an unreliable narrator in this story. It’s a favourite element of mine.
Golden Son
Sadly, I have to end this Top Ten Tuesday post with a book that surprised me in a bad way.
I loved the first book of Pierce Brown’s Red Rising series. However, the sequel Golden Son fell very flat for me. The book did not live up to my expectations. It felt like us readers were barely given a moment to breathe before characters jumped from one catastrophe to the next. The pacing felt very off and sacrificed time for world-building. My disappointment in this sequel is strong enough that I doubt I’ll continue the series.
Summary
Thanks for reading today’s Top Ten Tuesday post. Today I’ve enjoyed bringing to you the ten books that surprised me (and why)!
What was the latest book that surprised you – in a good or bad way? I’d love to hear from you!
If there’s one thing that’s apparent on this Top Ten Tuesday – Books I’ve Never Reviewed post, it’s that the books fall into one of two categories.
I’m proud to say that in the grand scheme of things, I review the vast majority of books I read. There are some I haven’t reviewed dating back to pre-blog days. Maybe I’ll re-read and review some of those whilst they are fresh in my memory. It wouldn’t feel fair to it now when it’s been over 10 years since I picked the books up.
The two categories the remaining books fall into are either those I feel indifferent over, or those I’m intimidated to even try to review!
Shall we take a look at what falls where?
Books I’m Indifferent About
Empress of All Seasons
My overall recollection on this book is one of general enjoyment, but nothing stands out In my head as to why I liked this book.
The Ruby in the Smoke
Nothing smacks harder of indifference than not actually being able to remember a single thing about this book or anything that happened in it.
Yikes.
Vox
On a different note, I do remember the plot and premise of Vox. I did enjoy the book, but as a feminist fiction, I feel it could have leant a little harder into the subject than it did.
Jack the Ripper: Case Closed
I like Jack the Ripper books and stories, but this audiobook just felt a bit ‘meh’. It’s very hard to write a review and talk about a book when you really don’t have a lot to say about it.
Scouse Gothic
If I recall correctly, the author sent me a copy of this book after I read another of his. It was a book I read at my own leisure rather than for review. It was an okay read, if a bit out of my comfort zone. I didn’t have anything especially to say about it then and neither do I now.
You Are Not so Smart
All I recall from this book is a bunch of surprising facts, interlaced with humour. It was a good and informative read, but I certainly don’t have enough to say about it to be able to draft a post dedicated to it.
It’s interestingly the only non-fiction to feature in this Top Ten Tuesday.
The Cockroach
This political satire is a short book I was recommended by someone I used to work for. It was an interesting and different short story to read. Again, there’s no way I’d be able to justify a review for it.
Books I’m Intimidated to Review
Blackwing
I’ve read and reviewed both Ravencry and Crowfall as part of blog tours. I read the first book in the series, Blackwing, to catch up on the book ready to review Ravencry.
Since I’ve loved the books so much (that I’ve already re-read them within just a few years), any future review has very big shoes to fill.
Godsgrave
In a bit of an admin oversight, I reviewed the first and final book of this trilogy on my blog, but not Godsgrave. I’m not sure how I managed that, but there we go!
Like Blackwing, I’m intimidated at the prospect of approaching this review. I adored this series – it’s what got me into Jay Kristoff’s books in the first place. Can I do the book justice and convince readers it lives up to the hype?
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
I’m intimidated to review The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time because it’s such a well-known classic! The truth is, I’m probably missing a trick here. Reviews on my blog for classic or popular books, including The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank and Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone are why my blog gets as many views as it does nowadays (over 71,000 in 2024).
Maybe I need to just bite the bullet and have a go!
Summary
Thanks for reading today’s Top Ten Tuesday post. Have you read and reviewed any of the books I feature in this Top Ten Tuesday instalment? I’d love to read your thoughts if you have!
In today’s Top Ten Tuesday post, I share my ten most recent additions to my book collection. Between Christmas and my own wanderings into the book store (always dangerous for my bank account), I’ve not had to look far for the features in this post.
Hopefully this Top Ten Tuesday will give you some bookish inspiration for future reads. It certainly won’t do anything to make me feel better about my bank account balance, but that’s my own problem 😅
Just kidding, I have no remorse!
The Ten Most Recent Additions to My Book Collection
The Earth Transformed
I recently went on a bit of a spending spree in Waterstones, and purchased a copy of The Earth Transformed. It’s not because I’ve discovered the book before; rather, the premise of the book caught my attention there and then. It’s fair to say it was a bit of a ‘whim’ purchase.
A Man Called Ove
Although not officially on my TBR at the point I purchased a copy, I have been eyeing up A Man Called Ove for some time. In fact, I suggested it as one of our work book club’s first reads mid-last year. Having heard what I have about the book, I have high expectations. I love the idea of the character and if the introduction I featured in last week’s First Lines Friday is anything to go by, it should be a cracker.
Ultra-Processed People
I’ve looked at Ultra-Processed People a few times as well before getting my copy a few weeks ago. It seems especially relevant this year as I’m trying to be more mindful of the food I eat.
It’s easier to make better choices when you’re more informed about what is good and what is not, right?
This Book May Save Your Life
The book that’s been the longest on my TBR in this Top Ten Tuesday is This Book May Save Your Life.
I actually added this to the TBR in September 2023. The author has created a lot of short-form content on the likes of Facebook and it was through those I discovered the book.
My expectation is that the author’s humour and quirky fact finding fill make for a fun read. I’m sure the book will also be somewhat useful, but it’s for the humour I’m looking forward to reading it.
The Anxious Generation
I had added The Anxious Generation to my reading list a few weeks before picking up a copy. It just happens that Waterstones were doing a buy one get one half price feature and included this particular book.
Thankfully, I’m of an age where I just missed out on technology and social media dominating my childhood. I’m glad that it didn’t! I would’ve hated to grow up in today’s society. It’s going to be interesting to read about the impact that’s had on children today.
Julia
I received a copy of Julia for Christmas. I had asked for a clothbound classic edition of 1984 by George Orwell. I also received a copy of this book as a companion to that.
I’m looking forward to reading Julia as it presents a more modern take on the story with a different perspective on events.
1984
As I mentioned above, I received a copy of 1984 by George Orwell for Christmas I have read this book a couple of times before school (with admittedly not a great rating from me then. However, I re-read the book as an adult and in the context of not having to study it for an assignment. The experience was a completely different one and I loved the book!
I expect this is a classic I will re-read time and again. Now I have a fancy edition to pick up…
Shuggie Bain
Shuggie Bain is not the type of book I would have picked up of my own volition. Rather, our book club at work are reading Shuggie Bain at the moment. So, I purchased my copy secondhand ahead of the club meet next week.
It’s been good to pick up something different. One of the reading resolutions I set myself this year is to read out of my comfort zone. This book definitely fits into that category!
It’s a shame that children such a Shuggie have to grow up in the way they do. As a young child, he is far too aware of the unsavoury side of life. He is bullied at the age of 8+ because he is gay. I’m not even sure he knows it yet, but other kids do. He is also aware of his mother‘s depression and dependency on alcohol. It’s proving a difficult read for this reason, but it will also make great discussion in book club.
Eve
I bought Eve, again opportunistically, because I like the sound of the book. There’s quite a lot of these in this Top Ten Tuesday. That fact hasn’t escaped me.
I’m sure readers are all too aware that the impact women have had on society historically has been… downplayed.
Eve sets to set the score straight. Even if the impact of women has been written out of the history books, it cannot be excluded from our biology. The human body has a lot to thank women for. From how the female body helps provide immunisation (and thus survival) to infants to why we’re more likely to get Alzheimer’s, I’m looking forward to this scientific angle on why women are who we are today.
Orbital
Orbital was featured in Waterstones (you can tell where I do a lot of my physical book shopping…) as the Booker Prize winner for 2024. I liked the sound of it, so I bought myself a copy.
I also like that it’s a shorter book. I regularly pick up large fantasy novels. When I need something shorter to break up that reading, Orbital will be perfect.
Summary
Thanks for reading today’s Top Ten Tuesday feature. Have you purchased or received any new books lately?
The topic of today’s Top Ten Tuesday post is my 2024-2025 Winter TBR. I regret this post is coming out a day late just because it ended up a lot longer than I expected. Clearly I’m passionate about the upcoming books and why I want to read them!
I quite enjoy taking part in these quarterly seasonal reading lists. They give me a great opportunity to look ahead and get a feel for the books I want to pick up over the next few months. Next year, I’m going to make an effort to read a little bit more around topical themes and that reflects in this reading list.
So, what’s on my radar for the beginning of 2025? Let’s take a look!
January
With no special theme prevalent in January, my main aim for the books I want to pick up as part of this Winter TBR is to read what I’ve been intending to for a little while. That way I set myself up with some quality reads to kickstart my yearly reading list.
Firefight
Whilst I haven’t officially decided to set myself a goal of continuing series again in 2025, it’s always something I’ll look to do. As a big fan of Brandon Sanderson, it also makes sense to pick up one of his books to really get 2025 and this Winter TBR off to a good start.
Firefight is the second book of his Reckoner series. I really enjoyed the first instalment of the book, Steelheart, when I read it back in September 2020. Maybe considering the length of time it’s taken me to get to this sequel, prioritising started series does need to be a reading goal of 2025. For the third year running…
Rose Under Fire
I recently featured Rose Under Fire in a Shelf Control post. Since then, I knew I wanted to pick this book up soon.
I first experimented with Elizabeth Wein’s writing when reading Code Name Verity. It’s also been a good while since I picked that book up (editing Rebecca here – that was in December 2017! I’m really not good at carrying on series, am I?!)
It’s finally time to continue with this series, albeit I’m reading it out of order. I don’t think it’s the kind of series that has to be read in order though, so in the grand scheme of things that shouldn’t matter. Either way, this is an author I’ve really enjoyed to date, and the book is World War II fiction. It should be a 5 star candidate.
The Bone Collector
I’m embarrassed to admit that my sister got a copy of this book for me as I expressed an interest in it when she was back studying at university. I added this book to my Goodreads reading list in 2017. It seems I have a backlog, wouldn’t you agree? That makes The Bone Collector the perfect candidate for this Winter TBR.
Although The Bone Collector is the first book of a series, I don’t know if I’m going to continue with the series after reading the first book. It’s only really this one story I’m interested in. I suppose it depends on how good it is. That probably sounds like a very weird thing to say, and normally I would be questioning myself on this decision. However, that is my intention at this time. I have a lot on the reading list already without adding more.
February
February is Black History month, and I have added a number of reads on my Winter TBR that fit in with this theme:
In Every Mirror She’s Black
By the time I pick up In Every Mirror She’s Black, I’ll have had this book on my reading list for just over two years. I don’t really have much of fiction fitting the black history theme, but this book is one of a few.
In Every Mirror She’s Black is the book I picked up in the spur of the moment when shopping after Christmas sales a couple of years ago. I really like the sound of the synopsis and how three seemingly very different characters ultimately have similar experiences based on their race.
Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia
I wanted to pick up Fearing the Black Body for a couple of reasons. Obviously, this looks at the racial themes behind fat phobia. Whilst I can’t say for sure if this is the exclusive reason those of us of a bigger size are judged, it’s a unique and topical perspective. I can also see it in a way.
As a not so skinny person myself, I have some interest in subject for other reasons. Thankfully, I’m beyond the most vulnerable age of giving a monkeys what people think of how I look. Frankly, I care far more about my health than my appearance. If anyone wants to judge me, they’re welcome to do so; I don’t care.
That being said, I would stand up for anybody being picked on for the same reason in a heartbeat. That’s why I also think it’s important to read this book and generally make myself better informed on the subject and society.
You’ll see another theme on this Winter TBR of continuing with non-fiction. Again, I don’t know if this will be a goal for next year, but they are definitely a greater part of my reading than they ever were.
Children of Virtue and Vengeance
The second fictional book I have that I plan to read during Black History month as part of this Winter TBR is Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi.
I fair only slightly better with this book in that I read the first book of the series in 2018 as opposed to 2017. It’s still been a good six years. I really enjoyed Children of Blood and Bone, that first book of the series, and I’m looking forward to continuing with it. We also have a third book in the series to date which was published in June this year. It’ll be good to get a wriggle on and get more up-to-date with this series. And hey, that’ll be another completion once I’ve finished the trilogy!
A Promised Land
An unusual selection for my TBR is A Promised Land by Barack Obama. I next to never pick up political reads. I’m just not that kind of person. Broadly speaking, my approach to politicians is one of skepticism.
However, I do think Barack enacted some good changes during his time as President in America. I also think he has a unique perspective on historic events that it will be interesting to read about.
It’s important to read out of your comfort zone now and then, and A Promised Land is going to be that for me. Will I enjoy all the political elements to the book? Probably not. Am I determined to get as much out of it as I can, though? Yes!
March
March is the month in which Women’s History is the prevalent theme. I’m looking forward to reading books in and around this genre. I have no qualms about saying that I am a feminist. I do believe women‘s rights should be bettered to make us equal to men.
Technically March is bordering into my Spring TBR as opposed to this Winter TBR, but I want to cover topics across the whole period up to the next Spring TBR post, which will be mid to late March.
Normal Women
I picked up a copy of Philippa Gregory’s Normal Women comparatively recently to some books on this TBR. Having read some of her historical fiction books in the past, I’m looking forward to this non-fiction where history is told through the lives of everyday women.
So often throughout history, the lives of women do not feature at all or in some cases have been erased completely. That’s the theme for a couple of the books I’ve got on this reading list. I’m especially looking forward to picking up this book as I especially enjoyed listening to a podcast in which Philippa discusses some of her research around one of the chapters in this book. Therefore, I’ve already had a feel for the content of some of the book and I can’t wait!
Narratives: The Stories that Hold Women Back at Work
It’s well documented that women have come across numerous setbacks at work. From being sidelined for promotions to getting less pay per hour for the same work, it’s a real problem.
I want to read some of these experiences for myself so I can educate myself and others about it.Not only that, but I can recognise any signs of these things happening and advocate for change for myself!
Eve
Eve was a recent discovery in the bookshop, and it fits the theme of Women’s History perfectly. That’s why it’s on my Winter TBR.
Much like Normal Women, the purpose of Eve is to highlight how women have shaped humanity today. Even when we’ve been suppressed, we’ve played a vital role that can’t be scrubbed from the records.
Where Eve differs from Normal Women is that the book takes a more biological lens. Whilst society is touched upon, the focus of the book is on the biological evolution of the female body and how that has contributed towards change in unexpected ways.
Summary
Today’s post is quite a long one (nearly twice the length of my average posts!), but I think you’ll agree I’ve got some great books coming up early next year.
In today’s Top Ten Tuesday, I’m sharing a number of classic books. If this post has highlighted anything to me, it’s that generally I read books that have been published within the last decade. This isn’t a surprise. If you read my Sunday Summary post where I shared that I was going to publish this post, I said that exact same thing.
However, I am surprised by how many there are that have an ‘older’ publication date. Honestly, I thought I’d have a handful to share in this Top Ten Tuesday and that would be it. Given that I’ve not been able to sort my Goodreads reading list by the original publication year (I use the mobile app), I’ve had to do a bit of digging comparing the versions I’ve added to my reading list with the original publication date. I’ve done my best to make this list as accurate as possible, but there is a possibility of human error in here.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame – 1831
It was almost a given that Victor Hugo was going to be on this list! I also surprised myself because I then expected Les Mis to feature on this list. Only, I realised I’ve not actually added Les Mis to my TBR even though I have a copy of the book…
So, sticking to the rules of the post, I’m not featuring that one here but talking about The Hunchback of Notre Dame instead. This is the kind of book I mean when I talk about being able to tell that it’s written earlier. Personally, I have to have my head screwed on when I try to read a classic. It doesn’t read quite so fluidly and I have to really concentrate.
The Three Musketeers – 1844
The Three Musketeers was also almost guaranteed to make it to this list. I wasn’t sure exactly when this book was published, but I knew for certain it was going to be one of the oldest I had.
Weirdly, I added this to my reading list after watching a show based on the musketeers on Netflix many moons ago. We’ll see how it lives up to expectations.
Jane Eyre – 1847
I haven’t read any books by the Brontë sisters so honestly, I have no idea what to expect with these. Admittedly I’d forgotten I had this one on my TBR at all.
One day I’ll get to it and be able to tell you more about it. Let’s hope sooner rather than later!
The Grapes of Wrath – 1939
The Grapes of Wrath will be my second read by John Steinbeck when I get to it. I had mixed feelings about Of Mice and Men when I first picked it up for school. However, since then I re-read the book in my own time and enjoyed it.
I added The Grapes of Wrath after reading that because I want to try more by this author.
Catch-22 – 1961
Catch-22 is weirdly further down the list than I thought it would be. Equally, it was in the works a while before being published, so maybe that’s why.
Hardly surprising that it’s another classic/iconic read is it?!
The Colour Purple – 1982
I first picked up and sampled a copy of The Colour Purple in my school library a long time ago now. I never really got very far into it, so it is a book I’m look forward to reading properly sometime.
Again, it’s a pretty well known title. If not a classic, it takes on some pretty important themes including religion as well as domestic and sexual abuse.
Why do I want to read this again? It’s not so much that I enjoy reading about such things. I hate the idea of anyone going through that. However, I think it’s important that we do.
A Darkness at Sethanon – 1987
If there was a genre that wasn’t a classic or iconic fiction that still made it into this Top Ten Tuesday, it would be fantasy. There is enough of it on the TBR that something should have made it on here.
And yes, it did! There is only one book that qualifies on account of having read the earlier books in the series already. A Darkness at Sethanon is the final book in the Riftwar Saga by Raymond E Feist. I have mixed opinions on the series so far. But, it’ll be good to see it through to the end and make up my mind on it once and for all!
Pillars of the Earth – 1989
I’m actually excited this is on the list as I purchased a copy of it just the other day. Admittedly, it’s a far more up to date edition than 1989, but it still stands on this list.
The Eye of the World – 1990
It’s a pure coincidence, but also refreshing, that my current read features on this list. I suspected the Wheel of Time series had to have been written some time ago given the length of the series and the fact that it needed to be finished by another author.
I almost didn’t check the date on this one, so that goes to show that the book doesn’t really read as being that old. And it’s not.
In my opinion, I can only really tell when books are written 100+ years ago because the language style is different across the board. There is naturally a bit of this from one author to another, but it’s far broader than that too. Sentences are longer and their structure is more complicated. Word ordering is a little bit different. It’s little things, but the things I can pick up on.
Alias Grace – 1996
It’s great to feature a Margaret Atwood novel on this Top Ten Tuesday list. I have absolutely no idea about the story of Alias Grace other than the synopsis appealed to me. When we think of Margaret Atwood, we think of books like The Handmaid‘s Tale, or more recently the sequel The Testaments.
In truth, she’s written many books other than those, but those are the one she’s known for and the ones I know her for. I’m looking forward to branching out a little and trying some of her other reads.
Summary
The fact that I managed to feature 10 books in this Top Ten Tuesday post with an original publication date of pre-2000 surprises me. I thought I’d have a lot more in the way of current books. That’s not a bad thing though! It means I’m reading a little more diversely than I expected, and there is nothing wrong with a backlist book. To be honest, that’s what I read most of!
Do you have any of today’s Top Ten Tuesday features on your TBR?
When I decided to share today’s Top Ten Tuesday last Sunday, I thought the topic would be a little easier. Today’s topic is Books I Was Assigned in School. I thought I’d easily think of ten.
Admittedly, in the last two days I’ve only been able to recall six. It probably doesn’t help that I went down the English language route rather than literature. Even so, I have some good classic books to talk about in this post.
Let’s take a look!
Books I Was Assigned at School
Stone Cold
Looking at these in chronological order, I remember reading this when I was about 11-12 years old. It’s a story about a homeless teen who makes a friend who then goes missing.
It’s been a long time since I read this book but I remember enjoying it at the time. At the same time, it’s probably not one I’d go out of my way to read again though…
Frankenstein
Reading and having to analyse books for school goes a long way to contributing to my initial experience. As you’ll see in a lot of these, I didn’t enjoy them first time round. The first of these experiences was reading Frankenstein around age 13.
I was not a fan of Frankenstein in school. In fact, I dreaded picking this up. Picking it apart really killed whatever good there was.
As with a lot of books I read in school, I’ve since read it again as an adult. The experiencewas completely different. Whilst I didn’t 5 star love it, the book got a solid 4 star rating in 2018.
1984
1984 probably has the greatest turnaround of all the books on this list. I hated 1984 in school. I was around 14 at the time and I didn’t enjoy any aspect of it.
However, I read this again as an adult (but pre-blog) so I’m not sure exactly when. The contrast between my school reading experience and that of my own time is a complete 180°. I really enjoyed this book second time around. Honestly, I’d read it again too!
Of Mice and Men
I didn’t enjoy Of Mice and Men when I picked it up for my GCSE studies. I found it quite hard to get into. The book did pick up a little once I’d got so far into it, but I didn’t love it.
In 2017 after re-reading the book as an adult, I gave it 5 stars! It’s fair to say that a degree of maturity with my reading took place in between. That, and I could actually enjoy the book rather than pick apart and overanalyse the narrative to within an inch of its life…
Anthony and Cleopatra
I struggle with Shakespeare. I always have and always will. For that reason I’ve never really taken to any of his works.
I had to study Anthony and Cleopatra for my GCSE’s at school, which wasn’t fun anyway. What didn’t help more is we didn’t have a permanent teacher whilst we were learning it either. I think I scraped by on the assignments and exam for this part of the curriculum, but I didn’t love it.
I have Shakespeare works on my Kindle but I can’t quite psyche myself up to try them again. I’m not convinced, but I guess if I don’t try I’ll never know.
Power and Conflict Poetry
The only other book I remember picking up was a poetry anthology called Power and Conflict. Even then, I don’t think we read all of it but rather cherry-picked poems from it to, you guessed it, analyse.
Broadly I’m not a big fan of poetry, so this isn’t one I’ve gone back to. Neither do I plan on either.
Summary
I’m gutted I could only recall six books for today’s Books I Was Assigned in School post. But, I suppose a shorter post is better than a non-existent one right?
What did you read at school, and what was your experience? Have you re-read any books like I have?
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