Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.
Trying to get out of a reading slump usually means reverting back to the classics. The books that got me reading in the first place.
But when I’m looking for something to get me in a reading mood, I want one of two things:
Books That Give Me the Warm Fuzzies
#1 - The Dark Is Rising Sequence
A lot of people haven’t really heard of this series (unless they’re thinking of the absolutely atrocious movie adaption of the second book, entitled The Seeker), but this middle grade fantasy series was an integral part of my childhood. It’s a combination of Arthurian legends with contemporary and epic fantasy.
I only show the first two (of five) books here because those are the two that give me this warm fuzzy feeling, especially the first book. Over Sea, Under Stone is a treasure hunt at its heart with only hints of the epic journey. The Dark Is Rising then introduces readers to the series plot. The stories get quite a bit darker after that, but seriously, this is one of the most underrated fantasy series.
#2 - Harry Potter Series
Yes, you see that right. Only the first three Harry Potter books are here. I love the whole series so freaking much, but if I’m looking for a fun easy read that makes me feel good, you do NOT read past the Marauders. Seriously.
The first three books, although serious, are still light-hearted and feel-good. Once Voldie rises from the grave, all bets are off.
#3 - The Fellowship of the Rings
Yep, only the first one. That’s totally a thing.
First, let me say this: This is not my favorite book in the trilogy. They’re all awesome, but The Two Towers takes the cake. Easily.
The first half of The Fellowship, though, is one of my favorite sections. You know, the whole part they cut from the movie versions.
Okay, yes, my inner editor knows Tom Bombadil and old trees drowning hobbits should totally be cut. It’s completely unnecessary to the overall story and really doesn’t add to anything…
Except my own amusement.
Despite its flaws, this remains one of my favorite sections of the entire series. It’s just this adorable adventure romp, and they barely even leave the Shire during most of it. It’s nice to see that even their precious, private home isn’t safe from the Big Bad World(TM), even from the beginning.
#3 - Pride and Prejudice
There’s something so incredibly relaxing as reading Jane Austen. This isn’t my favorite Austen book or even my favorite Austen romance, but it’s the most upbeat and happy despite the circumstances.
If I want a sweet romance with an intelligent woman and lots of social snark, this is it.
#7 - Emma
I’m gonna be honest, I really want to put this one before P&P. This is my favorite Jane Austen book, my favorite heroine, my favorite love interest, my favorite everything. (Don’t hate me, but Mr. Knightley beats Mr. Darcy in the swoon-worthy department.)
Emma has a fantastic character arc. She goes from thinking she has everything put together and under control to realizing what a complete, impressionable idiot she is.
Literally the only reason P&P is higher on this list is because Emma contains some super cringe-worthy scenes that always make me pause.
#8 - Inkworld Trilogy
Okay, so I’m going to break my rule a little bit. I’d say Inkheart fits the warm fuzzy tone, but the other two don’t, especially after my favorite character DIES in book two. All the feels.
So this series bridges the gap between the warm fuzzies and the making my brain work categories. These books are so well put together by the end of the series that I don’t even know what to say about them. I haven’t read them in years, but they remain one of the most well-plotted series.
Books That Make My Brain Work
#5 - The Girl on the Train
This book has been one of my favorite 2018 reads. The main character is unreliable and frustrating beyond belief, but it would me impossible not to root for her. And I love LOVE stories that keep me on the edge of my seat.
If I’m looking for something to stimulate my brain and make me think, this is one of my top choices.
#6 - The Thirteenth Tale
I haven’t actually read this since high school (ten years ago), but it has left such an impression on me. This is one of those books that keeps you thinking and trying to work it out the whole time, and I love the literary aspect of it (the interviewee is an author). Full of mystery and suspense and beautiful prose.
#9 - Watchmen
Really, I should have more comics/manga on here. But this is one of those that keeps on giving no matter how many times you read it.
I read this in a college lit class on Postmodernism (this was pretty much the only book that didn’t make me want to vomit). College lit courses are pretty thorough, but this graphic novels never stops being interesting.
#4 - Anything by Michael Crichton
I couldn’t choose, sorry.
Michael Crichton is one of my absolute favorite authors. He might even be my number one. There’s little that he wrote that doesn’t make me wnat to stay up till five in the morning just to see how it ends.
Even if I’ve read it before.
