TTT: Still Reading after All These Years
This week’s Top Ten Tuesday from The Broke and the Bookish is: Top Ten Books Written In The Past 10 Years That I Hope People Are Still Reading In 30 Years. As usual, those participating in Top Ten Tuesday blog their list, and then add their blog to the linky list on the Broke and Bookish blog. Be sure to check out everyone else’s lists!
Here’s my list (in no particular order):
- HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE by J.K. Rowling
- HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS by J.K. Rowling
- LEVIATHAN/BEHEMOTH/GOLIATH by Scott Westerfeld
- LIKE MANDARIN by Kirsten Hubbard
- THE HUNGER GAMES/CATCHING FIRE by Suzanne Collins
- SHATTER ME by Tahereh Mafi
- DIVERGENT/INSURGENT by Veronica Roth
- THE NIGHT CIRCUS by Erin Morgenstern
- THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green
- THE PERICLES COMMISSION by Gary Corby
Okay, so maybe I cheated a little by grouping some book series on one line, but these belong together, and really have to be read as one. Really. The main criterion behind my choices is that these books are well written. Either they are good fun to read, or the prose style is elegant, or there’s something original about them that makes them stand out. In the case of SHATTER ME, both “elegant” and “original” apply.
What books would be on your list?
Great list!! At least you did individual books from a series, i just lumped them all together!
Shatter Me was amazing- can’t wait for Unravel Me!
I’m going to have to try Like Mandarin, because i loved Wanderlove.
Happy Tuesday!
Thanks, Holley. Based on reviews I was expecting SHATTER ME to be good, but I was pleasantly amazed at how well-written it is. Like I said, both original and elegant. I have yet to read WANDERLOVE, but if it’s anywhere close to being as good as LIKE MANDARIN, it has to be great.
Happy Tuesday to you too! 🙂
I think quite a number of the books that you’ve listed will be around for years to come, especially HARRY POTTER and THE HUNGER GAMES. We’ll pass these stories onto our kids, and there’s every chance they’ll pass them on to theirs. Not to mention all of the teachers who have managed to make books like HG a part of their curriculum. The movies certainly help too.
But above all that, I think that there is just something about these books–the themes, the quality of the writing, the engaging stories–that will stand the test of time. I can’t even imagine writing something like that. How awesome would that be? 🙂
That would be incredibly awesome. I didn’t really think too much in terms of story when I was compiling the list (though you notice MOCKINGJAY didn’t make it–because I’m not entirely happy with the way it ended and felt it was the weakest of the three), but an enduring story does count for a lot. I think that’s what the Potter books have going for them. They have already become part of the global cultural narrative, and I think will become like the tales of Hans Christian Anderson and the Grimm brothers–universally known and loved for generations.
I HAVE to read Shatter Me. It keeps popping up everywhere. I’m with you on HP, HG, and Divergent/Insurgent. I noticed you didn’t list Mockingjay. Is it because you didn’t have room, or did you not find it up to snuff, or, have you not gotten around to it yet? Last I remember, you were about to read Catching Fire!
I think I’d add The Sky Is Everywhere. Not only is it a fun read, but the writing is just…exquisite.
Great list, Colin!
Oh, just saw why you didn’t add Mockingjay in the comments! Should have read those before I commented! 🙂
Thanks, Daisy! I should have made mention of MOCKINGJAY in my article–sorry! I’ve seen THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE listed by others. I’ll have to check Goodreads to see if it’s on my TBR, and if not, add it. 🙂 As for SHATTER ME… I was really impressed with Tahereh’s writing. Beautifully done. Definitely worth your time.
Harry is actually older than ten years. Isn’t that surprising?!
Here’s my
Top Ten Books I Hope We’ll Still Be Reading in Thirty Years. I’d love to have you stop by!
I know! Time flies. Since the first Potter book came out in 1997, I only included two of the books–the best ones (IMO) to come out since 2002.
Thanks for stopping by, Deb! 🙂
Loved The Hunger Games and Divergent. A few others that you mentioned are books I’m planning on reading. Awesome list!
Thanks, Tanya! 🙂
Harry Potter and Hunger Games are mos def on my list. I just bought The Night Circus–I’m so excited to read it, and your inclusion of it on this list makes me even more excited. First I have to finish my current book, and then my June book club book, and then finally!
… I wish I either read faster, or had more time to read. Or both. Definitely both.
Yes, definitely both for me too! There are so many books I need to read, but I don’t want to neglect my writing either… and then there’s the family, and the job…! THE NIGHT CIRCUS is a very nicely written book, and a little unusual. I hope you enjoy it. 🙂