Top Ten Tuesday: Books to Read When You Don't Feel Like Reading

      

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly book blog meme now hosted by Jana over at The Artsy Reader Girl!

This week's topic is: Books to Pull You Out of a Reading Slump

I decided to tweak this topic ever so slightly to be for books to read for any time you just don't feel like reading. Whether it's because of a slump, burnout, or simply because life is exceptionally stressful or tiring, we've all had times where reading can be a difficult thing to go. Here are some books that I think make it easy to just sit back, dive into, and relax with. To account for a variety of situations, I included a variety of books that I find either easy to read and get into, fast-paced and thrilling, exceptionally compelling, and/or are on the shorter side. Also, please note that 'easy' is not a negative term in any way. By 'easy,' I simply mean books that I can pretty much just pick up and immediately be hooked, there's not too much complexity to the writing or world that requires extensive attention.

Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

This series is basically my go-to for anything, and that seems to be a pretty shared sentiment among most fans. I consider Harry Potter my 'comfort' books, which are what I pick up when I'm too stressed or anxious to read other things and need something to unwind with, or when I just don't know what else to read. You can really pick up any book in the series, any part in the book--Harry Potter could not be any better for any situation.
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

Anne Bonnie by Tim Yates OR The Sandman series by Neil Gaiman

Sometimes the act of reading a page full of words just seems daunting and impossible, so that's when you might want to pick up a graphic novel. Gorgeous illustrations always make things go smoother, so that's why I recommend both of these books. Anne Bonnie is a lighter, more straightforward plot that features an awesome girl who wants nothing more than to be an incredible pirate. It's a lot of fun and perfect for some light reading. If you want something with a more complex plot and more mature content, then grab Neil Gaiman's Sandman series!

Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

Bird Box by Josh Malerman

If you like horror, then this is a great choice for a reading slump. If you don't like horror, then... probably not. But still, if you do, then this is an incredibly compelling story that I could not put down. I feel like you could easily read the entire book without even realizing you've read the entire thing--it truly flies by, and it's a truly fascinating premise as well.
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman

This is an incredibly fun and adventurous story that is easy to dive into. The basic premise is that Irene, the protagonist, is a spy for the Library and travels to different realities to find rare, dangerous, or stolen books. There are some fun literary Easter eggs sprinkled throughout as well, which only adds to the enjoyment.
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

The River of Doubt by Candice Millard

Sometimes when I'm getting fatigued I end up turning to nonfiction (and then I usually end up having a mini nonfiction phase where I inhale all the nonfiction I can). Candice Millard has some of the best nonfiction books that are truly compelling. This particular book is about Theodore Roosevelt's journey down the Amazon river and it is insane. She also has some incredible books on Woodrow Wilson and Winston Churchill that I would recommend.
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

Most people have already heard of this book and know what it's about, so I'm basically just here to say that I think this is a perfect book to get out of a reading slump. It's funny, adventurous, and has highly engaging characters that make it easy to escape with.
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

Heartless by Marissa Meyer

This is such a whimsical and fun story that has such an exciting and beautiful world that I just fell right into. The characters are full of personality and this book is full of everything you need to keep you hooked. I loved all of the quirky details that Meyer sprinkled throughout the kept everything lively and unpredictable.
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
Maybe you just need something short and a bit different from the norm--if so, this is the perfect book! We Have Always Lived int he Castle is a somewhat quiet novel, but it has creepiness in all the right places which makes it nearly impossible to actually put down.
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant
If a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat book is what gets you out of a slump ro captures your attention best, then you can't go wrong with Into the Drowning Deep. All you really need to know is: killer mermaids. But you should also know it's about a research and entertainment crew that go out and try to prove whether or not mermaids are real... and have some surprising results. This book is awesome.
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer

Sometimes when in a slump or when stressed it's nice to just read something that feels as if someone is talking to you, and this is the book for that. Amanda Palmer is such a charismatic person and it transfers into her writing so well. There are endless anecdotes that are funny, some not so happy, and some heartwarming. I've only read the physical book, but I believe Amanda Palmer reads the audiobook version and even adds some snippets from her music and other tidbits that make it well worth the listen.
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

 

...and last, but not least, if you can't find anything to suit you, sometimes it's best to just dive into some short fairy tales. There's such a wide mixture between both Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales and The Brothers Grimm that there is sure to be something to help pass the reading struggles.
Buy the book: (Andersen's) Amazon | Book Depository // (Grimm) Amazon | Book Depository

Have you read any of these? What books would you recommend to get out of a slump?

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Women's History Month Recommendations: Books Featuring Powerful Women from History

March is Women's History Month, so let's celebrate with a list of books that feature some incredibly powerful women from history, both near and far. I've combined nonfiction biographies and personal accounts along with some fictionalized versions in this list, so hopefully there is something for everyone. When I first made this list, I had at least twenty books, but I weeded it down to ten (which was really hard!) in order to make it a bit more manageable. 

The Favored Daughter by Fawzia Koofi
I read this book so many years ago, but I still think about Fawzi Koofi and her inspiring story of strength and determination. For those unfamiliar with her, Koofi is a politician and women's rights activist in Afghanistan who is doing some incredibly important things, and I believe that she is still Vice President of the National Assembly in Afghanistan. This book was amazing!
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository





Wonder Women: 25 Innovators, Inventors, and Trailblazers Who Changed History by Sam Maggs (Review)
This book is geared more towards younger readers, but I think that any age could learn a lot from its content, which features an incredible list of some pretty amazing women from history. This includes Alice Ball, a chemist who created a treatment for leprosy,  Sarah Emma Edmonds, a Canadian soldier and spy, and many more trailblazing women.
Buy the book: Amazon (on sale!) | Book Depository



Abundance: A Novel of Marie Antoinette by Sena Jeter Naslund (Review)
The most common thing that people seem to know about Marie Antoinette is that she was beheaded, but there's honestly so much more to her than just that. This book tells one imagining of Antoinette's life as she was thrust into a variety of roles throughout her life, and Naslund writes in an incredibly beautiful and almost lyrical quality that makes this book a wonderful experience to read.
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository





The Creation of Eve by Lynn Cullen (Review)
This book tells the story of Sofonisba Anguissola, who is believed to be the first acclaimed female artists during the Renaissance. I knew absolutely nothing about this woman--or that she even existed--before reading this book, and I really enjoyed it. This really made me want to learn more about Anguissola!
Buy the book: Amazon (on sale - $6 paperback!) | Book Depository






Alicia: My Story by Alicia Appleman-Jurman
I read this book for the first time back in seventh grade for a book report, and I remember thinking, "Why does no one ever talk about her? We talk about Anne Frank all the time, but why is no one talking about Alicia Appleman-Jurman?" Seventh grade me was so shocked and inspired by Alicia Appleman-Jurman story of survival during the Holocaust and World War II that I just wanted everyone to read this book. And I still do!
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository





Ball of Fire: The Tumultuous Life and Comic Art of Lucille Ball by Stefan Kanfer
As anyone who knows me is already aware, I am undeniably and completely in love with I Love Lucy and Lucille Ball (and everything else that she's done!). I don't know if I would say this is the best book about her out there, but I do recommend any book about her because she is simply a phenomenal woman who made so many steps forward for women in the entertainment industry.
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository





The Queen of Subtleties by Suzannah Dunn
It would be impossible to say that Anne Boleyn was not a powerful woman--this woman knew what she wanted, and she accomplished it. There are endless books about Anne Boleyn out there, but I found this one to be a rather interesting portrayal that made for a great read. If you love Anne Boleyn stories, I also recommend Philippa Gregory's The Other Boleyn Girl.
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository





The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict (Review)
Everyone knows Albert Einstein, but most people don't know his wife, Mileva Maric. Mileva is unfortunately often overlooked, but she also made many incredible discoveries and was a very intelligent woman. This book tells her side of the story and how she handled her passion for learning, being the only woman in a male class, and many more events throughout her life.
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository





Helen of Troy by Margaret George (Review)
I had to include some women from Greek myth, so I figured that the owner of "the face that launched a thousand ships" would be a good choice. Margaret George has a really lovely prose style, and her reimagining of Helen's part in the Trojan War was incredibly interesting. Helen of Troy is an unassumingly powerful woman, so I couldn't pass up sharing her story.
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository






Circe by Madeline Miller (Review to come!)
I also couldn't complete this list without rounding it off with a powerful woman from Greek mythology, now could I? Circe is an incredibly powerful woman that is portrayed so well in this book. It's not out until April, but I recommend putting it on your radar and picking it up. This ended up on my favorites, and I felt so connected and inspired by Circe in this book.
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

Have you read of these or know anything about these women? Let me know what books you would add!

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If You Like... You Might Also Like (Part 1 of ?)

Reading Recommendations

I have always been a huge fan of "if you like.. you might also like" types of posts, so I thought it was about time that I finally got around to putting up one of my own! I've decided to make this a semi-regular series of posts, though there won't be any definite schedule. Below are a few of my suggestions--I hope you find something you like!

If you like Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan Maguire,

 you might also like The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert

I read Every Heart a Doorway about two months ago and I immediately fell in love with the entire story and concept. I just finished The Hazel Wood the other day and I was beyond impressed by the scope and concept of it as well, and I couldn't help but be reminded of Every Heart a Doorway at many points while I was reading it. Both books take the ideas of fairy tales and classic stories and turn them into something entirely real, showcasing the darker and more mysterious side of them. If you loved Every Heart a Doorway, I highly, highly recommend you check out The Hazel Wood when it comes out in January! (I'll also be posting my review it closer to its release date!)

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If you like The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne...

you might also like The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber and The Queen of the Night by Alexander Chee

The one thing that each of these books undoubtedly share is brilliant and exceptionally talented writing. Honestly, just looking at each of thsoe books and thinking about each author's prose... it's almost too much beauty in one go, but I think we can do it. I've suggested The Crimson Petal and the White and The Queen of the Night because they both follow a particular character throughout many momentous occasions in their lives, following them through many changes and experiences, both good and bad. Both are heartbreaking, beautiful, and truly a wonderful reading experience.

The Heart's Invisible Furies--Review

The Crimson Petal and the White--Review

The Queen of the Night--Review

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If you like Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson...

you might also like Lost Boy by Christina Henry and Alias Hook by Lisa Jensen

If you, like me, love fairy tale-inspired retellings and stories, then you probably have already heard of Jodi Lynn Anderson's gorgeous Peter Pan-inspired tale that is told from the perspective of Tinker Bell. If you're still interested in a Peter Pan-inspired tale (or if you just want to further explore Neverland), then I highly recommend you check out Lost Boy and Alias Hook. Both of my suggestions focus on Captain Hook and tell a slightly different story about Peter. 

Lost Boy--Review

Alias Hook--Review

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If you like The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman...

you might also like The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde

If you love the clever book references and witty dialogue and storytelling of The Invisible Library, then you need to go check out its predecessor, The Eyre Affair. These are both so sharply written and perfect for anyone who loves both subtle and obvious references to countless literary classics. Both of these books are incredibly inventive and truly so much fun. 

The Eyre Affair--Review

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If you like The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters...

you might also like The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton and Mrs. Poe by Lynn Cullen

Both The Miniaturist and Mrs. Poe capture that same subtle tensity that can be found in the atmosphere of The Paying Guests, as well as the continuous mystery and intrigue that is also present in The Paying Guests. If you are a historical fiction fan centered on women who are forced into various events and situations, look no further.

The Paying Guests--Review

The Miniaturist--Review

That's all for today! In future series installments, I'll have suggestions for books such as House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski, 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami, The Secret History by Donna Tartt, The Psychopath Test by Jon Ronson, and many more!

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Planning to purchase a book or two? Consider purchasing on Book Depository through my affiliate link! Book Depository has worldwide free shipping and millions of titles to choose from.

I am also an Amazon affiliate, so if you'd prefer to shop through Amazon, just click the banner on the upper right hand side of my blog! (above the 'Follow by email' box, you may need to turn off adblock to see it!)

Reading Recommendations: Books Featuring Some Form of Music

Reading Recommendations:
Books Featuring Some Form of Music

I feel as if I've read so  many books in which music is a rather prominent component, whether it is because one of the main characters either sings beautifully or masterfully plays an instruement, or whether it is part of the magic system of a book. In the list below, I've compiled a short list of some of the ones that have stood out most to me. Enjoy! Let me know what books you would add to this list, as well! 😊

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

Kvothe is an exceptionally skilled lute player, which has quite a bit of importance in the story.

Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones

Liesl is a talented composer and dreams of playing the piano and composing for the rest of her life. 

The Queen of the Night by Alexander Chee

The Queen of the Night is all about opera, so of course singing plays a huge role in this, which is what the main character, Lilliet, strives to do.

This Savage Song/Our Dark Duet by Victoria Schwab

August's violin-playing is not only one of his prized possessions and favorite things to do, it also plays a fairly large role in the events of this story.

Songs of Insurrection by J.C. Kang

Songs of Insurrection uses music and singing as a core part of the ancient magic system--it's done in a really unique and interesting way that I really enjoyed.

The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien

Music plays an incredibly important part in the creation story of this work by Tolkien, along with various other moments throughout.

Stolen Songbird by Danielle L. Jensen

Cécile, the protagonist, has a lovely singing voice, which is something she--and her mother-- are both very passionate about.

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

Seraphina herself is an incredibly talented and gifted musician that joins the royal court. Her musical talents are extremely important in her own character development and the story itself.

"When Water Sang Fire" from The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo

This is a beautiful short story that features the sildroher Ulla, whose singing voice is one of the best of those among her. The sildroher in general use music as one of their strongest forms of magic. 

What books would you add to this list? Have you read any of these? Let me know!

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Reading Recommendations: Veteran's Day-Inspired Picks

Reading Recommendations:

🎖️Veteran's Day-Inspired Picks


Tomorrow, November 11th, is Veteran's Day here in the U.S. In honor of that, I have chosen to feature some veteran-inspired books to share with you all. There's a bit of a mix here content-wise, but hopefully there's a least open book here that might appeal to you and share some insight on war, the military, or what it's like to be a veteran that has returned home. I also added a few kid's books at the bottom that discuss this subject, as it's never a bad time to share the importance of honoring those who volunteer and fight for us. Enjoy!
(I added a brief summary/blurb that is provided with each book on Goodreads--some are a bit long, but I wanted to make sure to give a little info for each book! You can find the full summary/read a preview over at Goodreads as well.)

The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien

"In 1979, Tim O'Brien's Going After Cacciato - a novel about the Vietnam War - won the National Book Award. In this, his second work of fiction about Vietnam, O'Brien's unique artistic vision is again clearly demonstrated. Neither a novel nor a short story collection, it is an arc of fictional episodes, taking place in the childhoods of its characters, in the jungles of Vietnam and back home in America two decades later."

A Rumor of War by Philip Caputo

"The extraordinary bestseller that provides a close-up look unlike any other, at the American experience in Vietnam. Powerful, vivid, compassionate, and heartbreaking, here is a very personal and yet universal grunt's-eye-view of the hopeless brutality and the ultimate, and seemingly endless horror where men and governments sacrificed their morality and the souls of their nation."

Kaboom: Embracing the Suck in a Savage Little War by Matt Gallagher

"When Lieutenant Matt Gallagher began his blog with the aim of keeping his family and friends apprised of his experiences, he didn't anticipate that it would resonate far beyond his intended audience. His subjects ranged from mission details to immortality, grim stories about Bon Jovi cassettes mistaken for IEDs, and the daily experiences of the Gravediggers-the code name for members of Gallagher's platoon. When the blog was shut down in June 2008 by the U.S. Army, there were more than twentyfive congressional inquiries regarding the matter as well as reports through the military grapevine that many high-ranking officials and officers at the Pentagon were disappointed that the blog had been ordered closed. Like Anthony Swofford's Jarhead, Gallagher's Kaboom resonates with stoic detachment and timeless insight into a war that we are still trying to understand."

House to House: A Soldier's Memoir by David Bellavia

"One of the great heroes of the Iraq War, Staff Sergeant David Bellavia captures the brutal action and raw intensity of leading his Third Platoon, Alpha Company, into a lethally choreographed kill zone: the booby-trapped, explosive-laden houses of Fallujah's militant insurgents. Bringing to searing life the terrifying intimacy of hand-to-hand infantry combat, this stunning war memoir features an indelibly drawn cast of characters, not all of whom would make it out of the city alive, as well as chilling accounts of Bellavia's singular courage: Entering one house alone, he used every weapon at his disposal in the fight of his life against America's most implacable enemy."

Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War by Karl Marlantes

"A big, powerful saga of men in combat, written over the course of thirty-five years by a highly decorated Vietnam veteran."

The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

"Encapsulates the angst of the post-World War I generation, known as the Lost Generation. This poignantly beautiful story of a group of American and English expatriates in Paris on an excursion to Pamplona represents a dramatic step forward for Hemingway's evolving style. Featuring Left Bank Paris in the 1920s and brutally realistic descriptions of bullfighting in Spain, the story is about the flamboyant Lady Brett Ashley and the hapless Jake Barnes. In an age of moral bankruptcy, spiritual dissolution, unrealized love, and vanishing illusions, this is the Lost Generation."

Home of the Brave: Stories in Uniform by Various Authors, edited by Jeremy Hess

"Among these are stories by writers including Kurt Vonnegut, Tim O'Brien, Tobias Wolff, Chris Offutt, Benjamin Percy and many others. There are parades and hurricanes, people getting high and some merely getting by, as well as the human sacrifices made, the losses endured, the hardships faced because of or in spite of some connection to the military. If you've served, you might recognize a couple of these characters, or their situations. Maybe you will relate to some because you're just like them or because they served in the same place you did. If you've never served, but have had contact with someone who has, you may find similarities between a character here and a person you thought you knew."

Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko

"Thirty years since its original publication, Ceremony remains one of the most profound and moving works of Native American literature, a novel that is itself a ceremony of healing. Tayo, a World War II veteran of mixed ancestry, returns to the Laguna Pueblo Reservation. He is deeply scarred by his experience as a prisoner of the Japanese and further wounded by the rejection he encounters from his people. Only by immersing himself in the Indian past can he begin to regain the peace that was taken from him. Masterfully written, filled with the somber majesty of Pueblo myth, Ceremony is a work of enduring power."

The Wall by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Ronald Himler

"A young boy and his father visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial."

Rags: Hero Dog of WWI by Margot Theis Raven, illustrated by Petra Brown

"During World War I, while stationed overseas in France with the United States Army, Private James Donovan literally stumbles upon a small dog cowering on the streets of Paris. Named Rags for his disheveled appearance, the little stray quickly finds a home with Donovan and a place in his heart. Although the Army did not have an official canine division, Rags accompanies Donovan to the battlefield, making himself a useful companion delivering messages and providing a much-appreciated morale boost to the soldiers."

The Poppy Lady by Barbara Walsh, illustrated by Layne Johnson

"When American soldiers entered World War I, Moina Belle Michael, a schoolteacher from Georgia, knew she had to act. Almost single-handedly, Moina worked to establish the red poppy as the symbol to honor and remember soldiers. She devoted the rest of her life to making sure the symbol would last forever. Thanks to her hard work, that symbol remains strong today. Author Barbara Elizabeth Walsh and artist Layne Johnson worked with experts, primary documents, and Moina's great-nieces to better understand Moina's determination to honor the war veterans."



Read any of these? What books would you include in this list? Let me know!

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