Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Top Ten Tuesday (18)



So this week the topic is books which I think would make for great Book Club choices. I realize that some are already Oprah picks, but this just means that they’re doubly awesome.
In no particular order my choices are;

1. Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
This was just one of those breathtakingly beautiful books that would work for an all-ages book club since you follow the main character from childhood to adulthood. It’s just so well written and the film is gorgeous as well.
2. The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
The book is so much better than the movie and it’s a brilliant historical fiction. It’s also definitely a book that’s hard to put down once you start reading.
3. Perfume: Story of a Murderer by Patrick Suskind
Far from what most people would choose to read, this is one of those books that makes you question humanity and also makes you feel for the murderer.
4. Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts
A heart-plucking contemporary that makes you believe that you can do anything, no matter what, so long as you put your mind to it and keep trying. It’s also a bit of a tear-jerker.
5. The Girl with the Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier
Perfect for those who love art, it’s the ‘story’ behind the famous painting and is a novel you can easily read more than once. Plus, it’s a relatively short novel.
6. If I Stay and Where She Went by Gayle Forman
Such thought-provoking novels about life, death, and love.
7. Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
A novel that calls to the inner princess in all of us and a fantastic choice for a younger-set or those who are young at heart. I honestly have lost count at how many times I’ve read this novel.
8.  Stay by Deb Caletti
A novel that gives you a terrifying look into how abusive teenage relationships can be. I know that some were disappointed by how fast the main character fell for someone new, but I think that she just wanted something normal back in her life after the horror story of the previous boyfriend. This would be a great book for debates.
9. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Like Harry Potter, Percy Jackson is meant for all ages – even though he’s marketed as a pre-teen series.
10. The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross
Great if you want to jump into the steampunk genre. It also incorporated classic literary characters, which makes reading fun and very, very bookish.

Leave me a line and a link to your TTT post! I love seeing other people’s lists.
As always, check out The Broke and the Bookish for more Top Ten fun!

6 comments:

Tanya Patrice said...

I haven't read any of the books on your list - but I've been meaning to read Perfume and The Girl with the Pearl Earring for a while now.

Nea said...

Totally agree with If I stay and Where she went!!! I love these two books! :) It would be cool to discuss them :)
I really like Stay - I should definitely read it! Thanks for sharing :) ;)

The Reading Date said...

I've read about half of the books on your list and have many of the others on my TBR list.
Totally agree about the Gayle Forman books. I think those appeal to a wide audience.
I don't know why I didn't think of Stay but that one is also a good choice.
Like that you included an assortment of genres. And The Girl in the Steel Corset does sound good.

Willa said...

"Stay" sounds like a really powerful read!

Anonymous said...

I love the diversity of your list and all the discussion opportunities that are available here. Thanks for the suggestions.

-FABR Steph@FiveAlarmBookReviews
My Top Ten...

Heidi said...

Great array of selections! I especially like the historical choices. I haven't read The Other Boleyn Girl, Perfume, or Girl With the Pearl Earring, but they're all on my list and a book club would be the perfect thing to get me to read them!

I'd like to hear more about The Girl in the Steel Corset, especially if it incorporates classic literary characters.