Top Ten Tuesday: Top 10 Books that came highly recommended

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish featuring a new top ten list each week. Everyone can participate- head on over to their blog and sign up.

This week’s topic is Top 10 Books that came recommended. I get a lot of my reading inspiration from other book bloggers and recommendations from sites such as Goodreads and LibraryThing. This list includes books that were out of my comfort zone and for whatever reason I was reluctant to read. Recommendations brought these books to my attention and I’m so glad I was able to read them:

1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins – I bought this and it sat on my shelf for a year. I kept hearing how amazing this book is and how I had to read it. Of course when I finally did read it this became one of my favorite series and it opened my eyes to the dystopian book category.

2. The Help by Kathryn Stockett – I don’t read too many fiction best-seller type books, but this title was recommended to me repeatedly. An entertaining read that I’m so glad I read.

3. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen – I was not sure that a historical fiction book set at a circus would be my cup of tea. The many recommendations and finally the movie release are what convinced me to read this entertaining book.

4. Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly – This highly original part historical fiction / part present day book was not on my radar at all. I picked it up based on book blogger recommendations.

5. Room by Emma Donoghue – I was hesitant to pick up this one due to the subject matter but was again swayed by positive word of mouth to give it a try.

6. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson – This has been recommended to me many times over the years and I finally picked it up during banned book week. Such a powerful book and well worth reading.

7. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer – This book was not on my radar at all but I finally read it based on the favorable reviews. It’s a charming read.

8. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles – I admit I judged this one on it’s cover and did not think it was for me. But the book was recommended to me many times and I broke down and picked it up at the library. I was pleasantly surprised by this book and the sequel.

9. Soulless (The Parasol Protectorate) by Gail Carriger – This book was not on my radar at all. Everyone was raving about this new steampunk book and how great it is. And I’m glad I listened and picked up this entertaining and original series. My first introduction to steampunk books.

10. The Southern Vampire series by Charlaine Harris – When I started reading paranormal books this is the series that was recommended the most. A good series to get your feet wet in the paranormal realm.

Any of these on your list? What are your recommended books?

Ornament

16 thoughts on “Top Ten Tuesday: Top 10 Books that came highly recommended

  1. Ashley says:

    I’ve read quite a few on this list, and have a few others waiting! 🙂

    I’m makes me so incredibly happy to see Speak on this list! I think it’s one of the most amazing books I’ve ever read. And I believe that Laurie Halse Anderson is one of the most gifted writers of Contemporary YA. (Have you read Wintergirls or Twisted?! Because if not, I STRONGLY recommend them!)

    1. Awesome! I’m so glad I started reading LHA’s books. I have read Wintergirls but have not read Twisted. I’ll look for it – thanks for the rec!

  2. Room was all over the blogosphere, but I, like you, hesitated. I’m glad I finally caved and tried it.

    Here’s my gratitude list: Top Ten Books I’m Happy Were Recommended to Me. I hope you will stop by!

  3. Anne says:

    I have been wanting to read Perfect Chemistry but was put off by the cover as well. I think I am going to have to read it soon.

    1. Hope you like Perfect Chemistry- the final book in the trilogy will be out later next year. Thanks for stopping by!

  4. nlmars says:

    I was in the same position as you. I avoided a lot of books because I didn’t think I’d like them at all (especially the Southern Vamp series), but once enough people forced me to pick up the books, I found myself pleasantly surprised.
    And THIS is the reason why book bloggers are my second favourite people in the world (the first being the people who write the books, duh :P)

    1. I totally agree that book bloggers have really made a difference in the books I read. And the authors too of course! 🙂

  5. Book Nympho says:

    Great list! I’ve read about half, the other half are on the TBR.

  6. I love Hunger Games. Speak is an excellent novel. I have been wanting to read The Help and Water for Elephants.

  7. Sidne says:

    wild, #1,2,3,and 5 has appeared on other blogs with The Hunger Games leading. I read, The Help, good book. Happy Reading 2 U

  8. Lisa says:

    I’ve read and loved most of these books. Great choices. Perfect Chemistry is on my TBR pile and I can’t wait to read it.

  9. Kelsey W. says:

    I must admit I use your blog for a lot of ideas of books to read, and your #1 on this list, I’m about to start reading that series 🙂

    1. Thanks – that’s nice to hear! I think you will really enjoy The Hunger Games series- looking forward to your review.

  10. Birdie says:

    Ah, Soulless. I wish I could remember who recommended it to me. Like you, I heard of it when I was checking out some steampunk stuff, and I’m glad I did.

  11. Ashley says:

    Totally agree about THG. Without recs from my library school people I probably never would have picked them up.

    And ‘Perfect Chemistry’ … love that book and the sequel. But gosh the covers are so embarrassing. Like the new one in the shower? It’s hot, but come on, are you going to want to read that in public? Not without paper bagging the cover, haha.

  12. Geosi says:

    I am eager to read ‘Room” as I hear many positive reviews. Thanks for sharing this.

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