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This holiday has got me LITerary! Today is National Book Lovers Day, and that is exactly how I describe myself. A book lover! When I think about books, I touch my shelf. I decided to challenge myself and take on the difficult task of narrowing down the top 10 books I've read in the past decade. These are books that tickle my spine. They are gripping, entertaining, and well worth the Plum rewards.
I'm currently reading Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and friends and family have told me it's a phenomenal book- and so far it is. But since I'm not finished it, I can't put it on my list. I'm sure I've forgotten a few books, and I tried to focus my list on fiction novels. Some of them may have been released earlier than 10 years ago, but I never got around to reading them right away. These are the top 10 novels I've read in the past 10 years.
This book is currently on the bestseller list and is one of the best books I've read in my entire life. It could rely on its controversial subject matter and shock value to be good- but it doesn't. Its thought-provoking, beautifully written, and makes you feel uncomfortable. This book made my teeth click and put a lump in my throat. It's painfully honest. I reviewed it as part of my Summer Reading List.
You by Caroline Kepnes
This book will keep you up at night- for more than one reason. It's creepy, sexy, and will have you questioning whose side you're on. Making connections in the digital age of 'creeping her profile' and normalized cyberstalking tendencies can straddle the line of normal and insane. Even if you've watched the show, you must read the book. The sequel was not as good though. I featured it on my 2016 Summer Reading List.
In A Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware
My favorite new author of the past 10 years is Ruth Ware. I've read all of her books and they are fantastic! This is the book that started it all. A tragedy, a lost memory, and a questioning group of friends create a thrilling tale that will keep you up at night. I was drawn to this book when I discovered it featured an excerpt from one of my favorite childhood poems In a Dark, Dark Room, featured in a book of scary stories I was obsessed with.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
What a book! This novel is stunningly colourful, even though it's set in a black and white world. If you like creepy carnivals, enchantment, and star-crossed lovers, this book is for you. I would love to read more by this author because she really painted this world on the page. Sadly I loaned this book to someone and it was never returned to me. I'd love to read it again.
I read this book on the beach in 48 hours. Forget you ever watched the TV show because it can't hold a candle to the book. The book is gripping and emotional. It's so raw and honest and the TV show is like the bubble gum version of the book. It's so good that it doesn't require a ridiculous second season or new characters introduced to carry the story forward. It stands alone as a tragic masterpiece.
This is by far the most creative book I've read in the past 10 years, both in the story and the imagery. I love the vintage, peculiar photos woven through the story. Using the photos to craft the characters and create their backstories was a stroke of genius. I was so happy when it was turned into a series, but disappointed when the film came out. Tim Burton had the opportunity to ignite this story on screen, and instead, he burned out the flame.
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
This incredibly empathetic story is another novel that was adapted into a TV show which strayed so far away from the plot- all for higher ratings and shock value. Don't watch the show before you read the book. Ng may be one of the best descriptive authors I've ever read. Her ability to inspire the reader to picture things perfectly in their head is a testament to her masterful art of setting a scene. I reviewed it as part of my Summer Reading List.
Now, this is a book that birthed an incredible film. I love this author's writing style, especially in this book. She writes like a man, very masculine and rough around the edges. This was a story that slaps you in the face, with a twist that creeps up on you slowly. Her characters and scenarios are so relatable- up until a certain part. This book is a real page-turner, and impossible not to add to my list.
Looking for dark family secrets? Twists and turns? A book you can't put down? Look no further! This imaginative novel made me sad when it ended. Jewell's story uncovers a dark family history, chapter by chapter, as told by the three main characters. I really enjoyed how all the characters stories weaved together. This is another author to watch. I reviewed it as part of my Summer Reading List.
Sin Eater by Megan Campisi
This book is so creative and unlike any story I've read before. The language alone takes the reader back in time. How does Megan Campisi carry a novel with a main character who is unable to speak for 90% of the book? By using dark imagery and tense conflict to tell an age-old story that still rings true today. I'm really excited to see what the author comes up with next. I reviewed it as part of my Summer Reading List.
Great book- terrible ending! The ending made me angry. I actually threw the book! But that doesn't discount the fact that this dystopian book was incredibly creative and the story was ahead of its time. I was a little late to the party reading this book, and I'll admit I love the TV show and that is what inspired me to finally pick it up. Now I understand why it's an instant classic. Sometimes I watch the news and get scared that we are only a few crises away from Gilead. I have The Testaments and I'm really excited to read it. Hopefully it has a better ending.
Check out more books on my Summer Reading List!
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