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| Photo by Patrick Tomasso |
Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish but is currently being run by That Artsy Reader Girl.
A prompt is given each week, and I hope to do it every week so I always
have something going up on Tuesdays. This week I am talking about ten
books that I really enjoyed but have less than 2K reviews on Goodreads! These are definitely books I think deserve more attention because I found them so enjoyable.
Rapunzel and the Lost Lagoon
Leila Howland
48 Goodreads Reviews
This was such a fun story!! I need to re-read it and then continue the series. It's such a sweet companion novel to the movie, which is my favorite Disney princess movie. I think the author did a fantastic job in making it feel pretty authentic to the characters from the movie, which is great because I was worried that maybe the characters would feel different. So that was a pleasant surprise. If you're a fan of Disney's Tangled I highly recommend this book.
Synopsis
Rapunzel is not your
typical princess. For one thing, she has returned to her kingdom after
eighteen years spent trapped in a tower and she's still getting to know
her parents. For another, she has to get used to royal customs, like the
proper ways to sit and curtsy, when she'd really rather climb a tree
and paint. Plus, she hates wearing shoes.
Cassandra is not your typical lady-in-waiting. As the daughter of the captain of the guard, she has grown up fascinated by security and weaponry. It has been her life's goal to become a soldier in the guard, and princess-sitting doesn't really fit into her plan-especially when that princess's aggravating boyfriend is always hanging around.
But when Rapunzel and Cassandra stumble upon a secret lagoon said to hold the key to the kingdom's greatest power, it will be up to them to solve the mystery before someone more sinister does.
Follow this tale of adventure and intrigue, love and destiny, and, most important, friendship.
Cassandra is not your typical lady-in-waiting. As the daughter of the captain of the guard, she has grown up fascinated by security and weaponry. It has been her life's goal to become a soldier in the guard, and princess-sitting doesn't really fit into her plan-especially when that princess's aggravating boyfriend is always hanging around.
But when Rapunzel and Cassandra stumble upon a secret lagoon said to hold the key to the kingdom's greatest power, it will be up to them to solve the mystery before someone more sinister does.
Follow this tale of adventure and intrigue, love and destiny, and, most important, friendship.
Every Night, Josephine
Jacqueline Susann
55 Goodreads Reviews
This is a non-fiction book about a woman and her husband buying a poodle! I own a poodle and love him so much so when I heard of this book I had to check it out and I really loved it. It's basically a love letter to Josephine, Jacqueline Susann's poodle. I feel like Josephine's mannerisms Susann describes in the novel were so spot on to my pup, Rolo, that it made me feel instantly connected to the book. This might be one of those books that not everyone would love, but if you're an animal lover I recommend giving this book a try.
Synopsis
Every Night, Josephine!, originally published in 1963, may not have nearly as much pill-popping and sex as Valley of the Dolls,
the book that made its author a sensation. But it is definitely
Jacqueline Susann all the way—witty and full of dead-on observations.
After exploring the crazy world of pedigree dogs, Susann finally
acquires a magnificent poodle, Josephine. The pampered poodle soon
secures the dominant role in this budding relationship—and as our
hirsute heroine dances through a ballet of network TV appearances,
sidewalk encounters with Garbo, and doggy-bags from Sardi’s, even
Susann’s dog-hating husband submits to her canine charms. Fans of
Jacqueline Susann, kitsch lovers, and pet pamperers alike will be
helpless to resist this laugh- out-loud classic.
From Ant to Eagle
Alex Lyttle
98 Goodreads Reviews
My Review | Amazon | Goodreads
This was a book gifted to me as a Christmas present and I absolutely loved it. If you need a really good book to make you sob for hours than this is the one for you. I was honestly surprised to see that this book had so little reviews because it's such a well written story. I think if you're in the mood for a heartwarming (& heartbreaking) story about love, brotherhood, guilt, forgiveness, grief, and family this is the book for you.
Synopsis
My name is Calvin Sinclair, I'm eleven years old and I have a confession… ...I killed my brother.
It's the summer before grade six and Calvin Sinclair is bored to tears. He’s recently moved from a big city to a small town and there's nothing to do. It’s hot, he has no friends and the only kid around is his six-year-old brother, Sammy, who can barely throw a basketball as high as the hoop. Cal occupies his time by getting his brother to do almost anything: from collecting ants to doing Calvin’s chores. And Sammy is all too eager - as long as it means getting a "Level" and moving one step closer to his brother's Eagle status.
When Calvin meets Aleta Alvarado, a new girl who shares his love for Goosebumps books and adventure, Sammy is pushed aside. Cal feels guilty but not enough to change. At least not until a diagnosis makes things at home start falling apart and he's left wondering whether Sammy will ever complete his own journey...
From Ant To Eagle.
Alex Lyttle
98 Goodreads Reviews
My Review | Amazon | Goodreads
This was a book gifted to me as a Christmas present and I absolutely loved it. If you need a really good book to make you sob for hours than this is the one for you. I was honestly surprised to see that this book had so little reviews because it's such a well written story. I think if you're in the mood for a heartwarming (& heartbreaking) story about love, brotherhood, guilt, forgiveness, grief, and family this is the book for you.
Synopsis
My name is Calvin Sinclair, I'm eleven years old and I have a confession… ...I killed my brother.
It's the summer before grade six and Calvin Sinclair is bored to tears. He’s recently moved from a big city to a small town and there's nothing to do. It’s hot, he has no friends and the only kid around is his six-year-old brother, Sammy, who can barely throw a basketball as high as the hoop. Cal occupies his time by getting his brother to do almost anything: from collecting ants to doing Calvin’s chores. And Sammy is all too eager - as long as it means getting a "Level" and moving one step closer to his brother's Eagle status.
When Calvin meets Aleta Alvarado, a new girl who shares his love for Goosebumps books and adventure, Sammy is pushed aside. Cal feels guilty but not enough to change. At least not until a diagnosis makes things at home start falling apart and he's left wondering whether Sammy will ever complete his own journey...
From Ant To Eagle.
Soft in the Middle
Shelby Eileen
107 Goodreads Reviews
This is a poetry collection that heavily focuses on topics like love, heartbreak, body image (very fat & body positive), the beauty of women, etc. This is definitely one of those poetry collections that has stuck with me even today so long after reading it. I definitely think this is a book that needs more attention and if you like modern poetry this is one you should pick up immediately.
Synopsis
"there are so many words I've left unsaid
so instead of going another year or five or ten
in brutal, crushing silence
don't waste this opportunity
don't be scared when the full weight of my heart
tests the strength of your hands
I'm trusting you with something I barely trust myself with
this knowing
this telling
this momentous uprooting
I'm here
I am
I am right here in these words"
A debut poetry collection about love, heartbreak, body image, how absolutely breathtaking girls are, flower blooms and starlight.
so instead of going another year or five or ten
in brutal, crushing silence
don't waste this opportunity
don't be scared when the full weight of my heart
tests the strength of your hands
I'm trusting you with something I barely trust myself with
this knowing
this telling
this momentous uprooting
I'm here
I am
I am right here in these words"
A debut poetry collection about love, heartbreak, body image, how absolutely breathtaking girls are, flower blooms and starlight.
How To Fight Presidents: Defending Yourself Against The Badasses Who Ran This Country
Daniel O'Brien
290 Goodreads Reviews
This is a book that was recommended to me by my fiancé. I had just gotten into Hamilton the Musical and I was in the mood for some non-fiction reads. It's this really funny book written by Dan O'Brien, who was a writer for the website Cracked (used to be a favorite of ours) and each chapter is just a few pages that begins with a short summary of the President and then how O'Brien thinks he'd fair in a fight with said President. It's great.
Synopsis
Make no mistake: Our founding fathers were more bandanas-and-muscles than powdered-wigs-and-tea.
As a prisoner of war, Andrew Jackson walked several miles barefoot across state lines while suffering from smallpox and a serious head wound received when he refused to polish the boots of the soldiers who had taken him captive. He was thirteen years old. A few decades later, he became the first popularly elected president and served the nation, pausing briefly only to beat a would-be assassin with a cane to within an inch of his life. Theodore Roosevelt had asthma, was blind in one eye, survived multiple gunshot wounds, had only one regret (that there were no wars to fight under his presidency), and was the first U.S. president to win the Medal of Honor, which he did after he died. Faced with the choice, George Washington actually preferred the sound of bullets whizzing by his head in battle over the sound of silence.
And now these men—these hallowed leaders of the free world—want to kick your ass.
Plenty of historians can tell you which president had the most effective economic strategies, and which president helped shape our current political parties, but can any of them tell you what to do if you encounter Chester A. Arthur in a bare-knuckled boxing fight? This book will teach you how to be better, stronger, faster, and more deadly than the most powerful (and craziest) men in history. You’re welcome.
As a prisoner of war, Andrew Jackson walked several miles barefoot across state lines while suffering from smallpox and a serious head wound received when he refused to polish the boots of the soldiers who had taken him captive. He was thirteen years old. A few decades later, he became the first popularly elected president and served the nation, pausing briefly only to beat a would-be assassin with a cane to within an inch of his life. Theodore Roosevelt had asthma, was blind in one eye, survived multiple gunshot wounds, had only one regret (that there were no wars to fight under his presidency), and was the first U.S. president to win the Medal of Honor, which he did after he died. Faced with the choice, George Washington actually preferred the sound of bullets whizzing by his head in battle over the sound of silence.
And now these men—these hallowed leaders of the free world—want to kick your ass.
Plenty of historians can tell you which president had the most effective economic strategies, and which president helped shape our current political parties, but can any of them tell you what to do if you encounter Chester A. Arthur in a bare-knuckled boxing fight? This book will teach you how to be better, stronger, faster, and more deadly than the most powerful (and craziest) men in history. You’re welcome.
Faith Volume One: Hollywood & Vine
Jody Houser, Francis Portela, Marguerite Sauvage
512 Goodreads Reviews
Faith is my favorite superhero and it makes me so sad she isn't getting more recognition. I mean, apparently she's been picked up for a movie so she's getting some recognition but I wish more people were reading the comics. Maybe once the movie comes out more people will be into it! She's a fantastic superhero and I love not only the art but the story.
Synopsis
Valiant's most demanded hero steps out of Harbinger and into an all-new miniseries adventure!
Orphaned at a young age, Faith Herbert - a psionically gifted "psiot" discovered by the Harbinger Foundation - has always aspired to greatness. But now this once ordinary teenager is taking control of her destiny and becoming the hard-hitting hero she's always known she can be - complete with a mild-mannered secret identity, unsuspecting colleagues, and a day job as a reporter that routinely throws into her harms way! Well, at least she thought it would When she's not typing up listicles about cat videos, Faith makes a secret transformation to patrol the night as the City of Angels' own leading superhero - the sky-soaring Zephyr!
But flying solo is going to be tougher than she ever thought when Zephyr uncovers a deep-rooted alien conspiracy. Two-bit burglars and car thieves are one thing, but when the world needs a hero to stave off an full-blown extraterrestrial invasion, will Faith find herself in over her head or ready for her biggest challenge yet?
Rising star Jody Houser (Orphan Black) and explosive artists Francis Portela (Green Lantern) and Marguerite Sauvage (DC Comics Bombshells) pilot a new chapter for the high-flying hero that People Magazine calls "a superhero we can all admire."
Toil & Trouble: 15 Tales of Women & Witchcraft
Jessica Spotswood & Tess Sharpe
700 Goodreads Review
This is such a good anthology! I have read a handful of anthologies in the last few years and I often end up not being the biggest fan but I loved SO many of these short stories. The ones I really loved, I loved and I couldn't get enough of them. If you are in the mood for a really feminist fun witchy anthology this is the one to pick up.
Synopsis
A young adult fiction anthology of 15 stories featuring contemporary, historical, and futuristic stories featuring witchy heroines who are diverse in race, class, sexuality, religion, geography, and era.
Are you a good witch or a bad witch?
Glinda the Good Witch. Elphaba the Wicked Witch. Willow. Sabrina. Gemma Doyle. The Mayfair Witches. Ursula the Sea Witch. Morgan le Fey. The three weird sisters from Macbeth.
History tells us women accused of witchcraft were often outsiders: educated, independent, unmarried, unwilling to fall in line with traditional societal expectations.
Bold. Powerful. Rebellious.
A bruja’s traditional love spell has unexpected results. A witch’s healing hands begin to take life instead of giving it when she ignores her attraction to a fellow witch. In a terrifying future, women are captured by a cabal of men crying witchcraft and the one true witch among them must fight to free them all. In a desolate past, three orphaned sisters prophesize for a murderous king. Somewhere in the present, a teen girl just wants to kiss a boy without causing a hurricane.
From good witches to bad witches, to witches who are a bit of both, this is an anthology of diverse witchy tales from a collection of diverse, feminist authors. The collective strength of women working together—magically or mundanely--has long frightened society, to the point that women’s rights are challenged, legislated against, and denied all over the world. Toil & Trouble delves deep into the truly diverse mythology of witchcraft from many cultures and feminist points of view, to create modern and unique tales of witchery that have yet to be explored.
A young adult fiction anthology of 15 stories featuring contemporary, historical, and futuristic stories featuring witchy heroines who are diverse in race, class, sexuality, religion, geography, and era.
Are you a good witch or a bad witch?
Glinda the Good Witch. Elphaba the Wicked Witch. Willow. Sabrina. Gemma Doyle. The Mayfair Witches. Ursula the Sea Witch. Morgan le Fey. The three weird sisters from Macbeth.
History tells us women accused of witchcraft were often outsiders: educated, independent, unmarried, unwilling to fall in line with traditional societal expectations.
Bold. Powerful. Rebellious.
A bruja’s traditional love spell has unexpected results. A witch’s healing hands begin to take life instead of giving it when she ignores her attraction to a fellow witch. In a terrifying future, women are captured by a cabal of men crying witchcraft and the one true witch among them must fight to free them all. In a desolate past, three orphaned sisters prophesize for a murderous king. Somewhere in the present, a teen girl just wants to kiss a boy without causing a hurricane.
From good witches to bad witches, to witches who are a bit of both, this is an anthology of diverse witchy tales from a collection of diverse, feminist authors. The collective strength of women working together—magically or mundanely--has long frightened society, to the point that women’s rights are challenged, legislated against, and denied all over the world. Toil & Trouble delves deep into the truly diverse mythology of witchcraft from many cultures and feminist points of view, to create modern and unique tales of witchery that have yet to be explored.
Reign of the Fallen
Sarah Glenn Marsh
827 Goodreads Reviews
If you've been on my blog in the past year you're probably sick of me raving about this duology but it's my favorite. I love Reign of the Fallen and it's sequel, Song of the Dead, so damn much. From the amazing cast of characters, unique world, cool magic system, and beautiful writing I cannot recommend these books enough. The fact that Reign only has 800+ reviews (Song has 65 reviews) is absolutely unforgivable.
Synopsis
Odessa is one of
Karthia's master necromancers, catering to the kingdom's ruling Dead.
Whenever a noble dies, it's Odessa's job to raise them by retrieving
their souls from a dreamy and dangerous shadow world called the
Deadlands. But there is a cost to being raised--the Dead must remain
shrouded, or risk transforming into zombie-like monsters known as
Shades. If even a hint of flesh is exposed, the grotesque transformation
will begin.
A dramatic uptick in Shade attacks raises suspicions and fears among Odessa's necromancer community. Soon a crushing loss of one of their own reveals a disturbing conspiracy: someone is intentionally creating Shades by tearing shrouds from the Dead--and training them to attack. Odessa is faced with a terrifying question: What if her necromancer's magic is the weapon that brings Karthia to its knees?
A dramatic uptick in Shade attacks raises suspicions and fears among Odessa's necromancer community. Soon a crushing loss of one of their own reveals a disturbing conspiracy: someone is intentionally creating Shades by tearing shrouds from the Dead--and training them to attack. Odessa is faced with a terrifying question: What if her necromancer's magic is the weapon that brings Karthia to its knees?
Gmorning, Gnight: Little Pep Talks For Me & You
Lin-Manuel Miranda & Jonny Sun
1,316 Goodreads Reviews
Lin-Manuel Miranda is one of my favorite people on this planet and when I heard he was coming out with a book of little pep talks from his good morning/night tweets I knew I had to get it. Especially when I saw that Jonny Sun was illustrating! I was lucky enough to get this book gifted to me as a birthday gift and I am in love with it.
Synopsis
Good morning. Do NOT
get stuck in the comments section of life today. Make, do, create the
things. Let others tussle it out. Vamos!
Before he inspired the world with Hamilton and was catapulted to international fame, Lin-Manuel Miranda was inspiring his Twitter followers with words of encouragement at the beginning and end of each day. He wrote these original sayings, aphorisms, and poetry for himself as much as for others. But as Miranda’s audience grew, these messages took on a life on their own. Now Miranda has gathered the best of his daily greetings into a beautiful collection illustrated by acclaimed artist (and fellow Twitter favorite) Jonny Sun. Full of comfort and motivation, Gmorning, Gnight! is a touchstone for anyone who needs a quick lift.
Before he inspired the world with Hamilton and was catapulted to international fame, Lin-Manuel Miranda was inspiring his Twitter followers with words of encouragement at the beginning and end of each day. He wrote these original sayings, aphorisms, and poetry for himself as much as for others. But as Miranda’s audience grew, these messages took on a life on their own. Now Miranda has gathered the best of his daily greetings into a beautiful collection illustrated by acclaimed artist (and fellow Twitter favorite) Jonny Sun. Full of comfort and motivation, Gmorning, Gnight! is a touchstone for anyone who needs a quick lift.
Golden Boy
Abigail Tarttelin
1,491 Goodreads Reviews
This is one of the most heartbreaking books ever. It's the first book I've read with an intersex main character and honestly I really learned a lot. There aren't a lot of books that center around intersex characters so I am hoping to search for more so I can keep learning (if you have any suggestions send them my way please!). This book broke my heart and I recommend it to everyone.
Synopsis
The Walker family is
good at keeping secrets from the world. They are even better at keeping
them from each other. Max Walker is a golden boy, with a secret that the
world may not be ready for. This novel is a riveting tale of a family
in crisis, a fascinating exploration of identity, and a coming-of-age
story like no other.
Thanks for reading!
If Lin-Manuel Miranda can't get ratings who can? Thanks for the recommendations. Here is my list of good but low-review books on Goodreads
ReplyDeleteRight?! I was so surprised that there weren't at least 2K reviews on his book!
DeleteI'm not familiar with many of these books. Thanks for the recommendations though! My TTT
ReplyDeleteOf course! <3
DeleteI'm surprised by Toil & Trouble! But How to Fight Presidents sounds really interesting.
ReplyDeleteHere is our Top Ten Tuesday. Thank you!
Right?! And yes! I hope you enjoy it if you pick it up!
DeleteOkay, your entire list is freaking amazing! I want to read everything on it. Great job.
ReplyDeleteMy Top Ten Tuesday post.
Thank you!!! I hope you enjoy them if you pick any up!! :)
DeleteHow to Fight Presidents sounds good. George Washington was shot by expert marksmen several times and wasn't hit. It's amazing.
ReplyDeleteRight!? That's so badass! :D
DeleteI really want to read both Toil and Trouble and Reign of The Fallen but I haven't got around to either yet.
ReplyDeleteMy TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2019/02/19/top-ten-tuesday-199/
I hope you love them both when you pick them up! :)
DeleteI love this prompt! Toil & Trouble sounds like a good read for Halloween, for all ages. I was going to add Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons to your list, but I just checked GR and it looks like it just scrapes by with more than 2K reviews - ah well, at least people are reading it! ;)
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend Toil & Trouble!! And ooh thats good!! I will have to look into it I haven't heard of it before.
DeleteHow to Fight Presidents looks awesome. Definitely adding that to my tbr. :)
ReplyDeleteLauren @ Always Me
Yessss!!! Enjoy!! :D
DeleteYassss From Ant TO Eagle is SO good!! <3
ReplyDeleteErica | Erica Robyn Reads
RIGHT?! I want to re-read it but now that I know what I am getting myself into I keep pushing it to the side because signing up to read it is signing up for heartbreak hahaha.
Delete