Top Ten: Books I've Read Since I Began Blogging

Image by Denisa Kadlecova

1. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. This was one of the first books I read after I began blogging, and it completely blew me away. I gave it four stars at the time, I think because - although I thought it was amazing - it was such an uncomfortable read and made me feel ALL THE FEELINGS, so I knew I wouldn't revisit it very often (which is how I generally know a book is five stars for me - I want to reread it immediately). I kind of regret not giving it five stars. It definitely left a big impression.

2. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I tried to read this twice before I started blogging, and gave up each time. I just couldn't get into it. When I picked it up for the third time, after creating my blog, I pushed through and ended up absolutely loving it. Perseverance wins!

3. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. The whole The Hunger Games trilogy really belongs in this spot, as I read them all together in one blur. But Catching Fire was definitely my favourite in the series.

4. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. I probably never would have read this book if I hadn't started blogging. I'm one of those awful people who judge books by covers, and this cover is pretty terrible. Then I read a whole heap of gushing reviews on blogs I respected and my curiosity got the better of me. I'm glad it did, because this is now one of my favourite books. It's just so fun.

5. The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle. I grew up watching the movie, and finally read the book as an adult. It took my breath away with its vivid imagery, lovely language, memorable characters and magical story.

6. Beauty Queens by Libba Bray. This is another one I would never have read if it wasn't for blogging and reading the rave reviews from my fellow bloggers. I wasn't really familiar with Bray's work prior to this so I didn't know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a colourful, witty and intelligent story that I absolutely fell in love with.

7. I Came To Say Goodbye by Caroline Overington. This is a beautiful, haunting tale about family, the foster care system, mental illness, feminism, domestic abuse - but most of all, love. It's amazing.

8. The Weight of Water by Sarah Crossan. This was such a surprise for me because I didn't think I enjoyed verse novels, but after glancing at the first couple of pages of The Weight of Water I was completely hooked and couldn't put it down. It totally changed my opinion on verse novels.

9. On the Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta. 'Nuff said, really.

10. Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey. I read this pretty recently but I'm already a hardcore fangirl. Everyone should read it. I would say my adoration for this book is almost on par with my love for The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak. Almost.

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and The Bookish.