Tuesday 6 August 2013

Top Ten Books I Wish Had Sequels


I don’t know that I actually want sequels to any of these books, coz I’m a big fan of standalones these days. But there are some books that have left me wanting more, with characters that stay with me well after I’ve finished reading…

-Liar by Justine Larbalestier. This was a mindscrew of a book and I just want to know the TRUTH. But Larbalestier has said even she doesn’t know, plus I think a big reveal would undermine the power of the story somewhat. But on the other hand CLOSURE.

-Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson. This was an adorable, heartfelt roadtrip book that made me happy sigh when I finished it. I loved the characters and would like to read more about them, although I felt satisfied with the story told in this one.

-The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Mary grew up to marry Dickon and have lots of forest animals and babies and a beautiful big garden and she definitely didn’t marry her broody cousin Colin and Dickon definitely didn’t die. The end.

-Between the Lives by Jessica Shirvington. Although I loved how this one ends, it definitely left me wanting MOAR.

-The Princess Bride by William Goldman. I’d love to see Buttercup’s Baby, Goldman’s joke sequel chapter, actually happen. I have to know what happens to Fezzik. Namely how he gets saved because HE CAN’T DIE.

-North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. It would be awesome to see the wedding and Margaret settling into life as Mrs Thornton. And the actual reaction of the elder Mrs Thornton. And maybe the wedding night… you know, the feast and stuff. Yeah.

-Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. OK, so technically this does have a sequel in Lola and the Boy Next Door, but another story focused on Anna and Etienne would be great. I love those two.

-Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley. I'm keen to spend another night with these characters. Perhaps a year after the events in the original.

-Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta. I’d love to see Josie as an adult. I related to her so much as a teen, I wonder if I’d still relate to her as a (not quite) grown-up. I like to think she achieved her dreams. And made it work with Jacob Coote.

-This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers. This is another book where really, I just want to know what happens on the page after the last one. It had quite an ambiguous ending, and I like CLOSURE. But as with Liar, I think if I actually got it, the book wouldn’t be nearly so powerful.

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

21 comments:

  1. YES YES YES and 100 times YES to The Princess Bride. I'll take the sequel in book and/or movie form. I'm not picky!

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    1. I don't think I could watch a sequel coz it wouldn't have the original cast.

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  2. Oooo Anna and the French Kiss is a good pick! I totally want more Anna and Etienne.

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    1. My fave YA couple... well, one of them.

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  3. I know what you mean about Anna and the French Kiss. I'd add Sunshine by Robin McKinley to that list.

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    1. I haven't read that one! Will have to check it out.

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  4. I agree, standalones are great, and I don't think everything needs a sequel.

    And yes to your vision of The Secret Garden!

    Here's my TTT.

    Sarah

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    1. I am really over everything being turned into a series!

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  5. Belle, I'm a new follower via GFC.

    I really love your book list, I absolutely LOVED Between The Lives by Jessica Shirvington and that's also on my list this week :)

    My TTT

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  6. Yes! Anna and the French kiss and Amy & Roger! I could read another story about all of the characters!

    Great list!
    - Tabitha @ Tabitha's Book Blog

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  7. I would love to see Etienne and Anna be center stage again...I'm hoping we see more of them in Isla than we did in Lola. The Secret Garden is a great answer...can't believe it I didn't think of it. Princess Bride would be awesome too. Great list!

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    1. I'm hoping they're in Isla more too. I can't wait for that book.

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  8. I would love a SG sequeal too. Good call.

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  9. I'm pretty sure someone wrote a sequel to the Secret Garden in which lots of sex is involved. It might be called Return to the Garden? I definitely do not want to read it!

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    1. Ha. I should probably avoid it. Sounds like bad fanfiction!

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  10. (Huh, comments went off the half an hour or so... strange)
    FANTASTIC list, Belle! I love your summary of The Secret Garden and oh, I NEED MOREE PRINCESS BRIDE. PLEASE. I'm sure there's a hidden sequel somewhere...

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    1. Thanks Romi! Have you read the chapter of Buttercup's Baby? It was in some of the anniversary editions of TBP as a bonus. I'd love to see it complete.

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    2. Yes, it was in my copy! I loved it, but didn't know that it was never completed, in one form or another. ): At least we have that much, though.

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