Top Ten Tuesday – Books People Tell Me I HAVE To Read (All The Time)

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Books People Tell Me I HAVE To Read (All The Time)

We all get book recommendations thrown at us from 100 different directions – Book Geeks love a book so much they have to share it with the world and push it on everyone they meet, we watch videos and read blogs and practically recommend books to ourselves regularly, we go to a book store and ask staff, our friends and family (if we’re lucky) might suggest a good book to add to the top of our never-ending pile, and so on. So, for this week’s post, I’m going to highlight the Top Ten Books People Tell Me I HAVE To Read:

anna and the french kiss cover1. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins.

I’ve never read a Stephanie Perkins book. There, I said it. I’m recommended her novels all the time (and I’m threatened with physical bodily harm if I don’t read them – Andi) . In the beginning, the old covers put me off, but then even the cover change gave me a real young-YA vibe, and I decided it wouldn’t be the end of my world if I never read them. The internet had different ideas. Only trouble now is that the Hype Monster is all over these, so I need to wait just a wee while for it to die down. But trust me, it’s on my TBR…

Recommended by: Andi @ Andi’s ABC’s, Stef @ Caught Read Handed, Brandie @ Brandie is a Book Junkie, and every blogger in existence, ever.

2. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell.

You could probably just consider any Rainbow Rowell novel for this one, as she’s another author I’ve yet to read, but E&P is definitely the one that is most often recommended to me. I own the eBook, so I’m halfway there. Unfortunately, another one the Hype Monster got to before I did, but I do plan to change the lack of Rowell in my life… at some point… in the near future.

Recommended by: Magan @ Rather Be Reading, Joy @ Joyous Reads and practically every blogger I know who has ever read this book.

If I Stay Cover3. If I Stay by Gayle Forman.

This was another book that I wasn’t dying to pick up, even though I know how much LOVE Jamie has for it, it just didn’t call to me. Then the love for this book picked up pace, then the movie was announced, and I found out more about the story-line, it intrigued me, then I decided I wanted to see the movie, so of course – I have to read the book first. There doesn’t seem to be just as much love for the companion novel, but I need to give this one a fair shot.

Recommended by: Jamie @ The Perpetual Page Turner, Brittany @ The Book Addict’s Guide and Candace @ Candace’s Book Blog.

Clockwork Angel Cover4.The Infernal Devices Series by Cassandra Clare.

I haven’t read a lot of Steampunk before, but considering how much I love The Mortal Instruments series, everyone keeps telling me to read The Infernal Devices, claiming that it’s better. I do own the trilogy (I bought it when I was in mourning after finishing CoHF), and I started the first book – it was enjoyable but I received book mail for 2/3 other books I’ve been dying to read, and for the first time in a long time, I haven’t been book monogamous this month! More about that in a later post…

Recommended by: Anyone and everyone who loves The Shadowhunter World.

The Raven Boys Cover5. The Raven Cycle Series by Maggie Stiefvater.

Before blogging, I read and enjoyed The Wolves of Mercy Falls series (though I still have to get my hands on Sinner…), and again, Maggie fans are telling me that The Raven Cycle series is her better work of the two. I definitely liked The Wolves of Mercy Falls, so that can only mean good things for this series.

Recommended by: Cait @ Notebook Sisters, Leah @ Uncorked Thoughts and Kate @ Ex Libris Kate.

Opposition Cover6. “Anything” by Jennifer L Armentrout.

Including: The Lux Series, The Dark Elements Series, The Wait For You Series and Don’t Look Back. J L Armentrout seems to be the flavour of the moment, along with my girls C Hoover, and J McGuire. The difference is, I haven’t read anything by Armentrout. I’m not sure I know where to start, and again, that pesky Hype Monster just gets in my way with all these recs!

Recommended by: Soo many people seem to love Armentrout, I can’t remember individual recs anymore, but it has been lots of you!

Throne of Glass Cover7. Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J Maas.

This hit my radar at the start of the year, and I’m really intrigued by the minor spoilers and high reviews I’ve seen all over the web. I’m usually not a massive Fantasy fan, but I’d like to read more of the genre, and Throne of Glass seemed to be the way to go. The third book has just been released/is due for release, and right when I was going to buy all three to binge them, I find out this isn’t going to be a trilogy but a longer series. That’s not OK, people. So now, I guess I have to wait 10 years.

Recommended by: So many bloggers and YouTubers, it’s kind-of cray cray.

We Were Liars Cover8. We Were Liars by E Lockhart.

I’ve seen all of the amazing reviews, and thankfully everyone has done the, “it’s best if you go into this book not knowing anything about it, so all I’ll say is wow!” review. Which is really nice of everyone! I got this as an eBook on offer for 99p (who could possibly say no to that?!) and I’m really looking forward to picking it up. Apparently it’s quite a quick read too.

Recommended by: All of the interwebs users. All. Of. Them.

Forbidden Cover9. Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma.

This book wasn’t even on my radar, I had no idea what it was about, I was blissully unaware of its existence, and I was perfectly happy that way. Slowly, I began to hear stellar reviews, so that got my attention. I know it has a pretty “dark” theme going through it, but I also know that it seems to be handled super well. It sounds like this book could be right up my street, and I should probably get my hands on it sooner rather than later.

Recommended by: Charnell @ Reviews from a Bookworm and tons of others I can’t remember!

10. The Chaos Walking Series by Patrick Ness.

Anything by Patrick Ness seems to get good reviews, but out of all of his books this is the series that “calls” to me the most. I’ve debated it for so long and I’ve even found a deal for the three books for £6.99 on The Book People, so I might just bite the bullet when I’m placing my order for the last book in The Cousins’ War series… Just holding out for a discount code!

Recommended by: Asti @ Oh, The Books!, Daniela @ Only Books and Horses, Joey @ Thoughts and Afterthoughts and Rinn @ Rinn Reads.

Have Your Say:

Last week’s TTT poll can be found here. The Help was in the lead for a time, but the winner of the poll is The Perks of Being a Wallflower, so I’ll be reading and reviewing that soon!

Has your favourite book made my list of recommended reads this week? Do you think I’ll really enjoy one of the books mentioned and should pick it up sooner rather than later?

Let me know by voting in the poll below! You can pick your top 3 from my list, and voting is open for one week. I’ll read and review the book that comes out on-top in the month of September – so get voting!

About Rachel

Avid reader & #bookblogger. Lover of all things business. A fan of drinks & dancing. Ever optimistic. Feminist.

70 Responses

  1. thebookheap

    TBH I was very, very disappointed with Anna and the french kiss. Meh. if I stay, however, is lovely! and the knife of never letting go is intense- although tricky to get into at first because of the narrative

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  2. Brandie

    You must read Anna!! And E&P!! Lol. Peer pressure. Seriously, I just finished Isla last night. I thought Anna was forever my favorite ya – Isla just surpassed it. So, I definitely think you should try Anna and the whole series. 😉

    You do need some Rowell in your life!

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      1. Brandie

        I can’t wait for your review – hurry!! Lol. I’m starting to think I’m gonna cave and read Throne of Glass even though all the books aren’t out yet. Which will probably just tick me off so talk me out of it. Lol

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  3. Anna and the French Kiss — I really enjoyed this one. It made me swoon and laugh in all the right places, though it’s literally been years since I’ve read it. xD

    Eleanor and Park — I actually have a copy of this! Haven’t read anything by Rainbow Rowell yet. Have heard good things about this one.

    If I Stay — I guess I enjoyed this one? But I personally didn’t find it very emotional, and was quite dull in places. Admittedly, the only reason I read it was because I knew there was an upcoming adaptation.

    The Infernal Devices Series — You know, I never finished the last in this series. From memory I enjoyed reading the first two but my interest for them kinda just faded.

    The Raven Cycle Series — Yep, this one’s on my list, too.

    “Anything” by Jennifer L Armentrout — I really enjoyed Lux, though there were parts of it that were very Twilight-esque

    Throne of Glass — YES YES YES YOU MUST READ THIS. I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT.

    We Were Liars — On my list, too. Sooo much hype surrounding this novel.

    Forbidden — I would like to read this one, eventually, because I too have seen the amazing reviews, but I’m rather unsure about it. xD

    The Chaos Walking Series — I haven’t read anything by Patrick Ness yet, though I have borrowed More Than This from the library. Not sure this series really appeals to me, but if you decide to read this one, I’d love to hear your thoughts on it. 🙂

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  4. I just started reading Throne of Glass, and it’s so good! Ooh and I highly recommend Forbidden! The subject matter is quite icky, but I thought it was so well done. I’ve had better luck with Jennifer L. Armentrout’s YA books, rather than her NA titles, and I loved the first four books in the Lux series. I haven’t read any of Stephanie Perkins or Rainbow Rowell’s books either, but I definitely plan to at some stage. I really want to read The Raven Boy’s series, and We Were Liars! Awesome list, Rachel!

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  5. Carol

    I wasn’t a big fantasy fan before I picked up Throne of Glass but since finishing it’s all I want to read! You’ve got some great books on this list!

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  6. I love your poll idea 🙂 I’d vouch for most of the books on that list! I haven’t read any Rainbow Rowell books yet though, she made my list this week.

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  7. I think every time you’ve brought up The Knife of Never Letting Go, I’ve always recommended it. But have I told you about my love for The Raven Boys because I gotta say, I’m equally enthusiastic about the series…maybe even more so. The former series is very much story-driven, the latter is character-driven. Just read them both.
    My TTT

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  8. Elen @ A World of Reviews

    The Raven Boys is really awesome, and the series is definitely even better than The Wolves of Mercy Falls! The Infernal Devices is also great and Throne of Glass is a really fun fantasy read.

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  9. There are so many books on your list which I either love or have had so many good things about they are littering my shelves waiting to be read. I do think if you are to read any book on your list then it should be Throne of Glass. I know the series isn’t to everyones liking and I do understand why, but I loved that book (or actually, I loved the second book more) but I adored the series in general and encourage everyone I know to read it.

    On the contemporary front, though, Id I stay, Eleanor & Park and Anna & the French Kiss. All good books. I didn’t love E&P as much as the blogosphere in general, but I fear the hype got to me on that one. Same with Anna, I think hype may have ruined the book a bit for me. If I Stay, though, that was such a good book. It gets to you in all the best ways, so if you want to a good contemporary read I would so recommend.

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      1. I’m with you on the series business. I do get fed up of committing to a series then having to wait ages for the next book. It’s part of the reason I bailed halfway through book three in Game Of Thrones, I can’t be waiting for George RR Martin to get around to writing another book where he kills half the characters and leaves stories hanging all over the place.

        And I also get the hype things, it’s why I keep put of reading stuff because hype is continually books which I’m sure are perfectly awesome reads. I think it’s why I’ve started to ignore reviews for books I want to read and waiting until I’ve read them before I finish them, so I don’t get everyone elses opinion stuck in my head.

        I understand, you must wait fr the poll to guide you in your book choices, which is actually kind of genius. Takes the hassle out of trying to decide what to read next, good idea.

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  10. Ooo, I definitely recommed trying Anna and the French Kiss and Eleanor & Park! I love those books like crazy. I love JLA, too, but I don’t think she is for everyone. I haven’t read Throne of Glass, either. It’s not really calling to me. Nor is If I Stay. I think If I Stay will be way tooo emotional. I’m not sure I can handle it at this point in my life.

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  11. I was put off by the cover of Anna and the French Kiss at first too. In fact, I might never have read it had my bestest book buddy (who recommended the bulk of my list) not bought it for my birthday one year. She actually recommended Forbidden many times too, so I’ll have to put that on the mental list. I hope you enjoy whichever book is chosen – I love the poll idea!

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  12. Andi threatens bodily harm to anyone who resists Perkins long enough 😛 I haven’t read E&P yet either; only Fangirl, and I loved that one. But I know it’s supposed to be really sad at the end! I haven’t read the Wolves of Mercy Falls series from Steifvater, but The Raven Boys is amazing, and The Dream Thieves is even better.

    Throne of Glass is seriously my favorite series ever; right up there with Harry Potter! I can’t even put into words how amazing it is ❤

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  13. Anna!! Yay! Also, I can’t wait to see what you think of Perks. I hope you love it. I hope that it seeps into your skin and changes you like it did me. Ehmm. Okay, I’ll calm down a little. Haha. Looking forward to your review!

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  14. You have some amazing books to look forward to! I am pretty crazy about JLA myself, and I am obsessed with the Lux series. Katy and Daemon are like OTP of all OTPs lol. I heart them so much. Don’t expect great worldbuilding, but her stories and romances are addicting. 🙂 If I Stay (ADAM <33), Anna, and E&P are favorites of mine as well.

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  15. I loved Anna and the French Kiss. I would recommend that to anyone and everyone. We Were Liars wasn’t as WOW for me as everyone else. It was really well written… but it felt short and like it was missing something. Also I missed the usual E. Lockhart sassy main characters she usually has. I need to read something Patrick Ness. Like badly. Also skip Obsidian and read something else JLA. Unless you love Twilight, then totally read Obsidian 🙂

    Thanks for stopping by My TTT

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  16. Cait

    Well I definitely had to vote for The Raven Cycle. OMG THAT SERIES THOUGH. And if you love Shiver, then I’m like 97.6% sure you’ll like The raven Cycle too. But I’ll also add that Throne of Glass is beyond amazing. I’m sooo struck by feels every time I read a book. And by “struck”, I mean the-series-stomps-on-my-heart-and-then-laughs-at-my-pain. It’s really good. You should try it.

    I’ve been meaning to read If I Stay, too! Mostly because there’s a cellist, and also because: MOVIE. I also want to read Cassandra Clare’s clockwork series, buuuut…I love Jace. And I’m also not so fond of steampunk, but EVERYONE literally says I’ll love it if I like TMI. So, I’d better try it eventually, right?!

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  17. ToG is AMAZING. I resisted it a little while myself but then gave in out of boredom and devoured it all so fast! I cannot wait for more books in the series, 2 more weeks! 😀 \o/
    Ness is great as well. I read only the first book but it’s very unique and would recommend it.
    Out of all the others, Cass’ series wasn’t bad but I’ve read better. The ending to the trilogy was pretty shitty and I think I won’t read her anymore.
    Happy reading!

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  18. My vote definitely goes to Throne of Glass, We Were Liars and Forbidden. YOU HAVE TO READ THOSE BOOKS! HAVE TO!!! YOU HAVE TO, HAVE TO, HAVE TO!!!! 🙂 Haha.

    I really did enjoy If I Stay, but I read it before there was even a little bit of a hype surrounding it. I saw it in Sainsburys for £1 and thought the blurb sounded unique and intriguing. I bought it thinking that if I hated it then it only cost me £1. It was actually really brilliant, loved it.

    Also, to the question above… Throne of Glass is going to be 6 books long. And it’s going to be EPIC!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂

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  19. I’ve read Anna, If I Stay, Clockwork Angel, Throne of Glass, and The Knife of Never Letting Go and each of those was at least a 4 Star read for me so yes I would also definitely recommend those books! Especially the Chaos Walking series – it’s brilliant!

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  20. Eleanor & Park was excellent, but I really wasn’t that impressed with Anna and the French Kiss or We Were Liars. WWL was suspenseful, but at the end of the day I didn’t care too much for the revelation or the character. Anna just turned me off because of the messy relationships. I know it’s realistic, but it makes it hard to root for who you’re supposed to root for. There are a bunch here I haven’t read yet but keep meaning to!

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  21. […] just can’t even cope with this book right now! You guys picked this for me in my Top Ten Tuesday – Books People Tell Me I HAVE To Read poll, and you were all SO RIGHT! I don’t read a lot of fantasy, so I was hesitant to try […]

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  22. […] just can’t even cope with this book right now! You guys picked this for me in my Top Ten Tuesday – Books People Tell Me I HAVE To Read poll, and you were all SO RIGHT! I don’t read a lot of fantasy, so I was hesitant to try […]

    Like

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