Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together
Happy Tuesday y’all! It has been SO long since I’ve done a TTT post, and I’ve missed getting to visit everyone. I actually had to look it up to see when I posted last….June 😳 One of my goals for next year is staying up to date on the blog and that includes posting more frequently so I hope to see everyone around. But I digress….today’s topic is “Books I Hope Santa Brings/Bookish Wishes.” I’m going to twist this topic just a bit (when have I ever NOT done that 😂). I have all the books I want and then some, so I’m going to share with you a few books that every one should have under their tree. And for you procrastinators that are looking for something to buy the book lover in your family, I’ve got your back 😉
For Every Book Lover
A book to collect all your thoughts about books is exactly what every book lover needs. Pictured is the Always Fully Booked planner from Little Inklings Design. Unfortunately this one is sold out, but there are some book journals and comparable ones on Amazon. I’ll link below. This planner is a full year with space for personal and bookish thoughts. Because it is geared towards book lovers, there are reading challenges, space to log reviews, and even track favorite quotes throughout the year (and that’s just to name a few). This is my first year owning an AFB planner, but I do have review journals that I use and love so I cannot wait to begin using this one.
A few reading journals I found on Amazon (the first was a gift from my parents last year and I loved it!):
For the Voracious Reader
Does your reader never have enough books? A monthly book subscription may just be the best present (I know I’d love it!). I’m currently a member of Book of the Month which I love. It’s rather inexpensive with five books to choose among each month. But it isn’t the only one. Another option for those that maybe don’t have the space for books is Kindle Unlimited. It is a huge catalog of kindle books, up to 20 out at a time.
There are MANY book subscriptions out there for every kind of reader from kids (Literati club is fantastic, we do this for my son and get it quarterly) to adults and everything in between. There are genre specific subscriptions, and some that are filled with bookish goodies. My Subscription Addict complied a list of her favorites from this year: https://www.mysubscriptionaddiction.com/best-subscription-boxes/best-book-boxes Personally, I’m on a waitlist for Fairy Loot…I’m drawn to those pretties 😀
Fantasy Lover
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas is a new book set in the same world as A Court of Thorns and Roses centering on Nesta and Cassian. This is firmly in the adult fantasy romance category, and one I highly recommend.
House of Eclipses by Casey L. Bond is from one of my (new to me) favorite indie authors. I read her book Things that Should Stay Buried last year and have since tried to devour her backlist 😀 This one is a YA fantasy unlike any I’ve ever read. The mythology and world building alone make it a must-read.
Of Glass and Ashes by Elle Madison & Robin D. Mahle is another of my favorite indie author duos. This particular book is the third in their Twisted pages series. The first two books center around the eldest sister, while this one starts a new story in the same world featuring the middle sister. This is a twisted version of Cinderella and wonderfully done. I cannot wait to its conclusion in the new year.
Forestborn by Elayne Audrey Becker is one of my favorite books of the year. I devoured this one in almost one sitting. The magical system and world that Becker creates is immersive and vividly stunning. I highly recommend this one!
Sci-Fi Lovers
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir: this was my first time reading Weir, and I have every intention of diving into his backlist soon. This book was so good. I read it as a part of #COYER book club, and the few who attended who don’t read sci-fi even enjoyed it. The humor and unknown elements drive the story. I highly recommend it.
Aurora’s End by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff: this is a series finale for one of my favorite series and from one of my favorite author duos. This book took my breath away and left me reeling. The best way I know to describe the series is that if Star Wars and Star Trek had a baby and that baby joined with the Firefly crew, this is the result. Humor, resilience, and so much more make this a great book. Recommend for older teens and adults who like YA.
The Other Side of the Sky by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner: this one technically came out towards the end of 2020, but with all that 2020 gave us I think it didn’t get the recognition it deserved. This series is sci-fantasy and just perfect. Told in alternating POV, you have two people who used to be one and now they have two separate cultures and histories. It is interesting to read and I love when the cultures clash and collide with our two main characters. Recommend for 13+
Romance Lover
Decisions We Make After Midnight by Rachel Higginson: This is from a new favorite indie author. I’ve read her fantasy and sci-if, but this year I delved into her romance books. Y’all! This one broke me and put me back together by the end. Highly recommend it!
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry: I buddy read this one during our Summer of Love event. We all enjoyed it. I’m a sucker for the friends-to-lovers trope anyways so it was no surprise I loved it. But not only is it friends-to-lovers it is told in an alternating past to present as well. I love the alternating time line, finding things out about the characters’ past and learning how it affects them in the present.
To Sir, With Love by Lauren Layne: this is one of my top reads this year. It’s a new take on You’ve Got Mail, updating it to today’s world with texts and dating apps. I found myself smiling through 99% of the book and just a giant goofy grin on my face by the end. It is pure fluff and a guaranteed HEA.
The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary is another alternating time lines kind of book, and it all takes place while on the road, cramped into a compact car with your best friend/sister and your ex on the way to mutual friend’s wedding. This sounds like a fluffy rom-com, and that is what I was expecting going into it. However, it digs deep into first love, heartbreak, depression and its effects on the people around you, and healing. I laughed, I cried, I ugly cried, and laughed some more. Be sure to give this one to your reader with tissues available 😉
Your Turn! What last minute gifts/books do you recommend for book lovers? Share below
A BOTM club subscription is a great idea! It’s something I would never get for myself but would love to have. I’ll keep that in mind for my favorite booklovers for next year (I’m done shopping for this one).
Happy TTT!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
It’s fantastic. My husband got it for me last year during the lockdown. I love seeing what books will be available each month. I’ve only skipped a month once 😂
Great recommendations!! I always plan to get one of her planners but by the time I remember they are sold out! lol
Leslie @ Books Are The New Black recently posted…T.T.T. Book Wish List!!
This is my first year with one. A friend of mine shared it with me when they went on sale. I’m so excited to start using it. It really is worth the extra money.
I actually have Kindle Unlimited and do not take advantage of it as I should. I hope to do better in 2022. I have The Road Trip on my list to read and I’m glad it is such a great read. Thanks for the suggestions! Merry Christmas and happy reading!
Cindy Davis recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday-Books I wish Santa would bring me
I’m always a big proponent of the gift card, that way the recipient gets to choose something they really love and gets the gift of book shopping, which is almost as much fun as reading itself!
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