If you've read any reviews on this blog or any of my top ten lists, then you probably already know some of the books I'm going to list here. I'm honestly not someone who "recommends" books to others. I find reading is so personal that what I like is often not for others and those who read my reviews on my blog are usually either already looking for the genres I prefer or are open to anything.
But I will list the ones I'd recommend if someone asked me, "What should I read?" Some are non-fiction, some serious fiction, and some are for pure enjoyment. Hopefully you find one you'd like to try and be sure to share some of yours with me in the comments. Happy Top Ten Tuesday (hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl) and happy reading!
1. William Monk Mysteries by Anne Perry- my favorite Victorian mystery series. Perry passed away last month and now her books will be even more special. I had hoped there would be more but sadly the series has come to an end.
2. Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon- everyone's favorite Scottish based series about time traveling Claire and her husband Jamie Fraser.
3. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis- the timeless classic case for Christ by an exceptionally wise man.
4. Nicholas and Alexandra by Robert K. Massie- the most thorough, engaging story of the last Tsar and Tsarina of Russia that I've read. I learned so much about the causes and outcome of the Russian Revolution.
5. Shattered Crowns series by Christina Croft- a great narrative way to learn about the beginnings and subsequent political intrigues surrounding World War I. It centers around all the major aristocratic players and family drama of those involved.
6. Queens of England series by Jean Plaidy- simple yet informative, Plaidy covers the major queens from Eleanor of Aquitaine to Elizabeth Tudor.
7. Plantagenet series by Sharon Kay Penman- the best historical fiction series covering the Anarchy period to the death of Richard the Lionheart.
8. Cadfael Chronicles by Ellis Peters- starring everyone's favorite crime solving medieval Monk, Brother Cadfael.....each one is unique and intricate with some history thrown in.
9. Animal Farm by George Orwell- I feel everyone should read this satirical take on the dangers of Communism. It is a timeless classic about human nature and the dangers of following the wrong ideas.
10. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer- I included this one because it has always stuck with me through the years....a young man embarks on a journey of self discovery and finds himself in over his head. His story is heartbreaking and you can't help but feel it all right along with him.
Animal Farm was such a good read.
ReplyDeleteMy post: https://lydiaschoch.com/top-ten-tuesday-books-ive-recently-recommended-to-others/
I think it is such a timeless book. Lots of lessons :)
DeleteI always planned to read #2, but it overwhelms me by the sheer size of it.
ReplyDeleteI felt that way the first time I read it. It took me about six months! But then I was hooked and couldn't read the rest fast enough.
DeleteOutlander was a fantastic read!
ReplyDeleteOne of my top five favorite novels of all time for sure!
DeleteThe Plantagenet series sounds like something I would like. I must check it out. Happy reading! My TTT https://readwithstefani.com/books-i-recommend-to-others-the-most/
ReplyDeleteI am still working my way through the last two novels. They are so dense but so good. I need time to really think when I'm reading them.
DeleteI haven't read anything from your list!
ReplyDeleteMy TTT: https://laurieisreading.com/2023/05/09/top-ten-tuesday-books-i-recommend-to-others-the-most/
I will check yours out too Laurie! I am glad I had some new ones on there for you!
DeleteI love Gabaldon and Penman and I enjoyed Animal Farm and the first Cadfael book too - I really need to continue with that series! I'll have to try some of your other recommendations.
ReplyDeleteThanks Helen....I can't help but keep listing my favorites and hopefully they're new to someone!
DeleteWe have a lot of favorites in common! I love the Monk and Outlander series and I'm excited to see that someone loves Animal Farm and Into the Wild as much as I do. The Croft series sounds great, I'll look that up.
ReplyDeleteI love to see others who share my favorites in common! Thanks for sharing :)
DeleteINTO THE WILD is such a sad, depressing book! I prefer INTO THIN AIR. It's the first book I ever read about mountain climbing/Mount Everest and I found it absolutely fascinating. I still don't get what makes people want to do something so extreme, but wow, it's a riveting book!
ReplyDeleteHappy TTT (on a Wednesday)!
Yes it really is a sad story. I have heard of Into Thin Air. Will have to check it out. Thanks Susan!
DeleteI love the TV series of Outlander but the size of the books has always intimidated me!
ReplyDeleteMy TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2023/05/09/top-ten-tuesday-419/
It is long but if you get hooked you won't be able to quit reading them. I've read the whole series twice and the first three books three times. I never ever thought that would happen but they are that good!
DeleteI picked up A King's Ransom by Penman 2nd hand as I'd heard good things about her writing. Would you recommend reading the Plantagenet series in order or would this one work as a standalone?
ReplyDeleteIf you have the time to read them in order I would. If not, then at least read Lionheart before A King's Ransom as that is the first book entirely focused on Richard I. Probably if you know the backstory already you'd be fine but if not that is what I would do. I have A King's Ransom on my TBR for this year for sure! I'm so sorry Penman has passed...she was such an amazing writer!
DeleteThanks, Shellie. I'll see if I can find Lionheart. I like the sound of the Anne Perry books, too. I just checked my library but they don't have the first couple of books in that series. 😢
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