Pages

Monday, August 20, 2018

Top Ten Books To Pull You Out Of A Reading Slump

  

 Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by 
That Artsy Reader Girl. Each week a new Top Ten list will be posted. Everyone is welcome to join. Link back to The Broke and the Bookish so everyone can check out other bloggers' lists. It's a fun way to get to know fellow bloggers.

This week is Top Ten Books To Pull You Out Of A Reading Slump. This can be tough- I mean, how do you ever know which books will do the trick- but I'll give it a shot. In a lot of ways this is almost like which books would I want to re- read, since I might have to turn to old favorites to beat the slump? Well here's what came to mind.      


Big Little Lies

This is probably one that I might turn to- I find this book so readable, and if I was slumping hard this might do the trick! 

Eight Hundred Grapes

I've been meaning to give this a re-read anyway, so a slump would just be an excuse to do so. 

The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet (Wayfarers, #1) 

Same here. 

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, #1)

This might seem like an odd choice since I've never actually finished this book, but the offbeat humor might be just what I'm needing!

Rogue Protocol (The Murderbot Diaries, #3)

Or maybe a dose of Murderbot is called for. 

The Blue

Another one I'll probably re- read at some point- so why not during a slump? 

Emilie and the Hollow World (Emilie, #1)

Another Martha Wells pick, this one more of a YA- but it's fun with a really cool mer-culture. 

Heir to the Jedi (Star Wars)

Maybe my favorite Star Wars? 

The Shark Club

This seems to find its way on all my lists but I just think it has a lot to say- and the combination of relationship plus marine conservation is a winner for me. 

Planet of Exile

One of my favorites- I never tire of this one. 

85 comments:

  1. I find myself repeating books on my lists too. But when you find a favorite - whether it's a genre or author, you like to share them. A lot. :D Thanks so much for visiting Finding Wonderland, Greg.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Rissi. So true- I do find myself repeating certain favorites fairly often. :)

      Delete
  2. I second the Long Way. That one is amazing to just settle into and forget everything else.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree- so relaxing to just sit back and immerse in that world!

      Delete
  3. I watched the HBO mini-series adaptation of Big Little Lies and I so adored it. This just reminded me that I have to also check out the book.

    I've been wanting to read any Ursula LeGuin books and your fave might be a good starting point for me. :)

    Jennilyn @ Rurouni Jenni Reads

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The book is awesome! I loved the mini series though.

      Planet of Exile is very short- a novella by today's standards? And it's kind of a space fantasy- I don't think as sophisticated as some of her later works, but it's a guilt pleasure for me. :)

      Delete
  4. I've been meaning to read Big Little Lies for a while now since I watched the series. I am happy to see you have so many awesome books to help you out of slumps!

    Amber ♥ The Book Bratz
    My TTT

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Amber! Big Little Lies is awesome!

      Delete
  5. Great list! I'm due for a re-read of The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet as well and I really need to get to the Murderbot novellas - I've heard nothing but good things so far!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jess! I will definitely re- read The Long Way at some point- so much there to revisit!

      Delete
  6. I didn't do the topic this week because it would just be a re-hash of my favourite books! I'm going to be reading the third Murderbot book in the next few weeks which is exciting!

    ReplyDelete
  7. You've got some fabulous recommendations here, Greg! Big Little Lies is such a great book. My TTT

    ReplyDelete
  8. I agree old favorites are great slump busters. BLL is the best!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is! An old fave will sometimes break that ole slump!

      Delete
  9. Nice picks! Those are all new to me reads!

    Here's my Tuesday Post

    Have a GREAT day!

    Old Follower :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Emlie and the Hollow World looks good! And I hear you, when it comes to slumps, I think the book that's going to pull me out of it depends on what my mood is like.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Emilie and the Hollow World was pretty good!

      Delete
  11. I have to give All Systems Red a go soon. I didn't realize Martha Wells also wrote YA- Emilie & the Hollow World looks like an awesome read, too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh please do! Would love to see what u think.

      Delete
  12. I just recently binge watched all 7 episodes of Big Little Lies, so I am confident I can turn to the book in the future when I get into a reading slump! Re-reading favourites seems like a foolproof solution to a slump, since you already know it's gonna be good!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly! And BLL was SOOO good- both the show and the book. I loved what Reese and HBO did with that- and the book is awesome, but set in Australia so it's just different enough!

      Delete
  13. I am always impressed when anyone rereads a book. I just can’t do it. I slap it shut...or more likely archive it and race to the next one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha ha well me too nowadays- I don't re- read nearly as much as I did pre- blogging.

      Delete
  14. I have yet to read Big Little Lies and I haven't watched the show it's based on. I've heard great things about it though :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The show is amazing and the book is even better!!!

      Delete
  15. Great list, there are a couple on here that I've added to my list because you talk about them all the time, lol. The Shark Club and Murderbot for sure!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Shark Club just goes on every week's list lol. And Murderbot practically too!

      Delete
  16. Yes to Big Little Lies!!! The snarky humor in that one is what I need sometimes.

    ReplyDelete
  17. A re-read of one of your favs is a good idea for a reading slump. That's what I did a couple of weeks ago when I couldn't find an audio book that hit the spot. I kept starting and saying "ugh" and moving on. I bet that Star Wars is good! Kevin Hearne is a fantastic writer! Love his Iron Druid Chronicles! Great post, Greg! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Rachel! I was impressed w/ Hearne's Star Wars! And I agree- sometimes a re- read is just what ya need.

      Delete
  18. I'm still curious about Big Little Lies - I haven't read it OR seen the show, as I don't have HBO. I also really need to read these Murderbot books!

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Murderbot books are great, and I say read Big Little Lies the book first- then if you ever get a chance to see the show it will mean so much more!

      Delete
  19. Reading Becky Chambers' latest book has really made me want to reread the entire trilogy! Which is an odd feeling because I /never/ reread books but they are just so good

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't re- read much (anymore) but I know I'll re- read the Long Way- I love that book!

      Delete
  20. These are all new to me... but it's funny, my dd has been in the hospital this past week (she gets out today) and I brought her one of my ARCs to read. She said the only non-children's book they had there was The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and that her friend was reading it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Interesting! Do you know I've never read it (well maybe a quarter of it, then gave up) but I am going to retry at some point! And best of luck to her, I hope all is well!

      Delete
  21. I always love these lists. They really are a great way to find some great reads! Thanks for sharing these!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Big Little Lies is definitely a perfect slumpbuster!

    ReplyDelete
  23. yaya I'm so happy to see Big Little Lies here That was the book that had me reading and blogging again after the huge bloggedon of the fall of 2016.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's a good one to break the blogeddon I would imagine. :)

      Delete
  24. I really need to read the Murderbot series. I keep seeing them everywhere and I hear such great things about them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well the third one just came out- I hope you get a chance!

      Delete
  25. I haven't had a reading slump in awhile, but I'll keep these in mind! Big Little Lies is on my list and so is Eight Hundred Grapes. I have the first book in the Murderbot series, but haven't gotten around to reading it.

    Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. All three are excellent- I hope you enjoy!!

      Delete
  26. Great choices! I really enjoyed Big Little Lies! Still need to read Murderbot and The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet, looking forward to do so soon!

    ReplyDelete
  27. When I'm in a reading slump. I'm. In. A. Slump. I need to just take time off and novellas help me. Something quick but not overwhelming usually pulls me back in.

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yup, novellas or graphic novels... or Netflix lolol.

      Delete
  28. Big Little Lies would definitely help get out of a slump! It has the mystery, it has the (dark) comedy, it has the intriguing characters, it has it all! (plus a tv adaptation for when the reading slump is REALLY bad, haha :) )

    ReplyDelete
  29. I am ashamed to say that I have "the long way to ..." on my shelf and did not read it yet!!! Sophie @bewareofthereader

    ReplyDelete
  30. I think re-reading your favorites in a slump is the best way to get out of it.

    I haven't read any of the books on your list but I'm interested in murderbot, I read such great things about that series.

    have a lovely day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think so too. The Murderbot books really are lots of fun...

      Delete
  31. If you like audiobooks at all, let me recommend THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE in that format. It is double hilarious and I know you would want to finish it. My TTT list

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You know, audio may be how I should go with that! I tend to get distracted w/ audio, but with that one being so wacky and humorous it might hold my attention better!

      Delete
  32. Aha! I knew I'd find The Shark Club here!

    ReplyDelete
  33. I keep meaning to read Hitchhiker's Guide! I definitely read part of it once upon a time but I don't think I finished it for reasons I can't remember (exams, maybe? Library due dates?)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I did too- started it but didn't finish. Soon!!

      Delete
  34. I bought Eight Hundred Grapes because of you. One day I’ll get to it.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Old favorites are always the way to go. I almost always reach for a reread when I'm in a slump. Happy reading!

    ReplyDelete
  36. It is a little weird that you included Hitchhikers if you have never finished it 😂😂 that would put most people into slumps instead of getting them out of ones, but it is a really good book! And you are right about the humor being offbeat!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hitchhiker's is one of my all time faves!

    ReplyDelete
  38. I haven’t read any of these, but I’m on a waitlist for the Becky Chambers book. Hopefully I’ll read it sometime this century.

    Aj @ Read All The Things!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Moriarty will always do the trick for me too. Her books are amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  40. I honestly would be shocked if any list you did with even a moderately positive association didn't contain Shark Club hahah. Murderbot is always a good choice- quick and quirky! I need to read Big Little Lies, I feel like I always say that and never do. And the rest of the Becky Chambers series! (I might have gotten the last book in the mail today so... probably time!)

    ReplyDelete
  41. Big Little Lies made my list this week too! :)

    ReplyDelete
  42. I find novellas like Murderbot help when I'm in a slump. And of course, media tie-ins as well, especially Star Wars!

    ~Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum

    ReplyDelete
  43. I am not really a re-reader, but I sometimes do gravitate towards favorite authors, particularly of series, when I feel a slump coming on. They usually do the trick.

    ReplyDelete
  44. I'm really interested in the Star Wars books! The one I read was the retelling of A New Hope by Alexandra Bracken and it was meh.. :(

    ReplyDelete
  45. I haven't read a lot of these books but Big Little Lies. Great book for a slump. Also, The Husband's Secret by her is great.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I have had "The Long Way to A Small Angry Planet" on my TBR for a long time. I'll try to remember it for the next time I need a slump buster. Also it probably time for a reread of Hitchhikers Guide. I love that book!

    My TTT: http://books.thetechchef.net/top-ten-tuesday-43-books-to-pull-you-out-of-a-reading-slump/

    ReplyDelete
  47. I had no idea the Hollow World book was by Wells. I have that book. 📚

    ReplyDelete
  48. Yeah I think books I'd reread and Books that'd pull me out of a slump have a lot of overlap! I think Big Little Lies would be a great reread and I've got Eight Hundred Grapes on audio and I'm looking forward to it. It sounds like a good slump buster.

    ReplyDelete
  49. I still really need to read Big Little Lies and The Shark Club! I've also seen a lot of good feedback on the Murderbot series, which has me curious :)

    ReplyDelete