I’m joining in with The Broke and the Bookish for the first time for Top Ten Tuesday, where a new Top Ten List theme is posted every week. I particularly liked this week’s theme – Ten books I wouldn’t mind Santa leaving under my tree. Very timely for those of you who may not have bought me my Christmas presents yet. You’re welcome.
1. Our Souls at Night – Kent Haruf
I saw a re-run of the ABC’s Book Club recently in which they talked about this book, and all of the guests raved about it. I think one of them even claimed it was their new favourite book ever? An elderly man and elderly woman who live next door to each other start to lie in bed together at nights, sharing their thoughts and secrets. I can’t decide whether it sounds sweet, sad, or like a shitstorm waiting to happen.
2. The Sixth Extinction – Elizabeth Kolbert
I’ve got a bit of a non-fiction craving at the moment (and yet I’m currently reading fiction?), so this and the other non-fiction picks in this list are the ones I really can’t wait to get to. This one is about the so-called Sixth Extinction that will follow the previous five in the Earth’s natural history, why it is happening, and what we can or can’t do about it. Terrifying. And awesome.
Another non-fiction which is bound to scare the pants off me. This one looks at how contagious diseases have formed into deadly pandemics in the past, and the evidence that predicts another major pandemic is on its way. Hold me. Actually no, don’t touch me.
4. The Witches: Salem 1692 – Stacy Schiff
The Salem Witch Trials, through a holistic view of the social and cultural context of the time. Sounds good to me.
5. The Emperor of all Maladies – Siddhartha Mukharjee
The subtitle is “A Biography of Cancer” – from its first appearances to the modern day race to find a cure. I’ve heard nothing but good things.
A young girl is brought up in the woods by a gruff man named Trapper. She sees him on a Wanted poster in town, and then understandably runs away, with the police hot on her heels.
7. The Sparrow – Mary Doria Russell
When Ann from the Books on the Nightstand podcast said this was probably her favourite book, I just knew I would need to read it. Humans discover extra-terrestrial life, and a religious sect sends a secret mission out into space to make contact.
8. Vengeance Road – Erin Bowman
This just sounds like a delicious Western, perfect for summer. The description makes me think of Red Dead Redemption (my favourite video game ever).
9. The Interestings – Meg Wolitzer
This sounds like one of those really deep novels where you follow a bunch of characters through the majority of their lives, and you just become immersed in them and their struggles and self-discovery.
10. Daring Greatly – Brene Brown
Given how much I adored both Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed, and Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, I think this would be right in my wheelhouse of books that inspire me, make me feel worthy and fill me with courage.
So, if you’re reading this Santa, all or any combination of the above would make me a very happy lady this Christmas!
Have you read any of the books listed above? What books would you like to receive for Christmas this year?
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The Interestings is one of my favorite books! You’re description is perfect. Hope Santa brings it for you.
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Oh good! Considering I haven’t read it yet, hahaha. Thanks, have a merry Christmas!
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Vengeance Road looks absolutely stunning. I wouldn’t mind getting that one myself hehe 😀 Happy reading! http://www.curious-daisy.com/top-ten-tuesday/ten-books-i-wouldnt-mind-santa-leaving-under-my-tree/
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I know, I’m very excited about it. I will probably just buy all of these myself if they’re not gifted to me hahaha.
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Fun list! I have most of these books on my TBR list somewhere. I have read VENGEANCE ROAD, which I really enjoyed. You don’t come across YA westerns very often, so it was a unique read.
Have a wonderful holiday!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
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That’s good to hear about VR, and that cover! Thanks for visiting.
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I loved The Wolf Road, one of my books of the year. Hope santa is good to you!
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Oh really? I’m so excited to hear that! Can’t wait to read it.
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The only one I’ve read off your list is The Interestings, which I thought was a great read. The rest of them sound really great too though so I hope Santa is good to you! Merry Christmas!
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Thanks for letting me know! I don’t know where to start with these books, I want them all in my brain right away! Hope you had a great Christmas.
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Wow, I’ve read 3 of the books on your list! Nice! I read The Gene by Mukherjee earlier this year and it was fascinating. Great list!
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Wow! I’d love to know which ones, and what you thought of them! Oooh I’d like to read The Gene too.
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The Sixth Extinction – this book will stay with me for all time because of a story about the Great Auk. Sad and very prescient for our environment.
Pandemic – All you ever wanted to know about Cholera! Seriously, anyone who talks about the “good old days” certainly doesn’t mean that time before sanitation when we were all literally pooping ourselves to death.
The Sparrow – I accidentally read this because I confused it with The Goldfinch. Good, gruesome, and bleak.
Hope you enjoy!
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Oh my god, your comment has made me even more excited to read all of these!! Thanks for stopping by!
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