Top Ten Tuesday: Books That Provide a Much Needed Escape

Written by Grace H.

Welcome back to TBG’s Top Ten Tuesday! 

Hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, Top Ten Tuesday is a widespread trend in which book bloggers create a “Top Ten” list in response to a different topic each week.

This week’s theme is… Books that provide a much needed escape!!

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi: even if I am escaping to a world scarier than my own, it’s still an entertaining setting to visit and read about!

American Royals by Katharine McGee: this carefully-crafted dystopian setting in which royals rule America is a fun and interesting read (and the new America is nothing like the one that we know!).

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir: this fast-paced fantasy series will whisk you away from the normal world and problems that come with it.

The Selection by Kiera Cass: while reading, you’ll be too busy worrying about America’s love triangle, that you will forget about all your own problems!

Every Day by David Levithan: this book switches perspectives multiple times, and you’ll never get bored as the narrator moves from body to body as a spirit.

As Good as Dead by Holly Jackson: the thrilling scenes in this novel will make you completely lose track of time while reading

Anatomy: a Love Story by Dana Schwartz: this book completely transported me to another time period, and the characters will certainly hold your attention.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares: this lighthearted read will fill your mind with heartwarming tales of friendship and happiness.

The Summer of Broken Rules by KL Walther: this novel will bring you back to the joyful emotions that come with summer and spending time with family.

The Throne of Glass series by Sarah J Maas: my all time favorite fantasy series, this complex fantasy world and its characters will keep you enthralled for all seven novels!

What books are your favorite escapes?

BOOK VS. FILM! A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

Written by Maren M.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder (AGGGTM), written by Holly Jackson, is one of the most iconic YA murder mystery series of the last five years. While the first book was published in 2019, the series became wildly popular a couple years ago due to social media presence, most notably, on a TikTok subcommunity known as BookTok. AGGGTM follows Pippa Fitz-Amobi, nicknamed Pip, on her senior year of high school and her journey to complete her senior capstone project. While most people might choose to do it on college life or the history of hieroglyphs, Pip decides to solve a murder. She suspects, 2.5 years before the start of the book, that Andie Bell was killed, Andie’s boyfriend was blamed, and then he killed himself. But Pip doesn’t believe that narrative. 

The Netflix Series

Usually, I’m not that big of a fan of series adaptations. Finding places to cut episodes, good actors to portray the characters, and places to shoot can easily mess up the story. But it’s safe to say this show did not have these issues. The actors were incredible and truly put their heart and soul into their performances. The emotions and tension at some points in the show are so palpable that you could reach out and grab it. As much as I love the cinematography, the real genius here is the story. The adaptation isn’t a photocopy of the book. There are different motivations, actions, and plot points that keep the essence of the book, but ensure that those who have read the book won't be bored. 

The Books

The books have the same goals as the movie: keep the reader guessing. No matter how good of a literary detective you are, you’ll never be able to guess every piece of the puzzle Pip pieces together. While the Netflix series is good, only one of the 3 spectacular books are featured, leaving everyone waiting for a seasons 2 and 3. I highly recommend reading the books first. It makes watching the show much easier, even if the ending is spoiled. They are truly incredible, and watching Pip grow as a character is truly a once in a lifetime experience.

The Verdict

The murder mystery genre as a whole has a lot of requirements to make it a good story. Plot twists are essential. Out-of-left-field killers are a big no. Most importantly, the story lays a trail you can chase if you reread the book, finding the little clues that make you say "Oh!" once you realize who the killer is. AGGGTM has all of these. In both the books and the adapted series, plot twists and oh moments are guaranteed. Once again, I will always recommend reading the book before the series. However, I cannot recommend this series enough. Book or Netflix series, they are worth a read AND a watch.  

Top Ten Tuesday: Books That Include Food

written by Brooke K.

10 books that include food in some significant way 

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han. This book is an adorable teen romance novel based on main character, Laura Jean’s life after her secret letters were mailed.  

Emma Lord's Tweet Cute is a sweet romance book about Jack and Pepper’s online Twitter feud about cheese. 

A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow written by Laura Taylor Namey follows the life of Lila Reyes as she travels to England for a summer.   

My Ideal Boyfriend Is a Croissant  by Laura Dockrill is a positive and funny book about a barista who loves food.  

Julie Murphy's Dumplin’, is the basis for Netflix’s hit movie also titled Dumplin' which features Jennifer Aniston and Danielle Macdonald. It follows the life of a girl trying to become a pageant queen. 

Puddin’ is the second book in the series that includes Dumplin’ and is just as entertaining of a read. 

In #MurderTrending, Gretchen McNeil's main character is falsely convicted of murder and sentenced to jail time. Her crazy experiences make up the plot of the book. 

Hot, Sour, Salty, Sweet by Sherri L. Smith is the story of Ana Shen who discovers her mixed culture through food. 

Wendelin Van Draanen's The Peach Rebellion is the story of a girl who lives on a small peach farm after the tragic WW2. 

Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch follows a high schooler who is spending the summer in Italy. Her summer is filled with experiences and of course a lot of gelato.