Epic Reading Challenge: September

Welcome back to the Epic Reads Challenge 2024, where each month select TBG members choose a book that fits the challenge's theme. Provided by Epic Reads, these challenges inspire new and unique book choices among readers. We encourage the community to join in this challenge with us and participate each month!

The prompt for September was… a book based on your favorite season!

Grace: The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther

Summer is my favorite season for many reasons, but the most important is that it allows me to spend more time than usual with my family. This warm-hearted, family-centered novel perfectly encapsulates the best part of the season of summer. The story follows Meredith Fox as she returns to her extended family’s summer vacation home for the first time after the death of her sister. Meredith gets caught up in a whirlwind of fun summer activities, including a plot-quickening game of Assassin. The best part of this book was simply the summery vibes that it gave, and the exciting summer games really enhanced the plot. Additionally, I thought that the main character seemed very genuine and rewarding to read about, and the romantic relationship between the two main characters was also very well done.

Lisa: Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks

If autumn could reach through a book's pages and give the reader a warm hug, it would choose this one to administer affection. Pumpkinheads perfectly captures the cozy, nostalgic essence of autumn. Set in a charming pumpkin patch, the story follows Deja and Josiah, two high school seniors working their final shift before heading off to college. 

With the crisp fall air, golden leaves, and the warmth of seasonal treats like pumpkin pie and caramel apples, the setting is steeped in the magic of autumn. As they embark on a sweet, humorous adventure through the pumpkin patch, the book evokes the feeling of those fleeting, memorable moments that define the season, reminding readers of the beauty in change, friendship, and the simple joys of fall.

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?