Top Ten Tuesday: Buzzwords or Phrases That Make Me Want to Read (or Avoid) a Book

by Enola

 

Everyone has certain book buzzwords that make them run to read a book--“Witches” or “Second Chance” or maybe even “Assassins.” There’s also definitely buzzwords that would make you avoid a book. I have quite a few buzzwords that make me avoid a book, and many that make me want to read a one. So, for today’s Top Ten Tuesday, I'll share my Top Ten Buzzwords That Make Me Read (or Avoid) a Book (in no particular order). 

 

 

MAGICAL WORLDS (READ)

The moment anyone says that a book is set in an interesting magical world, I have to grab it! I love books with magical worlds—Once Upon a BrokenHeart, Caraval, the Harry Potter series, you name it! Magical worlds make me feel immersed and cozy because we don’t have magic in the real world, and the stories are so interesting. Our world is normal, so when someone comes up with such an interesting magic world like the one in Harry Potter, I love to read about it.

LOVE TRIANGLE (AVOID)

This trope literally makes me run away from a book. A lot of times, love triangles can be frustrating and overused, or not executed properly, or even worse, the guy/girl the protagonist ends up with isn’t the one you’re rooting for! I can think of many books where I hated the love triangle, and found it frustrating. I definitely think whether or not love triangles are enjoyable depends on the book (and the person the protagonist ends up with).

 

THE CHOSEN ONE (READ)

I like the Chosen One trope. There are many popular books that execute this well (For example, the Harry Potter series, and the Percy Jackson series), and it’s a trope I notice that I do not get tired of. The Chosen One creates an interesting, high-stakes book with a focused main character, and I really enjoy that.

 

ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS (READ BUT OCCASIONALLY AVOID)

This trope is frequently used by many authors and is in tons of best-selling books but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad trope. I like this trope when it’s done well. However, I find a lot of Enemies-to-Lovers to be very unrealistic (aka the ones where the leads hate each other, and then ten minutes later, they’re deeply in love. It makes no sense!). But when it’s done correctly, I really enjoy it (for example, Once Upon a Broken Heart).

 

MISCOMMUNICATION (AVOID)

I dislike this trope so much. If you don’t know the Miscommunication trope, let me give you an example. Chris likes Liz, but acts a certain way that makes Liz think Chris hates her, so she starts to hate him (since she’s upset), and then problems arise. Then later, they clarify that everything was all a big misunderstanding. Just communicate! It’s so frustrating! Chris should just be honest and tell Liz he likes her, not act like he hates her! And Liz should say how she’s feeling! Why is Miscommunication even a trope? I avoid reading books with the Miscommunication trope, as it can be really annoying.

 

FOUND FAMILY (READ)

This trope is so lovely! I’ve enjoyed many books with found family. I think books with found family can be really nice and sweet. Some books that execute this well (in my opinion) include Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Harry Potter, The Naturals, and The Inheritance Games. Found family just adds a certain coziness and wholesomeness to a book.

 

SCI-FI (AVOID)

If somebody even says the word “Sci-fi,” I’m automatically uninterested. Sci-fi books with aliens or traveling to other planets is just so boring and strange to me. A lot of times sci-fi books are too intense in my eyes or terrifying or even a little slow. I’m not really interested in, for example, an astronaut’s journey to Mars, or someone who’s in a spaceship and is being attacked by the most terrifying aliens. It’s just not my thing. 

 

DYSTOPIAN (AVOID)

The second somebody says “I just read a great dystopian!” I immediately know that I will not like the book. I like to avoid dystopian stories because of the intense alternate realities they present. I read books to experience a magical world or an interesting mystery, not a crazy and scary alternate version of the world I’m living in.

 

ABILITIES (READ)

I really like when characters have cool and interesting abilities like Cassie Hobbes and her ability to read people (The Naturals), or Percy Jackson and his ability to control water (Percy Jackson and the Olympians series). Anytime somebody tells me about a book with a character with special abilities, I’m always interested because I like fantastical and fictional abilities that are either impossible to have or difficult to have. Special abilities are very entertaining to read.

 

MAGIC (READ)

I am such a huge fan of magic books. I really enjoy reading about all the different magical worlds with their unique magic systems and rules. Magical characters are so interesting, with all their cool abilities and complex stories. Magic is definitely a buzzword that makes me want to read a book. Some magic books I enjoyed include Caraval, Once Upon a Broken Heart, the Harry Potter series, and TheGirl Who Fell Beneath the Sea.

 

I hope you enjoyed reading about my top ten, and that you found your next read. Happy reading!🌸 

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Hope Santa Brings

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 I Hope Santa Brings!!

As we approach Christmas and we’re in the midst of the holiday season, many of us avid readers have our wish list jam-packed with various novels. Here are my top ten books that I hope Santa brings me this holiday season.

1. A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal: a book I meant to get to this year, but never did

2. Wisteria by Adalyn Grace: third installment in a series that I’ve enjoyed so far!

3. The Grandest Game by Jennifer Lynn Barnes: I’m intrigued by the continuation of this

series, and I hope Barnes can continue to impress me

4. The Getaway List by Emma Lord: a sweet looking romcom with a pretty cover

5. Sky’s End by Marc Gregson: the beginning of a super interesting series    

6. There’s Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins: a YA thriller that I want

to read (plus it’s a film!)

7. Under the Surface by Diana Urban: another YA thriller I want to read

8. When the World Tips Over by Jandy Nelson: one of my favorite authors and favorite

books, so I want a copy for my library

The final two books on my list technically haven’t been released yet, but I’d love it if Santa could

work his magic to bring them early.

9. Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins: newest addition to the Hunger Game

series, and I’m excited to see what Collins does with Haymitchs’ story

10. Watch Me by Tahereh Mafi: one of my favorite authors and series, and we finally have

a new addition

Happy holidays!

 

Top Ten Tuesday: Books on My Fall 2024 To-Read List

 written by Brooke K.

Unravel Me, Tahereh Mafi

I am excited to read Unravel Me since I recently read Shatter Me which is the 1st book in the series. 

 

Whisper, Lynette Noni

I want to read Whisper since the cover looks really interesting. 

 

Pumpkin, Julie Murphy

Pumpkin is my reading list since I enjoyed the movie [of the first book] so I want to read the book series as well. 

 

Monday’s Not Coming, Tiffany D. Jackson

I want to read this book since it has been challenged in other states and it is important to read books from all perspectives. 

 

First-year Orientation, Lauren Gibaldi & Eric Smith eds.

First-year Orientation relates to my life since I will be going to college soon. 

 

Scout's Honor, Lily Anderson 

Scout's Honor is on my list since it covers an important topic and seems like it will be a very interesting read. 

 

Heiress Takes All, Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka

I can’t wait to read Heiress Takes All since it covers a heist which will definitely keep my attention. 

Such Charming Liars, Karen McManus 

This book has multiple perspectives and is about crime so I am looking forward to reading it. 

 

Two Sides to Every Murder, Danielle Valentine 

I have recently been wanting to start reading thiller books so I figured that this book is a good place to start. 

 

Just One Day, Gayle Foreman 

The plot of this book is unlike one I have seen before so I figured that it will be a good read. 

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?

Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Favorite Books from Ten Series

By Grace H.
Grade 12

Welcome back to another Top Ten Tuesday, brought to you by the Teen Book Guild at the Winter Park Library! Every week, book bloggers from around the world participate in Top Ten Tuesday, in which readers compile a top-ten list in response to a prompt.

This week’s theme is… Ten Favorite Books from Ten Series (in no particular order)

Top Ten Tuesday: Debut Novels

written by Grace H.
Grade 12

It’s time for another Top Ten Tuesday at the Winter Park Library! 

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly challenge where book bloggers everywhere compile a list of ten books (or sometimes other reading-related things) in response to a prompt. 

The challenge was started by That Artsy Reader Girl, and it encourages book-lovers from all over to interact and share some of their reading opinions. 

This week’s theme is… Debut Novels I Enjoyed!

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish WIshes

 by Grace H.

Welcome back to TBG’s Top Ten Tuesday! Hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, Top Ten Tuesday encourages book bloggers to create and share a “Top Ten” list in response to a different topic each week.

This week’s theme is…Bookish Wishlist!!

This is a list I have put together of the top ten books that I wish I could add to my ever-growing collection!

1. The Cruel Prince trilogy by Holly Black (this is one of my favorite YA series and I wish I had physical copies so I can read them over and over again!)

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2. Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi (this is another one of my all time favorites!)

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3. The Once Upon a Broken Heart trilogy by Stephanie Garber (a really popular series that I haven’t read yet + the covers are gorgeous!

4. Swarm by Jennifer Lyle (an intriguing sounding YA sci fi)

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5. Five Survive by Holly Jackson (one of the best YA thrillers I’ve read within the past year!)

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6. The Temptation of Magic by Megan Scott (newly released supernatural/fantasy novel)

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7. Past Present Future by Rachel Lynn Solomon (I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and this next installment sounds like a good read!)

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8. Paper Towns by John Green (one of the few John Green books that I have yet to read)

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9. The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh (I’ve had this series on my TBR for a while and I’m very excited to read it)

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10. Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (this one isn’t being published for almost an entire year, but I’m already adding it to my wishlist!)

      

Let us know which books you are eager to add to your collection!

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Book Quotes

by Holly K.

For this Top Ten Tuesday, I decided to put ten of my favorite quotes in YA books. I highly recommend these books. Sailor Moon is a manga collection; A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is a murder mystery; Children of Blood and Bone is fantasy; and the Shatter Me series is dystopian. Disclaimer: These are not in ranked order!

1. “And in the name of the moon, I’ll punish you!” Usagi Tsukino, Sailor Moon, Vol 1, Naoko Takeuchi

2. “He kissed her, and she glowed with that feeling. The one with wings.” A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Holly Jackson

3. “Their entwined hands became a new living thing, her fingertips perfect against the dips in his knuckles, like they’d grown just that way to fit together.” A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Holly Jackson 

4. “‘Do not worry,’ I whisper as he takes his last breath. ‘I will make a far better queen.’” Amari, Children of Blood and Bone, Tomi Adeyemi

5. “I am no longer the little girl he knows. I am a princess. A queen. I am the Lionaire.” Children of Blood and Bone, Tomi Adeyemi

6. “I’m a mess of electricity, humming with life and lightning, hot and cold and my heart is erratic.” Shatter Me, Tahereh Mafi

7. “‘You want to be friends with me?’ I blink hard against the stinging in my eyes. ‘You’re not afraid of me?’ ‘Are you going to be mean to me?’ ‘Never.’ ‘Then why would I be afraid of you?’” Juliette Ferrars & James Kent, Unravel Me, Tahereh Mafi

8. “It’s like a drop of honey, a field of tulips blooming in the springtime. It’s fresh rain, a whispered promise, a cloudless sky, the perfect punctuation mark at the end of a sentence.” Unravel Me, Tahereh Mafi

9. “‘Don’t let go,’ I tell him, eyes filling fast with tears. ‘Don’t let go. You don’t have to let go.’” Juliette Ferrars, Ignite Me, Tahereh Mafi

10. “Twice. Once for Adam. Once for Warner.” Ignite Me, Tahereh Mafi

Top Ten Tuesday: Books on my Spring 2024 TBR

Written by Grace H. 

Welcome back to TBG’s Top Ten Tuesday! 

Hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, Top Ten Tuesday encourages book bloggers to create and share a “Top Ten” list in response to a different topic each week.

This week’s theme is…Books on my Spring 2024 TBR!!

I’ve had a great start to my reading goals in 2024 in the past few months, and I’m so excited to add these books to my “read” pile this spring!

Epic Reading Challenge: February

This year, the TBG is participating in the Epic Reads Challenge 2024, where each month presents a different prompt to inspire our reading choices! We encourage the community to join in this challenge with us and participate in the prompt each month.

We're still playing catch-up, so February’s Prompt was… a multi POV book

A multi-POV book simply means that the novel contains chapters/content from the perspective of more than one character. This technique is often used in romance novels, with each individual in the love pair being given chapters from their own POV. It can even be used in tandem with third-person narration, which can often in high fantasy novels.

Grace's choice for February is Every Time You Hear That Song by Jenna Voris.

This novel is centered around two main characters, both of which get their own POVs throughout the book. Darren is a young journalist who is fascinated by the legendary country star, Decklee Cassel, and the mysteriously empty time-capsule that she left behind after her death.

Not only is this book told in two perspectives, it is told in two different timelines. The “present” is told through Darren’s POV, as she unveils clues in a scavenger hunt for the real time capsule. The reader can also enjoy flashback chapters, told from Decklee’s POV, giving the story of her rise to fame and shaky relationship with fellow artist Mickenlee. 

The novel blends an exciting mystery and two romances in this upcoming YA release. I thought that the two different POV’s kept me on my toes and made for a page-turning read!

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Powers I Wish I Had: YA Edition

Holly K. explores (and wishes) for character powers she found in books. Take a look!

1. Telekinesis - Castle, Unravel Me, Tahereh Mafi
2. Invisibility - Kenji Kishimoto, Unravel Me, Tahereh Mafi

3. Water manipulation - Sailor Mercury, Sailor Moon, Naoko Takeuchi
4. Electrokinesis - Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Moon, Naoko Takeuchi
5. Precognition - Sailor Uranus, Sailor Moon, Naoko Takeuchi 

6. Mind, spirit, and dream control - Inan, Children of Blood and Bone, Tomi Adeyemi
7. Control of the earth and iron - Children of Blood and Bone, Tomi Adeyemi
8. Guide of life and death - Zélie, Children of Blood and Bone, Tomi Adeyemi
9. Control of light and darkness -Children of Blood and Bone, Tomi Adeyemi
10. Power of healing - Zu, Children of Blood and Bone, Tomi Adeyemi

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Favorite Book Couples (and the books they're from)

 Grace H.'s list

In preparation for Valentine’s Day tomorrow, no topic could be more fitting than this:

Top Ten Favorite Book Couples (and the books they’re from)

1. Peeta and Katniss from The Hunger Games

2. Pip and Ravi from A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder

3. Chloe and Shara from I Kissed Shara Wheeler

4. Warner and Juliette from Shatter Me 

5. Liz and Wes from Better Than The Movies

6. Lily and Kathleen from Last Night at the Telegraph Club

7. June and Saul from A Million Junes

8. Lila and Orion from A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow

9. Nick and Charlie from Heartstopper

10. Rowan and Neil from Today Tonight Tomorrow

Happy Valentine’s Day, and the Teen Book Guild will see you soon for the next Top Ten Tuesday!