I don’t know about you, but I tend to go on a lot about the same old favourites again and again, because, well, they’re my favourites. Yet this means I often don’t talk about all the other books I enjoyed. This was one of those Top Ten Tuesday topics that I missed… and am deciding to do months later, cos why not? 😉 It should never be too late to revisit a topic or books you enjoyed- and with that in mind, let’s get right into my first choice:
Brideshead Revisited– it’s been a while since I paid a call to Brideshead and that was remiss of me. A nostalgic read, much of the story takes place over a single summer before the onset of war. The novel has a note of both indulgence and impending tragedy.
Persepolis– okay, other than the climate of Iran, this doesn’t have much that relates to summer, BUT this memoir set around the revolution and its aftermath is such a powerful book and I definitely don’t talk about it enough!
Summer That Melted Everything– another historical setting, this time focusing on the AIDs crisis, the novel has elements of magical realism and an unusual plot. Also, the writing is *on fire*.
Summer of Impossible Things– another magical realism story with exquisite prose, this tells the story of leaping across time to save someone you love.
The Astonishing Colour of After– I will admit, this has very rich, purple prose. Yet there is a lot that is *astonishing* about this summery read, as it evokes strong feelings of grief. Plus, it strongly ties culture to character development and world building- which I loved!
Bridge to Terabithia– another book about loss, this is phenomenally moving and great for both children and adults. Also, the imaginative world of Terabithia and the evocative feel of childhood in the story gives me strong summer vibes.
List of Cages– I don’t know why, but contemporaries just work for me in the summer. Plus, I’m genuinely surprised I haven’t mentioned this book much before! This was an emotional and beautiful book.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe– another beautiful book that I can’t believe I don’t talk about more (I’m actually really shocked about it- cos I’ve not even mentioned it once before). Lyrically written, this coming of age romance definitely gets heated. And it doesn’t hurt that a lot of this takes place in summer- which makes it perfect for this list 😉
What If It’s Us– rom coms also really work for me in summer- and this book is a great one for that! With some fantastic characterisation from both authors and some strong subplots, this delivers on some showstopping cuteness! I will admit this does have a tinge of sadness to it- yet ultimately, I was happy with the ending.
Nomad– I wanted to end on a more joyous note, which is why I chose this comedic parody of a celebrity going on a ramble… which it’s absolutely the weather for!
And that’s all for now! I’ll definitely come back to this topic- I have so many more to talk about! But for now- I want to know, have you read any of these? Did you enjoy them? And do you also forget to talk about some of the great books you’ve read? Let me know in the comments!
Will definitely be checking out Nomad!
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Brilliant!!
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I loved Bridge to Terebithia as a kid ❤
Persepolis is one of my husband's favorites. I haven't read it myself, but plan to eventually.
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Ah it’s wonderful!!
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I really like a lot Waugh’s style, but I’ve only read Sword of Honor and Scoop so far. First – a serious, although very melancholic trilogy about the war, second – a pre-war satire about sensationalistic journalism that is still quite funny. Brideshead is waiting on my bookshelf for when I get the right mood again.
I felt similar vibes reading Ford Madox Ford (his IWW tetralogy got a mini-series treatment, starring Benedict Cumberbatch!).
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Oh I haven’t read that- I should read more of her other books! Fair enough- I hope you like it when you do get to it.
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He was a very peculiar type, reportedly, very much like one of his characters. Partied with aristocracy, became conservative Catholic, worked as press corespondent and served during IIWW…
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Wow that’s interesting!
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Gosh, I haven’t read A Bridge to Terabithia in years. Such a good book!
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I know right!!
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That cover of Nomad is horrible yet great! I did 2 posts on books I never talk about, and still have plenty.
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hehe yes!! Agreed! Ah I hear you!!
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I was so impressed by The Astonishing Color of After. I thought the magical elements were used very well, and the author’s writing was simply beautiful. Terabithia makes my heart hurt. That book crushed me.
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oh yes!! me too!! And same!
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I’ve always wanted to read Brideshead Revisited–so glad to hear that you enjoyed it, and that it’s a great one to read in the summer!
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Ah I recommend it!!
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The Summer That Melted Everything was a LOT. So pleased to have some new additions to my list.
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Oh it was brilliant! Glad to hear it 😀
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I always think I should read Brideshead Revisited, but it’s still on my TBR list!
I have mixed feelings about Bridget to Terabithia simply because it’s one of those books that’s technically pretty good but so sad I don’t know if I “enjoy” reading it.
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Oh I definitely recommend it!!
Ah I understand that!
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Bridge to Terabithia made be cry. I don’t think I’ve reread it since :p
Persepolis sounds powerful, I’ll have to remember to check it out!!
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me too!
It was- definitely recommend it!
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great list! I haven’t read any of this but yes I get it, summer is perfect time to read YA contemporaries. I often forget to talk about books I really enjoyed specially older reads. As recent read are fresh in mind I talk and recommend them more but for older books I have to scroll Goodreads to recall them.
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thank you! I agree!! Yeah me too!
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Lovely list! It’s been such a long time for me since I read Brideshead Revisited, but I know I loved it (and should probably reread it at some point). I loved Aristotle & Dante too! The audiobook is great (narrated by Lin-Manuel Miranda).
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thank you! I agree! Me too! oh wowwww!! Wish I’d listened to the audiobooks now!
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I loved the film Bridge to Terebithia as a kid but I never read the book. & What If It’s Us is so cute! As a musical theatre girl all the broadway references made my heart happy haha
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Oh yeah the film is great as well!! It is!!! haha me too!!
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Anytime you bring up The Summer that Melted Everything, I will be here with an “Amen!” The fact that I have a new McDaniel novel on my Kindle that I can’t make time for yet is driving me crazy.
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WOW! Our reading lists are very different. I’ve never heard or read any of these books. I’m guilty as hell for praising the same books, even though there are so many I forget to mention, such as Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler and Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira.
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I’d love to revisit Brideshead Revisited one of these days, I remember enjoying it but at the time I didn’t get a chance to type up a review. Alas, maybe one of these days…
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Gorgeous post!! I LOVE what if it’s us and I finally got round to reading Aristotle and Dante recently (I think it had sat on my shelf for nearly a year 😬) and am in love with it ahhh. Here was my review of it: https://hundredsandthousandsofbooks.blog/2020/08/28/aristotle-and-dante-discover-the-secrets-of-the-universe/
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Thank you! That’s great! Ah that’s awesome!
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