Top Ten Tuesday- Books That Are Making Us Happy

Hello everyone and welcome back to anothed Top Ten Tuesday, a weekly meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.

Today’s topic is perfect, with all the chaos going on: for this TTT we’re talking about the types of books that are making us happy.

Haley’s List

Contemporary Romances

There is just some thing so warm and comforting about a story that is predictable with characters who have tons of chemistry on the page. Some recent favorites in this genre include One to Watch by Kate Stayman London and What You Wish For by Katherine Center.

Horror With An Isolated Setting

This is definitely an example of leaning into our present reality. I am developed a recent obsession with horror novels where individuals are cut off from the outside world for various reasons. There is some thing about seeing part of our reality evolve into the worse case scenario on the pages of a book. A recent read that comes to mind like this is Devolution by Max Brooks. It was so atmospheric and eerie. Also another good one is Survivor Song by Paul Tremblay.

YA High Fantasy

There is nothing quite like being transported to another world to help me forget present stresses. Even if the plot itself is intense like in one of my favorite recent reads: House of Dragons by Jessica Cluess. The book felt like Eragon meets Game of Thrones. It was brutal and violent but so engaging and immersive. I cannot wait for the next book in the series and can only hope that there are more amazing fantasy stories in the coming months.

Adult Dystopians

This is another, leaning into our current situation type of genre for me right now. Especially in light of our current political climate these Handmaid’s Tale-like stories feel just a little too real. In Master Class, my most recent foray into the subject. I’m not saying these make me happy per se but this particular title follows a near future United States where people’s lives are determined by standardized tests. It’s basically my worst nightmare but I loved it.

Coming of Age With A Dark Twist

Okay, so this one might seems like a strange pick but there is something profound about reading about people experiencing and overcoming horrible things. Recent reads that moved me so deeply include Godshot by Chelsea Bieker and My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell. In a time where we are all feeling so isolated from the people around is, there is something beautiful about witnessing both the tragedies and beauties of humanity laid out on the pages of a book.

Domestic Suspense

So this is genre can be kind of hit or miss for me but lately, I have been on a roll and my recent love was The Dilemma by BA Paris. I know this latest release has mixed reviews but Paris created an intense sense of foreboding and dread that kept me hooked. Oh and if lack of communication is your jam this is the book for you!

Emily’s List

Middle Grade Fantasy

Whenever I’m in a deep slump, like I have been over the last few months, I always dive back into Middle Grade books. The read quickly, but more and more are becoming a testing ground for wonderful, diverse literature and deep writing — much in the way YA was about a decade ago. It gives me just enough to ponder, while typically not being too heavy or overwhelming. Plus, getting a book completed fast always helps when my spirits are low.

Immersive Historical Fiction

Almost on the opposite end of the spectrum, when life circumstances threaten to take me out of reading, jumping into a time and place so very different from my own often does the trick. I love reading historical fiction right now, because it just takes me away with just enough grounding that I don’t feel like I have to think so hard to figure out a new magic system or world. I feel like I get to learn a little bit at the same time, which helps me feel accomplished, and my favorites of these stories uncover times and places I knew basically nothing about before reading.

What About You?

What books are making you happy right now? What do you think of our picks? Let us know int he coments!