Top Ten Tuesday #10: Best Books I Read Before I Was A Blogger

April 9, 2013 / 39 Comments / Top Ten Tuesday, Uncategorized

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted at The Broke and the Bookish to highlight a top ten list related to book blogging, and to get to know fellow book bloggers.


GREAT topic. It took me a long time to jump on the blogging bandwagon, so this is a great one for me to spotlight all of my old favourites! I still recommend these to people a lot:

1. Secret Society Girl series by Diana Peterfreund – finding SSG and Diana’s blog was a big part of my descent (or ascent?) into book obsession/bloggerdom. I know I recommend these a lot, but they are THE BEST. Check out my review!

2. The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy – This is one of my favourite YA contemps EVER. It’s also one of most underrated and little-known books in my best-of list. If you’re a contemp reader, and you like sassy girls and swoony romance, this is seriously the book for you.

3. 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson – This is the book that got me reading YA again. Proudly. If you’ve ever been backpacking around Europe, you MUST read this.


4. Dreambirds: The Strange History of the Ostrich in Fashion, Food, and Fortune by Rob Nixon – I know you’re all like, “WHAT?”, but I read this during my Masters, and it has some of the most gorgeous writing and beautiful plotting I’ve ever encountered.

5. Royally Crushed series by Niki Burnham – I heard about this on BookMooch.com back when I was not quite a blogger, but looking for good contemps – it’s seriously one of the most fun and on-point contemp series I’ve read. It’s three books, but now it’s sold all in one book by Simon Pulse, so go get it!

6. Sophomore Switch by Abby McDonald – I talk about Abby a lot, and this is the book to read if you’re into feminism and awesome, strong females.

7. The Violet on the Runway series by Melissa Walker – I’ve discovered that this is a great YA series to give to girls who don’t do a lot of reading, but want a light, cool read. I’ve gotten two of my besties onto Melissa Walker from this series, so, WIN.

8. Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson – this book made me start writing again. It’s the perfect blend of romance, music, fun, and discovering oneself, and it just made me realize, all over again, how the right words and ideas all together can change and move people.

9. Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist by David Levithan & Rachel Cohn – never mind the movie, this book had me up all night reading, laughing, swooning, and loving.

10. Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf – this is one of my all-time favourite books. It’s pretty much perfection, and if you’re looking for a classic, it’s a fast and gorgeous read that bears repeating, over and over.

If you’re a blogger, what are your favourite “before I was a blogger” reads? If you’re a reader, what are your favourite books that you don’t talk about a lot? Let me know in the comments!


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39 responses to “Top Ten Tuesday #10: Best Books I Read Before I Was A Blogger

  1. Wow, what a huge list of books I haven't read! I'll be adding a bunch of these books to my TBR shelf, especially 'Royally Jacked' and 'The Cinderella Society'. As you can tell, I really like reading books on royalty 🙂

    • I also LOVE reading books about royalty. Royally Jacked is one of my faves, and you MUST read it. I also like The Princess and the Pauper by Kate Brian – have you read that?

      The Cinderella Society is not about royalty at all…but it's about a secret society of nice girls who basically fight mean girls. It sounds stupid when I describe it, but it's honestly one of the most fun, empowering books I've ever read. HIGHLY recommended.

  2. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist is wonderful! Have you read their other two books together? They're all great. I especially love Dash and Lily's Book of Dares- that one made my list!

    • I haven't. I have Dash and Lily on my bookshelf, and I've been meaning to read Naomi and Ely. Maybe I'll read Dash and Lily for Christmas this year?

    • SO happy you're interested in Sophomore Switch and Cinderella Society. Two of the most kick-arse feminist books I've read. You'll love them!

  3. Oh I love 13 Little Blue Envelopes. And I need to read Amy and Roger's, and Nick and Norah's. As they say, so many books, so little time.

    Thanks for sharing 🙂

    • Kara, you win the prize for having the most eclectic taste. Dreambirds is really awesome – it's not only gorgeous writing, but ostriches are FASCINATING.

      And there's no failing people on my blog – just the occasional book. =)

  4. Wow I am so behind, but now that I have retired i will have more time to read books, lately I have been reading old medical mysteries that I bought but did not get around to reading, and looking over the books that I was given are all older books, but thaqt is great I have alot to read…

  5. I have not read a single book on this list. I am really looking forward to trying Royally Crushed. It sounds really cute, and I love the cover. And a good contemp always makes me smile!

  6. If you're a reader, what are your favourite books that you don't talk about a lot?

    My favorite books are the Jessica Darling series by Megan McCafferty 🙂 As much as I love them, I don't like sharing them with people I'm not that close too haha I feel a little possesive over them LOL!

  7. Yes it is best book. But my life turning point is a Book name as Turning point which is written by Dr. Kevin Williams. He is a noted minister, acclaimed motivational speaker, author and media personality.
    http://www.drkevinawilliams.com/
    Williams speaks to audiences around the world about subjects ranging from life's turning points and the challenges of being single in today's world, to reinvention of oneself and the role of religion and spirituality in a person's life. In recent years, he has become a media personality and is regularly quoted in magazines and newspapers, and appears on television shows, as an expert resource on a variety of topics.
    As the Pastor of the New Jerusalem Cathedral in Greensboro, North Carolina, Williams oversees a congregation of more than 4,000 members who rely on him for spiritual guidance, inspiration and motivation. Williams' sermons are also broadcast every week on the ABC and Fox affiliates in the Carolinas as well as radio stations from Alabama to Pennsylvania, reaching an audience of millions throughout the South and into the Northeast. Williams is also the house Pastor at Monument of Praise Ministries in High Point, North Carolina.
    Williams is the author of "Turning Point," a manual filled with advice and guidance for business-minded people. Williams provides historical, political and personal success stories that aim to change the mindset of readers. The book received rave reviews for its ability to teach individuals how to use life experiences and key moments, whether positive or negative, as a form of motivation to live a more positive lifestyle.

  8. I read 13 Little Blue Envelopes a couple of years ago and I've been meaning to get the sequel because I didn't really like the way it ended. I'm adding a couple of these to my TBR pile.

  9. Suz

    This is such an interesting list of books! I've never heard of most of them but Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist and The Violet on the Runway series look great! Thanks for giving me ideas for more books to read 🙂

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