Top Ten Tuesday- Don’t You Forget About Me

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and The Bookish. This week we’re listing some of our favorite older books–the ones that may not be at the forefront on most blogs right now because they’re a bit overshadowed by newer releases, but are always books not to be forgotten.  I tend to read a ton of “older” books, mostly because I never got to them the first time they came around.  I tried to keep my list to ten, but man it was hard!

1. Stardust by Neil Gaiman– Even I forget how much I loved this book. It’s a fairy tale classic for grown ups. And have you seen the film? Priceless.

2. The Mediator series by Meg Cabot– These are just plain fun, full of ghosts and kissing and that sweet awesomeness that can only come from Meg Cabot. And Jesse?  Muy Calinete!
3. Sea Change by Aimee Friedman– A book about mermaids before everyone wanted to write books about mermaids–only this one is different ( I think, because honestly it’s the only book about mermaids that I’ve ever read). The author builds a story around an island with a rich history and really leaves the mermaid stuff to your imagination.  At the time, the story was completely different.

4. Sweethearts by Sara Zarr-In my eyes, Sara Zarr can do no wrong and this book is no exception. It’s full of angst and sadness and a main character who managed to escape her childhood pain by becoming a different girl. She deals with  issues that may make us cringe, but that on some level we can relate to. And when Cameron Quick–all grown up and über mysterious, that long-lost best friend who just up and disappeared–returns, it’s lovely and mystifying all at once.

5. Graceling by Kristin Cashore– I’m not sure that anyone can ever forget this book, and yet I know so many people who have never read it. Katsa is one of the most insanely fierce heroines around and the steam between her and Po could literally melt your eyeballs.

6. The Ruby Oliver series by E.Lockhart– So often I sing the praises of Frankie Landau Banks, only to forget the wonderful funny found in the Ruby books.  This girl is self-deprecating and sarcastic, hopelessly teenaged in all ways of thinking. I sometimes like to think of her as Jessica Darling light (only, in my opinion, she’s funnier because I relate to her more).

7. The Enemy by Charles Higson– This is the ultimate in YA zombie books. End of story.

8. Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta– This is a book I speak of constantly and again, I know so many people who haven’t read it. While the beginning is tough because of the number of characters and dual storylines, it all comes together beautifully and those who stick with it, I believe, will be richly rewarded in the end.

9. I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith– It’s a classic, sweet and funny and romantic. If you’ve not read it, do yourself a favor and give it a whirl.

10. Mostly Good Girls by Leila Sales– I will always love Leila Sales because her books make me laugh so hard I snort.