Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature that was created by The Broke and the Bookish and hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. Born from a love of lists and a love of books each week there’s a new topic for bloggers to list their ‘top ten’.
Top Ten Rainy Day Reads
I’m finally back to the set topics for my Top Ten Tuesday posts. Being a mood reader I’ve never given too much thought as to what kind of books I’d pick up as ‘rainy day’ reads, but thinking about it for this post the first books that came to mind were fantasy stories (of course) with immersive worlds (so you can put the rainy weather outside out of your mind). A lot of the books that made my list this week probably won’t surprise many people, because in my opinion the best ‘rainy day’ book is one that’s almost comforting to re-read.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
No one should be surprised to see The Night Circus on my list this week. It’s one I’ll reach for whether it’s raining or not, if I’m in the mood for a re-read The Night Circus is normally the book I find myself reaching for. There’s just something about the book itself, the world and the writing, that makes it a comforting story for me to dive into time and time again.
“The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not.”
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
Another book that probably won’t be a surprise for people who have been following my blog for a while now. V.E. Schwab is one of my all-time favourite authors and her best (in my opinion) series is the Shades of Magic trilogy. It’s one I’d recommend anyway, but what’s better when it’s raining outside than to be able to tag along on Kell and Lila’s adventures.
“I’d rather die on an adventure than live standing still.”
The Foxhole Court by Nora Sakavic
This series is addictive, in a word. I sped through the whole trilogy, desperate to find out what would happen next, it’s that immersive. I feel like I could start re-reading this book when it’s raining outside, only to pass the whole day away hooked on the story all over again.
“Don’t look back, don’t slow down, and don’t trust anyone. Be anyone but himself, and never be anyone for too long.”
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
When it comes to ‘comforting’ fantasy (which is what I reach for when I’m looking for a ‘rainy day’ read) there’s no better book than Daughter of Smoke and Bone. Laini Taylor’s writing and world building made me believe magic could exist in the real world. There’s a reason Prague flew to the top of my must-travel-to list when I read this book after all.
“Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love.
It did not end well.”
Circe by Madeline Miller
Madeline Miller’s books are incredibly well-written, and while The Song of Achilles is too heartbreaking for it to be classed as ‘comforting’ Circe is a book I fell in love with very quickly. It felt like a new story and an old one at the same time; I loved following Circe through all the years of her life and her story was so moving.
“When I was born, the word for what I was did not exist.”
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
I didn’t read this series when I was younger (I discovered Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling instead) but these books ended up an addictive read for me when I did finally pick them up. Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief is a light-hearted, middle grade fantasy story which is easy to get into and even easier to love.
“My name is Percy Jackson.
I’m twelve years old. Until a few months ago, I was a boarding student at Yancy Academy, a private school for troubled kids in upstate New York.
Am I a troubled kid?
Yeah. You could say that.”
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
While I would class The Bear and the Nightingale as a magical realism book it had that feel to it. It reminded me of the fairytales I used to love when I was younger, and like with Daughter of Smoke and Bone this has become a ‘comforting’ fantasy read for me. Perfect for the rainy weather.
“Now hear me. Before the end, you will pluck snowdrops at midwinter, die by your own choosing, and weep for a nightingale.”
Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
This is a short book, so I guess Every Heart a Doorway is one you’d pick up during those spring showers which never seem to last too long. It’s another book I’d class as a ‘comforting’ read, probably because of the story it tells of doors leading to other worlds and lost children finding their way home again.
“Now I know that if you open the right door at the right time, you might finally find a place where you belong.”
Northern Lights by Philip Pullman
Unlike Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief (the other middle grade, fantasy book I featured on my list this week) I wouldn’t class Northern Lights as light-hearted or easy to get into (though it is easy to love). However I grew up with this trilogy, and it’s one of those books I can always go back to and know I’ll love it just as much every time I read it, even when it breaks my heart.
“Lyra had to adjust to her new sense of her own story, and that couldn’t be done in a day.”
Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
Carry On is a book that in my opinion is perfect for every occasion. If you’re in the middle of a slump and want an easy read then pick up Carry On, if you’re having a lazy afternoon and want a light but engaging read then pick up Carry On, and if it’s raining and you’ve got nothing else to do then pick up Carry On. It’s a book for all occasions.
“Just when you think you’re having a scene without Simon, he drops in to remind you that everyone else is a supporting character in his catastrophe.”
Did you take part in this week’s Top Ten Tuesday?
What books would make your list of perfect ‘rainy day’ reads? Would you pick up a fantasy book with a world you can fall into, or would you go for a light-hearted contemporary instead?
Have you read any of the books on my list this week? Did you enjoy them, or are any of them still on your TBR list (maybe being saved for a rainy day)?
Great list! Night circus, bear and the nightingale and daughter and smoke and bone are all perfect for rainy day reads!
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Thanks so much, yeah when it comes to rainy day reads there’s nothing better in my mind than atmospheric fantasy books! 🙂
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Great Post! 😊💗 I agree that Carry On is such a fantastic Rainy Day read, I love it with all my heart and it always puts me in such a cozy mood 😍 I would also read all of the Rick Riordan books on a rainy day!
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Thanks so much! 🙂 ❤️ Yeah Carry On is one of those books I love so much it really is perfect for any occasion, I re-read it all the time. 🙂
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Great picks Beth! When I have time to curl up and read books, I also go to books with immersive world building as they are the best to get lost with. I especially love The Bear and the Nightingale, it’s my all time favorite series!
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Thanks so much Tasya. 🙂 Yeah in my opinion there’s nothing better than curling up with a good book that takes you somewhere far away when the weather where you are is horrible. 🙂
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Of the ones I’ve read, I would definitely agree that they are perfect for rainy days!
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Yep, I’ve got a lot to choose from the next time it rains for sure! 😀
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What a lovely list, Beth! I’m with you about fantasy books with immersive worlds when it’s raining outside and these are great recommendations. I loved The Night Circus and ADSOM so much and these worlds were so, so well-built! And Northern Lights, ahh I’ll read that one any day. ❤ ❤
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Thanks so much Marie. 🙂 ❤ Yeah there's something so comforting about being able to escape the real-world horrible weather with some atmospheric fantasy reads. The world-building in The Night Circus and ADSOM is some of the best I've read, and yes definitely. Northern Lights is always worth a re-read in my opinion. 🙂 ❤
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Great picks! Although, I would prefer to read Katherine Arden books when it snows outside <3. Unfortunately there is no snow in Portugal, so I guess I'll have to settle with rain… 😀
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Thanks so much, and yeah snow would be more atmospheric, but I’ll take rain in the meantime. 😀
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What a great list 😀 Absolutely love Carry On, and while I haven’t read Daughter of Smoke & Bone yet, Laini Taylor is an absolute favourite ❤ I really want to read The Bear and The Nightingale pronto!
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Thanks so much. 🙂 Oh Carry On is my ultimate comfort read, and I’d highly recommend Daughter of Smoke and Bone. it’s a favourite trilogy of mine. The hype for The Bear and the Nightingale is real, I’m sure you’ll love it! 😀 ❤
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How excited are you for Wayward Son?!
Re: Daughter of Smoke and Bone, I had the first book in the trilogy for so long and told myself I’d only buy the second two after reading the first instalment… but then I caved and bought the other two 😂 So I really have no excuse NOT to read them! I’m glad it’s such a favourite of yours; that’s how I feel about the Strange The Dreamer duology ❤
And I'm super excited to read The Bear and the Nightingale, too, now 😀
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So excited, I’ve had my copy pre-ordered for a while now! 🙂
See in my mind that’s perfect, because now when you love the first one you won’t have to wait ages to get your hands on the second or third, you can just jump straight into the story. 🙂 If you loved the Strange the Dreamer duology you’ll love the Daughter of Smoke and above trilogy too, I’m sure of it.
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Ah, I’m jealous! I haven’t pre-ordered mine yet – I live in South Africa, which can make pre-orders difficult (our postal service is a bit of a catastrophe). But I’ll definitely get my hands on it as soon as I can track it down 😀
Yessss, that was my reasoning when I bought the other two! I’m excited to read them 🙂
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Ohh that does sound complicated, but yeah I’m sure you’ll be able to get it soon once it’s released, and either way you know it will be worth the wait! 🙂
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This is such an awesome list! I Love ADSOM but I haven’t read it in years and I miss the characters so much. I really wnat to re-read them. I have to get to The Foxole Court this year because everyone raves about them and I have to know what the hype is about?? Every Heart a Doorway looks so awesome because it’s so short and the cover is so cool?? Everything about that series pulls me in so I deffo wanna read it!!!
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Thanks so much Ilsa. 🙂 Honestly it’s been way too long since I’ve re-read it too, it’s definitely on my priority list for 2019. Ha, yeah it was the hype for The Foxhole Court series that convinced me to pick it up and I did not regret it. I hope you love them too, they’re very addictive reads.
It’s such a quick read but despite the short pages it really packs a lot into the story, I love the series so much and honestly every book just seems to get better. Again I’m sure you’ll love it. 😀
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Fantastic picks, Beth! So many of those would be rainy day reads for me too! Night Circus, of course, because of all that wonder packed into those pages. And I love the Foxhole Court series. I reread the last one often enough. And Carry On has some of the best scenes. Definitely a comforting sort of read 😀
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Thanks so much Azia. 🙂 ❤ Yeah there's a very specific type of fantasy books I think will be perfect for rainy days and The Night Circus is one of them. I haven't re-read the All For the Game trilogy yet but I know it will be one I re-read a lot. And yeah Carry On is my ultimate comfort read too. It's so funny as well. 😀
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I barely remember the second book in the All For the Game trilogy. Should probably get to rereading that. But I just love the endgame to Andrew and Neil’s relationship that I can’t help but reread The Raven King lol. I didn’t realize how hilarious Carry On truly was until I started reading sections out of context. But really, the dialogue is pure comedic gold LOL. I hope Wayward Son is just as funny!
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To be honest when it comes to series I tend to do the same, read the best books which usually end up being the last ones when you get to the epic conclusion (and in this case the endgame between Andrew and Neil).
Ha, yeah same here. I’ve had my copy pre-ordered for ages now. I can’t wait. 🙂
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Edit: I frequently reread The King’s Men, not The Raven King, which is the second book (the one I hardly remember LOL).
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Ha, yeah I assumed that. Don’t worry I get series books mixed up sometimes. 🙂 We read so many books it’s inevitable right?
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LOL, sure is 😉
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So many good books on your list! I’m hoping to read Daughter of Smoke and Bone soon (need to get through some library loans first). I really want to read both Circe and Song of Achilles, too. All these books sound great!
Here’s my TTT post.
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Thanks so much, oh I hope you make it to Daughter of Smoke and Bone soon. it’s a brilliant series and Laini Taylor is just an incredible author. Same goes for both The Song of Achilles and Circe and Madeline Miller, but just a warning you do need to be in the right mood to pick those books up. 🙂
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This is a great list! There are quite a few books on here that I want to read soon, including Carry On and A Darker Shade of Magic. 🙂
I love Percy Jackson! I read it after I read Harry Potter, but I was still really young and so it also feels like a part of my childhood. Percy is just the best narrator ever.
Hmm, for a rainy day, I feel like I would have to go with a contemporary? There’s something about the rain that makes me want to get lost in a soft contemporary, but at the same time I can see myself sometimes wanting an action-packed fantasy, haha.
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Thanks so much Olivia. 🙂 Oh I really hope you make it to both of those soon. I think of all the books I included on my list this week those are my favourites.
I’m glad you got to read it when you were younger, it must have been great to discover Percy Jackson around the same time as Harry Potter.
And oh yeah there are plenty of contemporaries that would make great rainy day reads, something set somewhere nice and sunny so you can forget the rainy weather outside right? 🙂
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Even though I’ve never managed to finish The Night Circus but I totally agree, it’s the perfect read for when it’s raining outside.
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Oh is it a book you’re hoping to finish one day then? Yeah it’s such an atmospheric book, rainy day weather just seems the perfect fit for it. 🙂
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I did really enjoy it in the future, and I do hope to revisit it sometime soon and actually finish it, I just think it’s one of those books I really need to be in the mood for.
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Yeah I agree with you there, as much as I love it I need to be in the right mood to re-read. Hopefully once you do finish it though it’ll have been worth the wait. 🙂
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The Night Circus is a great pick for this week. I think it’s magic is perfect for a rainy day.
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Yes definitely, I really need to re-read that book soon but I may have to wait for a rainy day now. 😀
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Love love loved Circe, especially as a stand-alone! Did I just add all of the other books to my reading list? Yes. I am super intrigued by the Shades of Magic trilogy now, and might have to make that a tbr reallll soon!
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Yeah it was such an epic read. Ha, I’m glad I managed to convince you to check out the others, oh especially the Shades of Magic trilogy because that is my all-time favourite. I want everyone to read and love it! 😀
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Great choice of books Beth! I definitely agree that The Night Circus and The Bear and The Nightingale (books I’ve read from the list) are perfect for rainy days due to how atmospheric they are. I want to read Circe, I’ve only heard praise for it. I might have to check it out soon.
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Thanks so much Gretchen. 🙂 ❤ Yeah part of what I love so much about those books is the atmosphere, and reading books like those are only made better when the atmosphere in the real world matches right?
Oh it's brilliant, it's definitely one of those books you need to be in the right mood for but I have a feeling you'll love it. 🙂
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The Bear and the Nightingale is a great choice for this week’s prompt.
My TTT.
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Yeah, it was one of the first books that I thought of for this prompt actually. 🙂
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