Hi Everyone! I’ve been experiencing some serious writers block recently, which makes posting fresh content for you all really difficult. I don’t want any of you to miss out. In hopes of refreshing my creativity I’ve been spending as much time outside as I can, while pondering the things that I enjoy about reading and finding new books. As I’ve established I LOVE recommending books to people, especially when someone ends up loving a book I recommend. It brings me so much joy. On the other hand I also love having people recommend me books and find it particularly enjoyable when it’s being shared with me because of another book I love.
*Ding* that’s the sound of the light bulb about my head turning on because I finally have an idea! Take that, writer’s block! Today I thought I would highlight some popular books and then suggest some similar books that you might like. It’s kind of a game and it’s really fun for me. Hopefully some of your favorites will appear on this list and you can leave with some new titles like them that you can add to your to-be-read pile.
If you like Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, you might like The Wayward Children series by Seanan McGuire. Both of these books feature unique characters, found families, boarding schools, mysteries and most importantly magic. The Wayward Children series is more like the later Harry Potter books in that it’s on the darker side, but it’s so magical and adventurous you won’t want to put these books down. They’re quick reads as they’re novellas with each story being slightly under 200 pages, but they’ll have you dying to get your hands on the next one. The first book is Every Heart a Doorway.
If you like The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, you might like An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir. Though Hunger Games is sci-fi dystopia and An Ember in the Ashes is fantasy dystopia, both books feature strong female leads that take charge against a corrupt empire. Both series are action packed and vividly told, while inspiring the fight for the greater good. Ember in the Ashes can be a bit slow at times, but ultimately leaves you wanting more of the unique world and diverse characters.
If you like Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell, you might like Eliza and her Monsters by Francesca Zappia. It’s no secret that Fangirl is one of my most favorite books of all time. It perfectly addresses anxiety, taking the steps to adulthood and encompasses a perfect love for all things nerdy. It’s my belief that Cath from Fangirl and Eliza from Eliza and her Monsters could be best friends. Much like Fangirl, Eliza and her Monsters delves into the life of fandom, the struggles of anxiety and depression and lights a path toward healing, all while being exceptionally nerdy. If you’ve ever obsessed over a show/book/game, read fanfiction, spent too many hours in a comic shop, this is a book you’ll love.
If you like Lumberjanes by Noelle Stevenson, you might like Go with the Flow by Lily Williams & Karen Schneeman. Though Go with the Flow doesn’t have magic and misbehaving gods/goddess within its pages, what it does have is a fantastic display of supportive female friendship. Much like Lumberjanes, Go with the Flow has a diverse cast and shows young women supporting young women no matter their background. The teens in this book are forward thinking, strong and though they make some mistakes, ultimately do right by their friends. Go with the Flow is also a great introduction to menstruation, and all of the accompanying hurdles, in a way that is both educational and fun.
Do any of these sound appealing to you? If so you’ll be happy to know that all of these titles are available at the library. We’ll be reopening for curbside pickup soon and you’ll be able to get your hands on some of these excellent titles. Enjoy!