TTT: Hidden Gems

Or maybe I should just title this “Books I didn’t think I would like but surprisingly ended up liking.” Nah, too long.

In any case, there have been a number of books that I picked up out of obligation as opposed to anticipation, and while I didn’t expect much out of these books, I will admit that I ended up liking–if not loving–them to bits.

Top Ten Hidden Book Gems

One of Us Is Lying by Karen McManus – I will admit the premise piqued my interest, though admittedly The Breakfast Club was just an okay movie for me. Alright, it’s iconic, and I could easily watch it a few more times because why not, but anyway…the book itself was fabulously done and I was really surprised that I’d love it enough to put it in my favorites list for the current year…for now, of course.

Bluebeard by Kurt Vonnegut – This was something I read for Fableulous Retellings Podcast, but it wasn’t as though I had a gun over my head forcing me to read it. That being said, this was my first foray into Vonnegut, and I actually have no regrets. It was a good book, and I’d recommend it, even though it really didn’t have much to do with the fairy tale titled “Bluebeard”…

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper – One of my previous students just about shoved this book at me, telling me to read it. She’s an odd one, but occasionally I do have students whose book tastes are pretty good. Out of My Mind isn’t my usual faire but I actually liked it!

The Last American Vampire by Seth Grahame-Smith – I didn’t take this book seriously, but I couldn’t pass it up either. I was actually surprised over how much enjoyment I got listening to the audiobook of this.

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr – I both regret and don’t regret reading this book. Well, I don’t regret reading it…up until the last 50 pages of the book. THAT WAS WHEN THINGS GET REALLY SAD AND OMG I DON’T NEED TO DWELL ON IT AGAIN. But, um, really good book, yep!

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas – Gasp! Unpopular opinion time! Actually, no, I’m pretty much with the crowd when I say I absolutely adored Throne of Glass. That being said, I still refuse to go past the first book of Throne because ship reasons. And I’m figuring that ACOTAR is going the same route, what with Rhysand being such a fangirl fave. But ugh, I can’t see that in the first book. THAT SAID, I enjoyed ACOTAR, actually, albeit the weird kinky NEW ADULT (yes, NA, this book is NOT a young adult book at all!) grim-dark things happening in the book.

Gilded Cage by Vic James – In the light of a dystopia glut, I honestly didn’t know why I requested this book, because I was on my way to being tired of dystopias. But then I read Gilded Cage and, well, again, no regrets. I really should pick up the next book, but again…me and series don’t get along very well.

Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins – A Southern belle debutante who kicks ass. What’s not to love about that?! But really, though, this book was a hoot and a half, and I honestly didn’t think much of it before I’d actually read it.

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon – I was mostly wary about this book, because there were A LOT OF PAGES about Scotsmen in the 1700s. The time period isn’t exactly my cup of tea, and historical romance fiction of this caliber isn’t really something I read on a regular basis. That said…the show definitely opened my eyes. Hem hem. As did the book, of course. Of course…

Last Call at the Nightshade Lounge by Paul Krueger – Another new adult book that actually had me entertained! But then again, when your story involves magical cocktail-induced superpowers…yeah, you totally got me by that point. Definitely enjoyed this one enough.