Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Great Backlist Titles I've Read This Year


      
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly book blog meme now hosted by Jana over at The Artsy Reader Girl!

This week's topic is: Great Backlist Titles I've Read this Year!

The original topic was backlist titles that we still want to read, but I don't think it's actually possible for me to pick only ten out of all the backlist titles I'd like to read. That list would be potentially endless. Instead, I just decided to share a small sample of some backlist titles I've read so far this year. Some of these might be books you've already seen on lists this year, and they might be on future lists as we head toward all of those 'end of year' books. It was difficult to only pick ten for this as well, but I'm happy to say that I managed to follow the rules for once and actually stuck to ten. Have you read any of these books? What are some backlist titles you've read this year?

The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories
The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter
Year of publication: 1979
Okay, so the stories in this collection were actually a bit hit or miss for me, but there were some stories that I really enjoyed, and that's why I ended up liking this book so much. If you like a dark take on familiar fairy tales and haven't read this book yet, you should give it a shot.




Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

In the Night Garden (The Orphan's Tales, #1)

The Orphan's Tale: In the Night Garden by Catherynne M. Valente
Year of publication: 2006
As you may or may not know already, I love Catherynne M. Valente, and I've been slowly making my through her backlist over the years. I was both excited and hesitant to read In the Night Garden because it's sort of... a story within a story within a story within.... which sounds a bit confusing, right? It wasn't! I loved this so much; if you enjoy folktales and complex, engaging stories, then I really recommend you check this one out.

Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

The Ghosts of Cannae: Hannibal & the Darkest Hour of the Roman Republic

The Ghosts of Cannae: Hannibal and the Darkest Hour of the Roman Republic by Robert L. O'Connell
Year of publication: 2010
This is a nonfiction book that I read earlier this year that was centered on Hannibal and the great battle at Cannae. I received my degree in Clasics and one of my particular areas of interest is in ancient Greek/Roman warfare, and I love Hannibal. I was a little disappointed because a lot of this was recap information about Hannibal and the wars with very little about the battle itself, but if you are unfamiliar with this topic then I think it'd be a great book to pick up.
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository


The Phantom of the Opera

The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux
Year of publication: 1910
This is super backlist, but I've always loved the Broadway show and the story of the Phantom, so I decided to read the book! It's not quite what I expected, but nonetheless I still thought it was a fascinating read.




Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository


The Child Thief

The Child Thief by Brom
Year of publication: 2009
I also love dark Peter Pan related stories, so The Child Thief is one that had been on my radar for a while. Although the writing itself wasn't the strength in this book, the plot itself was really interesting and I enjoyed seeing how Brom took the basics of the Peter Pan story and twisted them into a modern setting with his own ideas.

Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository


A Cavern of Black Ice (Sword of Shadows, #1)
A Cavern of Black Ice by J.V. Jones
Year of publication: 1999
I've probably raved about this book enough, but this was a backlist title that I'm almost angry I never read sooner. I can't wait to continue this series and explore more of this insanely brutal yet captivating fantasy world. If you like huge, dark, epic fantasy--particularly ones set in a freezing cold Alaskan-esque climate--then definitely read this. Just do it, I promise.


Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 1 (Fullmetal Alchemist, #1)

Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 1
Year of publication: 2002
This was my first manga! I thought this was so much and I'm surprsuied at how quickly I started rooting for the Elric brothers. The characters have awesome personalities and the sci-fi elements are super intriguing.



Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

Palimpsest

Palimpsest by Catherynne M. Valente
Year of publication: 1979
This is a weird book, but it's also a fascinating one. The basic sort of premise is that there's basically an alternate dream-like place that certain people can access...but only by having sex with others who can also access this place. It sounds weird, I know, but it's engrossing and beautifully written, as is pretty much everything Valente writes.


Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository



Queen of Oakes by Colleen Oakes
Year of publication: 2016
Everyone knows I love a good, dark Alice in Wonderland-inspired story and this one fit the bill perfectly. I really need to pick up the other books in the series that are out, but I'm nervous because of how much I loved this one. If you like Alice stories, check this one out!



Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

The Haunting of Hill House
Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
Year of publication: 1959
Everyone was right: this book is phenomenal. I had the best time reading this book and wish that I could read it again for the first time. I was really excited about the Netflix adaptation because I thought this would make a really neat show, but then I realized the Netflix show is not even close to the storyline--or even characters--of the original. It still seems like a great show, but I'm pretty disappointed. Alas, at least I still have the book!

Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

Have you read any of these? What great backlist titles have you read this year?

10 comments:

  1. The Haunting of Hill House sounds so creepy! I don't think I could watch the show, maybe I could read the book, though!

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    1. I would totally recommend it! It's definitely got some spooky parts, but the characters and writing style are incredible.

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  2. I didn't realize Hill House was a book, or had been written that long ago. Interesting! And a Cavern of Black Ice is definitely on my TBR! I should read it soon.

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    1. I know, I was surprised at just how long ago it was written as well. And I hope you do, it's fantastic!

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  3. I love seeing Catherynne M. Valente on your list, I also want to catch up with her backlist!

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  4. All of these are new to me but I've always wanted to read Haunting of Hill House. It sounds so good!

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  5. I haven't read any of these yet, but I did see The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway a long time ago! I don't think that counts though.

    Glad you got some TBR clearing done this year!

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    1. Ooh, I'd love to see it on Broadway one day! I love the music and it looks like a beautiful production.

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