I came here to say this! My first true 10/10 book as an adult. It wrecked me in the way only beautiful, honest literature can. It’s been 5 or so years since I read it and now I’m pondering a re-read
I have read three from your list. I think I would have a lot of trouble trying to pick my top 10 books. And trying to organize my bookshelves. Well done 👍
We have so many in common!! I haven’t read Hidden Valley Road (though I immediately added it to my TBR), but if you like well researched books that also tell a very human story, Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe is sooooo good.
I share #s 5, 10, 23. My others in no order: Toni Morrison’s Beloved, Sally Rooney’s Intermezzo, Jennifer Egan’s A Visit from the Goon Squad, Henry James’s The Portrait of a Lady, Helen MacDonald’s H is for Hawk, Robert Putnam’s Our Kids, Gabrielle Zevin’s Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, Ann Patchett’s Bel Canto, Ann Lamott’s Bird by Bird, Maira Kalman’s The Principles of Uncertainty, Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperhead, and almost anything by Elizabeth Strout. Way more than 10!
I started the [audio]book of All Fours last year. I loved it so much until I had to abruptly stop listening because I was so uncomfortable at the precipice of her getting caught in her lies. I hate confrontation in my media as much as I hate it in my real life.
Ooh I need to come up with a list!
Yes! Share it with me once you make it!
Ruthie, I have discovered SO MANY of these fabulous 📕 and writers through you—gratitude for consolidating in one list, so I can revisit!
Aww Minky! Thank you – let me know which one becomes your next read!
A Place For Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza is a 10/10 book for me
Ooooh adding it to my list!
I came here to say this! My first true 10/10 book as an adult. It wrecked me in the way only beautiful, honest literature can. It’s been 5 or so years since I read it and now I’m pondering a re-read
Oh, I love that! Not a lot of people know that book. I agree- it wrecked me too!
I have read three from your list. I think I would have a lot of trouble trying to pick my top 10 books. And trying to organize my bookshelves. Well done 👍
Obsessed with the glass castle, SO good
Loved Heartburn!
Water for Elephants is on my list.
So glad to see Hidden Valley Road there. What a gem
The only book that came at all close to HVR in my mind is The Best Minds by Jonathan Rosen <3
OOO don't know that one. Will investigate.
Agree with so much on this list!
<3 <3 <3
What a great idea! I bet looking at this shelf brings you so much joy. I love the variety in your picks, too - thank you for sharing!
SO MUCH JOY! Thank you <3
We have so many in common!! I haven’t read Hidden Valley Road (though I immediately added it to my TBR), but if you like well researched books that also tell a very human story, Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe is sooooo good.
Oh good one! I'll add it to my list. I keep being told to read it.
I share #s 5, 10, 23. My others in no order: Toni Morrison’s Beloved, Sally Rooney’s Intermezzo, Jennifer Egan’s A Visit from the Goon Squad, Henry James’s The Portrait of a Lady, Helen MacDonald’s H is for Hawk, Robert Putnam’s Our Kids, Gabrielle Zevin’s Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, Ann Patchett’s Bel Canto, Ann Lamott’s Bird by Bird, Maira Kalman’s The Principles of Uncertainty, Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperhead, and almost anything by Elizabeth Strout. Way more than 10!
What a great list of books! It felt nearly impossible for me to pick 36, but I had to stop somewhere!
I know! If you asked me tomorrow… 😂
just shared this post with all of my reader friends!
Thank you, Samantha!! <3
Love this- I share 10 of the same 10/10 books with you! So saving this post for new reads bc I obviously trust your judgment 😊
A couple of these are on my list as well! I can't believe I left out Dave Eggers, though - that book ruined me (just like Fleabag, to be honest). https://shellshocked.substack.com/p/10-books-ive-given-5-stars-which
I started the [audio]book of All Fours last year. I loved it so much until I had to abruptly stop listening because I was so uncomfortable at the precipice of her getting caught in her lies. I hate confrontation in my media as much as I hate it in my real life.