Top Ten Tuesday #8 - Top Ten Books When You Need Something Light & Fun

#1. Soulless by Gail Carriger (Parasol Protectorate #1)

I admit I've loved all five in the Parasol Protectorate series, but the first holds a special place in my heart. It's where I was introduced to Alexia, fang lisps, Lord Akeldama, and the term "comedy of manners." It was love at first chapter and I reread this when I need some smart humor.

#2. The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch (Gentlemen Bastards #1)

A high fantasy full of cons, sneak thievery, skullduggery and clever men -- and women. Scott Lynch became a favorite author with just two books - this and its sequel, Red Seas Under Red Skies. His wit and humor are subtle but hilarious. I can't wait for the third book to come out later this year, and I reread Lies at least once per year when I need some high fantasy with a dash of comedy.


#3. Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

I have a lot of fondness for this book. I first read it age 12, and it introduced to the concept of a book crush (hellllloooo Prince Char!). I've never really gotten over him, nor how much fun and whimsy Levine managed to inject into this Cinderella retelling. I've reread it countess times, and in the absence of kids, I push it on my sister's 5th grade students.


#4. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series by Ann Brashares

It doesn't get much fluffier than this series. But, this series is really good and grew with its audience. Characters fell in love, got their hearts broken, lost their way, estranged themselves from each other, and in the end, it all came together marvelously. I was given this series by one of my very best friends (I love you Megan!), and when I need a pick me up, or a hot Greek guy, or want to remedy my high school nostalgia, this is the series I turn to.



#5. Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan (The Lynburn Legacy #1)

I love Kami Glass. I love how she talks, how she thinks, how she writes. All of it. This is a creative and hard to put down book. Brennan does a great job at creating a well-rounded, hilarious, smart character and Unspoken is pure entertainment with some genuine moment of creepiness.


#6. Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie

A fun, silly, sexy bit of fluff, Bet Me is hilarious. It's been a while since I've read it, but it's easy to remember and Crusie is a comedic writer who can also write the hell out of a sex scene. It's entertaining, it's diverting - it's an entertainment packed book.


#7. Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

I just love this book. It's so heartfelt and Lucy cracks me up. Crowley has the perfect balance of humor and heart and it comes together so perfectly here.


#8. Gilt by Katherine Longshore (The Royal Circle #1)

What can I say? It's my gilty pleasure. Pardon the pun. It's a pretty superficial look at Cat Howard's doomed reign as Henry VIII's fifth wife, but it reads fast and is truly engrossing.

#9. Movies In Fifteen Minutes: The Ten Biggest Movies Ever For People Who Can't Be Bothered by Cleolina Jones

 

Have you ever read Cleolinda? If not, I highly suggest you do. She's incredibly smart, ridiculous funny, and has a quick wit. Her (online) Movies in 15 Minutes shot her to fame, and landed her this book. It's not quiiiite as good as the online ones (the lose of links to relevant topics was dearly missed) but it is chock full of amusement. I peruse her LJ and her Lost recaps, her Hannibal recaps (EMPATH & CANNIBAL: They Fight Crime!), and reread her M15M constantly. I've been a fan for nearly 10 years and her work never gets old or loses an edge. Troy in 15 Minutes is still my favorite but don't miss 300, King Arthur, Phantom of the Opera, V for Vendetta, or the Avengers.

#10. The Jessica Darling series by Megan McCafferty

I've only read the first three, but Jessica Darling is such a well-drawn, funny, real character it's impossible not to love her and these books. She's goofy, stubborn, well-intentioned, confused and lovely. The humor in this is relateable, as is Jessica. This series is good for a reread anytime I feel down.