Top Ten Tuesday: Authors I've Read The Most Books From

Hosted By: The Broke and The Bookish

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and The Bookish, where we list our top ten according to a topic of the week. Check out future topics here.

Top Ten Authors I've Read The Most Books From

This doesn't exactly indicate that these authors are my favourite authors, in fact only 2 of them I really consider authors I love will automatically buy from. The others only rack up numbers because they've written lengthy series.

10. John Green (4)

         

9. Sarah J. Maas (4)

            

8. J R. R Tolkein (4)

            

7. Catherynne M. Valente (5)

            

      
  6. Stephanie Meyer (5)

            

            

5. Richelle Mead (6)

          

4. Rick Riordan (6)

          

3. J.K Rowling (7) 

     

2. Philippa Gregory (8)

         

      

1. Cassandra Clare (10) 

          

          

             

Unsurprisingly majority of these are YA adult authors AND I'm going to assume will make up a lot of other Top Ten Tues lists.

Who's On Your List?

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Shantaram - Gregory David Roberts

Title: Shantaram
Series: Shantaram #2
Author: Gregory David Roberts
Publication Date: 2003
Add to Goodreads | Buy from The Book Depository

Shantaram is narrated by Lin, an escaped convict with a false passport who flees maximum security prison in Australia for the teeming streets of a city where he can disappear.

Accompanied by his guide and faithful friend, Prabaker, the two enter Bombay's hidden society of beggars and gangster, prostitutes and holy men, soldiers and actors, and Indians and exiles from other countries who seek in this remarkable place what they cannot find elsewhere.

(Source: Goodreads)

Review 

Shantaram really deserves some sort of spotlight, because I feel like it has a lot to offer. It's a massive read, but the writing is beautiful and easy to read. I just wanted to add in some things I missed in the video, because this novel seriously had so much going on.

I loved the vibrant setting and how realistic it was. But more than that, I loved the connection the characters had towards the country. There is a lot of praising of India, which can be overwhelming sometimes because it felt like Roberts was giving all the positives but disregarding all the negatives that also come with the country. However, I could really believe that he loved the country as much as he portrayed it. The characters themselves were amazing. They all had their own voices and stories that were memorable. I pretty much loved all of them even if they weren't all "good characters" and managed to develop some attachments. 

 It's definitely a hate it or love it read but see what else I thought about it!

P.S Shantaram is actually the only novel published in the planned quartet despite it supposedly being the second book. Roberts has the sequel coming out very soon, before the prequel to this is released. I know it's confusing.  

Discussion

I touched upon the things that I enjoyed and had issues with in the video but I do feel like I want to offer something more. Like I said, I didn't enjoy the glorifying of the mob/gangsters. Lin dives into this world and even though you get to see the violent, bloody battles, there's still a lot of emphasis about wealth and comfortable living. The gangsters are revered in the story and whilst everyone knew they were working around the law, the community - including authority - turned a blind eye because the profit and advantages outweighed the damages. It's a very conflicting portrayal, especially with the constant mention of doing "wrong for the right reasons". It raises questions about whether it is justifiable to kill, steal or other criminal acts if the act was for the "right" reasons. Does that essentially mean some acts can be above the law and deemed acceptable? I found that very interesting but not entirely something I support. It does show though, that the world is very gray. There is no black or white, right or wrong, good or bad. That's where Shantaram excels - in pushing ideas and concepts that make you question yourself and really think.

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What To Do When The Reading Slump Attacks

The dreaded Reading Slump. Two words any reader never wants to encounter but alas, it is a very common occurrence - or at least for me.

I usually find that my motivation to read falls during really busy periods of the year or, weirdly enough, when I'm on break at home and I spend all my time on my laptop instead of delving into my TBR pile. It gets pretty bad though, when I really do feel like reading but my brain just doesn't seem to respond. Most of the time I naturally resurface from these slumps, but other times I've had to discover new ways to get back into reading. Here are a four ways to escape a reading slump!

1. Re-excite Myself

There are two places I go to in times of need. One is YouTube and the Book Blogs. The BookTube community is growing by the minute and I can go hours binge watching so many fellow readers. What better way to be excited about reading than listening to other people who love to read talk about reading! Likewise the blogging community takes up a big part of my time and Bloglovin' is a great place to collate all your favourite blogs to read daily!

2. New Books!!

Any bet whilst I'm watching those booktube videos or visiting book blogs, there's a big chance I'll find a new or unheard of book that'll intrigue me. I'm not going to lie, buying books gives me immense pleasure. If I find a new read it'll definitely jump up to my number one priority to read and gives me a chance to buy more books!

3. "Guilty Pleasures"

We all have those books that just becomes one of our guilty pleasures. Most of the time they're not books I generally reach for but if I need an easy, light read that doesn't require a lot of brainwork those are the books for me. New Adults is pretty high on my list for books to read when I'm in a slump and I find that this method works well for me. I get back into the habit of reading without any pressure and can just enjoy the small moment. 

4. Re-read your Favourite Book

Hands down this is probably the ultimate method to get rid of any nasty slumps. There's obviously a reason why a certain book has become a beloved companion and I know you've read it countless of times without being bored. My personal favourite is the Harry Potter Series. I'm immediately drawn into the world again and it gets me extra excited that I fly through the books like no tomorrow.

Hopefully a reading slump is not on the near horizon for you guys but if you ever need a pick me up maybe try these out!

What Do You Do During Reading Slumps?

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Top Ten Tuesday: Fairytale Retellings I've Read/Want To Read

Hosted By: The Broke and The Bookish

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and The Bookish, where we list our top ten according to a topic of the week. Check out future topics here.

Top Ten Fairytale Retellings I've Read or Want To Read

It's so weird how most fairytale retellings are actually series. Also, the amount I've read is pathetic. Better get a move on Tracey!

Read

 

1. Dorothy Must Die (Dorothy Must Die #1) by Danielle Paige

I know there's so much controversy around this book, but I really loved the story and how it progressed. 

2. Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles #1) by Marissa Meyer

3. Deathless (Deathless #1) by Catherynne M. Valente 

A beautifully written retelling based on a Russian folktale. There's a second book coming out soon so yaaaaaaaay!!

4. Impossible (Impossible #1) by Nancy Werlin 

Want To Read

5. The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer 

6. The Wicked Will Rise (Dorothy Must Die #2) by Danielle Paige 

7. Scarlet (Scarlet #1) by A.C Gaughen 

8. A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1) by Sarah J. Maas

9. The Wrath and The Dawn (The Wrath and The Dawn #1) by Renee Ahdieh 

So much hype around this book that I am super excited to get my hands on it! 

10. The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly 

I find this fascinating considering it's a Cinderella retelling - I'm pretty sure - but the main character is a boy! It's also supposedly a YA novel, but apparently reads as a dark and gritty adult novel. 

Which Retellings Have You Enjoyed?

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July Wrap Up

On The Blog

Seven months down and we're one step closer to the end of the year. It's kind of insane how fast time flies! This month I managed to get back into blogging and I'm so glad that there's actually some content up. I'm pretty proud of myself for sticking to my exact schedule and writing five reviews. Quick pat on the back to me!

"Top Ten Tuesday"

Hyped Books I've Never Read | Recently Acquired Books | Books Celebrating Diversity | Fellow Book Nerd Characters

"The Waiting List"

August has some pretty awesome new releases!

'Find Me' Tag

Posts For Thought

• Get some blogging tips from (A) These Paper Heart's guide to setting up a "Book Review Format" or (B) "How To Bounce Back After Blog Burnout" courtesy of A Girl, Obsessed. 
• If you feel like those shiny new ARCs are something you're definitely interested in A Perfection Called Books can you give you "The Lowdown" on how to go about it. 
• I know it's Winter in Australia but there have been so many Summer Reading Lists cropping up and Amarisafloria's recommendations will be kept in mind!

Reading Time

Considering I've barely read anything for the past 6 months, I was very thrilled at my progress for July!!

Favourites

        

Reviews

        

          

     

How did July go for you?

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