We have been having fun with Top Ten Tuesday, so we decided we will do one every week. This bookish meme was hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, and has been going since June 2010! Since January 2018 Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.
This week’s topic is a Thanksgiving Freebie, an I’m Thankful for… topic. And I choose I’m Thankful for Representation! I want to highlight some great diverse reads. We all know representation is important and we have a long way to go. These are all books with some kind of representation that I really enjoyed. So let’s jump in!
1.Slay – Brittney Morris
rep: black characters
This one was so so so so good, I flew through it in no time. I can’t wait to read more books by this author and I was once again reminded I need to read more diverse books and more books by black authors.
2. The Diviners – Libba Bray
rep: Black and Queer characters (possibly more in the rest of the series)
I loved the Libba Bray book I previously read and I’m so happy I finally picked this one up. Everyone was raving about this fantasy set in the ’20s and they were right! I’m happy I have the second book and I plan on picking it up soon.
3. The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet – Becky Chambers
rep: polyamorous relationship, f/f romance, Asian character, and more
This is one of the best science fiction books I’ve ever read! It’s also a great sci-fi book for contemporary readers. The characters are amazing and I need to continue with the series soon. There are 3 books out and the fourth and final book releases soon.
4. Six of Crows – Leigh Bardugo
series rep: bisexuality, homosexuality, plus sized character, disability
You probably already know how much I love Six of Crows. This universe is amazing and the chapters in SoC are some of my absolute favorites. King of Scars takes place after the SoC duology and I can’t wait for the second book in that duology.
5. Lady Midnight – Cassandra Clare
series rep: bisexuality, polyamorous relationship, Latinx characters, autism, transgender character, and more!
This is probably my favourite Cassandra Clare series! I loved these characters so much, especially the ones that are going to be in The Wicked Powers. Yes, Cassie Clare is milking this world but her stories are getting better and better so I’m not complaining!
6. Every Heart a Doorway – Seanan McGuire
series rep: asexuality, transgender character, PTSD, mysophobia, anxiety, plus-size, Japanese, and biracial characters, and more!
This series is amazing and I can’t believe how much story there is in these novella’s. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I hope this series will continue for a long time. The characters are great and I want everyone’s backstory.
7. A Dead Djinn in Caïro – Djeli P. Clark
rep: F/F relationship, Egyptian inspired fantasy, Moslim characters
This short story (and the novella that comes after) blew me away! We’re getting a full length novel soon and I’m looking forward to it. I love the world so much, and I think there is a lot more to discover. Also loving the characters.
8. Fence – C.S. Pacat
rep: homosexuality, queer characters, black and asian characters
This is one of my favorite comics ever! I really enjoy the fencing component and I love the characters. This is a bit of a slow burn and I’m looking forward to more issues. Hopefully we get them a bit sooner because I’m getting impatient haha.
9. The Poppy War – R.F. Kuang
rep: Heavily Chinese & Japanese inspired fantasy
This book is brutal! There are a ton of trigger warnings and this is not a book for everyone but I loved it. I also met the author and she was so nice. The third book released pretty recently so I need to read the rest of the series soon.
10. Red, White & Royal Blue – Casey McQuiston
rep: homosexuality, bisexuality, biracial character, ADHD
I couldn’t not mention this one! While I’m not a big (NA) contemporary reader, this one made it to the top of my favorites list last year. I loved this book and the characters so so much and I can’t wait for Casey’s next book.
Some recent TTT posts:
TTT #155 | Books I Read Because Someone Recommended Them to Me
TTT #156 | Books I Want to Read for Halloween
TTT #157 | Books with Single Word Titles (I Want to Read)
TTT #158| Books I Loved But Never Reviewed Part 2
TTT #159 | Super Long Book Titles
What a great list. I’m hoping to read several of them soon.
Gina Mitchell recently posted…In the Nick of Time by Deedee Cummings
Thank you! I hope you pick them up soon, these are all fantastic reads <3
A goodly list of great books. Something to be thankful for. https://pmprescott.blogspot.com/2020/11/time-to-count-blessings.html
Thank you!
Six of Crows is SO good, especially in terms of representation – it’s a masterclass in writing diversity! Great list ?
I completely agree with you!! It’s such a fantastic read and I love all the representation <3 Thank you!
This was such a great post!
Lydia recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday:What I’m Thankful for
Thank you!!
I’ve only read one of these, but I’ve heard good things about all of the titles on your list. I’m glad you enjoyed them!
Happy TTT!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
Thank you! Highly recommend this whole list haha, hope you end up picking up some of them <3
I loved your take on this post!!! I loved a few of these, and a few of them are on my tbr.
Steph@paigesofbooks recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday-Books and series I’m thankful for
Thank you! I loved compiling this list. Happy to hear you loved a few and hope you end up loving the rest as well <3
Such a great thankful post!
Thank you!!
Six of Crows was a great book.
Here is our Top Ten Tuesday.
Astilbe recently posted…The Forgiven Scoundrel by Laura A. Barnes
It really was right?! Can’t wait for the third book some time in the future!
So many books on here that I’ve either read or really want to read! Great list, Candyce!
It was actually my turn this week (Isabelle) but thank you so much!! I hope you end up loving the book you want to read from this list <3
I love The Diviners series, I read the first three last year and the final one when it came out this year and they’re so good, and really diverse for an older series (there’s even more representation in later books). I also really love Six of Crows, one of my favourite books.
Jo recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday #291
I definitely added The Diviners because I heard there will be more representation, and I can’t wait to discover that for myself. The first book was so good (and creepy) hopefully I’ll love the rest of the series just as much!
The Diviners looks great, and I love everything Becky Chambers writes.
Greg recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday #230
Becky is such a great author! I really need to continue with this series. And have you read her novella To Be Taught, If Fortunate? It’s incredible!
So many greats and I’m so glad to see The Diviners on your list. It’s an all time favorite series. 🙂
Lauren @ Always Me
Thank you, that’s so good to hear. I hope to read the rest of the series next year <3
So many great books here! I loved The Diviners and I’m currently reading the third Poppy War book.. fantastic series.
Thank you! I really need to read the next book in the Poppy War. How are you liking the third book so far? I’ve seen nothing but raving reviews
Great list, Isabelle. I think 90% of these titles have been buzzing around my feed for ages – all for being highly recommended reads!
Flora Gatehouse recently posted…The 12 Days of Blogmas 2020 Day 1 #Blogmas2020 #ChristmasWithKtkinnes
Thank you! Happy to hear so many of these are highly recommend <3