Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Top Ten Tuesday: Books That Would Be On My Syllabus If I Taught Writing 101


Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by The Broke and the Bookish.  This week they wanted the blogger to choose what subject of books they would teach to a class of impossibly bored and likely sobbing students (can you tell that I am NOT excited about my first day of school today?).  I  chose to list books with extraordinarily good writing.  I'm not talking about plots, world building, or character development.  I mean the actual words that the author chose and how they might as well be made from unicorn tears and fairy dust because of how beautiful they are.
  



This one should not be a surprise.  Everyone and their cat knows that Neil Gaiman is an astonishingly phenomenal writer.  He has a peculiar quality to his writing that I do not have the skills to begin to explain.  I strongly suggest (and by that I mean I demand) you go and read one of his books, of which I suggest the one listed above.




Agatha Christie is an author who doesn't waste words.  She is clear and straight to the point...  Which is odd, considering she also manages to spin maddening and impossible mysteries that made me glare threateningly at the book (although, no books were harmed in the course of reading this novel, I swear).




This book is quietly remarkable.  It is eerie and sad and has a mystery that leaves your curious and questioning and then stunned at the reveal.  The writing is never too much or too little and always gets under your skin in the subtlest of ways.  Go read it.




Alexandra Bracken is nothing but consistent.  Looking back on this trilogy, I cannot tell you a point in any of the books where something was lacking or there was a major issue that was crying for attention.  It is dark and sharply written and rivals Divergent for the spot of my favorite dystopian series ever.  




Maggie Stiefvater knows how to write.  She somehow wished on a star or made a deal with an old Welsh king (read the book, you'll understand) that came true to have such lyrical, dream-like writing.  Every word is gorgeous and sealed with some sort of magic.  Basically, I want to be Maggie Stiefvater when I'm older. 



The ambiance of this book makes it feel as if you are physically, not just mentally, transported to a mystical circus that showcases real magic.  It is absolutely enchanting.  Sometimes I miss this book, which is odd, since stories really do stay with you forever.  Well, the good ones do, at least.



There is just something about this book.  Let's label it "alien apocalypse meets excellent writing and plotting."  Every thought, emotion, and grim attack is conveyed in perfect clarity.  I don't know--there's just something about this book.  Enough something that I had to write it twice.



Magic and adventure is plentiful in this book, and so it brilliant writing.  Basically, you take whimsy and mix it with plot twists that tear your heart out, and you get a fantastic and delicious cake of a book.  Holly Black's writing is understated but never fails to tug on your heart strings.




I read this book about a year and a half ago and all I remember is being so completely and utterly blown away that all I could do was mumble incoherently about how much I loved it.  The writing is just beautiful.  It flows like music (just to clarify, mostly like classical music...not rock or alternative, since this book is more pianos and violins type flowy and can you tell I'm writing this at one AM?).  This book is deserving of happy tears.



I have nothing to say other than that this book is outstanding and the writing is like no other I have previously encountered.  It is a book that is more than a book and everyone should read this in their life, since it would be seriously lacking without it.

8 comments:

  1. I feel bad that I've only read half of these books, considering most of the other half has been on my TBR list for soooo loooong. I absolutely love it when books have beautiful writing and this is such a good idea for the TTT topic! Luckily I don't start back at school until the 7th of September, but I'm still dreading it all the same. I really hope your first day back goes well! :)

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    1. Half is still great, though! But, really, do read all of these since they are all wonderful. Beautiful writing is one of my favorite things about books and I always look for it. Thanks! I wish I didn't start so early, but today was okay, if a bit boring (but isn't it always?).

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  2. Ooh this is such a good idea! I love your list! I have only read We Were Liars and The Night Circus but I agree the writing in them is to die for. 1984 is a book I feel I have to read at some point in my life and preferably soon. The Raven Boys, The Darkest Minds and The Ocean at the End of the Lane have been on my radar for a while and... why haven't I read them yet?! I hope your first day back goes well and that it isn't too painful... I go back in exactly one week. Nooooo. Is there any chance I could LITERALLY lose myself in a book before then? Preferably one with great writing, as you described ;-) Great TTT! :-D

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    1. Thanks, Rebekah! Those two are some of my favorite books of all time...well, all of these are, really. Do read 1984! I don't know about you, but where I live we read it in most schools (although I read it before...oh well, I couldn't wait!). All of those books you listed are THE BEST. I would suggest starting with The Ocean at the End of the Lane, since it isn't a series, plus Neil Gaiman is an awesome writer. My first day was long but I survived. I hope yours goes smoothly as well! Going back is the worst. Maybe you will find Narnia before then? Thanks for commenting, Rebekah!

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  3. I still have yet to read some of the books you mentioned, but they are in my TBR and ack I'm so jealous you got to read them already :) I loved We Were Liars!! Even if there were few plotholes in the book. The writing was extraordinary, and I absolutely loved the mystery behind it. Great list, Erin :)

    Jillian @ Jillian's Books

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    1. Read them all SOON, Jillian! You should be jealous, since they are WONDERFUL. We Were Liars blew me away, plot holes aside. Thanks so much for commenting! :D

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  4. Ah great class!!! I loved We Were Liars , Night Circus and These Broken Stars. I remember reading that Agatha Christie book forever ago too.

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    1. Haha, thanks! All of these books are just so beautiful and I am so glad that you have read some!

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