I loved doing Top Ten Tuesday with numbers and when I saw a similar prompt with colours instead of numbers, I decided to join in. Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.
1. White Nights
Ann Cleeves’ Shetland series is a favourite of mine. Cleeves is a master of interesting and complex characters and her stories are gripping and sometimes heartbreaking. But the big selling point is her descriptions of Shetland, which are so vivid and atmospheric, that I often think, I’ve actually been there. White Nights is the second instalment.
2. The Black Stallion
Oh, how I used to love this series about The Black Stallion. I have no idea, how many times I’ve read the books through my childhood. Even as an adult I reread the first book, when I received a free copy. Still good. ๐
3. The Yellow Wallpaper
Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s story about a young woman’s depression spiralling out of control is as haunting and chilling as any horror novel. It is also a grim reminder of a time, when mental health issues were considered a non-issue, which could be sorted with plenty of rest.
4. A Clockwork Orange
Written in self-invented slang and filled with extreme violence, this is not an easy read. But I liked the questions about free will and morality, which are raised and the inventive language, which is such an integrated part of the story, won me over in the end.
5. A Study in Scarlet
A Study in Scarlet is the very first Sherlock Holmes story. It includes the initial meeting between Holmes and Watson and it may have set the record for the longest explanation of a murder motive ever seen in detective fiction.
6. All Systems Red
The plot in Martha Wells’ All Systems Red is not particularly original. But who cares, when you get to know Murderbot, who is such an adorable and relatable character.
7. The Color Purple
Ever since the movie The Color Purple made an unforgettable impression on me, I’ve been meaning to read the novel. Any day now…
8. The Woman in Blue
I used to enjoy Elly Griffiths’ series about forensic archeologist Ruth Galloway, but eventually I gave up on it. The Woman in Blue was fine, but not amazing.
9. Anne of Green Gables
Anne of Green Gables was another childhood favourite. I love how the contrasting colours red and green are used for this cover.
10. The Man in the Brown Suit
Apparently, I can’t make a list without Agatha Christie. Many of Christie’s stand alone novels feature a young, adventurous heroine. The Man in the Brown Suit is no exception and I, for one, quite enjoyed reading about Anne Beddingfeld and her adventures in Africa.
Have been meaning to read A clockwork orange for years now!
Would recommend the colour purple, the book is just as impactful.
My TTT: https://bookbosomedlondoner.wordpress.com/2020/08/04/top-ten-tuesday-books-with-colours-in-the-title/
PS my Parable of the Sower review is coming on Thursday ๐
You should definitely read A Clockwork Orange, the language takes a bit of an effort to get used to, but it’s worth the effort! I will look out for your review on Thursday ๐
Forgot about The Color Purple. Good book. https://pmprescott.blogspot.com/2020/08/ttt-080420.html
Good to hear you liked it, I am looking forward to read it! ๐
Great list!
My Top Ten Tuesday
Thanks! ๐
Fab selection I have Anne on my list too! ๐
Thanks Nicki, I think, I’ve seen Anne on a few lists by now ๐
Great list! All Systems Red made my list this week, too, and The Color Purple and Anne of Green Gables are two I really need to cross off my TBR.
Thanks! ๐ All Systems Red seemed an obvious choice. I can’t believe you haven’t red Anne, you really need to do something about that. ๐
I don’t know how I forgot about ‘A Study in Scarlet’ when making my own list! It’s a classic, but it totally slipped my mind.
It’s always like that, isn’t it. ๐ Whilst browsing through the TTT posts today, I’ve said that several times: Ah, why didn’t I think of that one…
This reminds me that I havenโt picked up an Agatha Christie for a while. I should really rectify that!
Absolutely! You rarely go wrong with Christie ๐
What a great theme and a great list! Even though I don’t have the opportunity to join in with this, I’ll enjoy mulling over what I might have included!
It is a great theme! A shame you couldn’t join, but it’s fun to think about the possibilities. Once you start, you quickly realise, there are so many book titles with colours! ๐
Great list! I’ve read a few but will explore several.
Thanks! ๐ I find that these lists alway provide good inspiration.
Anne of Green Gables has been on several lists today! Such a great classic. Here is our Top Ten Tuesday
I’ve noticed that! Probably not surprising, as you say it is a great classic! ๐
Yes, The Yellow Wallpaper was amazing. I hope it’s made into a short film sometime.
My TTT .
I agree, it would make a great short film! After reading it, I’m glad to have very plain wall paper in the bedroom. ๐
Ooh I love Christie but I’ve never read The Man in the Brown Suit! I will look out for it! All Systems Red is the next book up on my TBR too! ๐
The Man in the Brown Suit is a bit different, but I enjoyed it. Hope you have fun with Murderbot and All Systems Red. ๐
Thank you! ๐
Lovely list!
Thanks Davida, I am glad you liked it! ๐
I totally forgot about The Black Stallion. This is the first I have seen on this topic. I have not read that book but I have read Bleak Beauty. Nice list.
Here is my TTT.
https://dmhoisington.wordpress.com/2020/08/04/top-ten-tuesday-8/
I’m glad, I managed to pick a few, which are not included in too many lists. There are so many book titles with colours out there and then we all go for Anne and The Color Purple. ๐ Thanks!
Hey there! I have tagged you for The folklore Book Tag! Please feel free to do it at your own convenient time!
https://yourpaperhearts.wordpress.com/2020/08/06/the-folklore-book-tag/
Thank you!
As you know Stargazer, I also had A Study in Scarlet on my list, but otherwise I haven’t read any of the books on your list. However I am hoping to read Anne of Green Gables soon, as part of my Classics Club challenge. I should also really try some of Ann Cleevesโ Shetland series because I love the TV show.
The Classics Club is a great way to get through some of the classics. I sometimes consider to join, but I’m too much of a mood reader and like complete freedom in what I can read. Fingers crossed, Anne comes up soon! ๐ I haven’t seen the TV show based on the Shetland series, but I can definitely recommend the books.
Oh that’s an Agatha Christie title that doesn’t ring a bell… well I know lots of them but not all. I’m reading Dear Emmie Blue right now so I don’t have to look far ๐ There’s also White Is The Coldest Colour that I thought of. Great list!
I think it’s one of the lesser known Christies, but I quite liked it. Perhaps it’s because I would love to go on an adventure in Africa myself. ๐ Oh, I’ve seen Dear Emmie Blue on a few blogs, I hope you enjoy it! I haven’t heard about White is the Coldest Colour, but it’s a great title and would fit perfectly here. Thanks! ๐
I’m sure you’ll be able to go to Africa someday, don’t give up dreaming just yet! xxx
I hope so too! Fingers crossed! Thanks Inge ๐
I love a lot of the books that you featured this week! I just read Anne of Green Gables and The Yellow Wallpaper for the first time this year. The Man in the Brown Suit has been on my TBR list for way too long.
Good to hear! ๐ I hope you enjoyed Anne and The Yellow Wallpaper. I loved both, for very different reasons, obviously. The Man in the Brown Suit is a solid story, although perhaps not a “typical” Christie.
I loved the list, Stargazer, and reading your thoughts. I was obsessed with horses as a child and Black Beauty and The Black Stallion were two of my favorites. I really want to read an Anne Cleeseโs book or two! Well done!
Haha, good to know I’m not alone. I was completely obsessed with horses as a child! I thought of including Black Beauty in my list, but I’ve definitely reread The Black Stallion more times. You should try one of the Shetland books, I think you might enjoy them.
Oddly enough, my favorite is The Yellow Wallpaper. First time I read it, I couldn’t put it down. It was so sad. I wanted to reach through the book and hug that woman! Ultimate childhood favorite would be Anne of Green Gables. Have you read Emily of New Moon series by L.M. Montgomery? (although, it doesn’t have a color in the title.) I love Emily even more than Anne.
No, I don’t find that odd at all. ๐ The Yellow Wallpaper is definitely one of the most impactful reads in my list, despite of it being a short story. I completely understand your urge to reach out and hug her. It was so terrible, she didn’t get any help. I haven’t read the Emily of New Moon series, but now you’ve made me want to! Thanks for stopping by. ๐
Your choices are THE BESTT!! Really – some are really unique and I hadnโt even heard of them before now – and THEY ARE SOOO GORGEOUSSS!! ๐๐๐ Gonna add ALL of them to my tbr now! ๐โค๏ธ
Aww, thanks Rain, that is so sweet of you to say!
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Great list! I love Anne of Green Gables and Man in the Brown Suit.
Thanks! I loved both of these books as well! ๐
A great list! Apparently authors love colours in their book titles and I cannot blame them because they often do capture the attention. Other examples that come to my mind are Flagg’s Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafรฉ, Pamuk’s My Name is Red and Fuller’s Bitter Orange.
Thanks Diana! ๐ Yes, I was surprised how many titles I could think of with colours. I like your suggestions – I haven’t read Green Fried Tomatoes, but I absolutely adored the movie, so perhaps I ought to.
I’m so happy to see A Clockwork Orange featured on this list! Such a marvel. Even the movie adaptation is a masterpiece! I need to check out Anne of Green Gable though. ๐ฎ
Agreed, A Clockwork Orange was amazing!! I still need to see the adaption. Wow, I thought everyone in Canada was force-fed Anne from a young age ๐
I thought so too but it seems like my English teachers didn’t feel like introducing the classic to us. Among many others, come to think of it… Hahahaha
Haha, ah well, you can always catch up on any classics you were missing out on at a later stage. Anne was such a feisty and fun character. I loved reading about her as a child, perhaps slightly less impactful when I reread the first book as an adult.
Great post & great recommendations! Love it ๐ I reviewed The Yellow Wallpaper on my blog today; Iโd love to hear what you think! https://timeforshortbooks.wordpress.com/2020/08/20/review-the-yellow-wallpaper-charlotte-perkins-gilman/
Glad you liked it, I often find that these Top Ten Tuesday posts are fun to write (and hopefully to read as well ๐ )