Thanks to Nandini for tagging me to do this! I’m posting this tag today in honour of Hobbit Day (September 22 is the birthday of both Bilbo Baggins and Frodo Baggins, respective protagonists of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
Gandalf – a book that taught you something
Zen Keys by Thich Nhat Hanh – Taking ‘taught you something’ literally here, this is the book that largely introduced me to and spurred my Zen meditation practice.
Frodo – a book that left a mark on you
White is for Witching by Helen Oyeyemi – One of my favourite books that I rarely talk about because I know a lot of people didn’t enjoy it. But it left such a mark on me when I first read it in high school that I’ve reread it every year since.
Legolas – a book you finished in one sitting
The first books that come to mind are the Wayward Children books, but as those already make an appearance further down the list I’m going with – The Break by Kathrena Vermette. I hadn’t expected to read it in one sitting, but the story gripped me completely, in a kind of ‘can’t look away from a train wreck’ way.
Gimli – a book that features an unlikely friendship
In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan – Having just discussed this book with my sister, it’s the first that comes to mind for ‘unlikely friendship’. Elliot’s friendships with Serene and Luke (rude and sarcastic nerd befriends kind and supportive warriors) certainly fit that descriptor.
Merry – a book that pleasantly surprised you
Front Desk by Kelly Yang – I just finished this book last week. Although it’s received accolades in a lot of places, I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it very much because realistic fiction is not my thing. I was completely absorbed, however, and blazed through the book!
Pippin – a book that made you laugh
Insert Coin to Continue by John David Anderson – Middle schooler wakes up one morning to find his life has literally been gamified. I laughed a lot at the various twist on classic gaming tropes.
Boromir – a book/series that you thought ended too soon
Wayward Children series by Seanan McGurie – I’m happy the series is ongoing, but I would love an extra 50 pages in each book. (Though maybe then that would turn out to be too much of a good thing…)
Sam – a book with memorable side characters who stole the show
The Fairyland series by Catherynne M. Valente – I couldn’t think of a book where I’d say the side characters entirely stole the show, but these books feature a diverse cast of characters who make the series even more delightful.
Aragorn – a good book with a bad cover/average
A Face Like Glass by Frances Hardinge – I would say this is an average cover. Most of the elements don’t appeal to me (font, colours, texture).
Gollum – a book that had great potential but disappointed you in the end
Shades of Magic trilogy by V.E. Schwab – I actually wrote a whole post about this, lol.
I tag any The Lord of the Rings fans who may be reading this! Which books would you choose for some of these prompts?
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