Tuesday, October 4, 2016

My Top Ten Hurricane Reads!!




Those of us who are even vaguely aware of world events (I've had to come down from my cloud, lol) know by now that there's a MAJOR hurricane in the Caribbean, and, as of this writing, is already wreaking havoc on the poor Haitians.... It also happens that we here in South Florida are.....IN THE CONE. Yes,  we definitely are, and I'm a nervous wreck. In order to counteract my rather 'trembly' present condition, I came up with this idea of featuring books to read during a hurricane. Well, they can also be read BEFORE a hurricane, as well as AFTER. Although perhaps AFTER is not such a good idea. After all, there's all that debris to get through, and then get rid of.... We're planning to evacuate, as neither hubby nor I enjoy the idea of dealing with power outages, or HEAT because there won't be any A/C. Of course, I'm taking my laptop with me, as well as several treasured books....

Anyway.....I've hastily come up with a list of books to read ESPECIALLY during a hurricane. While the winds are blasting outside, and your knees are knocking together, and your prayers have all been exhausted, well, you can always turn to BOOKS for solace!

So here is my 'official' "Top Ten Hurricane Reads List"!!  It has the added benefit of including books that would make GREAT Halloween reads, as well! Of course, you can always try out these books even when there's no hurricane threatening your area! (Please note: This list is NOT intended for earthquakes. When the ground is shaking, it's TOTALLY impossible to concentrate on a book, no matter how GOOD it is!) Click on the pics for each Goodreads page.

1.) Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, by J.K. Rowling

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5.Harry_Potter_and_the_Prisoner_of_Azkaban?ac=1&from_search=true

Even if you haven't read any other HP books, I do recommend this one during a hurricane. You will be treated to the antics of The Whomping Willow, who tosses Ron's dad's car around in a fit of anger at being 'attacked'. Besides, you can take off with Hagrid's hippogriff, "Buckbeak", not to mention get on your broom and play Quidditch with Harry and the gang. All of these magical activities are guaranteed to take your mind off the roaring winds and pelting rain outside.

2.) The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/236093.The_Wonderful_Wizard_of_Oz?ac=1&from_search=true

Everyone knows the story, and of course, has seen the 1939 classic. Dorothy is at home during a tornado which lifts her house, and lands her, along with her lovable little dog, Toto, in a magical land where she will meet some very unusual creatures (one of them thinks he doesn't have a brain, but it turns out he does; can't say the same for most politicians....) A delightful tale to keep you thinking that there's light at the end of the yellow brick road!

3.) The Sign of Four, by Arthur Conan Doyle

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2721274-the-sign-of-four
There's probably NOTHING like a good Sherlock Holmes adventure to take your mind off a hurricane roaring right outside your window! The unflappable Mr. Holmes will twist your brain inside and out with his uncanny ability to lift cues just by sniffing somebody's shoes, especially if the person has been out in inclement weather. This adventure concerns hidden treasure, and four ex-cons from India! Meditation, anyone?

4.) A Bite To Remember, by Lynsay Sands

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8736712-a-bite-to-remember

Just looking at this cover (this is for red-blooded female readers) should take your mind off that nasty, little ol' hurricane, dahling! This is also a VERY funny paranormal romance novel! I know, because I've read it twice! Yes, that's how MUCH I love it! The shenanigans between PI Jackie Morrisey and vamp Vincent Argeneau (who is, cross my heart, a VERY sweet guy!) will have you laughing your way right through all of those storm squalls! Guaranteed!

5.) Abandon, by Meg Cabot

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9397967-abandon?ac=1&from_search=true

This one takes place on a thinly-disguised Key West, and, if I'm not mistaken (I read it some time back) there's a hurricane looming on the horizon. It also has a lot to do with Greek mythology, as it's a modern retelling of the Persephone myth. There's lots of drama, true, but you'll be sure to get completely immersed in this strange paranormal world! Plus, you'll SO fall in love with John (aka Hades, Lord of the Underworld).....

6.) Tempest Rising, by Tracy Deebs

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9583227-tempest-rising?ac=1&from_search=true

Of course, a hurricane is intimately related to the sea, so what better book to read during a Mother Nature freakout party than one dealing with the vast, mysterious ocean? This story is sure to delight! Besides, there's even an evil sea witch involved! And, of course, a very hunky human who loves Tempest for who and what she is! Nothing like a sea romance to get you all enthused and excited, even during a FREAKING hurricane! YAY!!!!

7.) Secret Sea, by Robb White

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3331933-secret-sea?from_search=true

This is an 'oldie' but, oh, such a GOODIE!! I first came across it when I was around 12, and promptly began to devour it! I remember trading a copy of Five Little Peppers and How They Grew, which was totally BORING, for this exciting, post-WWII tale of sunken sea treasure, and evil Nazis! While the winds moan outside, you'll be engrossed in this great adventure, trying to shake that evil-looking black yatch that's on your tail....

8.) Jane Eyre, by Charlott Brontë
 
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/168016.Jane_Eyre


Jane goes through some VERY stormy circumstances in her life, and remains her own true self, through all the vicissitudes of her life. She's a strong heroine, one that will remain unforgettable in the minds of all those readers who are lucky enough to encounter her! If you need some courage and determination to get you through any of the storms of life, Jane will be your guide! (This novel can, of course, be read at any time of the year; it's totally timeless.)

9.) Die For Me, by Amy Plum 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9462812-die-for-me?ac=1&from_search=true

This paranormal tale will sweep you off to Paris, where you'll become part of the exciting night scene, especially right where there are revenants concerned.... This is a VERY romantic, tale, as well as a totally fascinating one! Kate and Vincent will totally enthrall you, and make you wish you were living your own Paris romance! (Even if your boyfriend might not be exactly human....but he will always be a total gentleman!)

9.) Vampire Crush, by A. M. Robinson

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8428115-vampire-crush?ac=1&from_search=true

This one is SO funny!! James Hallowell gives Edward Cullen a run for his money! In fact, this book is a sort of parody of the Twilight series, but it doesn't put it down in any way. It's just a fun read that takes all the vamp tropes and makes a great, HILARIOUS spin on them all! Guaranteed to get you pretty hyper without touching a drop! 

10.) Tryst, by Elswyth Thane

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26805130-tryst

Last, but most definitely NOT least, is this beautiful ghost story that's also a bittersweet love story. Sabrina is 17, therefore, this is probably one of the earliest YA novels ever published, since it was first released in 1939. It is a total JEWEL of a book, for those of us who are VERY romantic! Hilary (yes, this is a man's name too) is a wonderful, charming character, who immediately steals Sabrina's heart. Unfortunately, he's a ghost.... How the author weaves this poignant tale makes for some wonderful reading! They really should make a movie of it!

And there you have it, folks, my list of top ten reading recommendations (mostly for females, but well, that's how the cookie crumbles, guys) for when the winds are creatively playing outside your house or apartment!



What do you think of my list?
Agree or disagree with my picks?
Be sure to leave a comment below!


4 comments:

  1. I hope that everything is OK Maria and that the storm misses you. I think that it is a good idea that you are evacuating. Doing without utilities and dealing with danger are not good things.


    As long as you are safe then reading is a great way to cope with a storm.

    Though your list might be a little female centric, and I would guess that more women then man have read Jane Eyre, it is a book that everyone should read.

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    1. Hey, Brian!

      Thank you so VERY much!! I've been hoping and praying that this monster stays away from our area! As of right now, we do have a Tropical Storm Watch for Miami-Dade and Broward counties, with the upper Keys included, as well. So I'm feeling a little better. And, if we're lucky (crossing fingers!), we won't be upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning! But anyway, tropical storm winds are not that bad. We might not have to evacuate, after all.

      Yes, as long as safety has been taken care of, then reading does sound like a GREAT way to pass the time! (Even with a flashlight, lol.) Creating this list was my way of dealing with all the anxiety!

      Yes, this list is more for females, but there are two books on it that will definitely appeal to men: "The Sign of Four", and "Secret Sea". I read the second one around the age of 12, when I was in my tomboy phase, lol. I couldn't put it down!! I HIGHLY recommend this book!! In fact, I might want to re-read it sometime very soon!!

      As you've pointed out, "Jane Eyre" should be read by everyone, although of course this classic novel will appeal more to women.

      Also, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" should appeal to men just as much as women. Yes, it's a YA novel, but there are many adults who like it, too!

      Thanks again for the well wishes!! Thanks as well for the SUPER nice comment!! :)

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  2. I hope you and all your love ones stay safe. I've been keeping an eye on the weather as we have some extended family down that way as well. What a wonderful list of books and you have me wanting to check out Abandon as well as Tryst. They both sounds pretty interesting and I read a vampire series by Cabot a few years back and really enjoyed them. If you haven't read them, you should. The first one is Insatiable. Stay safe my friend!

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    Replies
    1. Hi, Barb!

      Oh, thank you so much!! I've been hoping and praying that we at least don't get a direct hit. Of course, it would be much better if we didn't get any impact at all! As of right now, there's a Tropical Storm Watch for Miami-Dade and Broward counties, as well as part of the Keys. I sure hope we don't get upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning!! But, even if we do, tropical storm winds are not as bad as hurricane winds. We should be okay, with no need to evacuate. The power might not go out.

      So glad you like my book list!! Yes, "Abandon" and "Tryst" are really GREAT reads! I wish more people knew about "Tryst", as it's such a WONDERFUL read!! I have reviews of both books right here on this blog, if you'd like to check them out.

      I didn't know that Cabot had a vampire series! WOW. I'll have to check it out!! Thanks for the heads up!!

      Thanks again for the well wishes!! Hope your own folks are safe, too!! And thanks for the SUPER nice comment!!

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