top ten tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday: Books with Characters Whose Job I Wish I Had

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.


Itโ€™s Tuesday, and weโ€™re back with a very interesting and kind of difficult list to assemble for TTT. I donโ€™t know about you, but I read a lot of YA so uh, not everyone has jobs let alone exciting ones I would want.

But here goes nothing! What job would I want to potentially have, even for a moment, regardless if I am even qualified to do so?

Listing from #10 as a maybe to #1 as a hell yeah I wish I could do that

10. Fable by Adrienne Young – Captain of a ship

I mean, who wouldnโ€™t want to captain a ship and sail the open seas with your friends and crew mates? I think it would be a wonderful experience to have, and the bonds built between everyone must be strong because your lives are in each otherโ€™s hands. Just take a look at the crew Fable finds herself joining who become the family sheโ€™s been looking for. Though, if a giant ship wrecking storm came through, would I absolutely have to be the last one out of the ship…? Let me think about this a little longer.

9. Love, Life and the List by Kasie West – Museum/art gallery curator (amateur)

This sounds like it could be interesting – a very Night at the Museum feeling but for a living! I love looking at art and learning the stories behind its creation, but if I were a budding artist like Abby in Love, Life and the List then I might be more gung ho for a position here. Alas, my creative skills only go as far as writing.

8. Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder – Kingโ€™s assassin

I absolutely adored this series growing up and just starting in the YA genre. One of my favourite couples are Valek and Yelena. And if I had to choose a job between the two of them, hands down I would want to be the kingโ€™s assassin/whatever the heck Valek is told to do. I mean, sure, there would be some morally questionable things heโ€™d have to do because his king demands it, but would you rather be the kingโ€™s taste (I mean poison) tester instead? No, I donโ€™t think so. Give me kickass fighting skills any day (I really DO wish I had some) over the potential of dying with every meal.

7. The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon – Radio show co-host

A recent read, and I found myself in love with the radio show segments in the book. I have wanted to start a podcast with my boyfriend for relationships, but this idea is pretty awesome. Not sure Iโ€™d be on board to do one with an ex, but I love the idea of sharing stories with people and getting to interact with those I would normally not get to reach out to in my day-to-day life. I suppose itโ€™s why I blog, so a podcast is the next best thing!

6. Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff – the Face (aka smooth talker/diplomat)

I was a super shy child, but I think Iโ€™ve found my voice as Iโ€™ve grown up through the years. I would like to think I could pull off a job such as the Face in the Aurora Cycle series. After all, you just got to look pretty and know how to talk your way out of absolutely any crazy situation that comes your way. Should be a piece of cake, right?

Unless youโ€™re being hunted by multiple groups across the galaxy, but Iโ€™m sure my life would be a lot more simple than that. Hopefully.

5. Charming as a Verb by Ben Philippe / The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson – Dog walker

I love dogs, and am actually hoping to get a dog this year (fingers crossed sooner than later, everyone). While I understand that walking dogs may not be super fun after a while, I think I would enjoy it at least for a good period of time in the beginning. Both the protagonists of Charming as a Verb and The Unexpected Everything walk dogs – plural – including a potential side hustle to attract more dog owners to your business. I could get into that kinda thing. The dog walking business, not the shady side of business. Of course.

4. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins – student studying abroad (in Paris!)

Because studying can totally be a job! I was a student for almost two decades so I would consider it practically a profession (and one I consider going back into some days…I know, crazy right?). But what I wouldโ€™ve given to be able to study abroad! Trust me, if that is ever an opportunity that opens for you, take it with open arms! Especially if you go to a place as beautiful as the City of Lights, which our girl Anna here did and got to meet cute French boys. Le sigh.

3. The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi – Art collector/treasure hunter

Who wouldnโ€™t want to go hunting for archaeological finds like a modern day Indiana Jones? Though I suppose the crew in The Gilded Wolves were in the 1800s, but still. I love history and the treasure that explains so much of those who came before us. Itโ€™s fascinating and exciting to be able to piece it together, like detectives, and learn from the cultures of days past. Of course, add in an element of espionage and uh, potentially stealing precious artifacts from rivals would definitely add an extra layer to intrigue. I might be able to do without that. Maybe.

2. Influence by Sara Shepard & Lilia Buckingham – Influencer

Everything is in its name. While the book really shows the price of social media fame, I do think learning more about what itโ€™s like from the teen influencer author, Lilia Buckingham, has piqued my interest. I canโ€™t say I wouldnโ€™t love to gain a bigger platform at times, though Iโ€™m sure the more private part of me is happy I do not have such responsibility. Either way, if I had a choice, I would definitely want to try it.

1. Slay by Brittney Morris – Video game creator

But like the most kickass kinda interactive video game platform ever! I absolutely adored Slay, and had the pleasure of getting my hands on an ARC. The beauty of its black characterization and representation was everything missing in YA for so long. I learned so much from it, including video game creation/management which is what our protagonist is stuck doing even sometimes at odd hours in the night to interface with users across the world. If I could do absolutely anything, I would love to do this (though I have absolutely no technical skill to do so but let me have my fantasy).


And thatโ€™s it, everyone! What did you think about my fantasy job choices? Aside from the practicality of having the required skills, would any of you wish to be able to do these things for a living? Let me know in the comments below!

top ten tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday: Books That Made Me Laugh Out Loud

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

The rules are simple:

  • Each Tuesday, Jana assigns a new topic. Create your own Top Ten list that fits that topic โ€“ putting your unique spin on it if you want.
  • Everyone is welcome to join but please link back to The Artsy Reader Girl in your own Top Ten Tuesday post.
  • Add your name to the Linky widget on that dayโ€™s post so that everyone can check out other bloggerโ€™s lists.
  • Or if you donโ€™t have a blog, just post your answers as a comment.

Good morning everyone! Itโ€™s Tuesday once again, and weโ€™re back at it with another fun list of books. And this week, we are literally talking about books that are F.U.N.!

I have to warn you, I donโ€™t really read books that make me laugh (it says something about me that I love crime shows and read mostly action packed fantasies or thrillers right?).

So here is what I could gather across the years of books that have characters who are whimsical and unique voices that have at least cracked a giant smile on my face. Let me know if any of these have made you laugh in the comments below!

1. Can You Keep a Secret? By Sophie Kinsella

I love the relatability and fun voices of Sophieโ€™s characters, but Emma cracks the top when she tells a LITERAL stranger all her darkest secrets on the plane when she thought they were going to die due to turbulence. I mean, I donโ€™t wanna laugh at peopleโ€™s distress but the whole situation really bites her later on and thatโ€™s definitely a little amusing.

2. My Lady Jane by Jodi Meadows, Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton

The first of its kind, Hand, Ashton and Meadows (otherwise known as the Lady Janies) have mixed real historical stories with the craziest tales from their imaginations, normally with a big touch of magic thrown in. One canโ€™t help but laugh as we journey with this first Jane, Lady Jane Grey of England, through the antics the Lady Janies have thrown at her. Oh, and the fact that the love interest is part-man, part-horse. Take a bite out of that one hmm?

3. The Perfect Escape by Suzanne Park

I have mentioned this book in another TTT list recently but zombies + escape room job + survival in the wilderness makes for a fun combo regardless of what else is thrown into it. Although not as funny, the female protagonist, Kate, has a huge thing against Adam Levine that makes me wonder what Maroon 5 ever did to her (or the author?).

4. Since Youโ€™ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Maybe not ha ha kind of funny, but this story was delightful in its premise, pushing the protagonist to get out of her comfort zone as she follows the list her best friend left behind when she disappeared. I mean, skinny dipping, anyone? Totally a set up for something fun. Cue the Kelly Clarkson music!

5. Tweet Cute by Emma Lord

Also featured on another recent TTT, itโ€™s not only super adorable but also funny! The antics between these initial store owning competitors get real hilarious when it crosses into the Twitter-sphere. Their arguments (flirtations?!) online get to the point that fans of both stores start shipping them together! I got a lot of laughs between sighs of cuteness out of this one.

6. Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

You may be scratching your heads about this one. Yes, the premise is about corporations Xโ€™ing one another (LITERALLY), a plague unleashed on a spaceship with thousands aboard and no way off, and an AI hell-bent on wiping out the population. BUT the AI and its (his?) attitude and overall body (tone?) language was hilarious and I couldnโ€™t help but laugh at its โ€œdiabolicalโ€ planning and conversations with the characters at times.

7. Chaotic Good by Whitney

Dungeons & Dragons fans would love this one because itโ€™s 100% a huge part of the story. Besides the crafty tales/adventures the characters go off on (in D&D of course), the cosplay efforts our girl Cameron goes through to pretend sheโ€™s a boy to fit into a comic book store group was funny and over-the-top in all the best ways, and I absolutely adored it!

8. Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

A great read during the holidays, this most recent tale of a certain spunky shopaholic who just doesnโ€™t know when to stop buying stuff is as fun as the first book she starred in. I donโ€™t know about you, but I laugh the hardest at the emails Becky sends because I canโ€™t imagine anyone ever having the guts to do so (including trying to get membership in an all-menโ€™s club for a suitcase theyโ€™re raffling!).

9. Geekerella by Ashley Poston

I love a Cinderella re-telling, but get your geeky hats on because this one was a fun ride (in a food truck called the Magic Pumpkin). Think Prince Charming, Cinderella and Comic Con with a huge dash of cosplaying and all-around good humour antics and that is what Geekerella is about.

10. Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick

Sheโ€™s a queen of comedic acting and itโ€™s no wonder her own biography is written in the same style Iโ€™ve come to expect from Anna Kendrick. I loved this story and the weird but funny experiences that has brought her to the stardom she eventually found in Pitch Perfect. Her voice is as snarky and hilarious as if she was reading it to me. (And it wouldโ€™ve been even better if I had listened to the audiobook because she would be actually reading it to me instead!).


What do you think? Feel like youโ€™re in the mood to have a few laughs and only cry because youโ€™re laughing so hard? I hope you find some enjoyment from this selection!

And let me know if you have great suggestions for books that are funny. Clearly I need to broaden my reading selection.

Happy Tuesday, friends!

top ten tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday: Purple, Yellow and/or Green Book Covers

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

The rules are simple:

  • Each Tuesday, Jana assigns a new topic. Create your own Top Ten list that fits that topic โ€“ putting your unique spin on it if you want.
  • Everyone is welcome to join but please link back to The Artsy Reader Girl in your own Top Ten Tuesday post.
  • Add your name to the Linky widget on that dayโ€™s post so that everyone can check out other bloggerโ€™s lists.
  • Or if you donโ€™t have a blog, just post your answers as a comment.

Hello lovelies! Itโ€™s that time of the week again and weโ€™re back with a new list just in time for Mardi Gras!

This week is all about book covers, particularly those in Mardi Gras colours of purple, yellow or green. While not all of them have all 3 colours, I have tried my best to collate some from my recent reads that fit and have stunning covers.

Let me know in the comments if you have read any of these, or if you think the cover is absolutely beautiful!

1. Burning Glass by Kathryn Purdie

A beautiful purple gem surrounded by jewels is the highlight of this cover

A unique debut by beloved author Kathryn Purdie following a protagonist who can feel what others feel as she rises and becomes the kingโ€™s weapon and puppet.

2. Capturing the Devil by Kerri Maniscalco

I love the golden hues in this cover, along with the image of their setting in her dress

An explosive finale to a crazy series full of murders, intrigue and the yearning for scientific advancement. Thereโ€™s no better crime solving pair than the duo protagonists here!

3. The Hand on the Wall by Maureen Johnson

Simple but focuses our attention to one item and one colour

Another fantastic finale to a murder mystery in the past that may tie in with the current ordeals this isolated boarding school is facing, including fresh murders of its students.

4. Night of the Dragon by Julie Kagawa

You can really feel the Japanese-inspired art on this lovely purple cover. Does the golden title count as a cover colour?

Okay, this is also a finale (Iโ€™m so sorry everyone) but this beautiful ending of a Japanese-inspired mythology on kitsune (nine-tailed fox), samurai and ronin in imperial Japan was everything I loved in an OwnVoices tale.

5. They Wish They Were Us by Jessica Goodman

I love the plaid skirt uniform colour! Is it weird it reminds me of my own childhood uniform? At least it was never bloody.

Iโ€™ve mentioned this one recently in another list but this is one of few YA mysteries that have executed the twists and turns surrounding the unfortunate death of a high school student well. This mystery definitely goes a little beyond just the regular whodunnit question with plenty of why questions added throughout.

6. Finale by Stephanie Garber

Two colours in this gorgeous cover! I normally donโ€™t think purple and yellow work together but this has proved me wrong

As noted in the title, this was the conclusion to a beloved series full of illusions and enigmatic characters many fell in love with. If you have not ever been to Caraval, I would say you should definitely find your invite to this elusive place.

7. To Best the Boys by Mary Weber

I love this birdโ€™s eye of a maze – you can even see a girl in a yellow coat in the middle. I would not want to be her

The only one I have not finished yet on this list, but one that has been high on my TBR for a while now. A story of survival and wits, with female protagonists as great as any of the boys, this maze seems as clever as it is deadly.

8. The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi

Golden details surrounding a green foliage, this cover is as enticing and beautiful as its story within. (Also, are those purple flowers? *squints*)

An absolutely stunning book one that makes history feel alive and exciting! Full of treasure hunting, mysterious organizations pulling the strings and a crew of unforgettable characters, this story is a treasure such as the ones the characters seek to find.

9. 10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston

Four words. I. Want. Those. Balloons! But yes, lovely green and gold balance here

I adored this wholesome rom-com that was equal parts cute/romantic and full of family love. Perfect for this time of year to cozy up with indoors as we follow a girl who is set up on 10 blind dates by different family members.

10. A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Brigid Kemmerer

Last, but not least, the cover that contains ALL three colours in a beautiful array

A middle book that in no way suffered from middle book syndrome! This series may need no introduction, but I loved this book more than the first book because it features a certain captain whom I adored. If youโ€™ve read the recently released third book in the series, no spoilers because Iโ€™m just waiting for my copy!


What did you think about the books above? Any titles you liked or didnโ€™t like? Which is your favourite cover? I would love to hear your thoughts!

Until next time, friends!