Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and The Bookish, with a new list prompt each week. What a wonderful way to try to get back in the writing rhythm.

This one will be quick, since I didn’t know about the weekly list until today! In no particular order, here are the top ten books I’ve read in the last 3 years (some may actually be a little outside of that time frame, but it’s all relative anyhow).

1. The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood, is one of my more recent reads. I can’t believe it took me this long to get to this feminist classic. I’ll be reviewing it more in detail soon.

2. The Feminine Mystique, by Betty Friedan.  Keeping up with my constant focus on gender studies and persisting stereotypes of domesticity, it is of course fitting that I’ve read Friedan. She is a must if you are interested at all in the feminist movement or gender studies in general.

3.  The Elegance of the Hedgehog, by Muriel Barbery.  I read this probably closer to 5 years ago, but it resonates with me still. Few novels have such beautiful language and bring out such sincere emotions.

4.  The Way of Kings, by Brandon Sanderson.  Few people can create complex new worlds like Sanderson. Here, he is in his element, setting up a world and an epic fantasy series that promises to be more than divine!

5 & 6.  The Name of the Wind & The Wise Man’s Fear, by Patrick Rothfuss.  For now I lump them together, since Rothfuss is still writing the series.  Talk about true character development and depth!

7.  Into Thin Air, by Jon Krakauer.  This book about Everest is a little outside my norm.  Recommended by a friend, I couldn’t have enjoyed it more. Krakauer really brings to life the longing for conquering Mt. Everest while displaying the complexities of increased commercial climbs and the horror of one of the deadliest days on the mountain.

8.  The Art of Asking, by Amanda Palmer.  I’ve reviewed this book already just back in January. I still love it. I still maintain that the message is valuable for all of us.

9.  The Diviners, by Libba Bray.  1920s supernatural horror. Really. What isn’t to like?! Bray sets up a supernatural-historical-world blend like only she knows how. I couldn’t see all the twists (yeah!), and I cannot wait for Book #2. Please hurry!

10. Kushiel’s Dart, by Jacqueline Carey. Really, I recommend the entire trilogy (Phedre’s Trilogy).  For some, the first book starts slow. However, I love the complex political building Carey does here.  The series only get’s stronger.

11. Fire, by Kristin Cashore.  Again, I could go on forever about the entire trilogy (Graceling Realm), but instead I’ll just mention my favorite of the three.  All of them are great, but this one is perhaps the most consistent.