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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
