Top 5 Tuesday #54: Hyped Books That Hooked Me

Top 5 Tuesday is a weekly meme created by Shanah, the Bionic Book Worm, and now hosted by Meeghan at Meeghan Reads.

This week’s topic:

Top 5 hyped books I love

(Tell us all about the hyped books that you love and think deserve the hype!!)

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I’ve read several hyped books that have fallen flat for me often because I read the book expecting too much from it or because it’s praised for something it is not. But there have been times when I read an overly hyped booked that paid off. It’s such a wonderful feeling when I read such a book. Here are a few hyped books that worked out for me.

The Arrival by Shaun Tan (illus.)

This is one of my favorite graphic novels. It’s a silent middle grade fantasy story, so it’s told using only pictures, and is about a man trying to find a safe place for his family to live due to a large threat in his home country. In that way, the story touches on immigrant experiences despite being a fantasy story. It’s such a great read, and I love the illustrations as well. I should reread it soon.

Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen

This was a surprising read for me. I read it back in 2018 by listening to the audiobook, which Springsteen narrates himself. The book was published in 2016, but even in 2018 people were still talking about it. I had no idea who Springsteen was and began the book thinking it’s about running. The only reason why I borrowed it from the library is because I was desperate for something to listen to on the way to work.

The book is Springsteen’s autobiography. I was surprised that I was hooked on Springsteen’s story, on his every word, and that I even remembered what he said, which I struggled to do back then when listening to audiobooks. This book was very inspiring and one I often recommend to those seeking inspiration for creative pursuits.

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

I avoided reading this one for a long time because it was recommended to me so often, lol. But when I read it, I was a little mad at myself that I took so long to do so. It’s historical fiction set in the 18^th century that follows the descendants of two sisters from Ghana over a number of years. One of the sisters was sold into slavery, and the other married an Englishman. It’s SUCH a good read, and I consider it a modern classic for the talented storytelling, the wonderful prose, and that it’s a family saga that neatly wraps up in 300 pages. It’s a fantastic work and one of my favorite books.

…Actually, all the books listed here are favorites.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

I forgot how I learned about this book, but it received a lot of hype by the time I gave in and read it. Then I read it and could not stop praising it because I love the story and the writing. It’s a fantasy story about a battle between two magicians to see whose apprentice is more talented. However, it’s the setting for this battle that captivates readers. The Night Circus is such a magical, alluring, entrancing place that I couldn’t get enough of it as I read and often wished it was real when I was done reading.

Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

Zombies  This is YA historical fiction set shortly after the Civil War in the U.S. Basically, those who died didn’t remain dead, so Blacks and Native American teens are trained to defend White women from zombies. A major reason why I enjoyed this book (other than the zombies) is because of the main character, Jane, who’s a feisty, badass. I enjoyed reading about her and hope to read the next book one of these days.

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So those are the hyped books that got me.

Which ones hooked you?

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