This week’s Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by Broke and the Bookish, is all about the un-put-downable. From page-turner mysteries to emotional character dramas, they all capture our attention in different ways, but one thing is always clear – there will be NO REST until that book is finished! I’ve already posted my short reads TBR, a list of novellas you’ll WANT to read in one day, but here are my most memorable page-turners of recent. Is it any surprise they’re among my all-time favorite reads?

   

Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer: An all-consuming tale riddled by fear and obsession. The only bad thing about Annihilation, is once you start, you won’t stop until you’ve read the entire Southern Reach Trilogy!

The Vegetarian by Han King: I never knew what all the fuss was about… until I actually sat down to read it… and finished it during a single lunch break.

Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin: I had to read this one twice. My first reading was a non-stop emotional roller coaster, and my second was an OMG how did I miss that, and watch out! marathon.

Super Extra Grande by Yoss: Yes, it’s a bit raunchy, but following an intergalactic veterinarian who specializes in treating enormous animals (who sometimes encapsulate an ENTIRE planet), this one wins for most imaginative – no question.

   

Running by Cara Hoffman: Following a group of teens who live in the slums of Athens, Greece and unexpectedly tangle themselves in an act of terrorism. Haunting and deeply sad, Running is best kept for a rainy Sunday.

Under Rose Tainted Skies by Louise Gornall: The novel opens with the main character, who’s an agoraphobic, caught “fishing” for her groceries, followed by an adorably sweet romance. Yes, she falls in love, but don’t expect it to be the magical cure for her illness.

Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough: I still can’t believe that ending! I’d picked up on a few clues throughout the novel, but I never imagined it would turn to that!

Universal Harvester by John Darnielle: To say Universal Harvester is unsettling is an understatement. After several movie rentals are returned for a disturbing series of cut-ins, including blindfolds and night-time escapes, Jeremy decides to investigate, finding an unexpected path to reconciliation over the loss of his late mother. The ending is less than satisfying, but the emotional journey is well worth the read.

 

Harmless Like You by Rowan Hisayo Buchanan: Yuki is a downright train-wreck, but I couldn’t stop reading, waiting to see what misstep she’d make next!

Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige: My current obsession. How did it take me so long to find this!?

What books did you read in one day?