What are the five best books I’ve read paired with a song? Glad you asked. Challenge accepted.
In no particular order (thanks to Jeremy for recommending the first two books), but this was not an easy list because I’ve read many wonderful books. I tried though to think about books that really impressed me.
#1 The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo + Still Corners – The Trip
I devoured this fantasy series. I loved her humor, the characters, everything. I can’t wait to see what Netflix does with these, but at the same time, I could see myself reading these again – and that, my friend is the sign of a good book.
If you’ve read these then you’ll appreciate the pairing, but even if you haven’t, this is a great song that sets a kind of road trip / spinning-in-circles-with-your-arms-wide mood.
#2 The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller + The Lighthouse Tale – by Nickel Creek
OH. MY. GOD. This was such a lush retelling of a classic, but not really the story you think it’s going to be. This book led me to Circe and that tells me how much I love an author, when I want to read everything else by them.
If you’ve read the book, you’ll understand why I chose this song. Even though it’s a story song told from the perspective of a lighthouse, and it’s a bluegrass tune, which might seem odd paired with a Greek myth – it works, damn it, it works.
#3 The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory + Dusty Springfield’s Son of a Preacher Man
This was the first book that I read by Philippa Gregory. [And no, I never watched the movie, looks horrible.] I fell in love and have since read most of her books including her crazy Wideacre series. You know what it was? I didn’t want to go to bed. I just wanted to keep reading and reading.
Bein’ good isn’t always easy
No matter how hard I try
When he started sweet-talkin’ to me
He’d come’n tell me “Everything is all right”
He’d kiss and tell me “Everything is all right”
Can I get away again tonight?
I mean, can’t you hear Anne Boleyn singing this about ‘ol Henry?
#4 Castle Roogna by Piers Anthony + Werwolf – Journey to the land of the flying pigs
A few years ago, I decided to try a fantasy series I never got into as a child. Then, I did something that I’ve never done and proceeded to read books 1 to 29 non-stop (out of 40+). The series has spanned from 1977 to now. Castle Roogna has a special place in my heart though because of a jumping spider character brought to larger life.
Now I doubt very seriously anyone has heard this song (if you have and you like it, then you get a zillion points), but it seems like a perfect pairing – takes you on a journey, doesn’t take itself too seriously, and rocks out.
#5 The Martian by Andy Weir + 5 Hours of Relaxing Psychedelic Space Rock – Travel Dos
Did I see the movie? Yes. Did I read the book first? Yes, I did. Is the book better? OH YES. I’ve recommended this book before, but I was having too much trouble deciding between other fantasy books, so I decided to go sci-fi (because space rock). It was the level of detail that left a lasting impression, something that movies can’t really do. It was smart and accessible.
Happy psychedelic space rockin’!
What are some of the best books you’ve read?
Life, the Universe, and Lani 
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