Top Ten Tuesday: My Favorite Standalone Novels

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

Today's "Top Ten" topic is to choose a past topic you missed out on. I chose Top Ten Standalone Novels!

Confession: I don't even know if this was a past topic, but if not, it totally should have been and I'm going to do it anyway. So here we go.

I hear a lot of complaints around the blogosphere about how many series and trilogies and duologies, etc. there are, and how little standalones we see getting published. When books that stand alone are such wonderful things! Series are too, of course, but it's nice to sit down with a book and know that you're going to get the full story, with a proper ending and everything--without having to wait for the next book. And the next, and possibly the next one, and so on.

SO. If you're looking for your next great read, but don't want to commit to a series, I highly recommend these titles. :D

My Top Ten Standalone Books

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater (fantasy) 

This one was so compelling and beautiful. The writing and the characters will stick with you for a long time.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (fantasy)

Complex. Magical. Mysterious. Enchanting. This book's strongest points are its lyrical writing and beautiful imagery.

Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson (fantasy)

 If this book doesn't touch your heart, you're probably not even human. This is a spin on Peter Pan, but don't expect a typical fairy tale retelling (and ending). This one's unique.

The Distance Between Us by Kasie West (contemporary)

So, I recently binge read all of Kasie's books that I could my hands on.... and this one is by far my favorite. So. Much. Sarcasm. And a cute romance. :)

The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip (fantasy)

It's been a looong time since I've read this one, but I just know I would still love it if I read it again. Which I will. Someday!

Made You Up by Francesca Zappia (contemporary)

Another recent read that just blew me away. The pages flew by for me in this book about a girl with schizophrenia, and I was so caught up in Alex's story. I loved how everything came together.

Summers at Castle Auburn by Sharon Shinn (fantasy-ish, coming of age)

This story was definitely character-driven. It was mostly about Coriel's journey as a person, and I
loved it. A light-hearted comfort read!

Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandall (historical)

This was fun, yet deeply moving. And 9-year-old Starla was a hilarious and likeable narrator.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (historical)

Again, it's been awhile since I've read this. But this is a story that stays with you.

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys (historical)

During World War II, a girl is forced, under Stalin's orders, to work in a camp in Siberia and suffers from cruel conditions. Beautiful and heartbreaking.

Have you read any of these? What is your favorite standalone novel? Do you prefer standalones or series? Also, leave me a link to your TTT!