This week for Top Ten Tuesday (which is hosted by The Broke & The Bookish) we’re looking at the top 10 books you would want with you if you were stranded on a deserted island. At first my brain just goes to my favorites, but ever the pragmatist, I couldn’t help but give this some serious thought in order to make sure I had as much reading material as possible.

1. The Black Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop
This is my favorite series of all time, and I am lucky enough to own the entire trilogy in one book, so they all get to come with me while only counting as one book. Score!

2. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
I tried to read these when I was in high school and really struggled to get through them. I think I would enjoy this series (which is also technically only one book, so I’m going to count it) more  now, but can never find the time to read it.

3. The Stand by Stephen King
I’ve already reread this book a few times over, but I still love it. It’s also a biggg book, so it will last me awhile. Mostly, it’s the rereadability that got this book it’s spot on my raft.

4. Under the Dome by Stephen King
This is the first on the list that I actually haven’t read yet, but I’m really interested in the concept. It’s just been too big a book for me to find time for since it came out. Bad I know, but at least if I’m ever stuck on an island I’m not going to have to worry about keeping up with reviews.

5. Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
I know a lot of people are bringing the entire series, but I’m obeying the laws of physics on this one. I’m only bringing my favorite book of the series, which also happens to be the longest.

6. A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin
The first book took me so long to read that I haven’t even tried to tackle the second book yet. I’d almost look forward to a little deserted island time if it gave me a chance to read this book.

7. The Complete Works of Lewis Carroll by Lewis Carroll
A lot of the books I’ve chosen have been on the heavier side of the content scale so these are coming with me to make sure I’ve got the option of a little bit of whimsy from time to time.

8. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
I’m not as head over heals with The Mortal Instruments as many book lovers, but I’ve heard good things about this series and I could really use some more books I haven’t already read on my list.

9. The Other Boleyn Girl by Phillippa Gregory
My all time favorite historical fiction read, and I would love the chance to read it all over again.

10. National Geographic’s Answer Book
I’ve had this book for awhile now and haven’t even cracked it open even though I’m dying to read it. It’s a book of interesting stuff about the natural world. It might freak me out a bit while living on an unknown island but I might as well do some learning.

Books I will miss while I’m away… Three of my favorite authors tend to write smaller (in comparison to most of the books I’ve chosen here) titles in series that go on for a long time. I cant justify bringing Shifters by Rachel Vincent, Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs or The Kitty Norville books by Carrie Vaughn but I will be thinking of them fondly while I’m working on my tan.