Top Ten Tuesday: Books on my syllabus if I taught 'How to Stay Alive' 101

Tuesday 25 August 2015



Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by bloggers at The Broke and the BookishThis week I've  picked the top ten books I would put on my fictional syllabus if I had to teach kids how to survive in a situation where it really ain't that easy - think apocalyptic/dystopian fiction.


1. Genesis by Lara Morgan

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It's through Rosie's character that her resourcefulness is revealed and ability to protect those she cares about. Both are good skills to have in any case!

2. The Last Girl by Michael Adams

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Having telepathy is a skill which admittedly not many of us have, but still - Danby proves that with it - survival is possible.

3. Angelfall by Susan Ee


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Penryn not only displays that yes, it is possible to survive an angel-apocalypse (well, especially with the help of an insider).

4. The Fifth Wave by Rick Yancey


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So aliens have invaded earth and what do you do? Trying not to be killed by said aliens is a preety good start.

5.The Host by Stephenie Meyer

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Another alien invasion story. How to tell if someone's human? LOOK INTO THEIR EYES...

6. The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker



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The earth is slowing down, the days are getting longer. The solution? Try to go on with life as normal as possible (warning: Things might still get crazy around you).

7. We All Looked Up by Tommy Wallach

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Uuuummm...so there's a meteor about to hit Earth (most likely). Well, there's not too much you can do to CHANGE that really, except go by the idea YOLO right? 

8. Days Like This by Alison Stewartt

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If there's a wall to climb - you may as well climb it. There may just be something better waiting on the other side...♫it's the cliiiiiimb♫ (note: listening to Miley Cyrus while doing so is optional and not necessarily recommended). 

9. Doomed by Tracy Deebs

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A pandora's box has been opened and the outlook isn't too good - but NEVER FEAR, if you beat the game, you live!

10. Way Down Dark by James Smythe


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The rules - 'you fight or you die' (well, at least it's simple). Just do what you can to make it back to earth in one piece okay?

What are some books you would recommend for this list?

24 comments :

  1. Haha this is SUCH a great topic! The 5th Wave is definitely a great choice; it's been a long time since I read that book, but I do remember that Cassie was pretty badass. Great list!

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    1. Thanks Kara! I love badass characters - especially in a gritty YA sci-fi too.

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  2. Penryn and Cassie are the perfect models for staying alive! Those two have awesome survival skills and true grit. Nice list! I'd also love to throw in Katniss because she's a survivor. ;)

    Rachel @ A Perfection Called Books

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    1. Of course! If Katniss could survive the Hunger Games, she could survive anything :)

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  3. Oh I love this prompt! And some pretty awesome book recommendations, too. :)

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  4. Wonderful choices and so nice to see Way Down Dark featured..... I so want to read that book myself but haven't seen any review of it yet.....

    My TTT - Thea @ Gizzimomo's Book Shelf

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    1. Thanks Thea - it's gotten some pretty good reviews so far - maybe check out goodreads? Or Brett Michael Orr/Kelly @ Diva Booknerd have also done some glowing reviews for it.

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  5. I LOVVEEDDD all of your recommendations! Ive never read The Host (even though I bought it) BAD KEIONDA. BAD!! Teehee but I watched the movie and really enjoyed it so I hope you like it too! It's a fast-paced and sucks you in!♡

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    1. That's good to hear Keionda :) Don't worry, I have lots of books I haven't read either that I own - I really need to get to them! I liked the movie as well - it had a good storyline and there wasn't a dull moment.

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  6. I WOULD DEFINITELY TAKE THIS CLASS :D Great picks as well. Hahaha, We All Looked Up - yep, YOLO of course ;)

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    1. We seriously should have classes based around books and their ideas - that would make for some fun learning I think :)

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  7. Great topic! I love dystopian books, but I have not read some of these. I love 5th Wave though. That is a great one for your syllabus. Here is my top ten list: http://www.bookbinges.blogspot.it/2015/08/top-ten-tuesday-tyrannical-governments.html

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    1. Thanks Cynthia :) I think the 5th Wave series definitely has a lot of good points going for it :)

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  8. Oh, man, what a great topic this is! I'd definitely agree that The 5th Wave would make a good "tutorial", so to speak, especially Cassie's monologue in the beginning... even though I don't like the book, I think she said some things in depth there on how she survived. ANOTHER amazing book that would teach you how to survive is NOT A DROP OF WATER by Mindy McGinnis - amazing book how a mother and daughter tries to survive in a world that was running out of water, AND IN THE WILD NO LESS!!! Have you read that one?? :D

    Faye at The Social Potato

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    1. Aah thanks for that recommendation Faye! I'd love to read that one - I think I've seen some good things about it already so now it's definitely going on my TBR :)

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  9. Ahhh what a cool prompt! YESSS to Cassie, she's such a badass, but all the characters in that series are strong and survivors. Admittedly, I haven't read the other books (tried to start The Host and almost fell asleep), but I'm keen to start reading Angelfall because I've heard nothing but great things about it. :D

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    1. Fair enough Joy - and though there have been some mixed reviews about Angelfall, I personally loved it so hope you do too! :)

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  10. Oh, awesome topic choice, Eugenia! Buuut I've only read two books from this list and didn't like either of them. Eek. Okay, Angelfall and The 5th Wave were both "NO" reads for me, but they would make good books for this syllabus! I loved the action in Angelfall, plust the awesome gore. ;) (The romance ruined the book for me though.) And the first half of The 5th Wave (before the romance also) was full of fabulous survival things!

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    1. True, sometimes the romance can ruin the best parts of a book, I guess it depends on personal taste. Thanks for dropping by Aimee!

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  11. These are absolutely perfect for this topic Eugenia! I'd definitely put The Fifth Wave and Angelfall on my list as well - those are survival books at their finest. I'd also probably add The Hunger Games as well. ;) Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous post! ♥

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    1. Glad you like my choices Zoe :) The Hunger Games would definitely fit here too.

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  12. I completely agree with The Last Girl - that's a fantastic pick for this one! Penryn is kick ass, naturally. Wonderful picks Genie!

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    1. I really enjoy Aussie YA that gets gritty and has strong characters, so I had to put that one down! Thanks Jeann :)

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