It’s that time again!
Today’s Top Ten Tuesday is about favorite book settings!
I surprised myself by coming up with a long list of beloved settings.
Here’s what I narrowed that list down to.

Once Upon a Marigold
In fourth grade, I tried to crawl inside this book.
It has the perfect fantasy world, one with fairies and princesses and true love and nice cave trolls.
It’s the most comforting fantasy world I know.

Star Wars
I used to read Star Wars Expanded Universe novels so I could spend more time in the world.
I wanted to be a Jedi and a princess (or senator.)
I wanted to rescue my friends from slimy crime bosses and fly X-wings.
I still do.

The Lord of the Rings
Everyone in Middle Earth is (basically) canonically queer, adept at horse-riding, obsessed with food, and in possession of some dope cloaks.
Why WOULDN’T I want to live here?

New York as portrayed in: One Last Stop; The City We Became; Someday, Someday, Maybe
Apparently I can’t get enough of New York.
Each of these books makes the city seem magical while also pointing out its many, many flaws.
Someday, Someday, Maybe really captured how I felt when I first moved to Seattle.
I was miserable and broke and unsuccessful, but I didn’t want to leave.
Unlike Franny, I didn’t have a hot roommate. I have, however, been here for five years. I guess that means things are working out.

The Scorpio Races
In reality, I would not enjoy living on an island populated by busybodies and murder hoses.
Part of me still dreams of Thisby.
On cold days, I think of warm November cakes and scratchy wool sweaters and a paddock behind my house.
I return to Thisby every fall and never regret it.

The Graceling Realm
I will never be over the concept of Gracelings.
Certain members of the population are born with heterochromia and mysterious gifts? I love it.
The fanfic potential is staggering.

The Girl from the Sea
I have a soft spot for summer towns and Lunenberg checks all the boxes.
I want to eat ice cream and fall in love with a mythical creature.
That’s my dream life.

The Starless Sea
It’s hard to be satisfied with my aboveground life when The Starless Sea allowed me to adventure with bunny pirates and bees and a magical kitchen that made dozens upon dozens of muffins. (I love you, Kitchen.)
Yes, I KNOW what happens at the end of the book. I still want to be where the stories are.

Everything Leads to You
Nina La Cour made me fall in love with Los Angeles.
I’m eternally jealous of these characters.
I want to live downtown with my best friend (and a kitchen and a bathroom.)
I want to make a movie.
(Or maybe I just want to work on a project I believe in.)
I’d also like to FALL IN LOVE WITH THE STAR OF MY PROJECT, THANK YOU.
THAT SOUNDS NICE TO ME.

I Capture the Castle
Okay, to be honest, this book made living in a castle sound miserable.
However, it also seems really romantic.
I mean?? Living and writing in a castle??? On the misty English moors???
I can’t imagine a better life.
That’s another Tuesday under our belts!
I’m holding out for the Halloween freebie in two weeks.
Should be fun.