Top Ten Tuesday: Magical Realism Favorites

Happy Top Ten Tuesday! Do you have a favorite genre? This is one of the most common questions I am asked – right behind my favorite books.

I have a very black & white personality so it surprised me when I landed on an answer:

Magical realism 

1: painting in a meticulously realistic style of imaginary or fantastic scenes or images

2: a literary genre or style associated especially with Latin America that incorporates fantastic or mythical elements into otherwise realistic fiction

1. Once Upon A River by Diane Setterfield – The perfect mix of mystery, lore and master storytelling combine to make this fantastic dark fairytale.
2. Gingerbread by Helen Oyeyemi – A family recipe, a dark tale, and a teenaged daughter searching for the truth combine to tell an unexpected story.
3. The Time Travelers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger – If you enjoy a good time traveling story, this one is for you.
4. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz – Heavy on the realism with plenty of Latin lore mixed in throughout.
5. Labyrinths by Jorge Luis Borges – If you enjoy this genre, this is a must read.
6. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez – I read this book when it was released. After discovering how much I enjoy this genre, I’m rereading it this month.
7. The Nix by Nathan Hill – Another one that is heavy on the realism while the tale of the Nix is woven masterfully throughout the story.
8. A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab – This is the first book in a series of three. Heavy on the magic and highly imaginative.
9. Beloved by Toni Morrison – Another must read for many reasons.
10. Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman – Three siblings with different gifts navigate New York, love, and life. One of my very favorites.

What is your favorite genre?

If it’s magical realism, do you have any books that I need to add to my TBR list?