Sometimes I see a title of a book and it just makes me want to sing - not because of it's beauty or relevance or because I love the book, but simply because it reminds me of a song. I am sure that this is what the publisher had in mind when they named the books, but still...
Today I thought I would talk about three books that perfectly illustrate this to me. I haven't read any of them, but I do have two of them on my giant TBR list.The first is a historical romance - Dukes to the Left of Me, Prince to the Right by Keiran Kramer. From the very first time I heard this title I found myself singing the next line of the song - Stuck in the Middle with You! Kramer's titles are very obviously plays on pop culture references with the first book in her series titles When Harry Met Molly, this book being the second, and the third being Cloudy With a Chance of Marriage. I am sure that the fourth title in the series has some connotation as well but I can't think of what it is meant to be at this time of the morning. The title is If You Give a Girl a Viscount.
The second example is two books from a completely different genre - Neuromancer by William McBride and Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride, with the second being a much more obvious play on words for the Elton John song Tiny Dancer.
To be honest, I have no idea how the title relates to the subject of the book (although I really hope that it isn't in the most obvious connotation) but every time I see the book mentioned I start singing.
I have borrowed this one from the library but had to return it unread. One of these days I will borrow it again. I actually am not sure whether I will like it or not because I wasn't a huge fan of her first novel but I love the idea of it enough to give her another go.
Can you think of other song titles that make you want to sing? I would love to hear of some other examples!
Love the videos, especially the Partridge family, but this 70's girl is scratching her head over who David Essex is and what he has to do with the Partridge Family :)
ReplyDeleteDAvid somebody? Darn it. Off to check.
ReplyDeleteDavid Cassidy? David Essex was from the same era - sang Rock On.
ReplyDeleteGotta love the first one! I can't think of any titles in particular, unless they are long-awaited new releases that I'm eager to read!
ReplyDeleteI don't know about books but after listening to the latest writer and critic I keep hearing Ian Mond singing "Hello my Dear, Hello my Darlin'"
ReplyDeleteI haven't listened to it yet. Will do so at work next week.
ReplyDeleteHaha this is such a great post! I love all three songs. I just have this memory of my dad singing a New Englander parody of the first song that goes something like "Bankers to the left of me, Accountants to the right, here I am stuck with a kid at BU".
ReplyDeleteBook titles are so fascinating and clever of you to link them to music. I like any music with a lyric I can sing(in the car alone of course).
ReplyDeleteOh, I am now tapping along to the beat of those songs! I love "Stuck in the Middle" and "I think I Love You." The books look good, too.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy!
Here's MY SUNDAY SALON POST
Oh, The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley. It always makes me start humming "I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden'. Has since it was revealed. There are others I have thought of over the years, but that is the one in my mind at the moment.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun post!
ReplyDeleteThanks Michelle. It was fun putting it together.
ReplyDeleteKailana, you have mentioned that before! As soon as you mention that it makes me think of a different song about Roses, but not that one
Laurel, Stuck in the Middle is definitely a catchy one!
Thanks RJ. I don't mind a sing a long every now and again, especially in the car by myself.
Pam, I haven't heard of that one.
"I am sure that the fourth title in the series has some connotation as well but I can't think of what it is meant to be at this time of the morning. The title is If You Give a Girl a Viscount."
ReplyDeleteProbably a reference to "If You Give a Pig a Pancake" and "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" by Laura Numeroff. Great children's books. My granddaughter loves them!
I think of the Elton John song every time I see that title. I also think of Phoebe's (Friends) take on the song. She thought it was "Hold me closer young Tony Danza." Makes me laugh every time.
ReplyDeleteIf I think of anymore, I'll let you know!
Chris, I had forgotten about that! Very funny.
ReplyDeleteKss, I haven't heard of those books! Thanks for letting me know.
Ever since I first started reading about Always Something There to Remind Me by Beth Harbison, I've had the Naked Eyes song on my mind. In fact, I'm listening to it while I'm writing this comment. :) I love this post and am sorry it took me so long to get to it.
ReplyDeleteOh, I haven't heard of that book, but that would totally make me sing too!
ReplyDelete