I know that this past year I wanted to keep my reading more lighthearted. I sometimes can immerse myself in big and heavy themes, and sometimes I need a break from those. This was a year where I definitely tried to balance my reading between easy breezy and something a little more challenging. And of course, I had a few favorites along the way!
Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler: I loved this book except for the end, but the rest of the book makes up for it.
Thanks for sharing your list Erin. I enjoyed Lost Lake. It was the right mix between light hearted and serious, I thought. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree! It was magical, and as you said, the right mix between light hearted and serious. I love Sarah Addison Allen! Happy New Year to you as well!
DeleteSarah Addison Allen and Alice Hoffman are two authors I hear such good feedback on but have yet to read any books by them. I did attempt an Alice Hoffman novel this year but I was having one of those picky reading phases and just couldn't get in to it. I will read these two authors some day!
ReplyDeleteAlso, Wonder is a book I've had on my wishlist since it's release so it is good to see it featured among your favourites!
:-)
Bits & Bobs
Allen and Hoffman are must read authors for me. Some of Hoffman's have been hit or miss, but mostly hits! I really enjoy the worlds she creates. I am a huge fan of magical realism. Lol. I feel like I had the pickiest year this year reading! I am not sure what the heck was going on with me, but I would pick up a book then be like, nah. It was a different kind of year, we will see what next year brings lol!
DeleteWonder was amazing!
I love to read other folks' "best of" lists! I have probably read 75% of Alice Hoffman's books but unfortunately haven't picked up any lately. Magical realism is so cool, isn't it :) When I lived in Florida I read Turtle Moon and I thought she just nailed it with the descriptions.
ReplyDeleteI read Garden Spells by Sarah A. Allen and look forward to Lost Lake and First Frost. What a talent to be able to write like those two authors! I have Year of Wonders on my kindle but didn't read it yet-- I'm such an undisciplined mood reader. The Slap and Snowblind look great to me. Survival Lessons going on my wishlist now. Thanks for sharing a list that isn't a carbon copy of many other bloggers out there. It gives me some new suggestions.
Happy New Year to you and hubby!
I am such a fan of magical realism! I love the thought of ordinary worlds being created just a little bit differently, with an element of magic. :) And you are right, Hoffman has some amazing powers of description. I think my favorite book of hers is Here on Earth.
DeleteI can't wait to read First Frost - I think I might order it today! Lol.
I am a mood reader too. I have a hard time sticking to what I say I am going to read sometimes, just because I am not feeling a book at a particular time. I will usually move on if that happens, and try to go back to it later. :) I like to read very seasonally too - if it is snowing out, I like wintery books, etc. The Slap, Snowblind, and Survival Lessons are all three so different but so good!! The Slap was recommended to me by my Australian friend - she challenged me to read an Australian writer, in particular that very book. It was a good suggestion, as it was amazing and crazy! It was actually turned into a TV show or mini-series in Australia.
I am glad you enjoyed my list! :) Thanks Rita, and Happy New Year to you and yours as well!
My resolution is to read more! I've been creating quiet the list of recommendations on goodreads :) Getting started with Born Standing Up (Steve Martin - because I love biographies and Steve Martin), Eleanor&Park (Rainbow Row - because I need to start out light ;)) and Barracuda (another Australian recommendation ;)).
ReplyDeleteEleanor and Park is an awesome book!! I think you might find it less light though than you anticipate. I had some strong feelings over it! I would love to hear what you think of it when you are done. Are you on Goodreads? I love that site!
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