I slowed down the pace this month and read 8 books:
8. Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler: Hated it. All my smart book friends loved it, but I could not connect. I just kept thinking what the fuck? Why is the pacing so fucked up? Because Zelda is so fucked up? I see what she was doing there but I just could not get excited.
7. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell: A terrific YA novel about a freshman in college who writes fan fiction-- a quick, fun, touching read. It reminded me what it was like to be that young, and think anyone who works with first year students should give it a read.
6. Dust by Patricia Cornwell: This was actually a terrific thriller-- I am a sucker for Kay Scarpetta.
5. Fear Nothing by Lisa Gardner: Same as above. I love Detective DD Warren.
4. The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes: A wonderful read-aloud for me and the boys. Kevin Henkes is one of our favorite picture book authors, and his novel did not disappoint.
3. Wonder by RJ Palacio: The fact that this was not the book of the month is a testament to the wonderful stuff I read this month. This is another kid book that the boys and I did out loud. READ IT. RIGHT NOW. WHY HAVEN'T YOU READ IT YET?
2. And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini: Beautiful.
1. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt: This might be the best book I have ever read. Dickensian. But better than Dickens because I could not stop reading it. If 2014 can top this book, I will be astounded!
Ah! I loved Z! Maybe in part because I listened to it on audiobook and it was read by an actress with the most delightful Southern drawl I've ever heard. But I also loved The Goldfinch. Dickensian for sure. So great.
ReplyDeleteAdding these books to my read list! I did read Z and I really liked it, so I'm sorry you didn't. It inspired me to read a new to me F Scott Fitzgerald book, though, This Side of Paradise, which I really enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if you've read the kids book "Jack and the Dreamsack". I love, love, love it! And the book "Is There Really a Human Race?" by Jamie Lee Curtis. Also enjoyed "Peg Leg Peke" about a pup with a broken leg (...not as depressing as it sounds...I swear!). And of course, "The Lorax". I have a thing for kids book, I can never say no to a good one! That and homeless animals, but that's another story....
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