These Are A Few Of My Favorite (Book) Things...
Some recommendations for last minute stocking stuffers (or belated Hanukkah gifts)....
Long before I was a writer, I was an avid reader. Once audiobooks came along, I was able to increase my ability to consume books at least three-fold. I was such an early adopter and obsessive user of Audible, that I was part of a commercial campaign! (Sadly, that was right around the time that Audible was acquired and I never made it to the small screen, but I did appear in some quotes on the Audible website!)
Of the thousands of books I’ve read and listened to, certain ones have really stuck with me. Here, I will share a few of my all time favorites, who I recommend them for and why. Going forward, I will share at least one book recommendation in each of my coming newsletters!
I hope you enjoy these first few recommendations—share your thoughts if you’ve read any of these books and add your own favorites (and why) in the comments below!
Aztec by Gary Jennings — Best Book for Lovers of Game Of Thrones
Hands down one of my all time favorite books and the best work of historic fiction I’ve ever read. Aztec is narrated by the most irreverent, bawdy, unreliable, and blasphemous main characters of all time. Mixtli may have been captured by the Spaniards and destined for execution, but he is not going down without shocking and horrifying the bishop charged with interviewing him.
This book has EVERYTHING - mystery, suspense, action, unforgettable characters, immersion in a fascinating culture….if this book was a drug (and it kind of is), it would have a black box warning: blood, guts, sex (explicit, illicit, incestuous, and often disturbing sex), sacrifice and torture…to name only a few. But trust me, it’s fabulous.
The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara — Best Book for Someone Who Wished History Class Wasn’t So Boring
Why did history class have to be so boring? Turns out, it didn’t, and this book is proof. Using the prolific correspondence of various people on both sides of the civil war, Shaara strings together a narrative that reads like a compelling work of fiction, immersing the reader in character and story. If you love historic fiction but want to read some non-fiction, or if wish that you knew more about history, but don’t want to read something dry and instructive, you’ll love this book.
Silk by Alessandro Baricco—If You Hate Romance Novels But Want To Read Something Romantic
When my husband and I were first dating, every time there was a birthday or holiday, he would give me a book that he loved. This was the first book he ever gave me. Beautifully written historic fiction set in the 1600 about a French silk merchant who meets a Japanese woman and they fall in love through correspondences. This beautifully written book unravels like a thread of silk. (It’s also very short!)
The Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter—When You Want Something Magical
This is one of those books with so many great lines and memorable characters that you’ll find yourself re-reading sections just for the joy of the words. A multi-POV dual timeline novel about the owner of an unsuccessful hotel on the Italian coastline and the one that got away. This book it utterly charming and simply magical.
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch—For The Person Who’s Trying to Get Back Into Reading and Needs Something Utterly Gripping
Guys….This book is so good. It’s a sci-thriller about a man who is kidnapped and dragged into an alternate universe to live the life of an alternate version of himself. He works his way through the multiverse trying to get back to his life and find out who stole it from him. Along the way, he is horrified by dystopic possibilities and lured by other potential lives. The book builds to the most absolutely bonkers climax in book history. I’ve given this book to dozens of people with very varied taste and everyone loves it.
The Reckoners Series by Brandon Sanderson—Best Series for Teens & Tweens Who Only Want to Read Graphic Novels
When a strange star known as “Calamity” appears in the sky, ordinary people start turning into “Epics,” and they are not using their superpowers for good. David Charleston’s father, who believes that the good Epics will rise to save the people, dies at the hands of Steelheart. Now, David is out to avenge his father and kill the Epics, starting with Steelheart. This series is full of great characters, a compelling narrative, humor, fast pacing and a boatload of hilarious metaphors. It’s a super visual novel series that reads like comic books. My kids listened to it over and over again and recommended it to all of their friends. Bonus that it’s so much fun to listen to or read with them!
