I have been on a truly splendiferous reading run lately.
In the past three months, I have read eight books I’ve given flat out As to–or five stars on Goodreads–and three more that are 4 star/B+s. I can’t remember the last time so many books have so delighted me. A few on my list haven’t come out yet–sorry!–but most have.
Here’s the list of the eight five star reads:
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. (We gave it a B+) This book changed the way I apprehend video games and I have recommended it to absolutely everyone I know. It’s not a spoiler to say that one of Zevin’s powerful insights into life is that, in video games, there isn’t truly any death. The writing here is spectacular–a scene toward the end of the novel is perhaps the most powerful writing I’ve read in eons–and the stories of Sam, Sadie, and Marx will make and break your heart over and over. Thus far this year, it’s the best book I’ve read which is saying something.
Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane. If you’ve ever read and/or seen Mystic River, you know Lehane is a crackling good storyteller. His mysteries are far more than just that. At their best, they illuminate the lives his characters–almost all Boston denizens in different eras–live. Small Mercies is every bit as good as Mystic River, perhaps better.
In the summer of 1974, in Southie (in Boston), Mary Pat Fennessy, a 42 year old white woman living in the projects, wakes up to find her daughter Jules, her last surviving family member, missing. The same night Jules vanishes, a young Black man is also found dead, in Southie, a place he has, in this time and place, no place being. Mary Pat–and a more riveting protagonist you will not find–is determined to find her daughter and will take on anyone to do it, even the Irish mob that runs her world.
Set against the real events of in the summer of 1974, when the city’s public schools were very suddenly ordered to desegregate, Small Mercies is both a superb thriller and an overwhelmingly wrenching portrait of the racism of its times. I could not put it down.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt is worth reading just for one of its main narrators: Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living the last months of his life in “captivity” in the Sowell Bay Aquarium. This book is just lovely–it gladdened my heart, made me believe in the power of good, and entertained the hell out of me. A true gem.
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow. This comes out in October and I’ll review it then. Put in on your TBRs for Fall!
Night in Eden by Candice Proctor. (We gave this a A.) Several people here recommended this and I’m so glad they did. It’s a great story showcasing a harrowing time in Australia’s founding history. The romance is swoony and the context, fascinating. I gave it to Dr. Feelgood to read and he also thought it was great.
Forever Your Rogue by Erin Langston. You know, from my recent review, I loved this new historical romance!
Homecoming by Kate Morton. Again, I recently reviewed this here.
Fortune Favors the Viscount by Caroline Linden. This comes out later this month and I have written a review that will run on the pub date. In it, I said, Fortune Favors the Viscount is a love story, a very very good love story. It’s well-written and I liked the plot but mostly, I loved the the romance between Nick and Emilia. I can’t wait to hear what you think of it!
How about you? What have you been reading lately? Any glorious reads? Let us know!
