Almost three months into 2013, and I’ve read ten books. I read on the elliptical at the gym and while I walk the dog, both of which are easier to do if I’m really loving the book I’m reading. This year hasn’t been a stellar one so far; most books have been ok, but not the kind of reads that knock your socks off. I’ll read pretty much anything, but I am a tough critic. Here are brief book reviews of the top three books I’ve read this year, and if you want more, check out my Top Ten List of 2012. Happy reading!
11/22/63: A Novel by Stephen King
Stephen King’s most recent novel is a honker (697 pages on my Nook), but it’s my favorite of the year. Jake Epping is living his comfortable albeit dispassionate life in Maine when a terminally ill acquaintance shares a secret – a “rabbit hole” to September 1958. The dying man, having made the trip to the past many times, convinces Jake to continue his quest and return to the past to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy on 11/22/63. Once he arrives in 1958, Jake’s true story begins.
While not technically historical fiction, the time travel element allows the unique perspective of watching history unfold while already knowing the outcome. Jake becomes George Amberton, and his time in the past changes him as well as events he alters. Not having much interest in Lee Harvey Oswald and the Kennedy assassination and conspiracy theories, I did jump on Wikipedia a few times to find out more about Oswald and his family.
This novel was riveting – at times gut clenching, poignant, and tragic. I found myself grabbing my Nook whenever I had a free moment, and I stayed on the elliptical at the gym a little longer than usual because I didn’t want to stop reading. When I reached the last page, I closed the cover wistfully – I was sad to see it end.
The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
Four year old Nell is found alone on a English ship arriving in Australia in 1913. Almost a century later, her granddaughter Cassandra retraces her steps back to England to unravel the mystery of Nell’s abandonment, and the book of fairy tales she was carrying with her the day she was found.
The story alternates between the early 1900s, 1975, and 2005. While the present day events were sometimes predictable, the story of Nell’s family in the years before her birth was engrossing. A long book but a fast paced read, The Forgotten Garden was a good book to curl up with during the nights when Vampire Diaires was a rerun.
Where’d You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple
Presented as email and letter communication between characters, this fast paced novel follows 15 year old Bee as she tries to piece together to where and why her mother Bernadette disappears from their life in Seattle. Bernadette is just the kind of snarky gal I would love to hang with, and the cast of characters is quirky and fun. Semple’s writing is witty and satirical, and what appears to be fluff is actually a pretty astute look at what makes people tick.
I’m always looking for a good book, so please leave any suggestions you have!
I’ve been wanting to read Where’d You Go Bernadette, so it’s nice to hear that it was fast paced. I just finished This is Where I Leave You and really enjoyed it. It was humorous and the characters stick with you .
I agree – love Jonathan Tropper!
I just finished Stephen King’s novel last week. I didn’t know what it was about before I started. Such a poignant departure from his more grizzly work, though I think it’s interesting that he mentions Castle Rock, but that’s not where he sets this scene.
It was a departure, and that’s why I liked it. I can’t get through the first chapter of most of his books – too scary!
Normally, Stephen King is not my thing, but this latest book sounds so intriguing. I’m curious to read his take on history. Right now, I’m taking it easy with some brain candy: “Beds In Heads,” by Jacob Tomasky. Light and easy, funny memoir about working in the hotel industry. Just the thing for disconnecting a bit at the end of the day!
It is intriguing – a departure from his scary/creepy books. I like the phrase “brain candy” – we all need that sometimes! Thanks for visiting!
I hadn’t heard of these books, but they all sound very interesting. Thanks for the heads up!
My pleasure – thanks for visiting!
I’ve heard good things about that Stephen King book! I think I need to read it!
My book club just finished Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri. I really liked her writing style.
Me too; I enjoyed her other books also – Interpreter of Maladies (a collection of short stories) and The Namesake.
I’ve been tempted by the Stephen King book. I’m not huge on horror but I loved his book The Dome.
I have quite a few great books reviewed on my site. My newest “I LOVE HIM” writer is Charles Sheehan-Miles. Great character driven novels.
Another great book is “Why Can’t I be You?” by Allie Larkin. The review will be up in a few days for that book 🙂
Thanks for the suggestions – I’ll check out your site!
i’ve been wanting to read 11/22/63! i did read Where’d You Go, Bernadette? and thought it was just ok.
http://growninsouthernground.wordpress.com/2013/03/21/writers-workshop/
You should read it! Since you like big books (great name btw), it’s a must try. Thanks for visiting!
Can you believe I’ve never read a Stephen King novel? I’m such a baby, I can’t handle anything that’s going to keep my up at night. The other two sound intriguing!! I love books that are in letter format. They’re so easy to fly through!
They were quick reads. If you want to give Stephen King a try,this one is NOT a horror book – you wouldn’t even know he was the author. It won’t keep you up at night, unless you’re too engrossed to put it down.