I’ve read eleven books since my last review post in July, but only seven are worth writing about. I don’t review books that I don’t recommend – why tell you about a book and then tell you not to read it? One of the seven had its very own review last week, and here are the other six book recommendations. There’s a little bit of everything, so I hope you can find at least one to try! And don’t forget to check out my cumulative List of Books to Read if you are ever at a loss for what to read next.
Bittersweet by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore
Plain ol’ Mabel has a beautiful and rich college roommate who invites her to spend the summer on her family’s Vermont estate. The Winslows have their secrets though, and as Mabel discovers them the plot thickens. Think V.C. Andrews meets the Kennedys – there is a gothic feel to this novel that took me by surprise.
I read this at the beach, and it was an interesting contrast to the sun and sand. It’s dark, but not depressingly so. I found Mabel to be more annoying than the privileged Winslows, but I was intrigued by the storyline if not the people. While I wouldn’t say it’s a light read, it was so far out of my own reality that it was easy to distance myself from the suffering of the characters. It certainly didn’t keep me up at night, but it definitely kept me turning the pages.
Lone Wolf by Jodi Piccoult
I haven’t read anything by Piccoult in awhile, but I almost always enjoy her novels. This wasn’t her best, but it’s good. Luke is a wolf researcher, and his dedication to the animals cost him his marriage. His estranged son walked away six years ago, coming back only when a car accident injures his younger sister and irrecovably injures Luke.
Piccoult does family drama well, and her characters are dimensional and real. Edward and Cara are Luke’s children, but have very different ideas of who their father is and whether he should live or die. While the present day conflict is interesting enough, the flashback chapters of Luke’s life with wolves in the wild is fascinating. You won’t look at your dog the same way again!
The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness
This is the final book in Harkness’ trilogy, and I found it to be a satisfying conclusion to the series. It centers on historian and witch Diana Bishop and her husband, vampire scientist Matthew Clairmont. Sounds odd, I know. But it’s definitely more sophisticated than Twilight or True Blood, with historical references, intrigue, and a diverse and interesting cast of characters. It’s a fantasy book gone mainstream – don’t write if off if that’s not your usual genre.
One Kick by Chelsea Cain
While I’m not a huge crime/mystery fan, I really enjoyed Cain’s Heartsick series. One Kick is the first of a new series of novels, with a new heroine who reminds me a bit of Lisbeth Salander of the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.
Kit Lannigan was abducted and held for six years by a couple who she came to believe were her parents. Although she was rescued, Kit struggles to return to a normal childhood, and turns instead to learning to fight and defend herself. Now she is 21, and she religiously follows every missing child case in Portland. When two children go missing in one month, she is approached by a mysterious man named Bishop who asks for her help in rescuing them.
This novel is more fast-paced action than character study, although Cain gives us glimpses into Kit’s emotional fragility and the pathology of her abductors. It obviously ends openly and lays groundwork for a sequel, but it was still a satisfying ending. Kit and Bishop are complicated characters, and I know there are more many more layers to be unpeeled in future books.
Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King
If One Kick is a match that burns fast and hot before it is extinguished, Mr. Mercedes is a slow, steady burn. This is NOT a horror novel! King is a brilliant storyteller, and he weaves a suburb cat and mouse tale. Mr. Mercedes is the nickname of a disturbed young man who plowed into a job line with a Mercedes and killed eight people. Bill Hodges is a retired cop who is haunted by his unsolved crimes and is contemplating suicide. When Bill received a taunting letter from Mr. Mercedes, he’s back in the game and the hunt is on.
In the hands of a lesser writer, this story would be mildly interesting and predictable. In Kings’ hands, the novel seeps into your pores. He is a master at character development, and I was mesmerized until the end. If you’ve never read a non-horror book by King, you’re missing out. Try this one, and also check out his last novel, 11/22/63. Amazing.
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
I was late to the game with this one; by the time I read it, Orphan Train was a regular in book club circuits. And for good reason: it’s an easy and entertaining read that has the potential for interesting discussion over a glass of wine and a piece of cake.
Molly is a 17 year old foster child who takes a community service position helping 91 year old Vivian clean out her home. In her attic, Vivian keeps the secrets of her past. As an orphaned Irish immigrant in New York City, Vivian is put on an orphan train to the midwest, where she begins a new life.
Molly was simply a storytelling vehicle to me; I found her tale flat and tiresome. Fortunately, the majority of the book is flashbacks to Vivian’s life, and her story is captivating. The orphan trains of the early 1900s are a little known part of American history, and Vivian’s search for a family and an identity is both heartbreaking and hopeful.
I have lots of new books on hold for me: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, Sudden Light by Garth Stein, The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell, Belzhar by Meg Wolitzier, and Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands by Chris Bohjalian.
I’m not sure how I’m going to read them all, but I’ll ask you anyway: What are you reading?
I love Jodi Picoult (mostly). I’ll have to check this one out. I am reading Gone Girl at the moment. I’ll be done with it later tonight and then I’m moving on to Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight.
Now you can see the movie – I heard it was great. It’s on my to-see list, although I get to the movies about once a year. I’ve heard good things about Reconstructing Amelia too.
I’m always up for the next good read! Thanks for the suggestions!
You’re very welcome, Jana!
I love everything Jodi Picoult has ever written. I just pre-ordered her newest from Amazon. I have been wanting to read Mr. Mercedes too but hadn’t had a chance to read a summary or review on it so this is perfect. Thanks for the list, Dana!
Ooh, I have to go request Piccoult’s newest one – I love when I can be the first one to get it at the library. Thanks for the heads up!
This is a great list. I was on Amazon last night looking for some books. Now I know where to start!
Happy to help, Lillian!
thanks for the suggestions, Dana.
Loved Lone Wolf! I’m hooked on Jodi Piccoult! Can’t get enough. x
She is good…I have so many books I want to read, and not enough time in the day!
“The book of life” series looks interesting. Will try to read those books.
Happy reading, Avada!
Reading The Book of Life now and LOVE it! Can’t put it down. I really loved the whole series. So sad it’s the final. Do you have any other favorite witch books? Kinda burnt on the vamps.
The only other witch books I’ve read are Anne Rice’s Mayfair witches books – they were really good. The Beautiful Creatures series has witches too, but they are YA novels – totally different feel.
Woo hoo, a new book list! I have started reading more again. I have every book Jodi Picoult has ever written, but the others I hadn’t heard of. I may be adding some of them to my iPad tonight. Thanks Dana!
Yay- so glad you are reading again, Michelle. Let me know if you try any.
You are fast! One Kick is on my list too since I enjoyed the Archie Sheridan books by Chelsea Cain. Just finished Magic for Beginners by Kelly Link. Collection of short stories. I got kind of tired of it by the end but, that being said, I like the last two stories the best. Will be curious what you think of The Bone Clocks. He always does something different. I read his most straightforward one I think. the coming of age Black Swan Green. That was really good.
I did like the Leftovers though. Very different from the show since I suppose they had to up the conflicts, but I like Tom Perrotta. In a lot of his previous books I sometimes got the feeling he was hanging his characters out to dry and didn’t have compassion for them, but not this time.
I haven’t read anything by the author of The Bone Clocks; I just saw a review and thought it looked interesting. I’ll let you know. Never read Tom Perrotta either, but I’m considering reading The Leftovers. Not sure I’ll go back to the series for the second season, though.
Oh my goodness I am the slowest reader on Earth. I started Devotion a week ago and I’ve read maybe 30 pages. But I’ll add these to the (ever growing) list! 🙂
Life gets in the way, Tricia. I read at least an hour a day – walking my dog and before I go to bed. Now if I could be that disciplined with my writing, I’d be prolific!
As I said over at Eli’s today, novels by Stephen King make me chicken. But you are the second person to recommend Mr. Mercedes, and one of many to recommend 11/22/63, so I must take the plunge. I bet hubby will like Mercedes.
I saw your sentence at Eli’s – don’t let his last two books scare you! I couldn’t get past the first chapter of The Shining, so scary books aren’t my thing. But these two are great. As a writer yourself, you will appreciate storytelling skills. I’d pick 11/22/63 over Mr. Mercedes if I had to choose, but either one is a good choice.
I read Bittersweet, too. Really liked it. Definitely one that was hard to put down at night! Will check out the others! :)-Ashley
Happy reading, Ashley!
Your reviews are fabulous Dana and I loved that I hadn’t heard about most of them! I’ve been reluctant to read Piccoult at all but now reconsidering :). And so excited to hear Chris Bojalian has a new one coming out!
One of my faves this summer was The Expats by Chris Pavone.
Are you on Goodreads?
I will check out Expats – thanks Nicki. And yes, I’m on Goodreads – just added you as a friend!
I really loved Orphan Train!!
Me too – I’ll have to check out that author’s other books.
Just added Bittersweet to my to-read list 🙂
Let me know if you like it!
I read both Orphan Train and Lone Wolf and liked them. I agree with your assessment that Vivian’s parts were the best, what a strong woman. I also liked Lone Wolf, even more than some of Picoult’s other books because it was so different. On your “to read” list, I enjoyed All the Light We Cannot See. I’ll have to check out some of the others you mentioned.
Oh, and because you like historical fiction, you might like Devil in the White City. I just finished it and really liked it. It’s actually non-fiction, but reads a lot like fiction.
Thanks for all your reviews. I love finding new books and authors.
Just got All the Light We Cannot See out of the library today – good to hear you liked it. And I’ve heard of Devil in the White City – I will check it out! Thanks Laura.
I read Lone Wolf and agree that it’s not her best but worth reading. The imagery of him with the wolves is something that’s definitely stuck with me. First from your list for me will be Mr. Mercedes because I LOVE Stephen King. He is such an incredible story teller. Seriously. Did you ever read Bag of Bones? That’s – I think – my favorite of his. The feeling he can evoke with his words blows me away.
I didn’t read Bag of Bones – yet another to add to my list!
It’s amazing. My favorite. I just downloaded Mr. Mercedes!!!
I hope you like it!
I’ve only read one book on this list, which surprises me, because I often feel we’re book twins!
I read Lone Wolf and I loved it. Pretty sure I cried during it.
I’m reading another Jonathan Tropper book right now – “The Book of Joe.” I think it IS good but I’ve been struggling with regular reading just because of everything going on in my life.
It is hard to read when life is really busy. I saw the movie This is Where I Leave You on Friday – it was fabulous. MUST see!!
I haven’t read a Stephen King book in ages – might have to try that one.
I love Jodi Piccoult!
I loved King’s last two books – definitely check them out!
Dana, you know I love your book lists. I’ve been debating Mr. Mercedes but was afraid it was going to be scary, now I can’t wait to read it. Once I had children, I stopped reading Stephen King, just too much for my head at that point in my life. And you’ve almost convinced me to give Jodi another try. I stopped reading her years ago, just no interest, but I might give this one a shot.
I’ve been reading historical fiction about the Tudors for the past several months, I think I’m on my 8th or 9th book (not all the same series). This will be my last for a while, although it’s been very interesting to read about the same people and time period from many different viewpoints (and possibilities, since they are all historically based but the specific details are mainly fiction) I’ve finally had my fill.
Are you reading different authors? I love historical fiction, but I haven’t read much lately. Message me with the best ones if you think of it!
Ooh, I love your website design! And your list, “wake up, be awesome, repeat!!”
I read Orphan Train and loved it. I think there’s another book by that same author, but I can’t remember. I really like Jodi Piccoult, but I can only read her books if I can manage not sleeping! I can’t put her books down!!
Awesome post, awesome reviews!
Thank you!
Thanks for stopping by, Goldi! Kline has written a few books, but Orphan Train is the only one I’ve read. And yes, the sign of a great book is a tired reader!
I definitely skimmed Molly’s sections of Orphan Train but absolutely loved Vivian’s story. And agree with you that Lone Wolf was just okay- not one her better books.
But still pretty entertaining. I’m waiting for Chris Bohjalian’s newest book to come in at the library – I always like his books.
I’ve heard wonderful things about Bittersweet – will check it out. As for Picoult and King – they scare me:)!
Not your cup of tea, huh? To each her own…hope you like Bittersweet, though!
I liked the Book of Life as well. I think it completed the series and (not to give away the story) I enjoyed learning more about Matthew’s mom. I also enjoyed Lone Wolf. But like you, I felt it was a good read but not one of Jodi Picoult’s best work.
Right now I am reading the Divergent series, which is pretty good. And thanks to your recommendation I just downloaded One Kick.
I really liked Divergent – let me know what you think when you finish it! And One Kick too.
All of them sound interesting! I’m on a vampire kick lately so The Book of Life sounds especially intriguing!
Start with the first book, Ana – it was a great trilogy!
I’ve been on the waiting list at the library for Orphan Train for awhile. I heard it’s good! Going to check out some of these other ones, too!
I’ve been on the waiting list for a bunch of books, and now they are all coming in at the same time. Ack! Gotta amp up my reading.
Ok, I admit I haven’t read much in the last few weeks since reading Wonder, but totally just pinned to look at your list better, because I definitely am always looking for new books to add to my list to read. So, thank you for sharing here today 😉
My pleasure, Janine! It’s always good to have a list to go to when you do have a little time to read.
I really need a good book so this is just in time!! I like the looks of One Kick but also a Stephen King novel that isn’t a haunted thrill ride. I started reading “The Leftovers” because I love the TV show so much but, the writing actually leaves a lot to be desired. I’m shocked anyone wanted to make a series out of it!!!
I’m glad you told me that, Allie – I was considering reading The Leftovers. Think I’ll skip it. One Kick is a super fast read, and King’s book is quite a bit longer. Hope you get to read some fiction soon!
I used to LOVE V.C. Andrews, so when you first started talking about Bittersweet, that author immediately came to mind. Also a huge fan of Stephen King, but that One Kick one looks really good. I am currently addicted to Gillian Flynn, having just finished Gone Girl, and a quarter of the way into Dark Places. I’m looking forward to seeing the Gone Girl movie when it comes out! Thanks for sharing these! 🙂
I read Dark Places too – I liked it. Have you read Flynn’s book Sharp Objects? That was my favorite of the three novels.