I had a list of things I wanted to do in January 2019. Most of those things transferred to my list of things I want to do in February 2019.
I was successful in terms of reading, however. In fact, I was downright literary. I attended two author talks at my local library, went to book club (and actually read the book), and have completed 13% of my Goodreads 2019 Reading Challenge. I’m two books ahead of schedule, so I’m ignoring the goals I did not meet in January and focusing on the one I exceeded.
I read five novels and listened to two; here are my four favorites.
Disclosure: The book titles are affiliate links; I earn approximately one dollar from these links annually.
If you’re into historical fiction and/or are obsessed with Hamilton, pick up:
My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton
by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie
I’m a huge fan of Hamilton (the musical) and I loved Chernow’s biography. I also thoroughly enjoyed America’s First Daughter, so I was excited to read another historical fiction work by the same authors, featuring an important but overlooked American woman.
I was not disappointed. What a refreshing change to see early American history through a woman’s eyes! Eliza Hamilton lived for fifty years after her husband died, and his legacy is alive because of her. Using the numerous letters and writings that Alexander left behind, the authors have created a fascinating portrait of a woman, a wife, a mother, and a patriot in her own right.
If you like quirky, offbeat books that will make you smile, try:
Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore
by Robin Sloan (audio)
Laid-off Clay stumbles into a job at Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore, mostly because he can climb the store’s ladders like a monkey. Working the night shift, he meets some odd folks, and things just get curiouser and curiouser. Why do the same customers keep coming in, and why don’t they buy anything?
Clay investigates, and the result is a fun, nerdy read. Quirky characters, intrigue that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and a fabulous narrator made the audio version a thoroughly delightful listen.
If you like a psychological thriller, here are two good ones.
An Anonymous Girl
by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
Jess signs up for a psychology study on ethics and morality; she needs the money and it’s anonymous. But the doctor behind the study asks some really personal questions, and Jess gets caught up in the psychiatrist’s game. What is the game, though? And how does she get out?
This pair’s second thriller is a thoroughly enjoyable page turner; I liked it even more than their first novel, The Wife Between Us. There are twists and turns; some are a bit predictable but it’s a fun ride nonetheless. I read it in two days – with short chapters and a quickly moving plot, I opted for finding out how it ended over going to bed at a reasonable hour.
The Silent Patient
by Alex Michaelides
Alicia hasn’t spoken a word since she was found standing in front of her murdered husband. Six years into her stay at a psychiatric facility, Leo comes on board as her psychotherapist. Can he get her to speak? What really happened that night? With pieces of Alicia’s diary and Leo’s side story sprinkled in, The Silent Patient is an engrossing, easy read. My favorite part? No see-it-from-a-mile-away twist. The novel relies less on plot twists and more on character development…but I still recommend avoiding any spoilers.
This novel ticks all the boxes for a good psychological thriller: immediately engaging, short chapters that make you want to keep reading, characters who may or may not be who you think, and strong writing.
Happy reading!
Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore sounds like a cute read 🙂
It was!
I just finished reading it and it’s fun and quick. My husband read it when I was done. It was hard not to spoil it for him. The joy is in the journey.
I listened to The Wife Between Us. That was one of those books that I finished quickly because I had to know how it ended. I can’t remember whether or not I thought it was predictable but it was good. Glad to know she has another book out.
Yep, and the second one was better!
Thanks for these! Just put Mr. Penumbra’s on hold for the audio. I’m number 16. Not too bad!
Not at all. Btw – I finished Russian Doll last night. So good and weird.
Wow, you are truly ahead of the game, reading-wise, Dana! I’m still in the midst of Becoming by Michelle Obama and another book that I started in October. You inspire me to get more intentional about reading consistently. All four of your books pique my attention, but as a Hamilton stan, the one about Eliza would be my first pick. Here’s to more happy reading!
I plan to listen to Michelle Obama’s book this year – I heard she is a terrific narrator!
Oooooh! Thank you for these! I’m especially interested in Eliza and The Silent Patient. Good job being so literary – two author talks – how fun!
It was! And I’m going to see the author of The Alice Network next week.
You go girl!! Thanks for the recommendations…I am excited for Anonymous Girl but currently waist deep in A Little Life- it is just sooooo good.
It was! You’ll have to fill me in on our book club discussion.
These look great, Dana. I listened to Mr. Penumbra years ago and agree with your review. I fun listen. I liked America’s First Daughter too, and I’ll share Hamilton with my book club. Well, I’ll share these all with my book club. I still haven’t finished a book in 2019 (so close!), so I’m behind on my Goodreads goals. Will try to catch up soon!
I’ve already slowed down in terms of reading this month – I hope to pick up again too!
I haven’t read any of these (or much of anything lately:(). I received An Anonymous Girl as my Book of The Month pick, but then ended giving to as my Book Club holiday exchange. I’m in a rut…
You need to get out of the rut, Allie! I’m in one right now too – I have a book I just can’t get into. I’m determined to read 100 pages and then give myself permission to bail.
I think you know I didn’t really like The Wife Between Us so, maybe I’ll skip that one – LOL 🙂 But The Silent Patient sounds very intriguing! We just had book club for The Life We Bury which was excellent but I’m not too sure about our next one (How to Walk Away) so I may start reading The Silent Patient instead. Thanks, as always for new recommendations!
Allie, I read How to Walk Away, and I liked it. I didn’t think I would, but it’s pretty good, and an easy read.
Wow to exceeding your reading goal and then some. Here I have read 8 books so far this year and am starting a new one hopefully later tonight. I read An Anonymous Girl and pretty much agree with your assessment. That said, need to check out the others you mentioned here and will see if I can add more to my ever-growing list, as well. Thanks Dana 🙂
My pleasure, Janine!