I’ve been on a roll lately. I’ve finished a lot of books since my last “what I’ve read” post–many that were so-so, and a few that were really, really good. To save you the time and trouble, I’m just going to share my nine favorites in this post.
wall color // art // blue and white jars (similar) // chair // striped pillow
But first, one of the questions/comments I get every time I write one of these posts is “how do you find time to read?”. I guess we all find time for the things we really want to do—right? I’ve decided to quit feeling like I should be doing something more productive every time I sit down with a book. It’s just about the only activity where I can completely zone out—and that’s a very good thing for a somebody like me who struggles to sit still.
I love to read until I almost fall asleep at night. I read in the (parked!) car when I’m waiting to pick up kids. And, I’m trying to read in the afternoons when the kids have to read their own books for homework. (When do you make time to read??)
These are my nine favorite books that I’ve read recently:
The Mothers by Brit Bennett—This book is brand new and probably my very favorite of the 30+ I’ve read this year. It’s not a spoiler to tell you the main character finds her teenage self pregnant by the pastor’s son early in the story. The book follows the consequences of the main character’s decision throughout her teenage and early adult life. This one gets five stars from me. (By the way, this is the author’s first book. Can’t wait to read more from her. . . )
A Certain Age by Beatriz Williams—This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and now I have her others on my “want to read” list. She’s an excellent writer and this is a story that feels very modern, although it’s set in the 1920s. The plot revolves around a murder trial and a May-December romance where the “older woman” is all of about 40. (Yikes.)
Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleave—I had heard great things about this one before I read it, and it met all of my expectations. It’s set in WWII London and I loved Mary North (the main character) and her spunk. A beautiful story about about love and loss and hope. One of my favorite WWII novels yet.
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett—This is my third Ann Patchett book and my favorite so far. (I also liked The Patron Saint of Liars, but Bel Canto—not so much.) I love a good dysfunctional family novel and this a great one. It covers years of fallout for both families involved after an affair starts at a christening party.
What She Left Behind by Ellen Marie Wiseman—I got sucked into this book, but I will warn you that I felt like I couldn’t breathe for most of it. The main character’s family sends her to a mental hospital in 1929 to keep her away from a romance of which they disapprove. I rooted for her until I was exhausted—in a good way.
The One-In-a-Million Boy by Monica Wood—A precious book about the friendship between a young Boy Scout and a 104-year-old woman. I wasn’t sure I’d love it based on the description but it’s a great story. There’s even a little romance. (No, not between the Boy Scout and the lady!) I like Monica Wood’s writing. I also read her memoir When We Were the Kennedys. I didn’t like it as much as this one but it’s a really good read, as well.
Half-Broke Horses by Jeanette Walls—I’d been meaning to read this one for a while after reading the author’s other book, The Glass Castle which may be one of my favorites of all time. This is real-life novel about Jeanette Walls’ grandmother’s life. I love a determined mother who takes care of business, and that’s what you get with the main character. She was a woman before her time. My kind of girl.
The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline—I love when I get book recommendations from you all. (Thanks for this one, Peggy!) This novel brings two orphans together and tells their stories. One is seventeen and aging out of the foster system soon. The other is now an elderly lady and a survivor of a hard system.
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier—I’m not sure why I haven’t read this before now am glad I did. It’s eerie, suspenseful, romantic and hard to put down. I am the worst at figuring things out ahead of the game when I’m reading anything mysterious. This book was no different. So good!
What’s the best book you’ve discovered lately?
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Ooh, I’m almost at the end of A Certain Age! Wasn’t sure if I felt good or bad about my own “certain age” the whole time I was reading it, lol. I also love Half-Broke Horses. One of my all time favorites. And my mother-in-law recommended Rebecca so that’s in my queue. Thanks for the recs!
I have just finished the Million Dollar Series by Mindy Starns Clark. The first one is “A Penny for your thoughts”. I loved all 5 of them and wish there were more! She is a Christian writer, but not at all “preachy”. The stories are very intriguing and there is some romance to boot!
I loved those also! Interesting AND encouraging. I don’t often reread books bit I’ve been considering revisiting these.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah….. I was emotionally attached and drained afterwards… one of those books after you finish you don’t know what’s to do with yourself.
That is such a good one!
Have u seen the Hitchcock movie, “Rebecca” with Laurence Oliver & Joan Fontaine ?? It’s just as good as the book!
No–but I have a feeling it would creep me out :)
Agreed, the movie is awesome!!
I too love the “One in a Million Boy” and have most of the books you listed on my to-read list. One book I read recently and LOVED is “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman. Here’s the description from Goodreads:
A grumpy yet loveable man finds his solitary world turned on its head when a boisterous young family moves in next door.
Meet Ove. He’s a curmudgeon, the kind of man who points at people he dislikes as if they were burglars caught outside his bedroom window. He has staunch principles, strict routines, and a short fuse. People call him the bitter neighbor from hell, but must Ove be bitter just because he doesn’t walk around with a smile plastered to his face all the time?
Behind the cranky exterior there is a story and a sadness. So when one November morning a chatty young couple with two chatty young daughters move in next door and accidentally flatten Ove’s mailbox, it is the lead-in to a comical and heartwarming tale of unkempt cats, unexpected friendship, and the ancient art of backing up a U-Haul. All of which will change one cranky old man and a local residents’ association to their very foundations.
I recently read that, too, and I felt so-so about it (although I think I’m in the minority). I thought it was sweet but didn’t like it as much as I thought…
Beth Moore’s first novel: The Undoing of Saint Silvanus. The character development was spot on … set in New Orleans, too!
I loved The Undoing of Saint Silvanus! I’d definitely recommend it to you, Emily.
I couldn’t find the name/brand of the dark color that you used. By chance do you have that?
The glass castle is one of my very favorites too! I just recently read The Shoemaker’s Wife, The Nightingale and The Last Midwife. Nightingale was amazing. The other two I thoroughly enjoyed as well! (And then I feel like a weirdo when I read reviews saying how awful they were. Specifically the Shoemaker. That one was a roller coaster of emotions and so good!). The Last Midwife was very intriguing in that a lot of the southern cultural elements were so similar to things I learned while caring for an elderly southern lady. So many similarities in her story and the novel.
I read One-in-millon-boy over the summer. Enjoyed it very much. I have just started reading more fiction this year. Just finished Rhythms of Rest – Shelly Miller. Excellent read about Sabbath Rest (non-fiction).
Have you ever read Black Bird by Jennifer Lauck? It’s pretty old but it’s so good. It’s a true story and it’s written in a very haunting way. I reccomend it to anyone who hasn’t already.
No, but I’ve heard of this. Thanks for the recommendation.
All the Light We Cannot See is a must.
I liked The Shoemakers Wife too.
If you haven’t yet read All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, you MUST read it. One of the best books I have read in my life–and I was an English and German literature major.
Am I the only one who didn’t love this book? Everyone else seems to be on board with you, though :)
I didn’t like All The Light We Cannot See either. I was bummed!
I’m reading Half Broke Horses right now — and Rebecca was one of my favorite books to have read last year. There is a sort-of sequel to it — I can’t remember what it’s called — written by a different author but picks up where Rebecca left off and explains so much, so interesting!
I don’t know how many books I read every year but I am never not reading a book. In fact, when I get close to the end of one I start getting anxious about what’s next, even though there are at least 6 books on my nightstand right now! Just finished “The Girl on the Train” which I really enjoyed.. only a couple of years after everyone else!
Loved “Orphan Train” and “The Glass Castle” is somewhere in that to be read stack.
I read “Rebecca” at least 30 years ago and remember loving it but I don’t remember why.. haha…thanks for the reread suggestion.
This is an unusual recommendation, but if you are ever in the mood for a short story rather than a novel, pick up an Ann Munro book. My first one was “Dear Life” – which I accidentally read twice but enjoyed as much the second time as the first. That led to “Family Furnishings” and I have two more on my nightstand waiting on me to finish the stack of novels on top of them. I’ve really enjoyed them even though the stories often don’t tie up neatly in the end… sometimes they’re just snippets in the lives of characters you wish you could continue living with for a while.
Totally understand that anxious feeling. It’s like an addiction :)
I think we have similar tastes in books–I’ve read about half of those books and have added the rest to my Goodreads list. I recently finished The Midwife of Hope River and The Bookseller by Cynthia Swanson. Two totally different books but I loved them both. Thanks for your recommendations!
Are we listening to the same “What Should I Read Next?” podcast?? All of these books I either just finished or are on my TBR list! :)
Ha! Yes, isn’t Anne the best? I cannot read all of her suggestions fast enough. I’ve also started listening to “From the Front Porch” after the host was her guest. Another great podcast full of good suggestions from a bookstore owner.
I love this podcast! And I also love her daily kindle deals newsletter! I have double digit kindle books waiting for me, plus the paperbacks I have picked up based on her recommendations.
I have twins plus one, so I am also a reader sitting in the car. Plus I am always “volunteering” to take my daughter to her ballet class because it is 45 guaranteed minutes of reading!
I just wanted to let you know I love these posts! I always go straight to goodreads to add your recommendations — thank you!
The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner–it’s about her real life in an polygamist enclave. Fascinating!!
Hmmm… This sounds interesting. Thanks!
I agree it is a worthwhile read – if only for the insight into a life so different than mine.
Now I have increased my want to read list by 6 books.
Totally off subject but I love the dark painting (swimmers?) on the dark wall.
I just finished A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry. It was a beautifully written novel, but as it seems all books set in India are it is absolutely heartbreaking. There is a very fine balance between hope and despair in this country.
A Fine Balance is one of my all-time favorites!! Beautiful and heartbreaking. I’m reading A Man Called Ove now and enjoying it, but not quite loving it-maybe soon. Also reading Commonwealth and excited to push on based on your review. I loved Everyone Brave Is Forgiven, The Nightingale and All the Light We Cannot See – need something uplifting though after all of those in a row!! Reading is my escape and sanity saver – I’m thrilled my children love it also. Thanks for your great reviews and all-around awesome blog ;)
Just finished A Mother’s Confession by Kelly Rimmer. She’s from Australia and very good author. I’ve read all her books and they are all great.
Oh I’m so trying to find time to read more, it’s a downside of blogging that precious reading time gets used up on social media. Going to take your tips on board and hit the books! Thank you!
Rebecca is one of my all time favourites! I have read it more times than I can count! Did you notice that you never learn the main character’s name? I think it is a masterfully written suspense novel and I love how the author used the natural surroundings and their descriptions to create the mood of the story – even function as a character.
Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
I guess I have been really in to loes lately 😜.
Boys in the Boat Daniel James Brown was also really good.
What a wonderful example you are to your children. You have motivated me to take more time for reading! If you have time in your busy day I’m sure I do too. I actually have a couple of the books in your list and look forward to them. Thanks Emily for giving me something to strive for!
I just finished up The Light Between Oceans and went and saw the movie and will say the movie was almost as good as the book (which never happens as you know) and the set design was way better than what was in my head (I can love a movie purely on set design), I wanted to move into a lighthouse and dress my baby in hand knitted sweaters after seeing it. For some reasons when it gets cold I tend to pick mysteries and right now I’m reading The Good Girl about a young teacher kidnapped and the aftermath of when she is returned home.
I loved The Light Between Oceans but my parents went to see the movie hated it so I never went…. Netflix?? :)
I recently finished The Wednesday Sisters, which was good and notable because it mentions Rebecca. My favorite of the year so far has probably been The Bookseller; I absolutely couldn’t put it down. The Gilded Age was also good with a spunky heroine that you might like.
I think The Bookseller is going to have to go on my list. Lots of recommendations of that one!
A State of Wonder, by Ann Patchett. You will love it, love it, love it! Much of the book is set in a jungle in South America. It got to the point that when I opened the book, I felt the brush of birds’ wings flying out of the pages and heard what I imagine to be noises from the dark jungle (monkeys? birds? Insects buzzing? Old Tarzan movies?). You know how some books are just worlds you enter? I couldn’t wait to get back to it each evening. Mystery, suspense, love, and most of all, human nature explored in brilliant writing. Thanks for the recommendations!
I just read one of my all time favorites for the first time: “Lost Loves of WWII”. There are a couple authors listed but it’s a fabulous book. Also just finished “The Last Five Days” which was such an eye opener for me about all the feelings an ill person contemplating suicide experiences. Very well written. Thanks for all the great ideas for future reads.
“The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Anne Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer.
This book is soo good!! I absolutely LOVE it. You will fall in love with all the main characters. It is set during WWII during the German occupation on the island of Guernsey. The entire book is a series of letters. That is it….the entire novel is told through letters. It is such a lovely, heartwarming and bitter sweet story. It is worth the read if you haven’t already! :)
Thank you for sharing all your recent reads! Love the lists…keep them coming!
Cheers,
Terri
I’ve recently finished “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern, and it held me captive. Completely different from anything else I’ve read, and well worth it!
I just finished Kent Haruf’s Our Souls at Night.
What happens when a 70-year old widow decides that she’s tired of being lonely at night and approaches her 70 year-old widower neighbor to ask if he’d like to sleep with her? (And I mean only sleep, nothing else).
In Haruf’s spare, beautiful writing style, he examines what companionship and responsibility to others mean in a bittersweet story of human connection.
I’m so glad you liked Orphan Train!! Thanks for this post– great recommendations–I’m going to add to my “to be read” list. Happy Thanksgiving!! XO
Yes–loved it. Thanks again :)
Has anyone ever read any books by Lisa Genova? I especially liked “LEFT NEGLECTED”
I loved Mikel Santiago’s “The Last Night at Tremore Beach.” Stayed up half the night to finish it. It was a mystery and a thriller with a bit of the paranormal woven in. The writing was excellent. I’m hoping his other book will be released in the U.S. soon. I also love your blog. We read many of the same books.