I thought it best to write this book post now, before I tackled my next read: 1Q84 by Murakami. It’s an intimidating, large novel so it will most likely get its own post. Here are my reads from the end of December and the beginning of January.
The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss (audio book, not pictured): Loved it. Loved. It. I had enjoyed the first novel in The Kingkiller Chronicles, The Name of the Wind, and the second book in the trilogy did not disappoint me. My brother-in-law Max griped that “nothing happened” in this edition, and I understand why he’d say that: there is an over-arcing plot point throughout the trilogy about the hero, Kvothe, learning more about his parents’ murderers, but in this book he didn’t learn much. Still, it was really good. I’m disappointed that I will have to wait a few years before the final book comes out and completes the tale.
A Practical Wedding by Meg Keene. You already know how much I love this book. Read my previously posted review here.
The Affinity Bridge by George Mann. Max gave this to me for Christmas… it’s a steampunk mystery, sort of Sherlock Holmes-esque and very British. I thought it was a pretty good read, although sometimes the author seemed to be trying too hard with the British-isms (emphasis on hot tea and the Queen being the most obvious). There are also zombies. The book starts with zombies and doesn’t slow down much after that. I actually want to recommend it to one of my clients, Liz…
V is for Vengeance by Sue Grafton. I’m a Sue Grafton fan; have been since my dad picked up a copy of A is for Alibi at a garage sale. I still think that D is for Deadbeat is her best book. Grafton’s been writing these Alphabet mystery books for over twenty years now and changed up her writing style since a few books back; it’s not all from the perspective of the heroine, Kinsey Millhone. I prefer the old method, but appreciate that she’s keeping things fresh. V was a decent read, but the mystery is a little on the tame side and I wasn’t totally engrossed this time around.
A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. This is one of my favorite books of all time and I just really wanted to read it. I will always tear up when Sara gives five of her six buns away while she’s starving. I will always weep at the reveal. It’s funny, though; I don’t really like A Secret Garden.
Next on my list: a quick re-read of Pride and Prejudice; 1Q84; Just Kids by Patti Smith; Teacher Man by Frank McCourt.
What are you reading? Care to recommend anything?
Frank McCourt books… YES! Can’t wait to hear how you like it. I need to reread his work… I remember loving them – but it’s been a while!
I read Angela’s Ashes and ‘Tis about 10 years ago and liked them, so when I saw a copy of Teacher Man on my dad’s bookshelf, I borrowed it :) I hope it’s good!
It’s so funny you finished reading “A Little Princess,” because I just picked up “Farmer Boy,” which my mom read to me when I was little. I think that book is where I get my love for food and farm animals and gardening. Yay for revisiting childhood loves!
Erin – I love Laura Ingalls Wilder! I never read Farmer Boy, though, just the Little House series. You might have convinced me to put that on my list…
Kandise – Going Bovine’s synopsis sounds pretty interesting. I am intrigued! Let me know if you like it!
Stacked in front of me:
A Practical Wedding
Graceling
Going Bovine
… and 1Q84 :)
Oh I love a good mystery series! I might just have to start with A is for Alibi.