7 great books I’ve read this year, so far

Today I’m going to tell you about 7 great books I’ve read this year so far.

I’ve read a few others too, but these are the ones that have stood out and stayed with me long after I put them down.

Beach Read by Emily Henry

At the start of the year when we were all still in holiday mode, I downloaded this romantic novel. Who doesn’t love a good beach read during summer? And this perfectly titled one was exactly what I was looking for. It tells the story of two very different writers who are staying in neighbouring beach houses for the summer and are both suffering from writer’s block. They don’t get off to a good start when they meet and then find themselves thrown together on a few occasions, so they eventually decide to make a deal that will hopefully get them both writing again.

This might sound like a bit of a cheesy read, but Emily Henry brings a contemporary, mature feel to this book. And instead of feeling flighty, it shows a real depth and deals with some meaty issues.

Crossroads by Jonathan Franzen

Jonathan Franzen has a special gift. The way he describes the characters in this book is remarkable. I found myself fully immersed in this story right from the start. And despite the fact that the characters are not always likeable, I found myself invested in their lives and captivated by how the plot developed.

This book tells the story of Russ Hildebrandt, an associate pastor, his wife, Marion who has had a secret past; and their children who are all going through some big changes in their lives. Clem, the eldest, has come home from college after making a life-changing decision; Becky, queen bee at school changes tack too; and Perry, their younger brother who was previously selling drugs has decided to be a “better person”. While observing the development of each of the characters, you’re shown the different perspectives of the two generations. This book deals with some weighty subjects, but it’s not too heavy.

Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr

I’ll start by saying – there’s a lot going on in this book! And I’ll admit that in the beginning, I was more than a little confused. The story jumps between five different characters who live in different times and places. But they’re all linked by the story of Aethon who longs to be turned into a bird that can fly to a utopian paradise, which weaves a thread between each story. I found myself flitting from an interstellar spaceship to inside the walls of Constantinople, to a siege outside the walls of Constantinople and to Idaho in America. It was a feast of a book and one that has stayed in my mind since I finished it.

Heating & Cooling: 52 Micro-Memoirs by Beth Ann Fennelly

Oh my, I loved this one so much. Beth Ann Fennelly is a treasure. She’s a wife and mother who views life in such a novel way, writing so cleverly in a manner that had me laughing, nodding and wanting to highlight everything. Ugh, you have to read it.

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

This is the most honest memoir I’ve ever read. Goodreads describes it as “unflinchingly powerful” and I’d agree. In it, Michelle details her life story about growing up Korean American, how she lost her mother too young, and how she developed her own, strong identity through that devastating loss. I had tears running down my face while reading parts of this book. It was heartwrenching in its honesty. Michelle Zauner is a talented writer and storyteller, who also happens to be a musician. And her book shows a life that has endured much hardship, but that has ultimately prevailed. This is not the Hollywood version of life, it shows the beauty that lies in ordinary life. And that there’s much hardship and hard work involved along the way. It’s a lovely read.

Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeley

Ooh, this thriller will keep you guessing right until the end. It’s the story of a couple who win a weekend away in Scotland and go on this trip to save their marriage. Adam, the husband, is a screenwriter who has face-blindness and can’t recognize friends or family (or even his wife). Amelia is his wife who won this trip and desperately wants their relationship to work. But there have been many years of lies and secrets and this anniversary weekend away is a make or break situation. I can’t say too much more than that. You’ll have to read it to find out what happens… PS I read this book during daylight hours because reading it in the dark was pretty scary.

Then she was gone by Lisa Jewell

Ellie is fifteen when she disappears, and her mother, Laurel never gives up the hope of finding her again. And then, after ten years, Laurel meets Floyd who is the first man she feels something for after her marriage had disintegrated. They start spending more time together and she eventually meets Floyd’s nine-year-old daughter, Poppy – who is the spitting image of Ellie at that age! And just when Laurel thought she was coming to terms with Ellie’s disappearance, she starts questioning things again. Why had they never found any sign of Ellie? Warning: parts of this book are quite disturbing.

Have YOU read anything good lately? I’d love to see your recommendations in the comments section below.

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