2014 Reading, So Far: The Good

It’s August, so we’re already more than halfway through the year. For various reasons, I have not had as much time for reading as I would have wished. (…I also may have had to edit my Goodreads challenge a few times…cough).

So, what have been the big kickers of my reading year so far? The surprises and goodies?

From adult fiction:

The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty. This was an absorbing, intelligently juicy read. I love multiple story lines that converge together, unfolding and slowly building to a big reveal. This did not disappoint!

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. While I did not love this as I did The Secret Keeper, it was still a lovely read. Beautiful and melancholy story, with effective ties to fairy tales and The Secret Garden.

The Silkworm (Cormoran Strike #2) by Robert Galbraith. Well, I loved The Cuckoo’s Calling, so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on book two. And while I must honestly say I don’t think it was as great as book one, it was still pretty damn good. J.K. Rowling, writing as Galbraith, has created a fantastic character in Strike- I find him a fascinating, layered yet oddly simple protagonist. Rowling is, I think, a gifted storyteller, and she just keeps my attention the entire way through. I look forward to more entries in this series.

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith. First time reading this classic coming-of-age-story! I found the writing, the turns of phrases altogether enchanting, and Cassandra a vibrant and reflective narrator. While I found the first half of the novel more compelling than the second (I found Cassandra lost some of her edginess in wallowing excessively), it was still a beautiful read. It made me think fondly back to Michelle Cooper’s gorgeously written YA The Montmaray Journals trilogy.