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.
From young adult fiction:
A Mad, Wicked Folly by Sharon Biggs Waller
All the Truth That’s In Me by Julie Berry
Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson
Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCour
From children’s:
Sparky! by Jenny Offill, illus. Chris Appelhans
Pride & Prejudice (Cozy Classics) by Jack & Holman Wang
Little You by Richard Van Camp, illus. Julie Flett
Brief Thief by Michael Escoffier, illus. Kris Di Giocomo
Eerie Dearies: 26 Ways to Miss School by Rebecca Chaperon
The Pigeon Needs a Bath by Mo Willems
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