Oh I always love your lists, Abs, you’ve introduced me to so many of my favourites. And very reassuring to hear about all your half-read books - I feel like that made up a significant chunk of my reading year too.
Haha I went on an Elin Hilderbrand binge myself this year too! I don't care what anyone says, I love her. And I love her podcast too. I think I'm the only person over age 40 who was somewhat meh on both Sandwich AND All Fours. Went straight from Blue Sisters to Cleopatra and Frankenstein, which I'm currently reading. I'm blown away by her writing. I didn't love the twist in Real Americans but man, I was so immersed in that one too. Anyway, I think we have similar taste, thanks for your list! -- Lucy Barton forever!
OK so I have tried All Fours and…don’t think I like it?! I feel like I need to power thru, especially since it seems EVERYONE else has read it AND NYT put it on their 10 notable. But…should I? Normally I don’t bow to the pressure but for some reason this one is getting to me.
I didn't love Cleopatra, so picked up Blue Sisters with some trepidation, but it came in quick on the library holds. And I wept all the way through it.
I was talking about this with a friend recently. I felt like the first half of my reading year was great, but then I've DNF so many things since July? Autumn highlights include Intermezzo, Ali Smith's Gliff, and There Are Rivers in the Sky, but honestly, I've just been going to bed around 9:15 when I realise I'm not into what I'm reading, and would rather sleep.
I always love your book recs. I had forgotten about Claire Lombardo's new novel and I'll place a library hold on that asap! Tell Me Everything slayed me. Still recovering.
Hi - came here after reading your lovely "Eight Words to Say to a Friend" (from Cup of Joe, via Pocket). Consider Isabella Hammad's Enter Ghost: an actor who helps to put on a production of Hamlet in Gaza finds herself thinking about family, heritage, art... precise, and the end literally took my breath away.
I love a good list, me, especially when it involves books; many thanks for this one, Abby! It's always fun to note the overlaps (Tell Me Everything, Sandwich, Good Americans, Come and Get It, more that I can't remember and if I go back to check, my half-written comment will disappear as I have learned from bitter experience) and also novel (ha) recommendations. I need some cotton candy at the moment so I've just checked out Five-Star Weekend and Good Company on Libby. A few of my favourite new authors this year (ie new to me, not to the world) include Barbara Trapido (Brother of the More Famous Jack), Louise Kennedy (Trespasses), Kirstin Valdez Quade (The Five Wounds), Tan Twan Eng (House of Doors), Antoine Laurain (An Astronomer in Love), and Alan Garner (Treacle Walker). (I use too many parentheses.)
Oh I always love your lists, Abs, you’ve introduced me to so many of my favourites. And very reassuring to hear about all your half-read books - I feel like that made up a significant chunk of my reading year too.
(Also meant to say I’m sad the timing of your lunch club doesn’t line up with my work schedule. It sounds lovely!)
Oh I so wish you could come!!! Please do if you can switch things around! xx
Same!
Haha I went on an Elin Hilderbrand binge myself this year too! I don't care what anyone says, I love her. And I love her podcast too. I think I'm the only person over age 40 who was somewhat meh on both Sandwich AND All Fours. Went straight from Blue Sisters to Cleopatra and Frankenstein, which I'm currently reading. I'm blown away by her writing. I didn't love the twist in Real Americans but man, I was so immersed in that one too. Anyway, I think we have similar taste, thanks for your list! -- Lucy Barton forever!
I could discuss Sandwich for a while...And I haven't even tried All Fours! I am resisting! xx
OK so I have tried All Fours and…don’t think I like it?! I feel like I need to power thru, especially since it seems EVERYONE else has read it AND NYT put it on their 10 notable. But…should I? Normally I don’t bow to the pressure but for some reason this one is getting to me.
I didn't love Cleopatra, so picked up Blue Sisters with some trepidation, but it came in quick on the library holds. And I wept all the way through it.
I was talking about this with a friend recently. I felt like the first half of my reading year was great, but then I've DNF so many things since July? Autumn highlights include Intermezzo, Ali Smith's Gliff, and There Are Rivers in the Sky, but honestly, I've just been going to bed around 9:15 when I realise I'm not into what I'm reading, and would rather sleep.
I read so many meh books this year but Martyr! Was one of the best.
Martyr! was fab!
But yeah, a meh reading year. I read a lot because that's what I do for fun but aside from a few standouts, felt kind of meh about it.
I always love your book recs. I had forgotten about Claire Lombardo's new novel and I'll place a library hold on that asap! Tell Me Everything slayed me. Still recovering.
Hi - came here after reading your lovely "Eight Words to Say to a Friend" (from Cup of Joe, via Pocket). Consider Isabella Hammad's Enter Ghost: an actor who helps to put on a production of Hamlet in Gaza finds herself thinking about family, heritage, art... precise, and the end literally took my breath away.
I love a good list, me, especially when it involves books; many thanks for this one, Abby! It's always fun to note the overlaps (Tell Me Everything, Sandwich, Good Americans, Come and Get It, more that I can't remember and if I go back to check, my half-written comment will disappear as I have learned from bitter experience) and also novel (ha) recommendations. I need some cotton candy at the moment so I've just checked out Five-Star Weekend and Good Company on Libby. A few of my favourite new authors this year (ie new to me, not to the world) include Barbara Trapido (Brother of the More Famous Jack), Louise Kennedy (Trespasses), Kirstin Valdez Quade (The Five Wounds), Tan Twan Eng (House of Doors), Antoine Laurain (An Astronomer in Love), and Alan Garner (Treacle Walker). (I use too many parentheses.)