With 2017 breathing down my neck, I don’t think I’ll finish any other new books in 2016. You’ll notice that I read a lot fewer per month over the last few months than I did in the first few months. I did keep up with my reading, but I had some of those tough times where you just want to hang out with the book friends you already know. Y’all have times like that, right? It’s not just me?
ANYWAY… Here’s what I read recently:
- The Haters by Jesse Andrews – I was entertained by this book, and even more entertained by imagining my friend, Chris Blount, working as hard as these characters to actively hate all around them.
- The Glorious Heresies by Lisa McInerney – entwined stories bring characters together in a web of unpleasantness. There wasn’t anyone in this book that’s likely to become a friend, but it was fascinating peering into their lives.
- At Hawthorne Time by Melissa Harrison – I felt wistfully that most of these characters were within reach of a better life, but that none of them seemed to have the gumption to change it. Some of the description and imagery was really nice – worth the read, but you might feel frustrated at the choices the characters are making.
- The Magicians by Lev Grossman – I loved the beginning of this book. If the kids had stayed in school forever, I think I would have been extremely happy. I basically felt dissociated from them once they were out in the world… and made their way to other worlds. I see that you can watch the Syfy show on Netflix… we’ll see if that idea catches hold for me or not.
- The Dive from Clausen’s Pier by Ann Packer – I loved this book. A section of the novel involves the main character frequenting my favorite haunts in Manhattan. I was transported back to my time there and I luxuriated in those scenes. I didn’t love the end… but I guess the author gets to make her own choices for her characters, right?
- The Fault in Our Stars by John Green – I haven’t seen the movie, but I did know (just from being alive in 2016 with an internet connection) that it involves a love story between teenage cancer patients. So I was expecting some tears. I wasn’t expecting how the numerous losses of 2016 would pour out of my eyes in huge, racking sobs. But I probably should have known that would happen. I liked this book, and have passed it to another reader, so she can cry big, heavy tears of her own.
And an update on my reading list?
Of course, since you asked… I have just 4 books checked out from the library, 29 on hold, and a ridiculous 422 that I’ve listed as something I’ll want to read later. Seems like I should be able to at least manage to read 23 new-to-me books in 2017, right?
I’m very glad that I challenged myself to get more NEW reading accomplished this year. I look forward to meeting new book friends and travelling different places in 2017!