Finally got the chance to kick back with a few novels. I’d been in a bit of a dry spell, not just behind in my reading, but also failing to find a book that really set me off. I don’t know about you, but I tend to read in spurts. If I get my hands on a really good book, it just makes me want to read more. If I read some novels I’m so-so about, I tend to put books aside and check out the Netflix queue. Thankfully, this past week, I got my hands on some great ones. All debut, too!
WAKE, by Lisa McMann. Hypnotic page turner about a girl who involuntarily and uncontrollably gets sucked into other people’s dreams. Spellbinding and sweet love story. I was initially skeptical, because of the strange, distant tone employed in the novel, but it didn’t take me long to get sucked in, much like the main character. Really enjoyed.
It’s apparently the first in a series. I am very curious to see what is next, because I must admit, it felt like a deliciously self-contained novel.
PRIVATE ARRANGEMENTS, by Sherry Thomas. Another Bantam Dell author, I just kept hearing the buzz about this book, and I picked it up while out indulging in my favorite addiction at the Boston Borders with buddy Maureen McGowan. Well, the buzz is all deserved! Fascinating and inventive historical romance. A reunion story, too. My favorite kind. What I really loved about this book was that it’s a cure for all those silly “big misunderstanding” kind of books. Yes, the couple is estranged after the hero decides that the heroine is an unforgivable bitch. But she actually did what he accused her of. Nicely done. Goes right in there with “favorite historical romances I’ve read recently” The Book of True Desires, by Betina Krahn, and The Companion, by Susan Squires.
Your turn! Tell me about any good books you’ve read recently!
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PS: I totally forgot to draw a winner for the Sarah Beth Durst book the other week. Oops! I blame deadlines. You have until Tuesday to enter at that post, and then I’ll draw.
May 12th, 2008 at 8:01 am
I’ve not been reading much lately due to lack of concentration with the pregnancy as well as trying to find time to read while I settle into new schedules with married life/living with someone. But I’ve just recently picked up some more Guy Gavriel Kay an am really enjoying it! (Finishing the Fionavar Tapestry series.)
Happy news is that I got some B&N gift cards for Mother’s Day, so I can run out and get ROS(B) when it releases (CAN’T WAIT)!
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May 12th, 2008 at 8:21 am
I just finished reading “The Lightning Thief” and “The Sea of Monsters” by Rick Riordan. They are sort of Harry Potter meets the Greek Gods. It was amazing how much of my Greek Mythology I had forgotten. Great way for kids to learn about the Titans and the Olympians. I read the Disney is making a movie of the first book.
http://www.rickriordan.com/
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May 12th, 2008 at 8:53 am
I’ve recently discovered Geraldine Brooks, an Aussie writer who now lives mostly in the USA. Her latest, “People of the Book”, enthralled me; great thriller plot/s, great love story/ies.
Working backward, I next read “March”, an inversion of Alcott’s “Little Women” that follows the father off to the Civil War. Full of incredible social and historical detail. Won (deservedly) the Pulitzer Prize.
Am now partway through “Year of Wonders”, her first novel, set in the plague year of 1666 in rural England. Again, full of rich (and often unpleasant) historical detail. Her versatile writing style makes me green with envy.
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May 12th, 2008 at 9:03 am
I’m reading Howl’s Moving Castle and loving it. I saw the movie at least twice. Granted, the movie and the book are dissimilar in many ways, this still explains so much about Howl that wasn’t clear.
Reading Maureen Johnson’s Girl at Sea next.
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May 12th, 2008 at 9:11 am
I just finished A CURSE DARK AS GOLD by Elizabeth Bunce and loved it. Definitely recommended!
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May 12th, 2008 at 9:28 am
Well, I re-read Under the Rose over the weekend. I just finished Surviving Demon Island by Jaci Burton.
I’m trying to get through my TBR pile, so I can buy some more books. I also have to get a group of books together to donate to the local library. I always end up re-reading a bit of each book before I can put it in the give-away box.
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May 12th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Bill, my mom just loaned me Year of Wonders. She loved it and I’m anxious to dive in. Glad to hear another person likes it.
And Liza, I love Jaci’s Demon Hunter series. Can’t wait till the third releases this year!!
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May 12th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
I’m about to dive into Girls in Trucks, which was recommended to me by another writer friend. I just wrapped up The Ten-Year Nap.
And Diana, don’t hate me, but I tagged/meme-ed you today on my blog!
http://allisonwinnscotch.blogspot.com.
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May 12th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
The Girl Who Stopped Swimming, Joshilyn Jackson (womens/lit fic?) – Woah. This is really good; I’m not quite done but I’d still recommend it.
Same with The Ruby Key by Holly Lisle (YA fantasy).
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May 12th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Jennifer Estep said …
I’m on a reading kick in an attempt to whittle down my TBR. Just finished Dead Man Rising by Lilith Saintcrow, and I started The 47th Samauri by Stephen Hunter last night. After that, I’ll probably read another urban fantasy in my stack …
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May 12th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
I just finished “The Time Traveler’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger. I was actually sad that I had gotten to the end.
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May 13th, 2008 at 1:28 am
Both of mine are graphic novels, one a re-read, Alan Moore’s brilliant Watchmen, and Neil Gaiman’s equally brilliant Sandman books, or at least books one through five.
With the first book you discussed, it sounds like Sandman might be up your alley–a really great series about the lord of dreams. I think it’s my favorite of all Gaiman’s stuff.
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May 13th, 2008 at 8:15 am
I haven’t read Wake yet, but loved Private Arrangements.
Teri
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