I've read a few really good books lately and it occurred to me that I could share my thoughts about them for friends and family. It seems like I am always in search of the next great book, and so are the readers I know and love. So here are a few for your consideration, just in time for summer!
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr: Wonderful writing. I loved how the writing was sort of sparse but so perfect. Like that person who doesn't say a lot, but when they speak you really want to hear what they have to say. This was an original way to tell a story, too. The plot was really different and interesting. It first caught my interest because it is historical fiction based in France (Paris) which is my sweetspot of books. The story is set in WWII and it is awful, and scary and terrible which is why it is important to read. I loved these characters and how the story played out. A favorite.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah: So, I feel like Kristin Hannah's writing is definitely enjoyable and somewhat entertaining. After reading "Light" it took me awhile to get used to her style again and I felt like it was a little flowery at first. But this story is so good that I soon stopped noticing and got caught up in the character's lives. Again set in France during WWII, this is a difficult story to read, with many horrifying situations. And again, this is why it's even more important to read and try to understand, to have this perspective. I highly recommend it. (BTW, my mom loved it, too. Also conjured up memories of her own family's stories of this awful time in world history.)
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrente: Translated from its original Italian, Friend is a coming of age story of two best friends. I felt drawn by one in particular. I think the character development was excellent and seemed so real. This is a very interesting look into Neopolitan life in the 50s and 60s. Thankfully, this is the first in a series and I am very much looking forward to books 2 & 3. Evidently, there's a 4th coming out in August. And by the way -- new vocab word: bildungsroman, which is a word to describe a coming-of-age story.
The Storied Life of AJ Fikry by Gabrielle Zavin: This is book for booklovers. It moves along quickly and is a lovely tale. I was taken by surprise by some of the developments, but my dear friend Anne who recommended it to me tells me that it was pretty obvious to her, so you'll have to see for yourself.
Ella, Otto, Russell & James by Emma Hooper: What a unique, interesting story. This story is set in rural Canada and the concept of the landscape there, and how it changes through the story and the character's journey, are really interesting. There is a lot of symbolism in this book. The story includes some 'magical realism' that adds to its texture and keeps you really thinking. "A gorgeous literary debut about unlikely heroes, lifelong promises, and last great adventures," is how it's described on Amazon and I think that's a perfect description.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on these books and I hope you enjoy them as I did. Someday I will write about my very favorite book I read in the last year which was, "The Awakening of Miss Prim."
