Best Contemporary American Fiction
When Tucker finds herself at risk of losing custody of her beloved youngest grandchild and worse, the child’s mother is murdered, she draws support and strength from her new friendship with Ella. These two women from disparate backgrounds form a fierce bond, and they weather life’s storms together with faith, love, and determination. David Johnson has worked in the helping professions for over thirty-five years.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This book reminded me to also love those who are hard to love."
"I found the tense of the book, as well as the constant internal ramblings by each individual to be distracting and rather annoying."
"Tucker and Ella became good friends. Good job, I love this book."
"This was a warm heartfelt story of a grandmothers love of her grandchildren and her past abuse by her own father."
"It makes our many stories of life that we have traveled very easy and blessed."
"I went straight to the next in the series because I couldn't wait to read more about Tucker, Ella, August, March and April."
"All in all this was a good read with an interesting plot, but it felt forced at times with unnecessary and illogical dialogue."
"This is the best book I have read on a long time."
The plan had been to travel there with his son, but now August is making the trip with Philip’s ashes instead. Then Wes makes August an offer he can’t refuse: Finish your trip, but! take my two boys with you, and I won’t charge you anything. “Bestseller Hyde’s ( Pay it Forward ) 24th book digs deeply into the ties of love, between both family and strangers...Hyde gives her characters great internal depth, and the book’s scope gives readers time to savor this memorable, moving journey.” — Publishers Weekly.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I've probably read close to 7,000 books in my lifetime and would give maybe 25-30 of them 5 stars. What there is is people."
"A burned out high school science teacher on summer break is on his way to Yellowstone to scatter some of his son's ashes. But in spite of (or maybe because of) dealing with these issues, lessons are learned, wonderful relationships are formed, and unforgettable memories created."
"A special thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for introducing me to such a talented author, and providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Little does August know, while he is awaiting the repair of his RV, in order to get back on the road, this connection with this man and these two small boys, will change the course of his life forever, as well as the lives and destiny of these two small boys (Seth and Henry). This poignant novel reaches to the heart and soul with love, redemption, trust, transformation, and rediscovery, as the impact of this profound relationship will forever bond and shape the lives of two boys and a man, which nothing can break. (could see a sequel to followup with characters Seth and Henry, as they are too good to end). I was blown away by this newfound author, Catherine Ryan Hyde, with her incredible attention to detail with places, moods, facial expressions, and rich character development."
"Along the way, his RV breaks down in a remote town and the mechanic, Wes, asks a big favor of August...to take his two young sons with him while Wes spends time in jail."
"He is not perfect but just like Seth and Henry they embark on a voyage of self discovery while traveling the good ol' USA."
Three best friends met every Tuesday for twenty-six years. Woven through with rich characterizations and finely nuanced scenes, it is a story that will stay in your heart long after you've finished the book. After her brother died in 1999 of an accidental overdose, she turned to writing as a way of releasing her pent-up emotions. She grew up in the salty marshes of South Carolina, but now lives in Richmond, Virginia, a city she loves for its history and traditions.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The overlapping climax felt like a token, "progressive" and "modern" issue intended to show how PC most Southern women are. You'd have to read it for yourself and draw your own conclusions, but it didn't ring true that a character written as utterly unyielding and set in her ways would have such an abrupt 180 degree turnaround. Like it or not, that's still Bible Belt territory, complete with very conservative values that the author seemed to brush away like crumbs on a tablecloth. Still, it was a good enough book that would make a nice beach read for women *not* holding conservative views."
"I think when a story can make you feel this much, it's a sign of a well written book."
"As humans we hide our feelings often to protect others or our own ego not realising the damage we are causing or opportunities we miss."
"Sweet Tea Tuesdays was a great read and a perfect place to spend my free time during a recent vacation."
"One reason loved this book is that the women portrayed in it are older."
"I liked it, but not as much as the first one I read (Magnolia Nights)."
"Real life emotions that will stir you long after the story is over."
"Rather boring read."
Best Historical Italian Fiction
With the Gestapo closing in, Angelo hides Eva within the walls of a convent, where Eva discovers she is just one of many Jews being sheltered by the Catholic Church. I marvel at her ability to weave together a story that grips hold of my heart and my imagination.” —Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author. A Panzer tank through your heart, leaving dirt and rubble through which poppies bloom.” —Suanne Laqueur, author of An Exaltation of Larks. Amy Harmon is a New York Times , Wall Street Journal , and USA Today bestselling author of ten novels, including the Whitney Award–winning The Law of Moses . Her historical novels, inspirational romances, and young adult books are now being published in twelve countries around the globe.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"But the mark of a great Amy Harmon book is her expertly crafted story that builds so very slowly - she builds you up and up and before you know it you’ve fallen for her characters and then it happens - the downfall that completely shatters you. The common theme within all of her books is that love and faith conquers all, and how hope and resilience can help you rise above even the most difficult of situations. I really hope that people give this book a chance. And strangely enough, I find myself convinced that God loves his children – all his children – that he loves me, and that he provides moments of light and transcendence amid the constant trial.”. “Many will seek to tell me what God’s will is. He is quiet, and my anguish is so intense, so incredibly loud, that right now I can only do my will and hope that somehow, it aligns with his.”. "Our immortality comes through our children and their children."
"Amy Harmon brings together the best and the worst of humanity on these pages, paving this journey with violence and bravery, horror and love. It's a ruthless barrage of emotions, this story, a relentless war between life and death, between good and evil, illustrated exquisitely by an author whose writing prowess knows no bounds. I've read many books of the true accounts of holocaust survivors, seen the movies and documentaries, taken classes concentrating on this area of study. To feel as though you know their strength, to get to know their life up until the moment it is stolen away, to know their helplessness in the face of something so unjust and so terrifying, it changes the way you look at the world, to see such atrocities through their eyes. This may be a fictionalized account inspired by true events, but you won't convince my heart Eva and Angelo aren't real. This story weaves it's way under your skin and into your soul so you feel every step of their journey, of their fight, of this miracle. Our world would be such a beautiful, peaceful, harmonious one if we sought to understand each other instead of judging each other for the ways we are different, for the God we pray to, for where each of our trees first took root. From Sand and Ash is a rich work of art, a stunning masterpiece that has moved me, altered me, captivated me. These characters, this fictionalized truth swathed in Harmon's unparalleled storytelling and her breathtaking writing style make for an epic story of bravery, love, resilience and loss that is both haunting and heartwarming all at once."
Best Book History & Criticism
A beautifully illustrated guide to more than 75 of the world's most celebrated, rare, and seminal books and handwritten manuscripts ever produced, with discussions of their purpose, features, and creators. Michael Collins is a native of Ireland and studied theology at the University College Dublin.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The definition of a good coffee table book, this work is almost impossible to avoid picking it up and paging through. Along with photographs of pages from the first edition which include a discussion of 16th century typesetting, is a general synopsis of the book’s subject matter, a thumbnail biography of the author, an over-view of culture during the book’s release and an In Context section which explores its impact in history which in this case is a look at the founding fathers of the U.S. Not every work in the book is covered as lavishly, for example in the final section most books, On the Road by Jack Kerouak has four or five columnar inches and a picture of the cover of the book. The inclusions cover a vast range of subjects from definitive botanical and anatomical works, ancient Egyptian Books of the Dead and the I Ching to Beatrice Potter’s Peter Rabbit along with Penguin publishers first 10 paperback books creating a thoroughly engaging volume."
"A stunning volume spanning centuries of beautiful books from all cultures."
"From earliest times, when books were laboriously written on clay tablets, papyrus, parchment, and paper, until the present, with millions of us obtaining books, magazines, and other reading matter electronically, books have been a hallmark of civilization. While doing so, you will discover a treasure trove about the Gutenberg Bible, Leonardo da Vinci's remarkable notebooks, Vesalius's studies of the human body that set "a new standard for anatomical illustration," Samuel Johnson's extraordinary dictionary, Audubon's masterpiece, "Birds of America," Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin," and Baum's "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.""
"I thought not...). "Remarkable Books" is too big to sit down with and read all at once. However, it's a wonderful book to start at the beginning - 3000BCE - and goes on through the ages to modern times."
Best Booksellers & Bookselling
He lives alone, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. “A wonderful, moving, endearing story of redemption and transformation that will sing in your heart for a very, very long time.” -- Garth Stein, author of The Art of Racing in the Rain. “Readers who delighted in The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, and Letters from Skye will be equally captivated by this novel.” —* Library Journal, starred review. “This novel has humor, romance, a touch of suspense, but most of all love--love of books and bookish people and, really, all of humanity in its imperfect glory.” —Eowyn Ivey, author of The Snow Child “Marvelously optimistic about the future of books and bookstores and the people who love both.” — The Washington Post. “Captures the joy of connecting people and books .
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I actually didn't have any idea what the book was about when I started reading - and, at this point - having finished, I think I know what it's about but I'm unsure that I could really describe the "type" of book to anyone who asked."
"The recent death of his beloved wife has left him a widower at the age of thirty-nine. Enter an absolutely delightful cast of secondary characters who populate the island and A.J. And if you loved "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" or "Major Pettigrew's Last Stand" you'll find lots to love here, as well - not because the plots are similar, but because of the similar feel to the novels that comes from a good cast of eccentric townsfolk, a small community, and a sense of closeness among the characters."
"We learn of his triumphs, his foibles, and his tragedies, and I think the author would make most readers share each of these with him--whether he is co-raising a child with his co-parent Google or finally summoning the nerve to propose to his love. Vikry says that he used to prefer full-length books but now most enjoys the short story, and I think this statement is key to another aspect of this work. Yes, it sells books, but it is also a communal meeting place and the location of ten different Reading Groups."
"If you love books, you are likely to love this novel about the owner of a small bookstore in the neighborhood of Cape Cod, owned by an impatient, embittered man who encounters love on many different levels almost in spite of himself."
"I approach book club choices with some trepidation as it is difficult to make choices that please a diverse group of people."
"The "Bookseller" goes from being a depressed and cynical as a widower to raising a baby left on his door and finding a new love."
"The things we loved."
"This was a case of laudatory reviews raising expectations and then having those expectations somewhat dashed."
Best Contemporary Urban Fiction
AMAZON TOP 70 BOOK, BY A USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR. Rose Years ago, I got a taste of what it meant to be with a real man. That one night of ecstasy was worth losing my virginity to a complete stranger. Camillo For one perfect night, I owned her in every way imaginable. Bonus content included after the main story, including a never before published full-length reverse harem Christmas Romance. Elisa, Amazon Review "There is plenty of action, romance and although the book is steamy, it is also a classy story with great characters you can really get involved with and empathize with throughout the twists and turns." Stephanie Smith, Goodreads Review "Camillo and Rose have so much chemistry it was undeniable.. The writing is excellent, characters well done, and the plot certainly hold surprises. It's a sweet, sexy, speedy story that I wasn't ready to see end when it was over." All combined made for a very powerful and emotional story that wouldn't let me set it down till itwas done."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I OMG this book is HOT!"
"I just loved the emotional connection that the characters had."
"I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Camillo showed Rose more than she realized and left her with a surprise."
"Camillo and Rose, aka Songbird, Camillo's name for her, a very unlikely couple. Fast forward 3 years, the mountains, the Poconos, are where Camillo takes his young orphaned nephew to get away from the mob life he never really wanted in the first place."
"OMG!!!"
"Really enjoyed this story, loved the characters and how they interacted."
"Teach Me Daddy is a somewhat dark but sweet romance that takes the reader on a real journey. Her friend talks her into taking a break from working so hard and spend the weekend in New York. Three years later, Camillo has custody of his nephew after a tragedy occurred with his family. It's hard to divulge secrets and the trip to their HEA is definitely full of smooth stretches and bumps."
"Oh Lord...😅 Whew, I started reading & was startled to see the letters BDSM...( Uh are those letters in the right order) and between hysterics and the gag reflex kicking in..I was done."
Best Contemporary Christian Fiction
The #1 New York Times Bestseller from the author of The Da Vinci Code Bilbao, Spain Robert Langdon, Harvard professor of symbology and religious iconology, arrives at the ultramodern Guggenheim Museum Bilbao to attend a major announcement—the unveiling of a discovery that “will change the face of science forever.” The evening’s host is Edmond Kirsch, a forty-year-old billionaire and futurist whose dazzling high-tech inventions and audacious predictions have made him a renowned global figure. Navigating the dark corridors of hidden history and extreme religion, Langdon and Vidal must evade a tormented enemy whose all-knowing power seems to emanate from Spain’s Royal Palace itself . On a trail marked by modern art and enigmatic symbols, Langdon and Vidal uncover clues that ultimately bring them face-to-face with Kirsch’s shocking discovery . -- People Magazine "A brisk new book that pits creationism against science, and is liable to stir up as much controversy as The Da Vinci Code did. In Origin , the brash futurist Edmond Kirsch comes up with a theory so bold, so daring that, as he modestly thinks to himself in Brown’s beloved italics, “ It will not shake your foundations. And just like he was in his original exploits ( Angels & Demons and The Da Vinci Code ), Dr. Langdon is once again wrapped up in a global-scale event that could have massive ramifications on the world’s religions. Origin is a familiar blend of travelogue, history, conspiracies and whodunit, with asides on everything from the poetry of William Blake to the rise and fall of fascism in Spain." Dan Brown is the author of numerous #1 international bestsellers, including The Da Vinci Code, Inferno , The Lost Symbol , Angels & Demons , Deception Point, and Digital Fortress .
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I love Dan Brown's novels, his writing style, and his extensive use of history/tech in most of them, and I always learn something when I read his books. Brown has a plug and play format that he follows, and as I read this book, it's basically Robert Langdon at some educational/art venue where a friend/colleague, etc. There was supposed suspense, in that you want to find out what in the world Langdon's friend had to say before his murder--and of course, you have to wait until the end to find out."
"Racing through Spain with Robert Langdon and a captivating young woman named Ambra Vidal is an intriguing way to get us into this world of symbols, artwork and religious extremism. I’d still love to see Dan get back into the Templars someday, like he did in "The Da Vinci Code," but at least some good nonfiction books do that now. Moving from a secret, mountain-top meeting at Montserrat just outside Barcelona to a huge public affair at the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao, we are teased with the idea that a revelation will be made which shakes all known religions to their core."
"After the first few chapters the book hits a road block - it stops being a DaVinci code knock off and becomes something else. I also realized that the small passage of time directly related to the lengthy descriptions of art, books, etc. The early chapters describe the museum at Bilbo and I went online while I was reading to see pictures."
Best Contemporary Western Fiction
I can't help but feel like Little Red Riding Hood. Dream The women in this small town can't stop gossiping. But the skeletons in my closet won't stay locked away for long. She woke up the beast I had locked away. 60,000+ words in this full length standalone nanny romance. Bonus content included after the main story, including a new Bad Boy MC Romance. I loved it!" "Big Daddy will capture most readers' hearts!" "This is one heart touching story.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"It has a totally wonderful story, it has just what I like to have in a great book."
"Men and women who are injured, physically and/or mentally, need to know others don't pity them but instead respect them for their courage."
"I relied completely on reviews and although I did enjoy parts, I also felt some parts just didn’t live up to the potential of the book."
"It’s so well written and really has such a good plot that it makes it difficult to put down. Not only is the story so good, but the characters you will fall in love with as well."
"Chance and storm both have passes and need each other just as much as star needs them together broken hearts become one and it just pulls you in to there love and support for each other."
"Dream is attracted to Chance but is skittish thanks to her ex who beat her up. Great read with great story!"
"I loved seeing Dream and Chance interact. I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book."
Best Contemporary Literary Fiction
Born into wealth and privilege, Avery Stafford seems to have it all: a successful career as a federal prosecutor, a handsome fiancé, and a lavish wedding on the horizon. But when Avery returns home to help her father weather a health crisis, a chance encounter leaves her with uncomfortable questions and compels her to take a journey through her family’s long-hidden history, on a path that will ultimately lead either to devastation or to redemption. Based on one of America’s most notorious real-life scandals—in which Georgia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption organization, kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country—Lisa Wingate’s riveting, wrenching, and ultimately uplifting tale reminds us how, even though the paths we take can lead to many places, the heart never forgets where we belong. Wingate is a master-storyteller, and you’ll find yourself pulled along as she reveals the wake of terror and heartache that is Georgia Tann’s legacy.” — Parade “One of the year’s best books . “Lisa Wingate takes an almost unthinkable chapter in our nation’s history and weaves a tale of enduring power.” —Paula McLain, New York Times bestselling author of Circling the Sun. A poignant, engrossing tale about sibling love and the toll of secrets.” — People “ Before We Were Yours is sure to be one of the most compelling books you pick up this year. [Lisa] Wingate is a master-storyteller, and you’ll find yourself pulled along as she reveals the wake of terror and heartache that is Georgia Tann’s legacy.” — Parade. It is almost a cliché to say a book is ‘lovingly written’ but that phrase applies clearly to Lisa Wingate’s latest novel, Before We Were Yours . This story about children taken from their parents through kidnapping or subterfuge and then placed for adoption, for a price, clearly pours out of Wingate’s heart. “This story is heartfelt and genuine, especially as Wingate explores the idea of home and family from a youngster’s point of view.” — Historical Novels Review. “Lisa Wingate takes an almost unthinkable chapter in our nation’s history and weaves a tale of enduring power. But the real feat of this stirring novel is how deeply Wingate plunges us into the heart and mind of twelve-year-old river gypsy Rill Foss. Rill’s utterly singular voice will stay with you long after the last page is turned, as will Wingate’s courage to follow her anywhere. I’m still basking in the afterglow, in shock at the true-crime elements, in awe at the journey of these characters who seem to have immortal souls.” —Jamie Ford, New York Times bestselling author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"It follows the story of the Foss children in the '30s and Avery Stafford in present day, and brings to light a horrifying and shameful real-life scandal. Avery Stafford finds a puzzling photograph that leads her into an ever more confusing story of secrets and lies inside her upright, respected family."
"This is the first book I've ever read by Lisa Wingate, but having read it I will search through her other titles."
"I do remember hearing the name Georgie Tan years ago, and plan on doing some searches to find out more since reading this book."
"Set in both the 30's and modern day, it tells the story of a group of siblings that were stolen from their parents and illegally put up for adoption. I will say, it is a little hard to follow at first since some of the main characters go by 2 different names, but after a couple chapters you've figured it out."
"The foyer and that huge, dark, ominous staircase is burned into my memory. The Sisters at St Peter's were loving and kind not to be mistaken for Monster Tann."
"The story woven around the tragic circumstances of these children was so good and so compelling that it’s really worth the read."
"Based on a true story of Georgia Tann Tennessee Children's Home Society scandal."
"Loved the fact the stories wove together a story hard to put down even though the truth of adoptions are real I w so we could have found out what happened to the other siblings of May."
Best Contemporary Romance Fiction
E L James revisits the world of Fifty Shades with a deeper and darker take on the love story that has enthralled millions of readers around the globe. The result was the sensuous romance Fifty Shades of Grey and its two sequels, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed , a trilogy that went on to sell more than 150 million copies worldwide in 52 languages.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Case in point - I wanted the back story of how and why he knew how to blow dry a woman’s hair: “I FINISH DRYING HER hair and she climbs into bed. In other words I wanted more."
"I love the Fifty Shades of Grey series, which is told from Ana's point of view. I also always wanted to know about the helicopter crash and then his conversation with his mother after she finds out about Elena so I particularly enjoyed those scenes."
"EL James has made millions on the books and movies, it's not fair to readers to pay $10 for books that add little to the book's we have already read."
"It lets you see his growing up, the way he learned to relax around his new family, the turmoil with his birth mother, even though it wasn't all bad, (I really don't like that she called him Maggot), but despite all that I think she loved her son, she just couldn't protect and provide for him no more than she could for herself."
"Very good read and well written for the side of christian."
"My favourite part was at the very end when his mother grills him about what went on with Elena."
"I really wanted to read the last book Freed told by Christian before the last movie was released."
"Reading the second book in the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy in Christian's pov was really good as puts pieces together that the reader simply does not know."
Best Contemporary Women's Fiction
Born into wealth and privilege, Avery Stafford seems to have it all: a successful career as a federal prosecutor, a handsome fiancé, and a lavish wedding on the horizon. But when Avery returns home to help her father weather a health crisis, a chance encounter leaves her with uncomfortable questions and compels her to take a journey through her family’s long-hidden history, on a path that will ultimately lead either to devastation or to redemption. Based on one of America’s most notorious real-life scandals—in which Georgia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption organization, kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country—Lisa Wingate’s riveting, wrenching, and ultimately uplifting tale reminds us how, even though the paths we take can lead to many places, the heart never forgets where we belong. Wingate is a master-storyteller, and you’ll find yourself pulled along as she reveals the wake of terror and heartache that is Georgia Tann’s legacy.” — Parade “One of the year’s best books . “Lisa Wingate takes an almost unthinkable chapter in our nation’s history and weaves a tale of enduring power.” —Paula McLain, New York Times bestselling author of Circling the Sun. A poignant, engrossing tale about sibling love and the toll of secrets.” — People “ Before We Were Yours is sure to be one of the most compelling books you pick up this year. [Lisa] Wingate is a master-storyteller, and you’ll find yourself pulled along as she reveals the wake of terror and heartache that is Georgia Tann’s legacy.” — Parade. It is almost a cliché to say a book is ‘lovingly written’ but that phrase applies clearly to Lisa Wingate’s latest novel, Before We Were Yours . This story about children taken from their parents through kidnapping or subterfuge and then placed for adoption, for a price, clearly pours out of Wingate’s heart. “This story is heartfelt and genuine, especially as Wingate explores the idea of home and family from a youngster’s point of view.” — Historical Novels Review. “Lisa Wingate takes an almost unthinkable chapter in our nation’s history and weaves a tale of enduring power. But the real feat of this stirring novel is how deeply Wingate plunges us into the heart and mind of twelve-year-old river gypsy Rill Foss. Rill’s utterly singular voice will stay with you long after the last page is turned, as will Wingate’s courage to follow her anywhere. I’m still basking in the afterglow, in shock at the true-crime elements, in awe at the journey of these characters who seem to have immortal souls.” —Jamie Ford, New York Times bestselling author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"It follows the story of the Foss children in the '30s and Avery Stafford in present day, and brings to light a horrifying and shameful real-life scandal. Avery Stafford finds a puzzling photograph that leads her into an ever more confusing story of secrets and lies inside her upright, respected family."
"This is the first book I've ever read by Lisa Wingate, but having read it I will search through her other titles."
"An amazing read into a true black scar into our history."
"Amazing book."
"Wonderful story."
"The story in this novel reveals some very interesting history of the treatment and abuses of orphans in the US."
"Although it was hard to fathom the reality of what had happened, it was well written and emotional."
"I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book."
Best Contemporary British Fiction
"Tender, insightful, and surprising… [Arthur Pepper] will instantly capture the hearts of readers who loved Rachel Joyce’s The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry , Nina George’s The Little Paris Bookshop , and Antoine Laurain’s The Red Notebook ." He dresses in the same gray slacks and mustard sweater vest, waters his fern, Frederica, and heads out to his garden. Featuring an unforgettable cast of characters with big hearts and irresistible flaws, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper is a joyous celebration of life’s infinite possibilities. He sets about exploring the other charms—including a tiger, a locket, and a thimble—which take him from Yorkshire to a manor house in Bath long past its glory days, and further afield, to London and Paris. While unraveling Miriam’s past, Arthur realizes that his outward journey is also a journey within, and in a comically heartwarming fashion he attempts to embrace the unknown while slowly discovering his positive impact on others. Agent: Clare Wallace, Darley Anderson Agency. I won't just be recommending this book to everyone I know, I'll be buying them copies."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The blurb reminded me of novels like The Man Called Ove, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, Major Pettigrew's Last Stand and even The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry. Not only does Arthur find his inner peace in the end, but also a strong bond with his children and a meaningful relationship with his new friends, which gives a new meaning to his life."
"Arthur Pepper had been married for over 40 years and the death of his wife has devastated his life, leaving him lost and reliant on routines to help him cope. On the anniversary of her death he decides to start the process of going through her clothing and possessions, discovering a charm bracelet in one of her boots. and so starts an intriguing story as he starts on the journey to discover the significance of each charm in his wife’s life and in doing so throws away the routine to discover many things about himself, too."
"The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper charmed me for hours of enjoyable reading."
"Much like Anne Tyler's books, the story ends naturally yet still leaves you wanting to know what happens next."
"This is a sweet story of a man who lived a quiet life with a wife he dearly loved."
"I took my sweet time reading this book and enjoyed every minute."
"I enjoyed this book so very much."
Best Contemporary Fantasy Fiction
Set in the near future, it describes life in what was once the United States and is now called the Republic of Gilead, a monotheocracy that has reacted to social unrest and a sharply declining birthrate by reverting to, and going beyond, the repressive intolerance of the original Puritans. In the Republic of Gilead, formerly the United States, far-right Schlafly/Falwell-type ideals have been carried to extremes in the monotheocratic government. The resulting society is a feminist's nightmare: women are strictly controlled, unable to have jobs or money and assigned to various classes: the chaste, childless Wives; the housekeeping Marthas; and the reproductive Handmaids, who turn their offspring over to the "morally fit" Wives.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I recall wondering what everyone was raving about, since only the top story layer of the book connected for me. Margaret Atwood imagined a world where a totalitarian power went into action against foreign zealots and their own people's "wanton" behavior. It always means worse, for some.” It might be just me (although I suspect not) but this sure sounds like what we often hear today on the news and in conversations. Reading this at the end of 2016 after a brutal election cycle, the following quote from Atwood seems both wise and horrible. We lived in the gaps between the stories". Atwood's Republic of Gilead gives people one-dimensional functions. As I read, I wondered what category I'd fall into should I have the bad luck to land in Gilead. The main character, Offred (literally of Fred named after the Commander she serves) is the perfect blend of weak and strong. And Atwood straddles the line of past and present, sending back and forth in a way that keeps you wanting more."
"The book is written using first person narrative technique, which helps to empathize and get connected with the main hero, the handmade Offglen even better. The book came in great packaging and in great condition. The book is regaining new popularity and "second life" in a sense, since the recent situation in the world and especially in the US is finding a suite with the depictions of the book, unfortunately."
"This book is mesmerizing."
"Passed this book around to a couple friends."
"One sitting read."
"Horrifying view, a la 1984.... Modern-day slavery."
"Really enjoyed this story."
Best Contemporary Religious Fiction
When fragmented images and unfocused panic force Noelle St. Claire to flee her wealthy, sheltered life in New York, she gains sanctuary on a ranch in the Rocky Mountains. Kristen Heitzmann is the best selling author of seventeen novels, including the Christy Award winner Secrets.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"While most of the book dwelt with the irrational childish actions and words of Noelle they were due to the childhood trauma she had repressed."
"The journey to forgiveness is a long and daunting one and for Noelle, the heroine of this tale, it's confusing and missing details."
"Well written and enjoyable read."
"Noelle's struggle with PTSD and all its facets was heart breaking at times."
"This was an edge of your seat book from the very beginning!"
"First time reading this author's book and she really knows how to pull you in and keep you there."
"I am not going to do any spoilers as I do not want to ruin the story for others but I found this book to be a wonderful story and I could not put the book down."
"After I had read a few chapters, I realized that I had read this book once before."
Best Contemporary Short Stories
Navigating between the Indian traditions they've inherited and the baffling new world, the characters in Jhumpa Lahiri's elegant, touching stories seek love beyond the barriers of culture and generations. But Mr. Kapasi has problems enough of his own; in addition to his regular job working as an interpreter for a doctor who does not speak his patients' language, he also drives tourists to local sites of interest. In that single line Jhumpa Lahiri sums up a universal experience, one that applies to all who have grown up, left home, fallen in or out of love, and, above all, experienced what it means to be a foreigner, even within one's own family. Frequently finding themselves in Cambridge, Mass., or similar but unnamed Eastern seaboard university towns, Lahiri's characters suffer on an intimate level the dislocation and disruption brought on by India's tumultuous political history. The two things that sustain her, as the little boy she looks after every afternoon notices, are aerograms from homeAwritten by family members who so deeply misunderstand the nature of her life that they envy herAand the fresh fish she buys to remind her of Calcutta. Delusions of grandeur and lament for what she's lostA"such comforts you cannot even dream them"Agive her an odd, Chekhovian charm but ultimately do not convince her bourgeois audience that she is a desirable fixture in their up-and-coming property.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Interpreter of Maladies. by Jhumpa Lahiri. Rating: ***** (5 stars). Book Length: 209 pages. Genre: Indian Fiction, Fiction, Litterature, Short Stories. Interpreter of Maladies is a collection of short stories written by Jhumpa Lahiri. Although some stories are placed directly in India and focus more on the complexity within the Indian culture. I felt appreciation for community and togetherness that, as the author also illustrated, just doesn't exist in America."
"I resented the time I spent driving home from work because it was time taken away from reading this book."
"By using the short story cycle, Lahiri is able to present multiple points of view and various time periods to bring readers a terrificly bittersweet taste of the collective immigrant experience (including issues that deal with affairs, arranged marriage, loneliness and isolation etc.)."
"The various stories are well crafted but for some reason I could not get 'into' them."
"This one is by far Lahiri's best book."
"Loved these short stories and can't wait to read more by this author!"
"I thoroughly enjoyed the book."
"I really enjoyed this book of short stories."