THE BOOK I RECOMMENDED MOST TO OTHER PEOPLE
A BEAUTIFUL TERRIBLE THING
by Jen Waite
Not only have I told absolutely everyone to read this book, they have all come back and told me they read it in two days, like I did! (Lily)
BEST NEW AUTHOR
AN AMERICAN MARRIAGE
by Tayari Jones
This was a gripping story told with flair that also managed to highlight an incredibly important social crisis occurring in the United States. (Lily)
BEST ESTABLISHED AUTHOR THAT I JUST (RE)DISCOVERED
THE STARS ARE FIRE
by Anita Shreve
I loved everything about this gorgeous historical novel and I honestly can’t wait to read every other book she’s written. (Lily)
BEST NON-FICTION
ALL THE SINGLE LADIES
by Rebecca Traister
This book was clear and thoughtful while getting me fired up about the inequalities in our society based on gender and marital status. (Lily)
BEST BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR
BECOMING
by Michelle Obama
I know I am not alone in feeling awed and inspired to do more for the world after reading this wonderful memoir. (I would also include Born a Crime as a close second.) (Lily)
THE BOOK I WAS MOST SURPRISED I LIKED
ANATHEM
by Neal Stephenson
I am not usually into science fiction or alternate universes, but this one reminded me just enough of Earth, and just enough of our society to keep me hooked until I couldn’t put it down. (Lily)
A CLASSIC I FINALLY READ
AMERICAN PASTORAL
by Philip Roth
This wasn’t my favorite read of the year, but I can see why its popularity has endured as each generation changes from rebellious child into establishment-enforcing parent. (Lily)
MOST LIKELY TO BECOME A CLASSIC
AMERICANAH
by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Only five years old, this book appears on so many “top reads” lists that I felt very late to the party, but so glad I finally understand all the fuss – it’s a must read! (Lily)
THE NEXT BOOK I AM GOING TO READ
CATCH AND KILL
by Ronan Farrow
Newly published and dealing with topical and important events, I cant wait to dive into this examination of the Harvey Weinstein debacle. (Lily)
THE BOOK I HOPE TO GET FOR CHRISTMAS
THE TESTAMENTS
by Margaret Atwood
Although I had to stop watching the TV series (WAY too disturbing, especially for a new mom), I am eager to see how all the ideas they raised will make their way back into prose in this sequel to Atwood’s Handmaid’s Tale. (Lily)