THE BOOK I RECOMMENDED MOST TO OTHER PEOPLE
MAYBE YOU SHOULD TALK TO SOMEONE
by Lori Gottlieb
This book is unique in that Gottlieb not only gives real world examples of therapy sessions she runs, but also those she attends with her own therapist – all with compassion and a sense of humor. (Runner-up is definitely The Widow Clicquot by Tilar Mazzeo.) (Liz)
BEST NEW AUTHOR
DISAPPEARING EARTH
by Julia Phillips
This captivating first novel about two girls abducted in remote Alaska and how the entire town responds has appeared on many Top Ten Best Books of the Year lists, including The New York Times. (Liz)
BEST ESTABLISHED AUTHOR THAT I JUST (RE)DISCOVERED
THE OVERSTORY
by Richard Powers
There’s a reason this sweeping novel won The Pulitzer Prize: it is original and compelling and will stay with you for a long time. (Liz)
BEST NON-FICTION
ALEXANDER HAMILTON
by Ron Chernow
This is a textbook example of how an author can make history as interesting to read as a good novel. (Liz)
BEST BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR
BECOMING
by Michelle Obama
Obama’s willingness to make herself vulnerable and share her life story makes this a must read. (I also really liked Lab Girl by Hope Jahren and Born a Crime by Trevor Noah.) (Liz)
THE BOOK I WAS MOST SURPRISED I LIKED
11/22/63
by Stephen King
I never would have believed that King was capable of writing such a fantastic book that wasn’t a horror story. I’ve recommended this to several people and everyone loves it! (Liz)
A CLASSIC I FINALLY READ
CATCH-22
by Joseph Heller
Talk about iconic books, this one has become a part of our lexicon for a good reason – its classic portrayal of military bureaucracy. (Liz)
MOST LIKELY TO BECOME A CLASSIC
THE ONLY STORY
by Julian Barnes
The combination of gorgeous writing, interesting structure and memorable characters will make this book a classic. (Liz)
THE NEXT BOOK I AM GOING TO READ
OLIVE, AGAIN
by Elizabeth Strout
Not only was the first Olive an amazing read, but Strout graduated from my alma mater the same year as I did. Need I say more? (Liz)
THE BOOK I HOPE TO GET FOR CHRISTMAS
ALMOST EVERYTHING
by Anne Lamott
I love Lamott: she’s inspirational, funny and deep. Her books never disappoint. (Liz)