One of the worst "challenges", for me, is deciding which of the many amazing books I've read in any given year and thin them down to my favourite favourites; I mean, I read eighty books last year ...
Luckily, I have come up with my "Pick Of The Month" segment in my monthly WrapUps, where I highlight my favourite read of that month, which in the long run helps with narrowing this list down to twelve only. This now leaves me to cull the list a little.
This year, I decided to highlight my Top Five Favourite Reads of 2021.
FIVE
Ruby by Nina Allan
Is this a short story collection with an interwoven theme or is this a segmented novel?
Whichever way you choose to look at it, Ruby is a beautifully written, lyrical piece of work binding characters and information from one story into another into yet another, ultimately threading a full-colour tapestry that is Ruby Castle. Each story has its own unique flavour, sometimes creepy, sometimes weird, each told at a different point in time yet it is just magnificent…!
I had absolutely no idea what I was in for, some friends seemed to really enjoy it, and the book itself is very eye-catching, but I was completely blown away. Highly recommend this almost masterpiece.
FOUR
For Emily by Katherine Slee
I don’t really read many dedications in the front books, maybe an odd one will catch my eye, do you?
But a treasure hunt, based on dedications, that spans the length of Europe …? I’m totally here for it. I have to admit that the main character, Emily, is very annoying but the story is just lovely.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and I wasn’t prepared for how much I would enjoy this book!
THREE
Tales Of The City by Armistead Maupin
I first found out about these Maupin novels when my sister introduced me to a Netflix TV show of the same name – I absolutely loved it and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. Imagine my surprise to find book 1, Tales Of The City, at my Bargain Books SA store! Of course, I grabbed it.
The book itself reads exactly like an episode of the TV show – not all the characters are the same, though – but it was fantastic! I highly recommend watching the Netflix show first. Something to note, though, is that this humourous #OwnVoice historical fiction may not go down well with the youth of today, but it is an accurate portrayal of life in those times.
I read this so quickly, I literally could not put it down. Highly recommend!
TWO
The Eye Of The World by Robert Jordan
Preparing myself to watch the TV adaption of The Wheel Of Time, I decided that I want to read this book again first.
Having found an audiobook on YouTube, I have been thoroughly enjoying the new heightened experience of listening and reading; so, obviously, I was taking my time with it – until BF decided that he wanted to watch it and I had to read only this book…
Listening at 1.5 speed is more or less my reading speed (a little faster since I don’t need to pause or breathe) and I absolutely loved it – again!
High fantasy at its best! Recommended for any and every #Fantasy fan everywhere!
ONE
The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams
have come to the realisation that I love books and stories about books, and after hearing so many things about this, I was honestly hoping for a lot, fully expecting this novel to break me…
…and it did!! On so many levels, oh my gosh!
This is a story about a list of books that impacts the lives of many people highlighting how reading can be healing and showcasing how integral libraries are in and for a community; when did you last visit your local library?
A beautiful story that highlights reading and all it could mean to anyone.
- Imagine picking up a book because your partner loved them in life and the love of reading blossoms and blooms in your heart and your mind.
- Imagine discovering that the library, just a job, has special meaning to you and finding your place in the community through the community.
- Imagine connecting with someone two generations separate from you, just through your shared love of reading and books.
- Imagine having read a book on the list (To Kill A Mockingbird for me) and getting excited for someone else reading it for the first time, then find a whole new appreciation for the story as you see them appreciate it.
- Imagine loving reading so much that your simplest wish is that everyone can appreciate reading a little more.
The Reading List is about so much more, too – grief, acceptance, discovery – and is guaranteed to hit you in the feels; I highly recommend this fantastic novel!
And there you have it, the five books that I absolutely loved last year. I would definitely love to know what your faves were, so please do let me know down in the comments below; as well as your thoughts on any of these, if you've read them and suggestions on something you think I may love - don't be shy, hit me up, okay?
Here's looking forward to finding new favourites this year!
Happy reading.
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