I read a lot of really great books last year. If I didn't write a review for the book, I'm going to add a line or two that encapsulates my thoughts.
PASTORALIA by George Sanders. Review here.
HOW THE DEAD DREAM by Lydia Millet. Review here.
OLIVE KITTERIDGE by Elizabeth Strout. Review here.
THE SENSE OF AN ENDING by Julian Barnes (audio book). Review here.
THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green. Review here.
THE SPECTACULAR NOW by Tim Tharp. Review here.
THE BRIEF WONDROUS LIFE OF OSCAR WAO by Junot Diaz (audio book). The book I listened to on our Austria-Prague trip. Review here.
A VISIT FROM THE GOON SQUAD by Jennifer Egan. Review here.
STARTING OUT IN THE EVENING by Brian Morton. I enjoyed this one. I loved the way the stories were told in third person, yet only from one person's point of view. It left such an impression that I'm borrowing (stealing) it for the project I'm currently writing.
GONE GIRL by Gillian Flynn. When this book seemed to be fast-tracked into movie production, I knew it was time to read it before it was too late. And I enjoyed it so much more than I thought I would. Just the right amount of darkness and wit, and all the pieces fit together in reverse. I was quite impressed.
THE OCEAN AT THE END OF THE LANE by Neil Gaiman. This was highly recommended by multiple trusted sources, but it just wasn't for me. When reading it, I couldn't help but be reminded of a similar book in tone and somewhat in plot, THE PROBABLE FUTURE by Alice Hoffman, which I enjoyed much more.
THE NAMESAKE by Jhumpa Lahiri (audio book). Jhumpa is just such a beautiful writer. I saw the movie years ago and was surprised at how much I loved it and how moving it was. The book was really good, but, dare I ask, was the movie better? It's been awhile so I need to watch it again. Either way, congrats to Mira Nair on making a splendid adaptation.
DROWN by Junot Diaz (audio book). I actually enjoyed this a little more than Oscar Wao. Being a collection of short stories, it didn't bother me so much when Diaz would focus on one character or storyline more than another.
There are some Pulitzer winners in here for sure. Some popcorn bestsellers. A couple of YA selections to revisit my youth through. My favorite book of the year is... Drumroll please.................................
OLIVE KITTEREDGE and THE FAULT IN OUR STARS
It's a tie. Yes, I'm cheating, but I couldn't decide. They were both just too amazing. If I read even one book as good as either of these in 2014, I will be a lucky girl.
Starting Out in the Evening has been made into a lovely movie in 2007 starring Frank Langella. (Well, at least I liked it.) In fact, I saw the movie first and that's what turned me on to Brian Morton's work - which I devoured.
ReplyDelete