What I Read in 2015
Couldn't Put Down
Unbroken - Laura Hillenbrand
The only thing that made the storyline of this work of art more incredible is the fact that every event is astonishingly, absurdly, 100% true. It made me think of Forrest Gump--that is, in the way that one single person could experience so many astounding things in one lifetime, from overcoming the odds of a not-so-promising childhood to encountering such famous and infamous events and figures to surviving the unthinkable--and the downright impossible. I think it was a good thing that I'd never heard the name Louis Zamperini before I started the book, because there were very few spoilers for me. I will admit, I did put this book down--quite a bit actually--while wading through the first chapter because I kept getting interrupted by various maternal responsibilities. It was intriguing, but not gripping enough at first to make me shirk my usual responsibilities. But after a few weeks, once I got past a certain tipping point, it was all over. My husband watched the movie with me; of course it wasn't as good as the book because there's no way they could fit everything in, but it was a decent film. Definitely a book to put on your list if you haven't yet. Just get ready for your jaw to drop over and over.
The only thing that made the storyline of this work of art more incredible is the fact that every event is astonishingly, absurdly, 100% true. It made me think of Forrest Gump--that is, in the way that one single person could experience so many astounding things in one lifetime, from overcoming the odds of a not-so-promising childhood to encountering such famous and infamous events and figures to surviving the unthinkable--and the downright impossible. I think it was a good thing that I'd never heard the name Louis Zamperini before I started the book, because there were very few spoilers for me. I will admit, I did put this book down--quite a bit actually--while wading through the first chapter because I kept getting interrupted by various maternal responsibilities. It was intriguing, but not gripping enough at first to make me shirk my usual responsibilities. But after a few weeks, once I got past a certain tipping point, it was all over. My husband watched the movie with me; of course it wasn't as good as the book because there's no way they could fit everything in, but it was a decent film. Definitely a book to put on your list if you haven't yet. Just get ready for your jaw to drop over and over.
Caveat:
Now after reading The Book Thief and All the Light We Cannot See and The Nazi Officer's Wife last year, you'd think I'd be tired (or at least run out) of WWII novels.
Never fear, I found a few more, which thankfully brought me out of my post-Harry Potter haze/reading hiatus...
The Nightengale - Kristin Hannah
People have compared this one to All the Light, but I just happened upon it before realizing it was also on the NYT bestseller list (my Kindle simply recommended it to me based on my past reads-ha). It's amazing how many NYT bestsellers I end up reading with no knowledge of their prominence until after the fact. Anyway, Kristin Hannah has some modern-era bestsellers (none that I've read yet) but this was her first work of historical fiction--and as she has stated, her favorite. I agree. It's certainly one of my new favorites; a fantastic read that I ripped through. It's about two sisters trying to survive in Nazi-occupied France, with the point of view alternating between flashbacks and the storylines of both women. Though fiction, it's also based on a conglameration of actual events, which is why I think I love this era so much: there are so many stories begging to be told of the bravery and human goodness that springs forth from people despite the presence of the most twisted and horrific evil oppressing them. I think I actually liked it even more than All the Light. Either way, a must-read.
Sarah's Key - Tatiana de Rosnay
This was another flashback/alternating point of view novel set in WWII-era France. Unlike some of the others, though, the storyline of the modern-day character was more central, and the flashback portion focused more on one specific event: the roundup of Parisian Jews in the summer of 1942, rather than a broader overview of the war as a whole. I appreciated this tighter focus on an event that I didn't know as much about (at least as much as I thought I did). Some of the dialogue felt slightly contrived, and the ending was a tad drawn out for my taste--not as neat as I wanted it to be. But on the whole it was a solid page turner that really kept me on the edge of my seat.
This was another flashback/alternating point of view novel set in WWII-era France. Unlike some of the others, though, the storyline of the modern-day character was more central, and the flashback portion focused more on one specific event: the roundup of Parisian Jews in the summer of 1942, rather than a broader overview of the war as a whole. I appreciated this tighter focus on an event that I didn't know as much about (at least as much as I thought I did). Some of the dialogue felt slightly contrived, and the ending was a tad drawn out for my taste--not as neat as I wanted it to be. But on the whole it was a solid page turner that really kept me on the edge of my seat.
Girl at War - Sara Novic
This, my friends, is some of the most superb writing I have ever read in my life. I do not say that lightly. Her command of the English language was impeccable, and her ability to arrange words so they carried the most perfect balance of description, action, guttural emotion, and intrigue was nothing short of masterful. Descriptors were not overused but brought the story to life, and novel words and phrases were not repeated (a pet peeve of mine; probably because I tend to overuse words in my own writing and it annoys me to no end when I catch myself doing it).
The storyline itself is weighty; Girl at War is told from a young girl's perspective at the dawn of the war in Yugoslavia, as she witnesses the brutality all around her and eventually attempts to come to terms with it all in her young adult life. I'm sure this seems like only a slight departure from my usual suspects of WWII-era novels, with the themes of depravaty and suffering and ultimate redemption. But for a much lesser-known war, the realities of this modern-day conflict were in many ways even darker, and reminded me very acutely of some of the realities and stories emerging from the Middle East as we speak.
I read this book in a single day and gave up precious sleep on a four hour plane ride because I could not tear myself away. And at the end, I literally could not wrap my head around the fact that this book was supposedly a work of fiction, not an autobiography or memoir. It felt that undeniably real, exposing the rawest, most inexpressible parts of the human condition so hauntingly well. My only complaint was that the ending felt a bit abrupt. Again, it's heavy. But if you can handle some heavy, I cannot recommend this book enough.
33 Days to Morning Glory - Michael E. Gaitley
This was a re-read from last year used again for my consecration renewal this year. (A dear friend introduced me to it and we just completed our third year). I think I got even more out of these daily devotions this year than I did last year. The excerpts for each day are engaging and thought-provoking, but very easy to read. They're organized into four separate weeks with wisdom from a specific saint each week. And Mother Teresa's week, man--she packs a spiritual punch every time. I'm looking forward to reading it again next fall.
This, my friends, is some of the most superb writing I have ever read in my life. I do not say that lightly. Her command of the English language was impeccable, and her ability to arrange words so they carried the most perfect balance of description, action, guttural emotion, and intrigue was nothing short of masterful. Descriptors were not overused but brought the story to life, and novel words and phrases were not repeated (a pet peeve of mine; probably because I tend to overuse words in my own writing and it annoys me to no end when I catch myself doing it).
The storyline itself is weighty; Girl at War is told from a young girl's perspective at the dawn of the war in Yugoslavia, as she witnesses the brutality all around her and eventually attempts to come to terms with it all in her young adult life. I'm sure this seems like only a slight departure from my usual suspects of WWII-era novels, with the themes of depravaty and suffering and ultimate redemption. But for a much lesser-known war, the realities of this modern-day conflict were in many ways even darker, and reminded me very acutely of some of the realities and stories emerging from the Middle East as we speak.
I read this book in a single day and gave up precious sleep on a four hour plane ride because I could not tear myself away. And at the end, I literally could not wrap my head around the fact that this book was supposedly a work of fiction, not an autobiography or memoir. It felt that undeniably real, exposing the rawest, most inexpressible parts of the human condition so hauntingly well. My only complaint was that the ending felt a bit abrupt. Again, it's heavy. But if you can handle some heavy, I cannot recommend this book enough.
33 Days to Morning Glory - Michael E. Gaitley
This was a re-read from last year used again for my consecration renewal this year. (A dear friend introduced me to it and we just completed our third year). I think I got even more out of these daily devotions this year than I did last year. The excerpts for each day are engaging and thought-provoking, but very easy to read. They're organized into four separate weeks with wisdom from a specific saint each week. And Mother Teresa's week, man--she packs a spiritual punch every time. I'm looking forward to reading it again next fall.
Currently Reading/Re-Reading
Gone with the Wind - Margaret Mitchell
Somehow I've never read this book or seen the movie. I know. I know. So I'm fixing that. But I must say, even though I'm only a little ways into it, the racial undertones (or overtones, rather--they are not subtle) will continue to get to me, I think. I firmly believe that slavery is a part of our history that needs to be exposed and addressed, and its presence is to be expected in a historic work of literature set in the South. But there's a difference when the author presents it as a revolting treatment of fellow humans and a central problem in the novel, versus just "part of the furniture." (For example, The Invention of Wings and The Help also highlighted the terrible issues for what they were--but with a protagonist as a passionate advocate working to end it). Thus far, the author of Gone with the Wind seems to treat slavery and racism as a somewhat minor detail that both she and her readers should simply accept. But it was written in the early 1900s...and it's also a very long book that I'm only about 4% into according to my kindle. Since I'm embarrassingly ignorant of the plot line (other than the famous romance at some point with Rhett Butler), maybe the author's presentation of the slavery and racial treatment will change or develop more. Or not, because again, 1900. Either way, I know it's not the main plot line, and I plan on crossing this classic off of my list in the next month or two.
Little Women - Louisa May Alcott
Little Women - Louisa May Alcott
I've always loved this book. And I love the sequel, Little Men, even more--I used to re-read Little Men every year during middle and high school. So I decided to re-read them both again this year in preparation to hopefully start them with my daughter in the next year or two. My mother-in-law also gave me the book March awhile ago, told from Jo's father's perspective while he is at war. I'd like to dig it out of the basement (or wherever it ended up after our last move!) and read it following Little Women.
Like Living Among Scorpions: One Woman's Quest to Survive Her Suburban Life - Jennifer Fulwiler
A fun little bit of humor from my favorite mom blogger-turned-author. Who lives in Texas surrounded not only but kids but lots and lots of scorpions. (No thank you)!
Rediscover Jesus: An Invitation - Matthew Kelly
Like Living Among Scorpions: One Woman's Quest to Survive Her Suburban Life - Jennifer Fulwiler
A fun little bit of humor from my favorite mom blogger-turned-author. Who lives in Texas surrounded not only but kids but lots and lots of scorpions. (No thank you)!
Rediscover Jesus: An Invitation - Matthew Kelly
I'm going through this weekly with a high school student from our church youth group. It's set up nicely with five-minute blurbs and a reflection question or point to ponder at the end of each one. Our question this week is "how well do you really know Jesus?" (as compared to other human friendships/ relationships). It's pretty direct and inspiring in a very simple but challenge-you-to-go-deeper way. I like it.
Want to Pick up in 2016
Since I need to expand my subjects of interest, and check more classics off my list, and delve into my Norwegian roots (well the ones I married into, anyway), I'm going to attempt Ms. Undset's books. After all, she did win a Nobel prize for her writing. And a novel set in fourteenth-century Norway might make me feel like it's no big thang once we're deep in the throes of our Colorado winter here.
This was recommended to me by a friend after we had a fun discussion about Harry Potter. He said even though The Name of the Wind is fantasy, the story is so fantastic that he would recommend it to anyone and everyone regardless of whether or not they were a fantasy fan. Fantasy can be hit or miss for me so we'll see.
And, as mentioned above:
Note just how few I have in this category. And one is a re-read. This is a problem. I need recommendations, friends!! Help me out!!!!
Might Pick Back Up
These had great reviews; I started each but didn't really get pulled in. We'll see if I make it any further/get into any of them like I did with Unbroken.
The Clifton Chronicles - Jeffrey Archer
The Little Paris Book Shop - Nina George
The Clifton Chronicles - Jeffrey Archer
The Little Paris Book Shop - Nina George
Probably Won't Pick Back Up
Although I want to add more classics to my list, I think I just need to accept that I really don't like plays or epic poems and I never will.
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, Gabrielle Zelin
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, Gabrielle Zelin
My Kindle recommended it to me but I think my Kindle was grasping at straws. Not the greatest writing I've read.
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That's all for now, folks. I hope you also found some great reads in 2015 -- remember to share with the class! And if you did one better and shared your own post, feel free to link below. Happy Reading to you in 2016, friends!
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So glad you finally read Harry!! I am equally excited for you to enjoy Harry Clifton! I've really enjoyed the Clifton chronicles and need to re-read them before reading the most current one (I think I've read the first four?) You list is impressive and makes me want to get my act together and read more - this was not a good reading year for me!
ReplyDeleteYou've got some great ones here! I'm a sucker for WWII novels too. Well, any historical fiction, really. I'll be adding a few of yours to my list. I need to write up my list of books read in 2015 and to read in 2016. I'll try to let you know when it's up! :)
ReplyDeleteAnd posted! :) http://muffindome.com/books-i-read-in-2015-and-books-to-read-in-2016/
DeleteI absolutely loved the Name of the Wind books! It is killing me that the third one doesn't even have a publishing date set yet :(
ReplyDeleteThanks for this list and these suggestions. I may have to revisit GWTW -- I loved the movie/book in high school but haven't seen/read it in the past twenty-five-plus years. I have a feeling that the latent racism you mention in the book would bother me much more now than it did when I was fourteen. And the movie is very worth seeing, but as I think back to it now, I am pretty sure I'd cringe at a lot of things that went over my clueless head as a teen. Hollywood in 1939 was not exactly racially sensitive. Anyhow, thanks for the suggestions.
ReplyDelete