Before we completely turn the page on 2016, I'll list my top fiction books of the year, in no particular order:
1. The Whole Town's Talking, Fannie Flagg. A master storyteller, Fannie Flagg is back with more stories that weave into one delightful tale of the goings-on in Elmwood Springs, Missouri (and in its cemetery -- you'll have to read it to understand). Readers of her other books will recognize a few of the characters, but this is a fresh and funny story that will grab you from the first page even if you have not read any of her others.
2. The Swan House, Elizabeth Musser. Another I picked up off Wife's ever growing stack on her bedside table, this coming-of-age story about a teenage girl in Atlanta in the early 60s is the last book I read in 2016. Told in first person, the main character deals with questions of prejudice and faith, making hard decisions about life and friendship. When I read fiction, I am looking for a good story in which I can lose myself. When the writing is beautiful and it makes me think, those are added bonuses. Both happened here.
3. Gone With the Wind, Margaret Mitchell. I reviewed this in my weekly column and posted it here a few months ago, so I'll not say a lot more. If you grew up in the South, the book will probably mean a lot more to you. If you didn't, it is still a masterpiece. Ignore the political incorrectness of the time and enjoy it for what it is. (Thanks, Kelly!)
4. Circling the Sun, Paula McLain. I reviewed this one here a few posts back. It's historical fiction at its best, told from the point of view of Beryl Markham, a farmer/horse trainer/pilot who lived ahead of her time.
5. The Paris Wife, Paula McLain. Obviously, McLain is a new favorite of mine. Another historical fiction piece, this one tells the story of Hadley Richardson, Ernest Hemingway's first wife. It's a fascinating story in which you will learn much about Richardson and her life with the quirky and eccentric Hemingway, as well as Hemingway himself.
6. Glory Over Everything, Kathleen Grissom. The sequel to "The Kitchen House," Grissom continues the story of characters fighting for freedom.
7. The Woman Who Walked in Sunshine, Alexander McCall Smith. The latest in "The Number One Ladies Detective Agency" series, it is incredible how Smith writes each of these books in a fresh, new way that captivates me as if it were the first one.
8. The Second Coming, Walker Percy. A friend challenged me to read something by Percy, and I took her up on it. It's not easy reading but it's worth the effort. This tale of an unlikely friendship between a widower and a young woman who recently escaped from a mental institution takes concentration and is at times perplexing, but the poignant story that evolves left me enriched and richly satisfied. If you read for pleasure, but enjoy something a bit outside your routine, this would be a good one to pick up.
I'm looking forward to more good reading in 2017 and welcome your recommendations. Happy reading!
3 comments:
The Paris Wife is the only on your list that I've read...and I really liked it (also a Hemingway fan). I didn't realize the author has other books. I'll have to check them out. The Swam House has been on my radar for awhile as well. I'm keeping a "To Read" book list this year rather than relying on remembering all the books I hear about. I will definitely be adding a couple of these to it. Thanks for sharing.
As you already know, I've read three of these... and I'd added Circling the Sun to my wish list on your earlier recommendation. I love Fannie Flagg and have put this one on my list, as well. I think I've read and enjoyed most everything she's written. The Swan House will also go on my wish list and I'll admit to being quite intrigued with your final choice. I'll definitely look into it more closely.
I always love seeing what you've been reading!
Another interesting list as if I need more books on the tbr pile. I am trying to recall if I read The Second Coming. I've read most of Percy's books and I think I read it, but it was probably 20 years ago.
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