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Favourite Book of 2024
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I know there's still some time left in the month to consider your favourite read of the year but as I've just finished my 100th book, I figured it was the right time for me to consider it.
My favourite book this year has been Brotherless Night by VV Ganeshananthan. It won the Women's Prize and is about the Sri Lankan civil war's effect on women.
What's yours? |
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" as I've just finished my 100th book, "
OMG, 100 books in a year? That's amazing. I read at home and on the train to and from work, but I'll be hard pressed to reach 60 this year.
Favourite book read this year ( not published this year )
Fiction: One Day (sorry, but I loved it)
Non Fiction: Just Kids (Patti Smith) |
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Difficult question. Possibly The Shards, by Bret Easton Ellis, but mostly because it’s the first book of his I’ve read in decades, and it evoked nostalgic feelings of gleeful subversiveness when reading American Pyscho at an impressionable age. Although it’s a pity he’s still writing the same book after all these years... Actually, forget all that, my favourite this year is Blackwater, by Michael McDowell. Published in the 80’s in serialised form, it’s about the battle of wills between the matriarch of a successful mill-owning family in 1920’s Alabama, and a mysterious young woman who marries into the family after a flood. It’s a bit like Downton Abbey, but with river monsters and ghosts. |
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" as I've just finished my 100th book,
OMG, 100 books in a year? That's amazing. I read at home and on the train to and from work, but I'll be hard pressed to reach 60 this year.
Favourite book read this year ( not published this year )
Fiction: One Day (sorry, but I loved it)
Non Fiction: Just Kids (Patti Smith)"
Good thing it’s not a competition and 60 is still a very impressive number!
I liked One Day when I read it too, and loved the new Netflix adaptation of it! |
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"Orbital by Samantha Harvey, just beautiful. Also loved Lessons by Ian McEwan, Crossroads by Jonathan Frantzen and The Secret Hours by Mick Herron."
Interesting selection! I started listening to the audiobook of Orbital the other day but felt like I wanted to read it when I had more time to concentrate on it! |
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"Difficult question. Possibly The Shards, by Bret Easton Ellis, but mostly because it’s the first book of his I’ve read in decades, and it evoked nostalgic feelings of gleeful subversiveness when reading American Pyscho at an impressionable age. Although it’s a pity he’s still writing the same book after all these years... Actually, forget all that, my favourite this year is Blackwater, by Michael McDowell. Published in the 80’s in serialised form, it’s about the battle of wills between the matriarch of a successful mill-owning family in 1920’s Alabama, and a mysterious young woman who marries into the family after a flood. It’s a bit like Downton Abbey, but with river monsters and ghosts. "
Love that change mid-answer! |
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"George Harrison - I Me Mine
Conversations with Tom Petty
The wrecking crew - the story of the session musicians who played uncredited on hundreds of hit records in the 60s"
Oh I am spotting a theme here. I did pick up some musician memoirs this year but haven’t her gotten around to them! |
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By (user no longer on site) 9 weeks ago
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I dont get time to read but I do listen to audio books at work.
My absolute favourite new discovery has been The House Witch series by Delemhach.
Its got magic,knights, romance and its funny in parts too. Has the right amount of drama and sadness for me personally. I fell in love with the characters instantly.
Got hubby to listen to them too. He enjoyed them and we often discuss them.x
|
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Reading is my calm place. The kindle app on my phone is the most used app I have according to my phone. Anytime I go to open social media I open kindle instead. Got thorough a fair few this year, mostly history.
Fave of the yeah is probably Target Berlin by Jeffrey Ethell.
Non fiction I'm re reading lord of the rings.....again. Won't ever not be one of my all time favourites. |
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Educated by Tara Westover
It started well and I enjoyed the unfolding story... Until about halfway through when I stopped reading and was like hang on a minute this is getting too unbelievable now!!
I googled it.. and was astonished to realise I was reading an autobiography... Speechless!!
It is incredible.
Also, footnote!! Whilst googling i found Bill Gates' review, which was quite funny as he had an aha moment |
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"I dont get time to read but I do listen to audio books at work.
My absolute favourite new discovery has been The House Witch series by Delemhach.
Its got magic,knights, romance and its funny in parts too. Has the right amount of drama and sadness for me personally. I fell in love with the characters instantly.
Got hubby to listen to them too. He enjoyed them and we often discuss them.x
"
Oh that’s the dream, isn’t it? To share books and reading with your partner ❤️ |
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"Reading is my calm place. The kindle app on my phone is the most used app I have according to my phone. Anytime I go to open social media I open kindle instead. Got thorough a fair few this year, mostly history.
Fave of the yeah is probably Target Berlin by Jeffrey Ethell.
Non fiction I'm re reading lord of the rings.....again. Won't ever not be one of my all time favourites."
LOTR is a favourite of mine too. I read it with my brother when I was a teenager and I mostly just remember how lovely it was to discuss the story and characters with him. |
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"Educated by Tara Westover
It started well and I enjoyed the unfolding story... Until about halfway through when I stopped reading and was like hang on a minute this is getting too unbelievable now!!
I googled it.. and was astonished to realise I was reading an autobiography... Speechless!!
It is incredible.
Also, footnote!! Whilst googling i found Bill Gates' review, which was quite funny as he had an aha moment"
Oh wow I can’t imagine going into Educated not knowing it’s a true story. I struggled with it about halfway and took a break and went back to it. Well worth reading!
What did Bill Gates realise in his review? |
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"Educated by Tara Westover
It started well and I enjoyed the unfolding story... Until about halfway through when I stopped reading and was like hang on a minute this is getting too unbelievable now!!
I googled it.. and was astonished to realise I was reading an autobiography... Speechless!!
It is incredible.
Also, footnote!! Whilst googling i found Bill Gates' review, which was quite funny as he had an aha moment
Oh wow I can’t imagine going into Educated not knowing it’s a true story. I struggled with it about halfway and took a break and went back to it. Well worth reading!
What did Bill Gates realise in his review?"
Because it was so crazy I decided I must have been confused that it was an autobiography, hence the googling and then disbelief for a while. I feel divided about it having done further reading...
Gates didn't realise that she was a Gates Scholar (Cambridge) until he read her book |
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"A Man Called Ove.
I cried at the end and laughed throughout"
Ooh I have this unread on my pile! I did it backwards and watched the film first. Have you read any of the author’s other books? I also have Anxious People to read that I’ve heard good things about. |
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Loved Wilbur Smith's River God, followed by Seventh Scroll. Amazing writer. 2 connected novels set centuries apart, and the main character a gay servant Taita has so much depth.
Best books I've ever read. |
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"Loved Wilbur Smith's River God, followed by Seventh Scroll. Amazing writer. 2 connected novels set centuries apart, and the main character a gay servant Taita has so much depth.
Best books I've ever read."
I'm pretty sure I was on a social meet the other week and Wilbur Smith's books were brought up as recommendations. Never read anything by him! |
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"A Man Called Ove.
I cried at the end and laughed throughout
Ooh I have this unread on my pile! I did it backwards and watched the film first. Have you read any of the author’s other books? I also have Anxious People to read that I’ve heard good things about. "
Not seen the film but read couple of years ago when was recommended by family member |
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"A Man Called Ove.
I cried at the end and laughed throughout
Ooh I have this unread on my pile! I did it backwards and watched the film first. Have you read any of the author’s other books? I also have Anxious People to read that I’ve heard good things about. "
No I haven't but I will in future. I enjoyed the book so much . |
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"A Man Called Ove.
I cried at the end and laughed throughout
Ooh I have this unread on my pile! I did it backwards and watched the film first. Have you read any of the author’s other books? I also have Anxious People to read that I’ve heard good things about. "
What did you think of the film? |
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"A Man Called Ove.
I cried at the end and laughed throughout
Ooh I have this unread on my pile! I did it backwards and watched the film first. Have you read any of the author’s other books? I also have Anxious People to read that I’ve heard good things about.
What did you think of the film? "
Absolutely loved the film. Went into it not knowing a single thing about the story (my book group had read the book but I had skipped that month!) I think it's on Netflix now if you're interested. |
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"The Nightingale and about to start 84k "
Ooh, I am a big fan of Kristin Hannah and am currently reading one of hers at the moment (The Great Alone). I have The Nightingale to read and I'm hoping to get to it soon. |
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Have read 165 books this year and there were quite a few favourites:
Best Sci-Fi: The Will of the many by James Islington
Best fantasy: When the moon hatched by Sarah A Parker, Quicksilver by Callie Heart & Of Blood and Fire by Ryan Cahill
Dark Romance: Mindfuck series ST Abby and the Hollow Boys series by Monty Jay, and Legacy of the Gods series by Rina Kent
Crime/ Thriller: Instruments of darkness by John Connolly |
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Not having been forced to read a set book (or more likely watch the film version of it) for GCSE, I can't readily come up with a suggestion for my favourite book.
It always seems that when the topic of favourite book comes up, those set texts get leaned on heavily as easily recalled titles.
Have to say that this particular thread is breaking away from that Fab tradition! |
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I'm also going to say the Shards by Bret Easton Ellis. Yes, it does occasionally read like a narrative A - Z of Los Angeles highways but the evocation of 80s America before smartphones and digital surveillance is glorious. |
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"Have read 165 books this year and there were quite a few favourites:
Best Sci-Fi: The Will of the many by James Islington
Best fantasy: When the moon hatched by Sarah A Parker, Quicksilver by Callie Heart & Of Blood and Fire by Ryan Cahill
Dark Romance: Mindfuck series ST Abby and the Hollow Boys series by Monty Jay, and Legacy of the Gods series by Rina Kent
Crime/ Thriller: Instruments of darkness by John Connolly"
ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY FIVE??!!!! 
Now that's reading!! |
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"Galatea - Madeline Miller.
It's only a short story, but my goodness can this author write. The prose is utterly dazzling."
I have heard amazing things about her (but haven’t read anything by her yet!) |
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"Not having been forced to read a set book (or more likely watch the film version of it) for GCSE, I can't readily come up with a suggestion for my favourite book.
It always seems that when the topic of favourite book comes up, those set texts get leaned on heavily as easily recalled titles.
Have to say that this particular thread is breaking away from that Fab tradition!"
It’s not a favourite book of all time thread but favourite book you’ve read this year 😃 |
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Only read a handful this year, tend to go for biographies, and being a keen motorcyclist, subjects are mainly from the motorsport world, my go to book was Guy Martin , the chap is just so normal, and down to earth! |
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By *aizyWoman 9 weeks ago
west midlands |
"The instruments of Darkness,John Connolly "
I love the Charlie Parker books, can't understand why they haven't been made into a film or tv series yet.
My fav this year was a science fiction book called, The Ninth Metal by Benjamin Percy. |
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By *avinaTVTV/TS 9 weeks ago
Transsexual Transylvania |
Ohhhh boy do I feel stupid.
I was once an avid reader
In the last year, I have read no books.
I've read a lot - news, technical articles, code snippets and techniques... but no books. None.
Maybe next year I might read one. 😔 |
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"Hi guys...I just came in here to shout
NEEEERRRRRDDDDSSSSS!!!! 😂😂😂
Shaddap you’re one of us really
It's true!!! 😭
Glad you’ve come to your senses "
If anyone wants me, I'll be in the corner with my Where's Wally Book.... |
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"Hi guys...I just came in here to shout
NEEEERRRRRDDDDSSSSS!!!! 😂😂😂
Shaddap you’re one of us really
It's true!!! 😭
Glad you’ve come to your senses
If anyone wants me, I'll be in the corner with my Where's Wally Book...."
Finally completed your ladybird colouring book then? 🤣👏 |
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"Hi guys...I just came in here to shout
NEEEERRRRRDDDDSSSSS!!!! 😂😂😂
Shaddap you’re one of us really
It's true!!! 😭
Glad you’ve come to your senses
If anyone wants me, I'll be in the corner with my Where's Wally Book....
Finally completed your ladybird colouring book then? 🤣👏"
No...I ate my crayons...☹️ |
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"Hi guys...I just came in here to shout
NEEEERRRRRDDDDSSSSS!!!! 😂😂😂
Shaddap you’re one of us really
It's true!!! 😭
Glad you’ve come to your senses
If anyone wants me, I'll be in the corner with my Where's Wally Book....
Finally completed your ladybird colouring book then? 🤣👏
No...I ate my crayons...☹️"
At least you’ll shit the rainbow 🌈 |
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"Ohhhh boy do I feel stupid.
I was once an avid reader
In the last year, I have read no books.
I've read a lot - news, technical articles, code snippets and techniques... but no books. None.
Maybe next year I might read one. 😔"
There’s still time to pick one up this year if it makes you sad? |
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"Loved Wilbur Smith's River God, followed by Seventh Scroll. Amazing writer. 2 connected novels set centuries apart, and the main character a gay servant Taita has so much depth.
Best books I've ever read.
I'm pretty sure I was on a social meet the other week and Wilbur Smith's books were brought up as recommendations. Never read anything by him!"
Trust me they are very good. Start with River God. X |
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"Terry Pratchet disc world novels are very unique. Fantasy, comedy, crazy. A true romp of fun and you will laugh out loud. Start with Colour of Magic."
Favourite books of all time. Disagree with the starting point, even Terry said don’t start at the beginning 🤣 |
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"Terry Pratchet disc world novels are very unique. Fantasy, comedy, crazy. A true romp of fun and you will laugh out loud. Start with Colour of Magic."
I would definitely disagree. Yes, Colour of Magic is the first book in Discworld but it certainly isn't as accessible as some of the later books. I usually recommend people to skip the first two and go down a route of one of the other threads. Like starting with Mort. |
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"Great thread OP!! Will be making my next read list ....
I've enjoyed so far...(In no part. Order):
- curious incident of the dog in the night
- the five people you meet in heaven
- born a crime"
Thank you! Hopefully you've got some great suggestions in this list.
I absolutely loved Curious Incident! |
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By *avinaTVTV/TS 9 weeks ago
Transsexual Transylvania |
"Ohhhh boy do I feel stupid.
I was once an avid reader
In the last year, I have read no books.
I've read a lot - news, technical articles, code snippets and techniques... but no books. None.
Maybe next year I might read one. 😔
There’s still time to pick one up this year if it makes you sad? "
I literally don't have time. 🤷♀️ |
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By *aizyWoman 9 weeks ago
west midlands |
"Terry Pratchet disc world novels are very unique. Fantasy, comedy, crazy. A true romp of fun and you will laugh out loud. Start with Colour of Magic.
I would definitely disagree. Yes, Colour of Magic is the first book in Discworld but it certainly isn't as accessible as some of the later books. I usually recommend people to skip the first two and go down a route of one of the other threads. Like starting with Mort. "
I was 15 when a neighbour gave me a copy of Mort, told me to read it I would love it, I was dubious, but he was right I have been hooked ever since, I am glad I started with Mort. |
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"Ohhhh boy do I feel stupid.
I was once an avid reader
In the last year, I have read no books.
I've read a lot - news, technical articles, code snippets and techniques... but no books. None.
Maybe next year I might read one. 😔
There’s still time to pick one up this year if it makes you sad?
I literally don't have time. 🤷♀️"
Then I hope next year is less hectic for you  |
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"Terry Pratchet disc world novels are very unique. Fantasy, comedy, crazy. A true romp of fun and you will laugh out loud. Start with Colour of Magic.
I would definitely disagree. Yes, Colour of Magic is the first book in Discworld but it certainly isn't as accessible as some of the later books. I usually recommend people to skip the first two and go down a route of one of the other threads. Like starting with Mort.
I was 15 when a neighbour gave me a copy of Mort, told me to read it I would love it, I was dubious, but he was right I have been hooked ever since, I am glad I started with Mort."
I love this comment so much! I'm so happy that you found the right book at the right time. I wish there were more fantastic book giving neighbours like yours! |
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"Terry Pratchet disc world novels are very unique. Fantasy, comedy, crazy. A true romp of fun and you will laugh out loud. Start with Colour of Magic.
Favourite books of all time. Disagree with the starting point, even Terry said don’t start at the beginning 🤣"
Your probably right. It just helps understand the background I guess. I loved Mort. Who'd of thought the Grim Reaper rode a horse called Binky lol. |
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I had to comment to ensure I had this list to come back to. 😊
Thank you my fellow bibliophiles!
For me? An enjpyable romp through the first few Mick Herron books, some British Library classics - Cheltenham Square murder was a late night page turner - Yellowface was a pleasure, Ray Celestin books all enjoyable (Sunset Swing anyone? 😉)
|
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"I had to comment to ensure I had this list to come back to. 😊
Thank you my fellow bibliophiles!
For me? An enjpyable romp through the first few Mick Herron books, some British Library classics - Cheltenham Square murder was a late night page turner - Yellowface was a pleasure, Ray Celestin books all enjoyable (Sunset Swing anyone? 😉)
"
I prefer RF Kuang's fantasy books to Yellowface but still enjoyed how messed it up it was. Up to a point. I was reading it cringing along until THIS ONE THING HAPPENS and wanted to throw my book across the room! I've spoken to other people who have read it and have found similar reactions. |
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"I had to comment to ensure I had this list to come back to. 😊
Thank you my fellow bibliophiles!
For me? An enjoyable romp through the first few Mick Herron books, some British Library classics - Cheltenham Square murder was a late night page turner - Yellowface was a pleasure, Ray Celestin books all enjoyable (Sunset Swing anyone? 😉)
I prefer RF Kuang's fantasy books to Yellowface but still enjoyed how messed it up it was. Up to a point. I was reading it cringing along until THIS ONE THING HAPPENS and wanted to throw my book across the room! I've spoken to other people who have read it and have found similar reactions."
I may well know the moment you refer to. And thank you! You reminded me about Babel...which I loved. |
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"I had to comment to ensure I had this list to come back to. 😊
Thank you my fellow bibliophiles!
For me? An enjoyable romp through the first few Mick Herron books, some British Library classics - Cheltenham Square murder was a late night page turner - Yellowface was a pleasure, Ray Celestin books all enjoyable (Sunset Swing anyone? 😉)
I prefer RF Kuang's fantasy books to Yellowface but still enjoyed how messed it up it was. Up to a point. I was reading it cringing along until THIS ONE THING HAPPENS and wanted to throw my book across the room! I've spoken to other people who have read it and have found similar reactions.
I may well know the moment you refer to. And thank you! You reminded me about Babel...which I loved. "
I really, really loved Babel. Have you read her Poppy War trilogy? |
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By *avinaTVTV/TS 9 weeks ago
Transsexual Transylvania |
"Ohhhh boy do I feel stupid.
I was once an avid reader
In the last year, I have read no books.
I've read a lot - news, technical articles, code snippets and techniques... but no books. None.
Maybe next year I might read one. 😔
There’s still time to pick one up this year if it makes you sad?
I literally don't have time. 🤷♀️
Then I hope next year is less hectic for you "
Me too! 😁  |
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"I had to comment to ensure I had this list to come back to. 😊
Thank you my fellow bibliophiles!
For me? An enjoyable romp through the first few Mick Herron books, some British Library classics - Cheltenham Square murder was a late night page turner - Yellowface was a pleasure, Ray Celestin books all enjoyable (Sunset Swing anyone? 😉)
I prefer RF Kuang's fantasy books to Yellowface but still enjoyed how messed it up it was. Up to a point. I was reading it cringing along until THIS ONE THING HAPPENS and wanted to throw my book across the room! I've spoken to other people who have read it and have found similar reactions.
I may well know the moment you refer to. And thank you! You reminded me about Babel...which I loved.
I really, really loved Babel. Have you read her Poppy War trilogy?"
No I have not, but that is exactly the kind of recommendation that made me comment on this thread so I can go back over for new book ideas. 😊 |
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"I'm not sure about you OP but I'm really into Brotherless Night by VV Ganeshananthan at the moment. 😉
Are you really? Wow, what a coincidence!  That's MY favourite book too. "
Compelling, impactful, nuanced… I’m running out of adjectives for this book.
This book is definitely worth reading. I found myself researching events and certain names, including authors that the main character is reading in her book club. This research is helpful to better recall the Sri Lankan civil war — I was familiar with the story from western news, but as I now know it was not enough.
I thank the author for providing an inside view from the eyes of a young woman medical student torn between her alliance with the Tiger's cause and her own struggle to be a medical doctor in these difficult times. It’s remarkable the struggles one comes to bear whilst attempting to become a caring physician in the midst of a war. The character’s endurance and introspective is remarkable!
The narrative is captivating and personal, including her relationships with four brothers and her parents, close friends and other very important people in her life.
The characters are well developed. The dialogue is well done and the issues raised — professional, personal, political — made me examine the many nuances, relationships, hardships, day-to-day living and, especially, the damage created by war and stuff. |
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"I'm not sure about you OP but I'm really into Brotherless Night by VV Ganeshananthan at the moment. 😉
Are you really? Wow, what a coincidence! That's MY favourite book too.
Compelling, impactful, nuanced… I’m running out of adjectives for this book.
This book is definitely worth reading. I found myself researching events and certain names, including authors that the main character is reading in her book club. This research is helpful to better recall the Sri Lankan civil war — I was familiar with the story from western news, but as I now know it was not enough.
I thank the author for providing an inside view from the eyes of a young woman medical student torn between her alliance with the Tiger's cause and her own struggle to be a medical doctor in these difficult times. It’s remarkable the struggles one comes to bear whilst attempting to become a caring physician in the midst of a war. The character’s endurance and introspective is remarkable!
The narrative is captivating and personal, including her relationships with four brothers and her parents, close friends and other very important people in her life.
The characters are well developed. The dialogue is well done and the issues raised — professional, personal, political — made me examine the many nuances, relationships, hardships, day-to-day living and, especially, the damage created by war and stuff."
WAIT YOU WERE SERIOUS? YOU'VE ACTUALLY READ THE BOOK?
|
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"I'm not sure about you OP but I'm really into Brotherless Night by VV Ganeshananthan at the moment. 😉
Are you really? Wow, what a coincidence! That's MY favourite book too.
Compelling, impactful, nuanced… I’m running out of adjectives for this book.
This book is definitely worth reading. I found myself researching events and certain names, including authors that the main character is reading in her book club. This research is helpful to better recall the Sri Lankan civil war — I was familiar with the story from western news, but as I now know it was not enough.
I thank the author for providing an inside view from the eyes of a young woman medical student torn between her alliance with the Tiger's cause and her own struggle to be a medical doctor in these difficult times. It’s remarkable the struggles one comes to bear whilst attempting to become a caring physician in the midst of a war. The character’s endurance and introspective is remarkable!
The narrative is captivating and personal, including her relationships with four brothers and her parents, close friends and other very important people in her life.
The characters are well developed. The dialogue is well done and the issues raised — professional, personal, political — made me examine the many nuances, relationships, hardships, day-to-day living and, especially, the damage created by war and stuff.
WAIT YOU WERE SERIOUS? YOU'VE ACTUALLY READ THE BOOK?
"
😂 Wait, are you serious that I am serious about reading the book? 😂 |
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"I'm not sure about you OP but I'm really into Brotherless Night by VV Ganeshananthan at the moment. 😉
Are you really? Wow, what a coincidence! That's MY favourite book too.
Compelling, impactful, nuanced… I’m running out of adjectives for this book.
This book is definitely worth reading. I found myself researching events and certain names, including authors that the main character is reading in her book club. This research is helpful to better recall the Sri Lankan civil war — I was familiar with the story from western news, but as I now know it was not enough.
I thank the author for providing an inside view from the eyes of a young woman medical student torn between her alliance with the Tiger's cause and her own struggle to be a medical doctor in these difficult times. It’s remarkable the struggles one comes to bear whilst attempting to become a caring physician in the midst of a war. The character’s endurance and introspective is remarkable!
The narrative is captivating and personal, including her relationships with four brothers and her parents, close friends and other very important people in her life.
The characters are well developed. The dialogue is well done and the issues raised — professional, personal, political — made me examine the many nuances, relationships, hardships, day-to-day living and, especially, the damage created by war and stuff.
WAIT YOU WERE SERIOUS? YOU'VE ACTUALLY READ THE BOOK?
😂 Wait, are you serious that I am serious about reading the book? 😂"
I thought you were bullshitting me with your original comment! Oh my god, I haven't met anyone that's even heard of the book outside of my book club (where I bullied at least one person into reading it) I love that you've read the book! Isn't it beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time?
I felt like (even though I haven't read many of the other books on the Women's Prize list!) I understand why it won it because of how much the focus was on her and her mother's experiences. The women in these communities where the husbands and fathers and sons are going off to fight and they're left to pick up the pieces or sit at home worrying, or organise mass protests to have their men released from jail. I ended up reading some of it and listening to the audiobook for some of it and at times I was driving to work with tears streaming down my face with the audiobook playing.
What else have you loved this year? |
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"I'm not sure about you OP but I'm really into Brotherless Night by VV Ganeshananthan at the moment. 😉
Are you really? Wow, what a coincidence! That's MY favourite book too.
Compelling, impactful, nuanced… I’m running out of adjectives for this book.
This book is definitely worth reading. I found myself researching events and certain names, including authors that the main character is reading in her book club. This research is helpful to better recall the Sri Lankan civil war — I was familiar with the story from western news, but as I now know it was not enough.
I thank the author for providing an inside view from the eyes of a young woman medical student torn between her alliance with the Tiger's cause and her own struggle to be a medical doctor in these difficult times. It’s remarkable the struggles one comes to bear whilst attempting to become a caring physician in the midst of a war. The character’s endurance and introspective is remarkable!
The narrative is captivating and personal, including her relationships with four brothers and her parents, close friends and other very important people in her life.
The characters are well developed. The dialogue is well done and the issues raised — professional, personal, political — made me examine the many nuances, relationships, hardships, day-to-day living and, especially, the damage created by war and stuff.
WAIT YOU WERE SERIOUS? YOU'VE ACTUALLY READ THE BOOK?
😂 Wait, are you serious that I am serious about reading the book? 😂
I thought you were bullshitting me with your original comment! Oh my god, I haven't met anyone that's even heard of the book outside of my book club (where I bullied at least one person into reading it) I love that you've read the book! Isn't it beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time?
I felt like (even though I haven't read many of the other books on the Women's Prize list!) I understand why it won it because of how much the focus was on her and her mother's experiences. The women in these communities where the husbands and fathers and sons are going off to fight and they're left to pick up the pieces or sit at home worrying, or organise mass protests to have their men released from jail. I ended up reading some of it and listening to the audiobook for some of it and at times I was driving to work with tears streaming down my face with the audiobook playing.
What else have you loved this year?"
Oh God, I feel this has gone on far too much to back down now and actually read/listen to the book.
To be fair, the reviews were really good. As you can see above.
Apology accepted? ☺️ |
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"I'm not sure about you OP but I'm really into Brotherless Night by VV Ganeshananthan at the moment. 😉
Are you really? Wow, what a coincidence! That's MY favourite book too.
Compelling, impactful, nuanced… I’m running out of adjectives for this book.
This book is definitely worth reading. I found myself researching events and certain names, including authors that the main character is reading in her book club. This research is helpful to better recall the Sri Lankan civil war — I was familiar with the story from western news, but as I now know it was not enough.
I thank the author for providing an inside view from the eyes of a young woman medical student torn between her alliance with the Tiger's cause and her own struggle to be a medical doctor in these difficult times. It’s remarkable the struggles one comes to bear whilst attempting to become a caring physician in the midst of a war. The character’s endurance and introspective is remarkable!
The narrative is captivating and personal, including her relationships with four brothers and her parents, close friends and other very important people in her life.
The characters are well developed. The dialogue is well done and the issues raised — professional, personal, political — made me examine the many nuances, relationships, hardships, day-to-day living and, especially, the damage created by war and stuff.
WAIT YOU WERE SERIOUS? YOU'VE ACTUALLY READ THE BOOK?
😂 Wait, are you serious that I am serious about reading the book? 😂
I thought you were bullshitting me with your original comment! Oh my god, I haven't met anyone that's even heard of the book outside of my book club (where I bullied at least one person into reading it) I love that you've read the book! Isn't it beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time?
I felt like (even though I haven't read many of the other books on the Women's Prize list!) I understand why it won it because of how much the focus was on her and her mother's experiences. The women in these communities where the husbands and fathers and sons are going off to fight and they're left to pick up the pieces or sit at home worrying, or organise mass protests to have their men released from jail. I ended up reading some of it and listening to the audiobook for some of it and at times I was driving to work with tears streaming down my face with the audiobook playing.
What else have you loved this year?
Oh God, I feel this has gone on far too much to back down now and actually read/listen to the book.
To be fair, the reviews were really good. As you can see above.
Apology accepted? ☺️ "
Oh. |
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I had to go into my Storygraph to remind myself of what I'd read this year!
It's not a huge stand-out favourite because I read a lot of great stuff this year, but I really enjoyed Butter by Asako Yuzuki. It took me a while to get into it, but once I was hooked that was it. It's one of those books you find yourself thinking about weeks after you finish it, which is why I say it was my favourite. It haunted me for a while. |
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"I had to comment to ensure I had this list to come back to. 😊
Thank you my fellow bibliophiles!
For me? An enjoyable romp through the first few Mick Herron books, some British Library classics - Cheltenham Square murder was a late night page turner - Yellowface was a pleasure, Ray Celestin books all enjoyable (Sunset Swing anyone? 😉)
I prefer RF Kuang's fantasy books to Yellowface but still enjoyed how messed it up it was. Up to a point. I was reading it cringing along until THIS ONE THING HAPPENS and wanted to throw my book across the room! I've spoken to other people who have read it and have found similar reactions.
I may well know the moment you refer to. And thank you! You reminded me about Babel...which I loved.
I really, really loved Babel. Have you read her Poppy War trilogy?
No I have not, but that is exactly the kind of recommendation that made me comment on this thread so I can go back over for new book ideas. 😊"
What sort of books do you like to read?
Of the books I've read this year...
Nonfiction:
Unwell Women by Elinor Cleghorn
Empireland by Santham Sangheera
Code Dependant by Madhumita Murgia
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
Sapiens and Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari
Crime/thriller:
Thursday Murder Club
Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka
Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
General fiction:
Preloved by Lauren Bravo
Anything written by Emily Henry
You Are Here by David Nicholls
Transcendant Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
Air, Earth and Fire by John Boyne
Historical fiction:
The Women by Kristin Hannah
In Memoriam by Alice Winn
Brotherless Night by VV Ganeshananthan
The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn |
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"I had to comment to ensure I had this list to come back to. 😊
Thank you my fellow bibliophiles!
For me? An enjoyable romp through the first few Mick Herron books, some British Library classics - Cheltenham Square murder was a late night page turner - Yellowface was a pleasure, Ray Celestin books all enjoyable (Sunset Swing anyone? 😉)
I prefer RF Kuang's fantasy books to Yellowface but still enjoyed how messed it up it was. Up to a point. I was reading it cringing along until THIS ONE THING HAPPENS and wanted to throw my book across the room! I've spoken to other people who have read it and have found similar reactions.
I may well know the moment you refer to. And thank you! You reminded me about Babel...which I loved.
I really, really loved Babel. Have you read her Poppy War trilogy?"
Poppy war was my fav trilogy last year by a long shot. I couldn’t get into Babel though |
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"I had to comment to ensure I had this list to come back to. 😊
Thank you my fellow bibliophiles!
For me? An enjoyable romp through the first few Mick Herron books, some British Library classics - Cheltenham Square murder was a late night page turner - Yellowface was a pleasure, Ray Celestin books all enjoyable (Sunset Swing anyone? 😉)
I prefer RF Kuang's fantasy books to Yellowface but still enjoyed how messed it up it was. Up to a point. I was reading it cringing along until THIS ONE THING HAPPENS and wanted to throw my book across the room! I've spoken to other people who have read it and have found similar reactions.
I may well know the moment you refer to. And thank you! You reminded me about Babel...which I loved.
I really, really loved Babel. Have you read her Poppy War trilogy?
Poppy war was my fav trilogy last year by a long shot. I couldn’t get into Babel though "
I will take that as a double recommendation for Poppy Wars! What jarred with Babel? |
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Not sure… didn’t quite like the main character. Really wanted to though but I really struggled. Just didn’t feel the story. But then I’m the same with John Gwynne… I’m probably the only one that read 80% of the shadow of the gods and decided not to finish it. I seriously didn’t like the characters. |
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"I had to go into my Storygraph to remind myself of what I'd read this year!
It's not a huge stand-out favourite because I read a lot of great stuff this year, but I really enjoyed Butter by Asako Yuzuki. It took me a while to get into it, but once I was hooked that was it. It's one of those books you find yourself thinking about weeks after you finish it, which is why I say it was my favourite. It haunted me for a while."
Is that the one about the serial killer and …a food critic? Seemed a bit out there in an intriguing way. |
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"A Man Called Ove.
I cried at the end and laughed throughout"
I didn't read that this year, but it's wonderful.
I just finished The Dictionary of Lost Words and I highly recommend it. It might be my book of the year |
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Best this year by far is Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, an updated reworking of David Copperfield set in West Virginia and dealing with the opioid crisis. Sublimely written. Two to add to your Sri Lakan list I read this year are The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka (won the Booker last year) and Chinaman by the same writer. |
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"Best this year by far is Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, an updated reworking of David Copperfield set in West Virginia and dealing with the opioid crisis. Sublimely written. Two to add to your Sri Lakan list I read this year are The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka (won the Booker last year) and Chinaman by the same writer."
Oh I read Demon Copperhead this year too and I enjoyed it (I am mostly a fan of this author) but I felt like it was a hard slog through a lot of grim events  I know it's a retelling of David Copperfield and that's no picnic but this really just felt like there was no hope whatsoever!
Thanks for the Sri Lankan recommendations, I do have the first one you suggested already |
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I'm afraid Seven Moons is a bit grim too! The other one is more fun but you probably have to like cricket a bit! Have you read other Babs Kingsolver then? Poisonwood Bible is the humongous big seller... I'll try to think of more cheerful books I've read recently! |
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"I'm afraid Seven Moons is a bit grim too! The other one is more fun but you probably have to like cricket a bit! Have you read other Babs Kingsolver then? Poisonwood Bible is the humongous big seller... I'll try to think of more cheerful books I've read recently!"
I knew the Seven Moons book would be impossibly grim (which is probably why I haven't yet read it!)
And I have read some of Barbara Kingsolver's books before but not her recent ones other than DC. |
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