“So many books, so little time.”
― Frank Zappa
― Frank Zappa
If you have visited my Goodreads profile you might have
noticed that I have very few books in my ‘favorite’ shelf. I am very selective
when it comes to choosing a favorite book. Sometimes I am torn when I have to decide if a
book has what it takes to make it to my 'favorite' shelf. In order for a book to make it to my ‘favorite’
folder, it must contain the following:
1 - An emotional ending – If a book makes me sob for hours and
hours afterwards, until my eyes feel raw and completely shut!
2 - Memorable characters – Sometimes you read a book that stays
with you long after you have finished reading it. I think the reason is mainly due to the characters. In my opinion, a good character will tug at your heart from begin to end.
When you feel the character’s pain and go through highs and lows together, a
very special connection happens. When you pray that everything turns out okay for them, you know you have encountered a memorable character.
3 - Attention to detail – A great book will suck you right into
a whole different world. The author has taken the time to describe the
surroundings in every single page. Few books do this. When you are certain that you are able
to smell what the author is describing, or vividly see what the character sees
and feel the cold of a winter's night while you sit under a tree, reading this book during a warm
summer's day.
Bellow you will find the top three books I read this year.
There are so many out there and I was unable to get to a few I wanted to read
before the year is over. I was 5 books short of my goal. This are only for
books released within the last six months!
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#3 - The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman
I am not a big fan of fantasy. I have nothing against it or
those who enjoy it. I don’t recall ever feeling compelled to read it. This book
was one exception. I came across this book via Goodreads giveaways and was given
to me as an Advanced Readers Copy. It sat on my shelf for weeks until I decided
to give it a try. What do I have to lose, right? Boy, am I glad! I found this
story refreshing and very entertaining with a very strong message. You cannot
escape who you are and where you come from. It’s a wonderful story about
destiny, love and family. At times I cried and laugh. I became angry and yelled
at the characters! If you are a fantasy fan, or even if you are not, I am 100%
sure that you will enjoy this book.
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# 2 - The Runaway Children by Sandy Taylor
Historical fiction is my weakness! I particularly enjoy
reading World War Two historical fiction and this book gave me exactly what I
wanted. This book came to me as an ARC via NetGalley. I specifically requested
this book after reading the blurb. WOW! This one hooked me from the start. I so
enjoy a story about survival through the worst circumstances. I learned a great
deal as I followed Nell and her sister Olive on an amazing journey. This book
left me with a wonderful feeling inside and when a book manages to leave me
wanting more, it makes it my favorite!
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#1 - The Stolen Marriage by Diane Chamberlain
This one was in audio format and I think it’s the narration
that did it for me. Though the story is fiction, a few events in the story were
based on actual events. This book started out with a mediocre main character
and I know it may sound mean. Believe me, I know! As the story moves along the
character is developed beautifully. I went from “Wow, this character is really
annoying.” To “I love you! Please be okay, please!” I am always looking for
subtle ways in which the characters are developed and this one caught me
completely off guard. I was not sure
when the change happen but the author did an outstanding job with this one.
━
Though there were others I enjoyed and would recommend (stay tuned for my top ten, all-time), these three have stayed with me and will remain in my heart for years to come!
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