Anbolyn and I presented our Fabulous Fall Reads at Sunset last weekend — ya’ll, we had our biggest turnout yet!
But if I’m totally honest, I’m SO EXCITED to be able to read whatever I want without having to think about what I’ll say about it to a group of avid readers. Of course, this will be short-lived because I’ll start reading for our April/May presentation soon! 😀
On to the BOOKS!
The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne
A sweeping saga about the course of one man’s life, beginning and ending in post-war Ireland
Quick thoughts: This. Book. I laughed a little. I cried a lot. So good.
Interesting tidbit: Same author as The Boy in the Striped Pajamas…which I think I need to read now.
Perfect for fans of Irish fiction and readers of coming-of-age novels like Middlesex or Tell the Wolves I’m Home (two of my favorites).
Sourdough by Robin Sloan
A talented, young programmer is drawn into the weird world of San Francisco food
Interesting tidbit: Robin Sloan makes EVOO with his partner
Quick thoughts: I never thought I’d enjoy a book about bread…but it’s so fun!
Perfect read for fans of quirky novels (Ella Minnow Pea) and books with objects as “characters” (like The Improbability of Love).
A Column of Fire by Ken Follett
A new book in the Kingsbridge series set four centuries after The Pillars of the Earth
Quick thoughts: Follett takes on SO MUCH MORE of the world than just Kingsbridge.
Interesting tidbit: It’s been 28 years since The Pillars of the Earth was published!
Perfect for fans of well-researched historical fiction and Follett’s Century Trilogy.
Paradox Bound by Peter Clines
Time travel, faceless men of the government, and the American Dream
Interesting tidbit: Author of one of my favorite genre-bending series: Ex-Heroes (seriously. my husband loves it, too)
Quick thoughts: My brain has difficulties keeping time travel straight, but this isn’t nearly as convoluted as some other timey-wimey books I’ve read.
Perfect read for fans of time travel and alternative history.
The Dirty Book Club by Lisi Harrison
Four women who unknowingly need each other are brought together by Gloria Golden and her group of lifelong friends
Quick thoughts: Funny, and heartfelt read about friendships, family, and the choices we make.
Interesting tidbit: This is Lisi Harrison’s first “adult novel” and it was inspired by her own “dirty book” club.
Perfect for readers that enjoy “books about books” and fans of Sophie Kinsella, Jennifer Weiner, and Lucy Sykes.
Heating & Cooling by Beth Ann Fennelly
52 micro-memoirs offering glimpses into the author’s life
Quick thoughts: Micro-memoirs might be my new favorite format of book
Interesting tidbit: Fennelly is the poet laureate of Mississippi
Perfect for fans of quick reads, poetry, and anyone that enjoyed Dept of Speculation.
Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak
Followed a family that is quarantined together over the holidays.
Quick thoughts: I love a good dysfunctional family and I love ‘em even more when they come together at the holidays.
Interesting tidbit: The author was inspired by a friend who was quarantined after treating Ebola patients.
Perfect for anyone looking for a holiday read or annual viewers of The Family Stone or Love Actually.
Heather, the Totality by Matthew Weiner
Mother, Father, Daughter, Stalker…?
Quick thoughts: People are really hating on this one on Goodreads, but I didn’t hate it. (Maybe because I wasn’t or am not a crazy Mad Men fan?)
Interesting tidbit: Obviously, the author is the creator of Don Draper.
Perfect for fans of quick reads (which I am) and those that enjoy haunting short stories and novellas.
Artemis by Andy Weir
A near-future heist story set on the moon
Quick thoughts: A fun read with a badass, female lead in Jazz Bashara.
Interesting tidbit: I have a cat named Artemis (after the character in Ready Player One and the goddess).
Perfect for fans of science fiction and anyone looking for a great leading lady.
The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg
A life-affirming novel about love, loss, and second chances.
Quick thoughts: The tears were streaming at the end of this one!
Interesting tidbit: Berg was a Registered Nurse for ten years before becoming a writer.
Perfect for book clubs and fans of a good tear-jerker like The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry.
The Afterlives by Thomas Pierce
A man nearly dies and then searches for answers to what happens after we die
Quick thoughts: So difficult to describe this book, but such a great mix of ghosts, science fiction, and love.
Interesting tidbit: Pierce is a National Book Award 5 Under 35 Winner
Perfect for fans of literary fiction.
Bonus Book! I didn’t finish this one in time for the presentation, but I LOVE this series.
Miss Kopp’s Midnight Confessions by Amy Stewart
The continued adventures of the Kopp Sisters
Quick thoughts: History (and even present day at times) was not kind to women, but the Kopps family is a wonderful look back.
Interesting tidbit: THESE ARE REAL PEOPLE!
Perfect for fans of historical fiction and cozy mysteries.
life:merging 