Did you love Megan’s recommendations? Have you read any? Gifting any? Adding any to your library holds list?
(ps: I only have 6 books on my holds list which, I think, is a 5 month low)
I originally aimed for 52 books in 52 weeks. It wasn’t really happening so I revised my goal to 26, which I passed a few months ago. I revised it again to a comfortable 40 books in 52 weeks and am currently at 44 with one book and three e-books checked out (Elin Hilderbrand’s Winter trilogy; re-reading the first 2 before starting Winter Storms. Aka: my plans this weekend as it snows…again…). So 48 books in 52 weeks is pretty great, I’d say.
Without further ado, my favourites from this year to inspire your last minute purchases or holiday reads.
The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer: I read this back in March and it has stayed with all year. Coincidentally, looking back, I read 4 of these 5 books in succession in March and April this year. The Invisible Bridge is a hunker down and get invested kind of book; it’s long with a serious story line. It is worth it. It is an absolutely beautiful story of love and friendship, raw and honest.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah: Keeping with my love of historical fiction, I followed up The Invisible Bridge with The Nightingale. Again, a story of perseverance and courage with a strong female lead.
The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman: Unless you’re my sister (the book hater) or living under a rock you’ve likely read this or seen the movie (how was it? I have it on hold at the libs). Quite simply, a great book. Who did you side with: Tom or Isabel?
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes: I know, I know, you’ve probably already read this or seen the movie, as well. In comparison to all other Jojo Moyes books I’ve read, this is by far the best. Great story, interesting/controversial perspective, dreamy English countryside. I watched the movie earlier this week, also great (managed to hold off balling my eyes out till the very end, go me!).
Big Girl by Kelsey Miller: everyone needs a biography on their list. If you’ve ever struggled with self-esteem issues, negative thoughts associated with weight, anxiety, family problems, this is the one for you. I started reading Kelsey’s articles on Refinery 29 and was excited when her book came out. Very well written. Loved it.
Honourable mentions:
– The Velvet Hours by Alyson Richman
– The Lost Wife by Alyson Richman
– When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
– All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
– The Light of Paris by Eleanor Brown
– When We Meet Again by Kristin Harmel
– It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
– Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Reid Jenkins
And some Canadian content:
Because this list is really just a love letter to historical fiction, try Jennifer Robson.
Obviously, I’m a kid book connoisseur. Or not. But I do have favourites and I think it would be sweet to gift an original and a Christmas version as a gift set for the littlest readers in your life.
You can stay up-to-date with everything I’m reading on goodreads.
Are you gifting books this year? Which ones? And what are you looking forward to reading while snuggled up on Christmas holiday?
smitten 