The great thing about "backlist" or books published in previous years is that you can get them at your library, or purchase them fairly inexpensively. I don't know about you, but I have shelves of books I have not yet read. Reading what you already own is a good way to save money and discover some gems that you have been meaning to get around to. The following books were some that were on my shelves or on my Kindle that I picked up during the year. All of these were outstanding, 5-star books for me.
Back List Books
Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleave. This book was published in 2016. Set in London between 1939-1942, this book is touchingly based on the real-life love letters of the author's grandparents. A story based on survival, hardship, a love triangle, and unforgettable characters. It sure proves that war is the catalyst for many endings, but beginnings as well. This is great historical fiction, and you WWII buffs will love it.
Re-reading The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher was an excellent decision on my part. Even if you read this one back in the 1980s along with every other woman on the planet, give it another read. It has held up very well. A family saga featuring Penelope Keeling looking back at her life, her choices, and secrets. The story surrounds a valuable family painting that Penelope's children are bickering over. I envy you if you haven't read this book because you are in for a treat. Free on Kindle Unlimited.
Anything by Catherine Ryan Hyde is good, and Say Goodbye for Now (2016) was no exception. She is the author who wrote Pay It Forward, among other super good titles. If you enjoy coming-of-age stories, as well as books that deal with found family, you will love this book as I did. Set in Texas in 1959, the plot revolves around Pete, a neglected 12-year-old who lives with his abusive father. The other main character is Dr. Lucy, a physician who treats both sketchy people and abandoned animals. When Pete befriends Justin Bell, an African American boy new to town, Pete's bigoted father and other townspeople take exception. The boys find refuge with Dr. Lucy, who also treats Prince, a wolf-dog cross, who Pete rescues. All these characters come together in a powerful story I will not forget. This is an important book, which I highly recommend. Free on Kindle Unlimited.
The Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri (1999) is not to be missed. What on earth took me so long to read this book? It is a collection of short stories that won both the Pulitzer Prize and the Penn/Hemingway Prize in 2000. My words about this stunning masterpiece in no way will do it justice. The stories are about the Indian immigrant experience, marriage, and longing. The characters for the most part are very upper-class Indian people who have immigrated to the US to be doctors, college professors, and engineers in the Harvard/MIT/Boston area. Having worked at a prestigious world-class university for most of my career, I was reminded of people I knew very well in the stories. The author is a master at writing and this book will forever be in my memory.
I had to include this second book by Jhumpa Lahiri called The Namesake, (2004) because it is just so good. The Ganguli family has moved to America and wants to become good citizens. When their son is born they give him the unfortunate name Gogol, after the Russian author. This is the story of immigrants trying to become Americans and the trials Gogol Ganguli has in trying to accomplish that mission saddled with his weird name. The story is compelling, captivating, and entertaining. This author is so amazingly accomplished. I loved this book.
Another reading year is at an end. I enjoyed so many wonderful titles this year. I think I may be getting better at choosing books that turn out to be winners! I am already looking forward to 2023 and the exciting literary discoveries it will reveal. I hope my book reviews are useful to you and that you try some of my favorites out for yourselves.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful recommendations. Whenever I am looking for something new to read, I always come back to your book review lists and find something good.
Posted by: Ming | January 04, 2023 at 07:26 AM
Thanks for the great reviews. You have led me to a lot of reading I have enjoyed and also some great authors. I have worked on being able to enjoy audio books in the last few years and that has opened up a lot of time for more books. There still is nothing as good as actually ready ourselves though. Thanks again and may the new year bring my happiness and good health to you and your loved ones.
Posted by: Taria | January 04, 2023 at 07:49 AM
Happy New Year Nicole! Sending good health and good fortune your way for a positive and productive 2023. As always thank you for your literary reviews. I thought by adding audio books I could catch up to you but alas to no avail! 😂 I hope you continue with your makeup/clothes and cooking tidbits. Always fun to read in between quilting projects. Hope you had a marvellous Christmas with your family!
Posted by: Kerry | January 04, 2023 at 08:21 AM
Once again I've learned something new from your blog--I didn't know the term 'back list'! Today's reviews will be another good reference when I'm ready to choose a new book to read. Thanks for taking the time to share with us!
Posted by: Jan | January 04, 2023 at 09:31 AM
I look foreword to your book reviews and count on them to give me a reading list.
Have you read Becoming Dutchess Goldblatt? It was a surprising good book.
Posted by: Margie Fassler | January 04, 2023 at 10:45 AM
Stop! Last year I read 102 book (goal was 100) and most of them were your recommendations. I was going to concentrate on 20 classics among my reading this year but dang if you don't have my list "to be read" back up to 100. 21 books added to my list JUST going through your posts. Thanks!
Posted by: Debi | January 04, 2023 at 01:26 PM