The Instagram #iloveagoodstory2016 is proving to be more than a hashtag or a simple book challenge. It’s a gathering of devoted literary types who are so excited about the great books they’ve read this year that they can’t wait to share them with bookish friends. Talk about a win-win!
I want to make sure I get all of my book covers posted to Instagram, even whilst traveling over the holidays. To that end, I offer you a sneak peek of my 10 remaining titles: (I really do LOVE a good story!!)
Day 5: “Book that gave me a new literary boyfriend”
Easy choice: “At This Moment” by my dear friend Karen Cimms
This novel is the first in a trilogy about Kate and Billy — a starstruck couple that married young and took on the world. Together they rode the rollercoaster of Billy’s rock star career through the highs of the Grammy Awards to the pits of hell created by his alcohol and drug abuse. But through it all, Billy’s love for his wife never wavered; how could readers not fall in love with the gorgeous guitar player?
I’m very much looking forward to reading the second installment in the series, “We All Fall Down,” which Cimms released this fall. (Hint hint, Santa!!)
Day 6: “Book that made me want to hit the road”
My pick: “Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Coast Trail” by Cheryl Strayed
When I was living in Hamburg, Pennsylvania, my apartment was within viewing distance of the Appalachian Trail — the 2,190-mile footpath that connects Maine to Georgia. And as friends and I would summit of The Pinnacle (one of the local favorite hikes), we’d talk and daydream about completing the entire trail someday.
Strayed’s solo journey from southern California to the Pacific Northwest was certainly inspirational — as was her emotional journey. I admire her courage and conviction because even though her book made me think about lacing up my hiking boots, a several-month journey is NOT something I’m going to be embarking upon anytime soon!
Day 7: “Book that reminded me of my blessings”
“Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands” by Chris Bohjalian
I’ve never been involved in a nuclear holocaust. I’ve never lost both my parents in a tragic accident. I’ve never been homeless or addicted to drugs.
I’ve never experienced half of what happened to the teenage narrator in this chilling tale by Bohjalian. And so every time I put the book down, I thanked God and my lucky stars to have a safe, warm place to live and a happy, healthy family. (The most chilling part of this book was when the author explained the title… Amazing.)
Day 8: “Book I’ve given as a gift” — Wait for it! This one is going to be a Christmas Day surprise!!!
Day 9: “Book that ought to be a classic”
Quite simply: “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern
This book changed my opinion on fantasy fiction. So many components (an age-old rivalry and a contested love story, all set against the backdrop of a magical circus) fell so effortlessly into place that I would quite honestly believe the author is somewhat magical herself. Gorgeously interwoven and unforgettably compelling. A true modern-day classic.
Day 10: “Book that I’ve read and re-read”
“I Know This Much Is True” by Wally Lamb
This was the first novel by Wally Lamb that I read, and I was instantly in love with his literary voice. My favorite part of this book is the way he seamlessly connected the multi-generational stories of the narrator, his younger self and his late grandfather. Something I can only aspire to — which is probably why I’ve read the darn thing so many times…
I’m also a big fan of some of his later novels, including “Wishin’ and Hopin’: A Christmas Story.” That one is more of a comedy; my husband gave it to me in my stocking one year, and I’ve read it every year since.
Day 11: “Book that made me cry”
I had to put down “Me Before You” by JoJo Moyes when I got to the ending in Switzerland because I was crying so hard. Sobbing, really. Painful. Truly. This was also the only book that’s ever been referred to me by a complete stranger at the library. An older man approached me out of nowhere and absolutely insisted I read the book before watching the movie, even when I told him I’d already read it. The writing is so rich that the emotions of this tear-jerker carry over into the sequel, “After You.” (Which is also a tear-jerker, but not the chest-crushing sobbing variety.)
Day 12: “Book that kept me company on the beach”
I took Emily Bleeker’s “When I’m Gone” to Florida with me this spring. In all honesty, though, it never made it to the beach because I almost finished the darn thing before I even got off the plane. A gorgeously written story of a man who lost his wife to cancer and gets help moving on in the form of letters she wrote him before she died. The love story is sweet and the mystery of how the letters are being delivered moves the plot along nicely. It’s a perfect read for the beach … or cozying up beside a fireplace with a cup of coffee.
Day 13: “Book that gave me hope”
“The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah
I was left feeling a bit flat by some of Hannah’s recent novels. While I love her writing style, some of her books had started to become rather predictable — seemingly the products of mass-produced fiction. Then along came “The Nightingale.” So deep in history and rich in suspense that I could not turn the pages fast enough. The selfless acts of heroism in this book were perfectly projected and amazingly inspirational. It takes a truly gifted writer to take a story about World War II, turn it into a tragedy and still leave the reader with a warm, fuzzy feeling!
Day 14: “Book that inspired me to be great … do more … live well”
Right away, I thought of “What Alice Forgot” by Liane Moriarty. It’s the story of a woman who suffers a head injury and wakes up thinking she’s 10 years younger than she actually is. I thought long and hard about my last 10 years … If I woke up tomorrow thinking I was 30 when I was actually 40, how would I feel about my life? Would I be satisfied with the way things are going? Would I be disappointed by my mistakes and shortcomings? What if I woke up tomorrow and I was 50? Where would I want my life to be?
A thought-provoking book for my #yearof40 odyssey. Also the perfect ending to the #iloveagoodstory2016 book challenge and the perfect beginning to an epic year 2017. Happy New Year, everyone! Thanks for joining me on this adventure!!