It’s Thursday! Of course, we’re going to talk about what we’re all reading this week. However, this time of year, it’s fun to kick off the discussion by looking at favorite books read in 2019. This week, Margie Bunting shares her list. I love to read Bunting’s lists. She’s an excellent writer; she reads some of the same titles I do, and she discovers some books that are new to me. I hope you enjoy her list of favorite books read in 2019. Thank you, Margie. (And, I’m going to pick up The Widow of Rose House.)
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MARGIE’S BEST READS OF 2019
This was a difficult year for me, starting with the passing of my husband on January 5. But reading has always been my “comfort and joy” so it was a major factor in helping me make it through. Despite everything, I managed to polish off 185 books in 2019.
As always, it’s impossible to pick the ten books I most enjoyed during the year, but here is a sampling of what I particularly loved.
My favorites are usually the “feel-good” books, human stories with offbeat characters, their struggles, some humor and an uplifting ending. My very favorite was HAVE YOU SEEN LUIS VELEZ? by Catherine Ryan Hyde. A 17-year-old boy isn’t comfortable with either of his parents, so he finds a new family with a 92-year-old blind neighbor looking for her volunteer helper, who has disappeared. Raymond takes over Luis’ volunteer responsibilities and starts looking for the missing man among 21 local Luis Velezes, resulting in a courtroom trial. The book is about how we see and treat others, and how difficult it is to identify our own purpose and identity. It’s a heart-breaking, life-affirming gem of a book.
THE WIDOW OF ROSE HOUSE by Diana Biller is a recent find which somehow manages to successfully combine paranormal, mystery, and Gilded Age historical romance genres. It features a spirited but socially reviled young widow, an abandoned house (complete with ghosts), and the most likeable hero since Mr. Darcy.
NPR Pop Culture Happy Hour host Linda Holmes scored with her first book, EVVIE DRAKE STARTS OVER. Evvie can’t tell anyone she isn’t exactly grieving her husband’s death. Dean was a celebrated baseball pitcher until he suddenly couldn’t pitch. These two lonely souls need each other but can’t seem to find their way. Lovely book!
I have long enjoyed Lorna Landvik’s books, and CHRONICLES OF A RADICAL HAG was a standout for me this year, even though I found the title less than appealing. Haze wrote a column for her small-town newspaper for 50 years, until a stroke put her in a coma. Waiting for her to recover, her publisher decides to rerun some of her columns and their responses from the locals, with the help of the publisher’s 14-year-old son. The boy, his fellow students, and the townspeople learn something about their own lives in the process.
THE BOOK CHARMER by Karen Hawkins is an utterly engaging story about two strong women – a librarian whose books tell her who needs to read them, and a woman who arrives in town to care for her ill mother but plans to leave as soon as possible. The librarian somehow knows she must retain the newcomer as a permanent resident if the town is to recover from its downward spiral. Humor, sadness, interesting characters – a perfect mix.
ELLIE AND THE HARPMAKER by Hazel Prior is a quiet story about a lonely wife who discovers a barn full of beautiful harps made by a man who lives a solitary life and struggles with social interactions. She wants to learn how to play the harp, but her husband won’t allow it. Along the way, she is charmed by the way the harpmaker lives his life, while hers seems to have lost meaning. Beautifully told and inspiring.
I had missed HARRY’S TREES earlier, but I kept hearing wonderful reviews of this Jon Cohen novel. Harry is finding it impossible to rebuild his life after his wife has died, until he finds a way to leave his soulless desk job. He meets Amanda and Oriana, who have lost their own husband/father, in a forest, and they struggle together to overcome the past. The story involves an inhabitable tree house, a mysterious book, and an abundance of gold, not to mention the quest to save a crumbling library. Magical.
Next, I want to mention a few memoirs. You don’t have to like fashion to enjoy I.M. by Isaac Mizrahi, beautifully written with a lot of humor and insight. SAVE ME THE PLUMS is the latest by Ruth Reichl, in which she looks back at her 10-year struggle to keep Gourmet Magazine afloat. I also have to mention FINDING DOROTHY by Elizabeth Letts, even though it is a “fake memoir” of Frank Baum’s wife Maud, who wants to protect her husband’s book while “The Wizard of Oz” is being filmed. She becomes a consultant and tries her best to protect Judy Garland from being exploited and abused. Maud’s own life story, while fictionalized, makes for a thoroughly enjoyable read.
San Francisco Police Sergeant Adam Plantinga scored big again this year with his POLICE CRAFT: WHAT COPS KNOW ABOUT CRIME, COMMUNITY AND VIOLENCE, my nonfiction pick. My favorite part is the heartbreakingly poignant – even poetic -chapter about life on city corners. The author sprinkles his much-needed wry humor throughout and writes with an assurance that can only come from experience, sensitivity, and a deep intelligence. It’s wildly entertaining – don’t miss it.
In the category of crime fiction, I have been happily stunned by all three in Matt Goldman’s series featuring Minneapolis P.I. Nils Shapiro, including the one released in 2019, THE SHALLOWS. Steven Cooper also aced number three, VALLEY OF SHADOWS, in his series about Phoenix police detective Alex Mills and reluctant psychic Gus Parker. Sharon Bolton’s THE CRAFTSMAN is another superior, creepy thriller, this one featuring Florence Lovelady as the rare female police constable in Lancashire, England in the 1960s, disrespected by her male colleagues but demonstrating bravery and sharp insights. In the traditonal mystery genre, you can’t go wrong with Paula Munier’s series, the second of which is BLIND SEARCH, featuring military police veteran Mercy and her dog Elvis – a fellow Afghanistan vet – trackers and investigator sin wintry Vermont.
Finally, here are a couple of books that don’t fit into any of the genres I’ve mentioned. Jane Stanton Hitchcock’s BLUFF is really a caper book. Fiftyish former socialite Maud, who now has to make her living as a professional poker player, is on the run after she fires a gun at two sleazy men. Several other wronged women are involved, and it is a quick, light, very enjoyable romp. And Alix E. Harrow’s THE TEN THOUSAND DOORS OF JANUARY was my only foray into SF/Fantasy, and well worth my time. It is set in the early 20th century and stars young January and her quest to find her missing father and escape her guardian, which ends up opening many unexpected doors to new lands and people. Unique and fascinating.
Happy New Year to Lesa and my friends at Lesa’s Book Critiques – I enjoy hearing your comments about what you’re reading every Thursday. I hope 2020 is a wonderful reading year for you!
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Thank you, Margie! I hope you have a wonderful reading year as well.
Now, everyone – Feel free to comment about any of the titles on Margie’s list, if you’ve read them or plan to read them. As I said, I’m picking up The Widow of Rose House. It sounds just up my alley.
But, it’s also time to tell us what you’re all reading. The lists are my way of kicking off a new year and including people who have other reading tastes. Let us know what you’re reading, please!
This is a great list, I’ll be adding a few to my TBR list, thanks for sharing it.
My condolences on the loss of your husband.
Thanks for the excellent list, Margie. I've read the Munier so far, but some others are coming.
Of course, I didn't get much chance to read this week, as we spent four days on the road coming down to Florida for the rest of the winter, plus a day packing before and another unpacking and shopping when we got here. I hope that improves. I did read one book, John Scalzi's amusing collection of stories, A VERY SCALZI CHRISTMAS, with stories like "An Interview With Santa's Lawyer" plus other "interviews" with Santa's "Reindeer Wrangler" and the "Nativity Innkeeper" talking about the birth of Jesus. Light reading, but fun.
I now have three library downloads I need to finish before I read anything else. The one I'm halfway through is a science fiction tale, the first in a new series by the sisters writing as S. K. Dunstall, STARS UNCHARTED, about a ragtag bunch out to find treasure and escape the evil Company trying to kill them.
Thank you for sharing your list Margie. We read many of the same titles. I picked up a copy of The Widow of Rose House last week at my library.
This week I finished Read and Buried by Eva Gates. A tin with a coded diary is found while repairs are being made to the lighthouse library foundation. I enjoy the characters of this series and I liked the rationale behind the murder. A fun quick read.
Now I am reading This Must Be The Place by Maggie O'Farrell. Blogger Anne Bogel says she liked it so much she read it twice. I would not go that far. I am more than halfway through. It is the story of Claudette and Daniel and is told from 1990 or so and 2010. Each chapter has a year so you can keep track of the time line and events. It is good but not the winner Harry's Trees was for me which she also recommended.
Happy Reading!
Jeff, I thought A Very Scalzi Christmas was just fun. Most of all, though, I'm glad you two made it to Florida safely. And, I'm jealous you're someplace warmer for the winter. Enjoy!
Sharon, I should be getting The Widow of Rose House today. It appealed to me, too. And, I do like the characters in the library lighthouse series.
Thanks for the list Margie. I haven’t read any of those yet.
My reading this week was eclectic. I read:
BORN TO RUN by Christopher McDougall a book about his experiences doing endurance running. It was interesting but the author tends to digress a lot.
An ARC of LEADERS OF THE PACK: AN ANTHOLOGY OF WEREWOLF STORIES. Not a book I’d recommend since in addition to being violent and gory, most of the stories were either prequels or spinoffs of books that the various authors had written so they didn’t really wrap up.
DEATH AND THE GRAVEDIGGER’S DAUGHTER by Loretta Ross. A P.I. and his girlfriend have to try and clear a veteran with PTSD of a murder charge. I like this series and wish there were more than 4 books.
I always love to hear about what Margie is reading and this is a great list! I own a couple, but have read none of them. Several are ones that I've already marked to try at some point. I think for many of us reading is such a comfort at times. I know it is for me and I'm glad that it provided some solace to you, Margie, after you lost your husband.
As to what I'm reading, I'm really on a slow track right now. Focusing a bit on some other things – mostly getting back to my walking routine and my yoga classes. Anyway, I'm reading THE UNHONEYMOONERS by Christine Lauren in print and laughing a lot. There are also some tearful parts to that one. I'm listening to Catriona McPherson's latest, STRANGERS AT THE GATE and liking it so far. That's about it. Catching up on a few bookish podcasts. Hope everyone has a good week.
Thank you all for your comments. And thank you, Lesa, for posting my list. It's always a thrill to see my list in print! And I truly appreciate everyone's recommendations, which have led me to many great books. Here's what I've been reading so far in 2020:
PART I: (my post is too long so I have to separate it into parts): In Susan Wiggs' THE OYSTERVILLE SEWING CIRCLE, Caroline is an up-and-coming fashion designer in NYC who suffers a reversal of fortune and almost simultaneously becomes the guardian of two young children. They are the orphans of her recently deceased friend, a popular runway model. The only way she can survive is to come home to her large family in Washington and try to rebuild her career, trying to acquire parental skills she never knew she'd need. It doesn't help that her childhood friend, Will, who had married her best friend, is living and working in the same town along with his restless wife. I really enjoyed the story and the writing.
I loved Katarina Bivald's first book, The Readers of the Broken Wheel Recommend, so I was looking forward to WELCOME TO THE PINE AWAY MOTEL and CABINS. Which is why I was so disappointed to reach page 240 (of 419) and admit that I was totally bored and didn't care about any of the characters. Henny is killed by a car when she rushes into the street (don't know why and don't care) after making love with Michael, someone she hadn't seen in years, but sticks around as a ghost to try to improve the lives of her friends. There isn't enough back story about Michael to show why he is now acting desolate, and nothing really happens up to page 240 (and beyond?). It's probably just me, so you might like it better than I did. Sorry for the rant.
PART 2: Thanks to Lesa for recommending THIN ICE by Paige Shelton. Author Beth Rivers (who writes under a pseudonym) checks herself out of the hospital after brain surgery to escape to a place where she will be safe from her kidnapper, who is still at large. Her new home is in a remote area of Alaska, where no one will be likely to know her . . . hopefully. The setting is described realistically, with stark but beautiful scenery and neighboring wild animals. Beth still can't remember much about her ordeal, but it starts coming back sporadically. The tiny town has a number of interesting inhabitants, including four women in the halfway house where Beth is renting a room. It's claustrophobic, scary, and engrossing. One mystery is solved at the end of the book, but another is left hanging, so I'm assuming we'll be seeing more of Beth in the future.
OVER THE TOP is another Queer Eye autobiography–this one from grooming expert Jonathan van Ness. There's actually not much about his Queer Eye experience, as most of the book covers his childhood (his parents encouraged his eccentricities) and his battles with drug and sex addiction, leading to his HIV-positive diagnosis. I enjoyed it, but I would have liked more about his more recent experiences.
In Rhys Bowen's excellent new standalone, ABOVE THE BAY OF ANGELS (to be released Feb. 11), Isabella is well educated and from a "good family," but when her parents die and leave her and her younger sister penniless, she is forced to support them by earning money as a servant. By a quirk of fate, she is able to take on a false identity and acquire a job in Queen Victoria's household, which quickly leads to an upgrade to assistant cook (rare for a woman in those days). Bella is a wonderfully drawn character that I couldn't help rooting for. She comes to love her job in Buckingham Palace, and in the queen's hotel in Nice, although she has to overcome threats of blackmail (from the brother of the deceased young woman whose identity she assumed), advances from various randy royals as well as more appropriate suitors, and the accusation of guilt when a character dies of possible poisoning from food she has prepared. I found the book thoroughly delightful, with interesting and diverse characters, a fascinating historical setting, and just enough intrigue to keep the pages turning. Highly recommended.
Sandy, I always find your list interesting because I've seldom even heard of the books. And, you often have eclectic choices.
Kay, I enjoyed The Unhoneymooners because it made me laugh. And, there were some emotional moments. Excellent book, and I'm glad it became popular so I came across it.
A couple notes, Margie – Now, I won't feel bad if I don't get to, or don't like, the Bivald book. Appreciate it! But, I am happy you liked Thin Ice. And, I have a sister who will be very happy you liked Rhys Bowen's book!
What an interesting list, thank you! Some I've read (I loved The Book Charmer and Save Me the Plums), some I have in my TBR pile to read (Ellie and The Harp Maker and Finding Dorothy), and some I wasn't aware of but now can't wait to read – The Widow of Rose House and Harry's Trees both sound like my cup of tea.
What a great list, thank you. Finished the new Michael Connolly Night Fire and I enjoyed it a lot. I did not think it dragged as Kevin Tipple had indicated. Then I read and enjoyed Checked out by Elizabeth Spann Craig – enjoyed it so much that I bought the second one Overdue and it arrived yesterday. Currently reading a puff book Linda Reilly's Escape Claws and it is entertaining. Not sure what is next.
I know, Kaye. Doesn't The Widow of Rose House sound good? My library copy should be here today.
Oh, good, Netteanne! I'm glad you enjoyed Checked Out. And, as to Night Fire, Kevin admitted he had some personal issues with the book. I haven't read it, so I really can't comment.
I should be finishing up THE SILENT SECOND by Adam Walker Phillips today. It’s a different book for me since the time is a bit darker than normal, but I’m enjoying it.
As very much a latecomer to Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache series, I've been working my way through the list and have finally begun A Better Man. It's rare that I "glom" a series these days, since it so often leads to losing appreciation, but Penny continues to intrigue with the complex interweaving of politics, personal issues, bureaucracy, community. The main group of characters continue to develop, and I hope to see more of new potential regulars.
I had won the first two books of Matt Goldman. I really enjoyed reading his books. I received The Shallows for Christmas and devoured it in one day. It was that good. Evie Drake Starts Over was an enjoyable read. I like Catherine Ryan Hyde. Her most recent book that I really liked was Allie and Bea. I've been wanting to read The Book Charmer and Ellie and the Harp Maker. Thank you for the list of books.
Mark, I'm glad you're enjoying the book, since it's a little different from what you normally read.
Welcome, Cyranetta! I'm so glad you discovered, and appreciate, Louise Penny's books. They're so good, but meaty at the same time. Actually, you phrased it much better than I can.
Thank you, Bonnie! I'm glad you appreciated some of the books on Margie's list.
While I didn't like the Michael Connelly book quite as much as the last one, I did like it and found the second half a very fast read.
A nice list, even if I don't think I've read anything on it.
I read:
To Cork or Not to Cork; a history of the cork in wine bottles. It was very interesting,and more timely than ever.
Bangkok 8 by John Burdett; A CIA Agent is killed by a prostitute in a bar owned by the chief of police and the protagonist's mother. He tries to find out what is going on. I'm not sure he ever does.
Pirates of the Cretaceous by Chuck Dixon; Time travellers try to get back from the past. I didn't get too much of a headache.
Saturnalia by Lindsey Davis; An enemy of the empire escapes from custody, in the city itself, whoops!
Bloody Black Flag by Steve Goble; Everybody else read this two years ago. It was really good. An old fashioned cruise ship mystery on a pirate ship.
Let it Burn by Steve Hamilton; Alex McKnight, the dumbest PI out there, goes to Detroit to see if he put the wrong guy in prison.
Lethal Savage by Dave Edlund; Someone put a Five million dollar contract out on Peter Savage. He starts investigating, and finds himself in a whole peck of trouble.
Glen, The only book on your list that I read was Bloody Black Flag, and I liked it, too. I'll never get tired of your commentary about the books.
Sgt. Plantinga’s book is right up my alley. Thanks for posting Margie’s list.
You're welcome, Elgin!
The Book Charmer, The Craftsman, and The Ten Thousand Doors of January were all excellent! The Ten Thousand Doors is number 3 on my top 5 books of 2019!!!!
I may have to add The Ten Thousand Doors to a TBR pile. Thanks, Kim!
Hi – First, I'd like to add my condolences on the death of your husband. I can't imagine how hard that must be.
I've read Reichl's Save Me the Plums and enjoyed it with reservations. Evvie was very entertaining with its twists. Inspector Gamache books have taken us across the country via iPod in the car.
Thanks for the Bangkok 8 by John Burdett recommendation. It's one of the few I could find at a library and am enjoying its complexity.
Martha, I don't know when Margie will drop back in, but I enjoyed your comments. Thank you!