Interrupting my radio silence to bring you four seriously stellar reads that made October a banner book month. For my fellow listeners out there, all four narrators are absolute standouts!
Jojo’s outdone herself.
Jojo had me at Me Before You. She’s been one of my go-to girls for a smart beach read ever since. Then she goes and writes a gorgeous literary tale like The Giver of Stars and she’s suddenly in the running for my favorite book of the year. Word has it it’s on Tray’s list too, but I’ll let her tell you all about it when she writes a proper review.
Oprah got this one right.
Not that she has a bad track record or anything. Let me dispense with the small talk and just get right down to it: this book is beautiful. Every word of every glorious sentence. It wrapped me up in heartbreak, inhumanity, and unabashed hope. Rolling Stone called The Water Dancer “timeless and instantly canon-worthy.” Amen.
Dysfunction at its finest.
Family drama may not make for fun Thanksgivings but it sure makes great lit. The Dutch House is my favorite Patchett to date. Do I need to qualify that statement by saying it’s only my second? I may be new to the Ann Patchett show but I’m well on my way to becoming a solid fan.
Bonus: The audiobook is read by Tom Hanks and he’s magnificent. (would you expect less?)
Double Bonus: Read this book and you’ll instantly feel better about your parenting skills.
Ordinary Grace was no fluke.
Crime-writer turned literary aficionado, William Kent Krueger, has delivered once again. For those who worried Ordinary Grace was a one-off, worry no more. This Tender Land proves Kreuger’s got serious literary chops. While he’s yet to rise to the ranks of Doig and Enger, he’s certainly earned a seat at the table.