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My Bookshelf of Things to Read
28
items The good, not so good and great books I have read some from this year, most from years past. As Anne Patchett says “if you haven't read it - it's new to you!”
Sections
4
My 2026 Reading List
The Best of the Best
Fiction read before 2026
You watched the movie/ series - READ the book!
My 2026 Reading List
I was sad to have this book filled with memorable characters end! It was a fantastic read and a fantastic listen - loved the book so much I did both!
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Really enjoyed this book which used a very interesting plot vehicle. Memorable characters. Highly recommend
The Names by Florence Knapp
I read Heart the Lover first and decided I definitely needed to read this one. I was not disappointed. Highly recommend!
Writers & Lovers by Lily King
This is the 2nd Emily Henry book I have read - definitely seems to follow a formula. It was a quick light hearted read. I would give it a solid good.
Funny Story by Emily Henry
This one is on everyones list. Was it my favorite book? No. Was it worth the read - definitely yes. Memorable characters and outstanding prose. I recommend
Theo of Golden: A Novel - Levi, Allen: Books
A thoroughly enjoyable book. Memorable characters and a well told story. This book caused The Cotswolds to land on my bucket list for future travel.
You Are Here by David Nicholls
This is a long read - it took me about 200 pages to really get into the book - but from that point on I was absolutely hooked. My book group just read/discussed this book and it was some of the best book discussion we had in a long time. So many well...
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
Very thought provoking - a woman, married with older children, finds herself at the end of a long battle with cancer and makes some decisions that impact her loved one's journey with her through her final days. Narrated by her husband. Great for Book...
Some Bright Nowhere by Ann Packer
A well told dramatic, thriller - I would call it thriller light … it's a little dark, but more of a character and life exploration. Book begins shortly after the Vietnam War and winds it's way to present day. I found this one hard to put down.
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
“A debut novel that was shortlisted for the 2024 Booker Prize, “The Safekeep” is many things at once — a historical tale, a psychological thriller, a forbidden romance. It is 1961 and the rural Dutch province of Overijssel is quiet. Bomb craters have...
The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden
Really interesting story about 2 brothers - the things we think we know, but really don't - and the complexity of love and relationships. This is a well written, fairly quick read. Again, I highly recommend.
Intermezzo: A Novel - Sally Rooney
If you are looking for a book that gives you a better understanding of the history of Iran from a woman's perspective, this is a good place to start.
The Lion Women of Tehran - Kamali, Marjan: Books
“Aspiring concert pianist Nastya’s left hand has been so badly damaged, she will never play the piano again. What caused the injury has left the 17-year-old traumatized; in fact, she has chosen to become mute and hasn’t spoken a word in more than a y...
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
The Best of the Best
This piece of Historical Fiction takes place in the 1920's in the British Colony of Penang. The writing of this novel was so beautiful it would almost play as a movie in my head as I read. I would love to see it made into a real movie - although that...
The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng
I could not put this 740 page novel down. The character development was exceptional in this book simply about living life in the early 1960's and what we all do and manage to justify to ourselves just to survive.
Songs in Ordinary Time by Mary McGarry Morris
I find the idea of the endless possibilities of life to be intriguing and this novel explored those possibilities incredibly well.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
The resilience of the human spirit and the ability to not only to survive, but to thrive against all odds is truly a miracle. This novel takes a minute to capture you - allow it to unfold. You will not be disappointed and will find characters that wi...
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
I am a big fan of novels with great character development - this one certainly checks that box. It's a coming of age novel that explores the choices we make and the impact they have on who we become. It is actually the 2nd novel in a series - Writer'...
Heart the Lover by Lily King
Fiction read before 2026
I loved reading about these 3 siblings that were as different as siblings can be growing up in NYC. Is the family dysfuntional - yes. Is it realistic - also yes. This book could have used a little heavier hand on the editing, still worth the read.
The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz
C+ Female code breakers working for the US Government in WWII. It was interesting. Not great.
The Women of Arlington Hall by Jane Healey
Overall depressing story. Depressing, unlikeable characters. I wanted to like this more than I did. Short book that I would not have finished if it were any longer. Do not recommend wasting your time with this one.
Rental House by Weike Wang
I thoroughly enjoy Elizabeth Strout novels and this was no exception. A continuation of the characters in the Olive Kitteridge and Lucy Barton books. Memorable plot and characters. Great prose.
Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout
This is probably my least favorite of Kristin Hannah's books. It read a bit like an adaption of *M*A*S*H* rounded out with life in the US on either end. Strong female characters. Good read.
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Beautifully written historical fiction about leprosy in Hawaii in the late 1890s. It is a story of survival against all odds and the beauty of life even in the most undesirable of circumstances.
Moloka'i by Alan Brennert
You watched the movie/ series - READ the book!
This won the Pulitzer Prize for a reason. Wonderful character develpment with a meandering plot. Stays with you long after you finish
Olive Kitteridge - Elizabeth Strout
There is nothing easy about Alzheimer's disease or dimensia. This novel does a fabulous job with character development and the traumatic impact of the disease on the main character and those she loves.
Still Alice: Genova, Lisa
If you watched the HBO series without reading this first - please do yourself a favor and read this! The character development of siblings - twins - and the inherent struggle between one who is well and one who is not is amazingly well done. Almost a...
I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb
If you watched the series - PLEASE read the book. I thought the series was incredibly well done and still think the book was better. Beautifully strong female characters
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus