WHIRL (What Have I Read Lately) Books is a site for readers to find books for themselves and their book clubs. Liz at Literary Masters runs book groups and literary salons where we "dig deep" into literary treasures.

Monday, December 2, 2013

More Best Books!

OK, I realize that I am a week late with this NY Times link (click here) of Notable Books of 2013, but it was Thanksgivukkuh!  Anyway, lots of ideas for books to read and to give as gifts.  Literary Masters book groups and salons have already read and discussed two books from the list: Americanah and The Woman Upstairs.  One of these days I will get around to reviewing each of these wonderful novels--and I will fill you in on the riveting discussions that we had!

This month we are reading another novel that made the NY Times list: We Are Completely Beside Ourselves.  And our LM selection for May is The Lowland.  Hmm...do you think the NY Times consulted the Literary Masters list of titles for our 2013/14 season before posting their notable books list?  You can check it out also on my website; just click here.

I've read some of the others.  I must say, the James Salter novel disappointed me (I heard a collective gasp just now), but I really liked The Dinner and have recommended it to many people.  I loved The Circle and think it is a fabulous book for discussion as it raises many pertinent issues.  It's NOT sci-fi if it's happening to us right now for real!

I didn't love Kate Atkinson's Life After Life as much as everyone else apparently has, but it is a good enough read.  I didn't think Schroder measured up to the hype.

Tenth of December: yes, do read it.  Ditto The Son, if for no other reason than to tell me what you think of it!

Here are the books on this list that I really want to read and that I hope find their way into my Christmas stocking (are you listening, Santa?):

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt.  Her first novel The Secret History is one of my favorite books, and I am so looking forward to reading her latest, which is getting rave reviews all around.

The Good Lord Bird by James McBride, which just won the National Book Award.

The Sound of Things Falling by Juan Gabriel Vasquez

Dirty Love by Andre Dubus III

I have just started A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra, but I fear I will have to return it to the library before I finish it!

Stay tuned for more end of the year "best books" lists to come!