According to my records, I read 48 books last year. For the last couple of years, I read 38 books over the course of a year, so go me for reading more!
I’ve talked about most of these books in my newsletter, but they were good enough that I wanted to talk more about them in this year-end review.
Now, do I recommend these books to every single reader? Of course not. I liked them. I will try to give you the reasons why I liked them. From there, make your own opinion. My taste may or may not match up with yours.
Enjoy!
All Boys Aren’t Blue – George M. Johnson
Even though this book wasn’t written for me (older white female) it was very interesting to read from such a different perspective. It’s written for young black gay men, who don’t have enough of a role model, no one to identify with. I have lots of representation in our culture. Others don’t, so this is an important book that way. The essays were very accessible and easy to read. I will admit to being a little disappointed, but that’s just my taste—I prefer essays that are more literary.
I would still recommend it, particularly if you have someone in your life who needs additional validation that they are not alone, that other people see them.
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries – Heather Fawcett
This was a delightful book told mainly in journal style. I got it when I saw a Bookbub deal for it, so I didn’t have to pay full trad pub price for it. I thoroughly enjoyed the magic and the situations. I liked the characters and how they interacted. It isn’t a heavy read. Just lots of fun.
Nettle & Bone – T Kingfisher
I bought this, again, I think via a Bookbub deal, so I didn’t pay full price for it. I found the beginning of it difficult to get through. I’m not sure why—too much expository writing, not enough happening? Plus, there were some really hard bits for the characters to get through. Once I got through the first third of the book, though, I was swept up in the story. This is a lovely, semi-traditional fairytale, that takes well-known tropes and puts a spin on them.
Beware of Chicken – Casualfarmer
I love this series. Flat out love it. The third book just came out and I ended up re-reading all three of the books, which is something I never do. I just find this such a comfort read, so silly and yet profound. It’s a cultivation book, a good one in its field.
To Flail Against Infinity – J.P. Valentine
I always think of this book as the accidental Buddhist book. The main character didn’t set out to become a Buddhist, but kind of did in the end. It’s a science fiction cultivation book, also something of a LitRPG book, with people gaining levels and skills. I remember questioning the writing about a third of the way in, feeling as though the protagonist was doing it wrong. Then, the next chapter, the emotional arc was picked back up and it was lovely validation.
A Deadly Education – Naomi Novak
This is another book that for me, had such a slow start. There was so much background and detail and world-building that needed to be shoveled in first, before the story could really get moving. I got this book from the library, so I sort of had a deadline to finish it. I’m glad that I stuck with it, glad that I not only finished this book but the other two in the series as well.
Tress of the Emerald Sea – Brandon Sanderson
I loved the asides in this book, though I know some people hate those sorts of things. I liked the world and the magic combined with science. I liked the characters and guessed some of the plot twists early on. This was one of the unnamed four books that Brandon Sanderson had for his Kickstarter. I enjoyed this one tremendously. (I sampled the second one. Not my cup of tea. Have samples of 3 & 4, will get around to them sometime.)
A Coup of Tea – Casey Blair
This was another entire series that I truly adored. And remember, I’m not one for romance or court intrigue. But the romantic parts were gently told, the attraction was intelligent, and the court stuff was interesting. I really dig smart characters. This entire series was great for that—the characters would point out the obvious, and then move on to the next step in the puzzle. I’d recommend this entire series.
Od Magic – Patricia A. McKillip
Again, old school fantasy, with a made-up world brimming with made-up magic. I liked the characters, the world, the situations. It was a little simplistic, but honestly, I feel as though that’s partly the age of the story. Things tend to get more complicated in more modern stories. I’d still recommend it. Patricia A. McKillip is one of the writers who heavily influenced my work.
And that’s it! Stay tuned for more recommendations over the next year.
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