Book Nook Cafe discussion

It's that time of year folks!

Every year at BNC we post our favorite books and the ones that we really disliked.

The books do not have to be published in 2021, only read by you in 2021.

If you could provide a link and a few words on each book that would be great.

So far this year I read 62 books.
28 Fiction
34 Non Fiction

My top rated books were: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Choice: Embrace the Possible - Edith Eger Non Fiction
Inspirational book.

Anxious People-- Fredrik Backman Fiction

Under a White Sky: The Nature of the Future --Elizabeth Kolbert Non Fiction.
⭐This was probably my #1 book of the year.

Squeeze Me--Carl Hiaasen
Fiction
This was a brain candy fluff book. For that genre I found it funny.

Super Learning: Advanced Strategies for Quicker Comprehension, Greater Retention, and Systematic Expertise -- Peter Hollins
Non Fiction

The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X -- Les Payne Non Fiction
Well researched book.

Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know ---Adam M. Grant
Non Fiction
A book I would consider buying or reading again. This is probably the second best book I read this year.

The Housekeeper and the Professor -- Yōko Ogawa Fiction

Sweet Bean Paste--Durian Sukegawa Fiction

=========================================

Books that just did not resonate with me. 😞👎

I usually am very picky in the books I choose to read, so I seldom have to DNF or really hate a book. Still... I didn't rate any books that I finished a 1 ( Awful. Hard pass) so these were 2 rated out of 5 stars
A 2 rating did not meet my expectations. Disappointing . Wouldn't recommend.


Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy--Sheryl Sandberg Non Fiction

The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History--John M. Barry Non Fiction
Repetitive and the writing style were not for me

Bad Monkey--Carl Hiaasen Fiction
This author made my best of and worst lists

Re Jane --Patricia Park
Fiction

The Turnout -- Megan Abbott I was so looking forward to a fiction book where the plot centered on ballet. Full of dance cliché and silly plot.

Greenlights --Matthew McConaughey
So many loved this book. It got a Red Light from me.

The Last Thing He Told Me--Laura Dave Fiction. A Reese book club selection.

Beautiful Country--Qian Julie Wang non fiction

The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph-Ryan Holiday Non fiction. So many say this book is life changing. For me the obstacle was making myself finish it.

Nine Perfect Strangers--Liane Moriarty fiction. Ugh. I've like this author in the past but this was ridiculous.

Territory of Light--Yūko Tsushima Non Fiction. I don't know if it was the translation or what. But I just couldn't summon any sympathy for the mother because of the way she treated her child.

Apples Never Fall--Liane Moriarty Fiction. I don't know what happened to this author. She gets 2 books on my worst list. Sorry, into the penalty box she goes for awhile.

Bewilderment -- Richard Powers Fiction. I was so looking forward to this one but it fell way below my expectations.

There still is a bit of time before 2022 So I may come back and update. Hopefully, it will be a surprise 5 star book.

Here are my best and worst books.

I have a "gut feeling" type of rating.
A 5-star read is one that I was thoroughly entertained by, learned something from and generally enjoyed reading each page.
A 1-star book is one that I really did not like, in my gut.
A 2-star read is "okay" but lacking in something that would make me remember it. It's a forgettable book.

Best (all 5-star):
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind - a look at the history of human kind. I like how it was laid out and how it progressed our history through the ages.

The Scarlet Pimpernel - a fun romp of a story. Pure entertainment.

Woodcarving Magic: How to Transform a Single Block of Wood into Impossible Shapes - I'm an amateur woodcarver. These designs were lovely and true works of art. I don't see myself ever being able to or taking the time to carve one of these projects but I enjoyed studying the pages, the designs and loving them all.

Black Hole Survival Guide (audio) - I enjoyed listening to this book. It's non-fiction and looks at the physics behind black holes. I like how the author (who narrated the recording) brought the subject to life.

All the Devils Are Here - I enjoyed how Family played such a large part in this book (and this series).

_____________________________________

Worst (all 2-star):
I had no 1-star books this year.

Moon of the Crusted Snow - I wanted to like this one. It had all the elements of an exciting read. But it wasn't.

Lands of Lost Borders: Out of Bounds on the Silk Road - this came across as a spoiled, privileged person on a romp.

Hell to Pay (audio) - slow moving story. A perfect 2-star book.....I've already forgotten all the details of the story.

Laughing All the Way to the Mosque (audio) - the humour didn't make it to my brain.

The Poison Tree: A True Story of Family Terror - a true crime murder story....that was dull, uneventful and not worth a book.

Cold Comfort Farm - humorous but told from an arm's length. I didn't feel involved or connected to the story or characters.

Petra wrote: "Best (all 5-star):
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind - a look at the history of human kind. I like how it was laid out and how it progressed our history through the ages...."

Petra, I totally agree on Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

I also gave a top rating to his 21 Lessons for the 21st Century

I'm in the process of making my Determination List of books for 2022. Since the two books by him that I've read were 5 stars, I may put his other book Homo Deus: A History of Tomorrow on it.

Thanks for giving me the idea !

Thanks, Alias, for pointing out his other 2 books. I'll certainly be looking for (and reading) them.

Petra wrote: "Here are my best and worst books.

I have a "gut feeling" type of rating.
A 5-star read is one that I was thoroughly entertained by, learned something from and generally enjoyed reading each page...."


Sapiens is one I've been daunted by, fearing it'd be too bogged down (over my head), but as it's fairly easily available at the library, I'll slot it in under" 2022 or never"; Lost Borders had been on my TBR, but had a feeling it was one of those that'd prove disappointing, so asay it goes.

Here are a few of mine, with a brief note each...

Highly recommended:

A Gracious Plenty by Sheri Reynolds: novel of an outsider in a small town (seen as a grouchy eccentric), with interesting, well-developed characters.

Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin: I believe it's the first of his books I've read (or can recall anyway), proving an outstanding introduction. You want a "classic" American author? You got it! Baldwin fans who haven't read this one should jump it to the head of your TBR.

Nocturne: A Journey in Search of Moonlight by James Attlee:
essay collections often prove an uneven read, but these entries were overall one solid hit after another, keeping to the lunar theme without digression.


Not so hot...

Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher: audio format could've been a factor, but I came away feeling I'd wasted time with an obnoxious celebrity.

Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu: though a short book, I had to force my way through this (failed at) "edgy" story. Try it as a library book if you must, since some readers liked it, but it's one where it fits the "I wish I had the time back I spent reading it" axiom.


Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come: One Introvert's Year of Saying Yes by Jessica Pan: clueless London-based expat's story of her attempts to make friends. At one point she tries her hand at stand-up comedy, announcing to a Scottish audience how much she loves England, which shocked her with its round of booing, provoking a Muttley-the-dog schadenfreude response from Yours Truly.

Top Books I Read This Year
The Chosen
Bellevue: Three Centuries of Medicine and Mayhem at America's Most Storied Hospital
The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women
The Best of Richard Matheson
The Johnstown Flood
The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell
In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash
The Body: A Guide for Occupants
I gave these 5 stars.

I didn't read any truly bad books this year.

Alias Reader wrote: "A 2 rating did not meet my expectations. Disappointing . Wouldn't recommend.

Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy--Sheryl Sandberg Non Fiction..."

I have heard this book mentioned many times in grief discussions and groups since my husband died in 2019, but haven't read it. What didn't you like about it?

In no particular order, these are my top rated for the year:
The Invention of Wings
Anxious People
Dear Edward
American Dirt
Becoming Odyssa: Adventures on the Appalachian Trail

You folks impress me. I went through my list of books read in 2021 and ended up with 23. Now to winnow them down! Next week, that is.

Meanwhile, as Alias mentioned, this is a great way to arrive at a list of books to add to our Determination Lists next year...or just add to our TBR for some future date.

Forgive me for not taking more time now to comment on each list but we are on our way out the door for the holidays. What a delight i will have in rereading them!

Best, no contest: The Glory and the Dream: A Narrative History of America 1932-72. The way he captures so many elements and nuances of this era beyond the political and world events is marvelous! A must-read.

Worst, again no contest: The Call of the Cat Basket --awful. I made it about 1/3 of the way through. Among its many flaws are it's the third in the series (but the first one I picked up), it's told from the point of view of the cat, and three books into the series the cat STILL seems surprised and complains on virtually every page about how the humans can't seem to hear all his dire warnings about the issues they're creating that he's going to have to get them out of. That's the kind of detail that should be mentioned once, alluded to at important moments, and not dwelt upon otherwise. You'd think three books in the cat would have gotten tired of constantly whinging.

John wrote: "Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu: though a short book, I had to force my way through this (failed at) "edgy" story. Try it as a library book if you must, since some readers liked it, but it's one where it fits the "I wish I had the time back I spent reading it" axiom...."


Since I've been trying to read more Asian authors I've had my eye on Interior Chinatown. I've been hesitating as some Amazon reviewers mentioned "style over substance". I think now that it made your 👎 list, I'll pass for now.

John wrote: "Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher: audio format could've been a factor, but I came away feeling I'd wasted time with an obnoxious celebrity.20]: novel of an outsider in a small town (seen as a grouchy ec..."

I saw her perform this one women show back in 2009. It was part of the Roundabout Theater's production at Studio 54. I have to say, seeing it in person, I enjoyed it a lot.

Carrie Fisher - WISHFUL DRINKING- Roundabout theater
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEmEl...

The format (Book, audio book, live performance) can make all the difference.

Julie wrote: "The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell..."

Julie, I've been toying with putting this one on my TBR list.

Julie wrote: "Top Books I Read This Year

The Chosen

Bellevue: Three Centuries of Medicine and Mayhem at America's Most Storied Hospital
"

I agree. I also gave The Chosen 4 stars.

As to books on Bellevue, if you want to read more I enjoyed Weekends at Bellevue: Nine Years on the Night Shift at the Psych E.R. by Julie Holland

John wrote: "Sapiens is one I've been daunted by, fearing it'd be too bogged down (over my head), but as it's fairly easily available at the library,..."

John, if it wasn't over my head, it certainly wouldn't be over yours. It's not a breezy light book that you race through. But a slow thoughtful approach is well worth the effort. I originally purchased the eBook but then decided I wanted to own a hard copy of the book. I thought it was excellent, as my many highlighted passages can attest to.

John wrote:Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin: I believe it's the first of his books I've read (or can recall anyway), proving an outstanding introduction. You want a "classic" American author? You got it! Baldwin fans who haven't read this one should jump it to the head of your TBR..."

I have this one in my TBR notebook. Thanks for the reminder !

Julie wrote: "In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash..."

Because of the title, I have to check this one out. Thanks !

Julie wrote: "In no particular order, these are my top rated for the year:
The Invention of Wings
Anxious People
Dear Edward
American Dirt
====================================

Julie, I see we both put Anxious People on our best of lists.

I read American Dirt last year and agree it's a winner.

I also listened to the audio book of Dear Edward as it was a Read With Jenna book club selection. I thought it was good and gave it 3 stars.

Julie wrote: I have heard this book mentioned many times in grief discussions and groups since my husband died in 2019, but haven't read it. What didn't you like about it?.."
..."

I'm sorry to hear of your husbands passing, Julie.

As for the book, something about the author rubbed me the wrong way. I don't know that the average person could relate to her wealthy and powerful lifestyle. Perhaps also I am not the target audience.

madrano wrote: "Forgive me for not taking more time now to comment on each list but we are on our way out the door for the holidays. What a delight i will have in rereading them! ..."

No apology needed ! Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday.

🎅🎄❄

Jennifer wrote: "Best, no contest: The Glory and the Dream: A Narrative History of America 1932-72. The way he captures..."

This sounds like a book I would enjoy. Thanks for the title, Jennifer !

If you enjoyed this book, I can recommend the Oxford History of the United States Book series. I think there may be 13 books in the series.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxford_...

I read the excellent Freedom from Fear: The American People in Depression and War, 1929-1945 by David M. Kennedy

and I have another book in the series on my TBR
Grand Expectations: The United States, 1945-1974 by James T. Patterson

madrano wrote: "You folks impress me. I went through my list of books read in 2021 and ended up with 23. ..."

I only have 14

It´s great to see what you´re favourite books are. I put some of them on my tbr-list, but sadly it becomes bigger and bigger now and I have no idea how I could read all the books.

So, for my list now. Until now I´ve finished 54 books this year and surpassed my reading goal for this year by far. Reason for that, probably, is also that I read some books from the library that were a bit shorter than the usual ones.

My top three are:
1. To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini
I know that there are many people who don´t like the book, but for me it worked fantastically. I liked the way how science-fiction and fantasy were merged and how well-built the world seemed to be. I loved everything about that book.
2. The Mistborn trilogy: Mistborn Trilogy Boxed Set by Brandon Sanderson
I´ve had this book for a while and I stumbled upon Brandon Sanderson on youtube and thought "let´s read it". And it was worth it: In the first book Sanderson wrote a heist in a fantasy world, and in the latter books he also dealt with overthrowing and reconstituting a new empire while being in struggle for not dying because of a supernatural magical might. I liked the characters, the worldbuilding and the fact that the books were well readable when the story became bigger as many stories then become rather confusing.
3. Place three isn´t that clear as one and three, but I decided for A Darkling Plain by Philip Reeve.
It´s the fourth book of the mortal engines series and though the predecessor wasn´t thaaaat good, this book was a really nice conclusion for the story as most characters appeared again and the story found a nice ending.
My other candidates for place three would have been The Institute and King of Scars

I just noticed that my top three were all fiction. If I would have to choose my favourites of non-fiction-books it would be

Schizophrenie - Die Krankheit Verstehen by Asmus Finzen about schizophrenia. I don´t know if there is an English version. and

Cyberwar – Die Gefahr aus dem Netz: Wer uns bedroht und wie wir uns wehren können, a book about safety problems in the digitalized world.
I just didn´t end up reading that many non-fiction as I wanted to do, so I don´t have here that much to say.


Now to my worst books. I only seldom read really bad books as I only choose books that sound interesting to me. But my worst ones this year probably were:
1. Old Masters: A Comedy in the Graphic Novel version.
I would like to tell you why I didn´t like it, but for that I would have to know what it is about. It is about an old man in amuseum who is visited by a young man and they talk about... philosophical stuff. Something about art, but I can´t tell detailled. I saw that there is also a "normal book", probably that´s better, but the Graphic novel version didn´t get to the point.
Besides that there was no really bad book, but I was a bit disappointed by King of Scars. Seen as an only book it doesn´t have a well designed story, it only works in combination with its successor read directly afterwards. And Die Herrschaft der Orks, a fantasy book with two orcs as protagonist (only available in German) had a writing style I didn´t like.

Alias Reader wrote: "Julie wrote: "Top Books I Read This Year

The Chosen

Bellevue: Three Centuries of Medicine and Mayhem at America's Most Storied Hospital
"

I agree. I also gave The C..."

I have that other Bellevue book on my TBR list.

Alias Reader wrote: "Julie wrote: "In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash..."

Because of the title, I have to check this one out. Thanks !"

If you ever seen the film "A Christmas Story", that is part of the collection of short stories in the book "In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash..." but I enjoyed the other stories too!

Florian wrote: "ISchizophrenie - Die Krankheit Verstehen by Asmus Finzen about schizophrenia. I don´t know if there is an English version. and ..."


Thanks for sharing your list, Florian. It's great that you had very few rotten apples in the bunch.

I think I may have mentioned this. However, if I didn't you may be interested in the non fiction book
Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family by Robert Kolker
--The heartrending story of a midcentury American family with twelve children, six of them diagnosed with schizophrenia, that became science's great hope in the quest to understand the disease.

It's a sad story but I found the book very interesting.

Alias Reader wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Best, no contest: The Glory and the Dream: A Narrative History of America 1932-72. Th..."

I added those two, Alias, and discovered that I already have a third, "Battle Cry of Freedom," but didn't realize it was part of a series.... thanks for enlightening me!

Jennifer wrote:
I added those two, Alias, and discovered that I already have a third, "Battle Cry of Freedom," but didn't realize it was part of a series.... thanks for enlightening me!
-----------------------------------

You're welcome. I hope the others in the series are as well written as the one David M. Kennedy wrote.

@alias: Yea, I've seen the book here in the group. But thanks for the reminder

My best was The Prophets by Robert Jones, Jr.

My worst was Squeeze Me by Carl Hiassen

Kiki wrote: "My best was The Prophets by Robert Jones, Jr.

My worst was Squeeze Me by Carl Hiassen"

Thanks for sharing, kiki !

Here are the links for your books

The Prophets

Squeeze Me

Florian, I liked To Sleep in a Sea of Stars too. 🙂

I will return to this thread later to comment on all the neat and not-so-neat books listed but this post is all about my choices, at last. It took me a long time because i found pleasure in many of the books i read this year. When that happens, it's a challenge to limit my lists. Here goes...

Owls of the Eastern Ice: A Quest to Find and Save the World's Largest Owl--Jonathan C. Slaght. This is set primarily in eastern Russia and relates the story of the author's work to locate, tag and study the elusive Blakiston’s fish owl. But it's so much more, telling about how locals live and how researches adapt. Good, good book.

The Murderer in Ruins--Cay Rademacher. Set immediately after WWII, in Hamburg. Fascinating to see how some people were forced to live in ruins. I'd never read anything about living in the ruins and how life progressed then/there, so it was rewarding. I will read further in the series, as well.

Illuminations--Mary Sharratt. I've long been enchanted by Hildegard von Bingen and this is a fictional look at her life.

Burial Rites--Hannah Kent. What's to dislike about Iceland in mid 1800s? Convicted murderer kept prisoner in small town.

Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century--Jessica Bruder. A look at those who do not have permanent homes or apartments in which to live. Sometimes the reason is personal, more often, it's a matter of economics and being unable to fund living the way the vast majority do. Bruder told the story well, including income prospects, mobile-ish homes used, family and more. Instructive.

The Phone Box at the Edge of the World--Laura Imai Messina. Set in Japan, referring to awful tsunami which devastated northeastern area of nation. It appears a phone booth in the area can connect family with loved ones lost then. This is a book about national healing, imo.

The Mercies--Kiran Millwood Hargrave. Norway coastal town in 1617s, female survivors of a freak tsunami learn to handle farm and shore life. Is it witchcraft?

The Pine Barrens--John McPhee. This is a 20th century book about a part of New Jersey which is as isolated as some parts of the Florida Everglades. It covers the people, the history and fascinating bits.

The Housekeeper and the Professor--Yōko Ogawa. This is about the elationship between a woman and her employer, a retired mathematician. Lovely. It is sweet, striking and memorable.

The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together--Heather McGhee. An economic book about why the US public is often failed by the system. McGhee's points about how economic laws/decisions which originated in targeting a specific race, usually African Americans, truly hurt many others, perhaps even more than the "targets". Fascinating.

As for disappointing books, i can only come up with the neo-modernist novel The Scapegoat--Sara Davis. The writing was fine, but the story ended up in confusion and much left unanswered. In this case, i needed more.

I'll post my list on here once am done my current read which will be my final book of 2021 - falling just 1 book short of my goal . . .

Alias, i was pleased to see we both put The Housekeeper and the Professor on our year's best list. I feel warm inside when i think of it.

Your list of books which failed to click was longer than usual, it seems. This can become quite disappointing. The last time this happened to me was several years ago when my Determination List was more based on what i wanted to read that i didn't realize had been on my list so long, i was truly no longer interested. It's sad that happens.

Still, you had a nice reading year.

Petra, i love the fact that your woodcarving interest can bring one of the books you read to our attention. The idea of woodcarving has long interested me but something to "click" has yet to be found. I'm going to seek this one out.

Pimpernel was a fun ride, so it's cool to see it on your list.

Some of the titles on your "worst" list were a let down. The title Moon of the Crusted Snow was alluring, so i'm sorry to learn you weren't a fan. I may pick it up just because i like the description so much AND it isn't too long. *sigh*

I remember when Cold Comfort Farm was made into a movie and folks ran to read it. I tried & failed to finish it. Although i no longer recall exactly why, your "arms-length" description sounds about right.

I'm glad you shared with us.

John, your comments on the Baldwin are encouraging. I've only read his Notes of a Native Son, which i found wonderful. Why i haven't read more, i cannot say.

Your assessment of Interior Chinatown match mine. I liked the creativity of the presentation but found it too repetitive to make it "good" for me.

Julie wrote: "Top Books I Read This Year
The Chosen
Bellevue: Three Centuries of Medicine and Mayhem at America's Most Storied Hospital
[book:The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of Ame..."

Julie, how good to see Radium Girls on your Tops list because i am on the waiting list for this one.

How lucky to have no real clunkers this year. You seem to choose your books carefully, which may account for this fact. Good for you!

Glad you shared here, too. It's inspiring.

Julie wrote: "In no particular order, these are my top rated for the year:
The Invention of Wings
Anxious People..."

Julie, i'm drawn to the last book on your list, Becoming Odyssa: Adventures on the Appalachian Trail. Thank you for the title. I like reading the comments shared with you about the books in common, as well.

Jennifer, congratulations for completing the William Manchester tome. I read a third, put it down and never resumed. It was detailed and well written but my interest flagged. It's neat to see it listed here. Thank you for sharing about it.

Florian wrote: "Old Masters: A Comedy in the Graphic Novel version.
I would like to tell you why I didn´t like it, but for that I would have to know what it is about. It is about an old man in amuseum who is visited by a young man and they talk about... philosophical stuff. ..."

Florian, it was neat to read your Best List because your enthusiasm for the books/series shines. However, it was description of one of the "worst" was funny! How often is it the case that one can't explain why a book goes under "worst" because it's unclear what the heck happened? Thank you for the laugh.

Kiki wrote: "My best was The Prophets by Robert Jones, Jr.

My worst was Squeeze Me by Carl Hiassen"


Thanks for sharing, Kiki. I smiled that you have that particular Hiassen on your worst list while someone else had it on their best. I think it illustrates how his books can please some readers very much, while others are not pleased at all.

This is one of the joys of reading these lists, i must say. When we read the same titles and can see what others think. Love it!

madrano wrote: The Housekeeper and the Professor--Yōko Ogawa. This is about the elationship between a woman and her employer, a retired mathematician. Lovely. It is sweet, striking and memorable..."

I'm pleased we both had The Housekeeper and the Professor on our best of lists.

Deb, your list is full of titles that aren't very well known. I admire your willingness to follow your own drummer and not the current bestseller lists.

As to only one 👎 book, compared to my 13 two rated books, what can I say. Call me Ms. Hard to Please. Either that or I stick with books I should have DNF.

Though on the plus side, I think this is the first year I didn't have and zero or one rated books. Hmmm. Maybe I'm getting too soft in my old age. :)

Simon wrote: "I'll post my list on here once am done my current read which will be my final book of 2021 - falling just 1 book short of my goal . . ."

Simon, if I recall correctly, you read some very large tomes this year. Still, I know how disappointing it is to fall short when you are so close.

I normally read anywhere from 40-60 books a year. However, in 2011 I read 96 falling short of 100. I've never come close again in the following years.

"Kiki wrote: "My best was The Prophets by Robert Jones, Jr.

My worst was Squeeze Me by Carl Hiassen"
=============
madrano wrote:
Thanks for sharing, Kiki. I smiled that you have that particular Hiassen on your worst list wh..."

I noticed that. I wonder if it's because the book makes fun of Trump and being from the United States I recognized the references the author was making. Since, I believe Kiki is from Italy, maybe she didn't didn't have the same reference points.

I did also note when I originally read the book and posted about it that the book was not for Trump supporters.

Anyway, it's all good. That is what make this thread so fun each year. If we all loved the same books how boring would that be?
Molto noioso, indeed !

madrano wrote: "John, your comments on the Baldwin are encouraging. I've only read his Notes of a Native Son, which i found wonderful. Why i haven't read more, i cannot say.
.."

Yes ! John wrote in post #7
"
Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin: I believe it's the first of his books I've read (or can recall anyway), proving an outstanding introduction. You want a "classic" American author? You got it! Baldwin fans who haven't read this one should jump it to the head of your TBR."
=============================

John, while I was creating the 100 challenge list and scouring the internet, I noticed that Giovanni's Room was on quite a few All Time Best of Lists.

Now it's on my TBR list. Thanks !

I had tons of top reads this year but I am not going to list them all out so I am just going to do the top 10.

In no particular order:

1) Game of the Wolf by William Massa

2) The Key of Ahknaton by Graeme Rodaughan

3) Whiskey Sour by J.A. Konrath

4) Small Town Nightmare by Anna Willett

5) The Devil's Serenade by Catherine Cavendish

6) Savage Island by Brian Moreland

7) Dark Halls by Jeff Menapace

8) Infinite by Duncan Ralston

9) Irish Gothic: Tales of Celtic Horror by Ronald Kelly

10) Grad Night by Carver Pike

Books that were disappointing (dnf books) and will give a reason:

1) Unspeakable by Kevin O'Brien - The book fell flat - it started out great but then went downhill as there was too much character jumping and I just could not stay interested.

2) Blood Related by William Cook - Lots of confusion with this story - it is about a family of serial killers and one of the sons is telling the story from his pov - but most of the time he is in some kind of dream state - I never could figure out what "state" he was in and I stayed confused so I just gave the book a dnf as I was tired of trying to figure out what was going on. (It is a horror fiction story).

3) Stolen Tongues by Felix Blackwell - This book started out great with lots of spooky atmosphere but plunges down into a pit about five chapters into the book. It has received a lot of great reviews, but I felt there was tons of repetition within the storyline and the author actually writes himself into the storyline as the main character. I struggled with it to almost the 40% mark and then I finally laid it down as a dnf.

4) The House of Long Shadows by Ambrose Ibsen - Normally I love this author as he writes creepy ghost stories, but this book dragged so much with this supposed ghost story that I was falling asleep. There wasn't much of a haunting as normally something happens right away with this author's books, but this one was going slower than a bicycle! lol

5) Nightmare House by Douglas Clegg - this was a big disappointment as I have been wanting to read this book like forever - I have owned it since 2017 too - but there was too much confusion as the author would go from 1st person to 3rd person all the time with the characters - it jumped around like that within paragraphs and it broke up the flow of the story. Also tons of world building up to the half way point of the book so the story never took straight off - it just kind of dragged along to the almost 50%. By reading some reviews of this book I saw where other readers had struggled as well so I didn't feel quite so alone in my thoughts on this one.

6) Harvest Home by Thomas Tryon - this was another big disappointment as everyone seemed to like this book, but it just did nothing at all for me. Lots of characters within the story and the book dragged along.

7)Ghost Song by Mark L'estrange - I was very disappointed with this book as I had read a creepy book by him that was awesome. So this one sounded great but then the whole book was "detail overload" as the author went into play by play details with the storyline. The story is within another story as it is about a man that is telling a story to some people in a bar and as he is telling the story he goes into every little detail of his story. The book stayed that way up to around the 30% mark and it was just too much for me so I laid it down.

Those are my wrap up thoughts on bad books. But otherwise I had a good reading year as I read tons of great books this year! :)

Alias Reader wrote: "Though on the plus side, I think this is the first year I didn't have and zero or one rated books. Hmmm. Maybe I'm getting too soft in my old age. :)......"

I guess this is where the term "you old softie" comes from. While i've become more particular in my dotage, i also am willing to abandon books easier than in the past. This may explain my sole disappointment on my list.