As I’ve shared with you, I recently went through an anti-reading stage. I don’t know what happened, and it felt horrible, but, for months, I had no interest in picking up a book. I’m still not sure if it was just that I was preoccupied with a million other things or if my attention span was non-existent because of all my time on social media.
Whatever.
Thankfully, my passion for reading has returned with a vengeance thanks to Elizabeth Gilbert, whose latest novel, The Signature of All Things, sucked me in from page one and reminded me of the power of a really great book. I am a huge fan of hers, and fell hard for Eat Pray Love long before it became the book.
THE SIGNATURE OF ALL THINGS is the epic story of Alma Whittaker, who we follow from birth to old age, as she becomes a botanist and leaves her comfortable Philadelphia estate for the wildness of Tahiti in the early 19th century. She is a woman I wish I could know in real life – she’s smart, passionate and definitely ahead of her time. The writing is often breathtaking, and kept me genuinely interested in a subject I’ve never thought much about before. I was completely transported to a different time and place, and emotionally invested in Alma’s life. Although the story left me satisfied at the end, I was still sad to leave it. This is one of those rare books I just may read again … and again.
THE ROSIE PROJECT by Graeme Simsion
I adored this book. Don Tillman, a brilliant but, uh, socially-challenged genetics professor, is one of the most original and utterly charming characters to come along in a long time. When he decides it’s time to find a wife, he goes about it the only way he knows how – scientifically, methodically and accompanied by a 16-page survey. Because love is not quite so matter-of-fact, his life is turned upside down when he meets the dynamic Rosie, who pushes him way out of his comfort zone, makes him re-think pretty much everything he’s always been sure of and completely fails the test for the Wife Project. The book is funny, poignant and quirky, and Don will be the role of a lifetime for some lucky actor
ELEANOR & PARK by Rainbow Rowell
This beautiful, heartbreaking story of first love made me physically ache for these two misfit teens. Told from each of their points of view, they are an unlikely couple, at best, but it’s impossible not to hope the stars will miraculously align for them to be together. The writing is so good and Eleanor and Park are so real, you will relive every emotion you experienced when you fell in love for the first time. You’ll hear in your head every mix tape you ever made for that special someone and you’ll totally forget you’re not sixteen yourself any more.
THE HOUSE ON THE CLIFF by Charlotte Williams
Let the fog roll in and the wind howl outside your window as you settle in with this psychological thriller that reads like a modern day Gothic novel. Psychologist Jessica Mayhew oversteps her bounds and turns sleuth when she learns that her patient’s father may have had something to do with the death of the family’s former au pair. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Jessica is forced to deal with her husband’s adultery and her teenage daughter’s rebellion. As she becomes more involved in potentially dangerous situations, the moody weather of the Welsh coastline isn’t the only thing that will make you pull your blanket in a little bit tighter.
BRILLIANCE by Marcus Sakey
What happens when one percent of the population is born gifted? That’s the question at the heart of this fascinating and thought-provoking thriller. After 1980, one out of every hundred children are born with some exceptional talent and, of course, some of them use that talent at the expense of the rest of the world – like the “brilliant” who forces the stock market to be shut down after he makes himself $300 billion. Who’s good? Who’s bad? Who’s right? Who’s wrong? This suspenseful novel kept me on the edge of my seat as it twisted and turned until the last page which, thankfully, reassures, “End of Book One.” A story that lives up to its title.
Attention, readers! If you want to receive a box of books (which may include one of these), just follow the directions here. It’s the best deal in town!
I like your reviews, Lois. Another blogger has written in-depth about The Signature of All Things, you might enjoy reading her posts: http://mossplants.fieldofscience.com/2013/12/the-mosses-of-her-passion-signature-of.html
I loved The Signature of All Things, too. I’ll add some of these others to my list!
My book group just picked “Eleanor and Park” last night, and I’m looking forward to reading it. “Brilliance” is in my pile – I’ll have to give it a go now that you’ve recommended it.
Thanks for the suggestions. I’m in a reading phase now too. Can’t put down Anna Quindlen’s new book. I loved Eat, Pray, Love – will have to add Gilbert’s new book to my reading list.
I am always looking for good bood to read. Thanks for the recommendations.
I’ve heard that The Signature of All Things is Amazing. I can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the great reviews, I’ve added The Rosie Project to my next kindle order.
“The Signature of All Things” was clearly the best book I read last year; it is a literary masterpiece, in my opinion. A close second is “A Constellation of Vital Phenomena” by Anthony Marra – – don’t let the title scare you off; it is a beautifully written story (yes, it’s fiction) about some individuals in a village during the Chechnyan wars … highly recommended! Both books met my criteria for brilliant literature:
(1) Beautifully written, exquisite use of language
(2) I learned a lot about things I never knew
(3) A story that grabbed me and wouldn’t let go …
Dear Lois
I loved A signature of all things as well….it was really great. I especially liked thinking about her travel on the open water as the only woman for months and months with the crew of men and their food and song and candid speech…I know she kept her sanity with her intelligent mind. That has never left me and the cave scene with what sounded very erotic….
Am presently reading Sue Monk Kidd’s Invention of Wings and I am looking forward to Cathedral of the Wild by Boyd Varty due out soon. I will ponder the other books on your list thank you for these insights.
Thanks, Lois. More books to add to my reading pile. I think I will now need to buy another night table to put next to the one I have that is already filled with books I need to read!
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!
I am ALWAYS searching for great books to read and now that I rarely get a chance to browse a REAL book store, it’s harder to find them. I’ve been in a slump, too, basically because I’ve tapped out my favorite authors and honestly, after reading The Book Thief, which basically blew my mind, I couldn’t find anything to compare. So I’ve been sticking with non-fiction for a while. I can’t wait to lose myself in some of these books you’ve suggested. Thanks again! xo
Also loved “The Signature of all Things”; a re-read to be sure! I am enjoying “Notes from a Blue Bike” by Tsh Oxenreider…and thankful for the cold weather so that I can stay indoors and curl up with this one. Absolutely teriffic and one to add to your list!
Rosie Project is a fast read. It’s thoroughly enjoyable with the voice of Sheldon from “Big Bang Theory” but with his funny search for a wife.
I was in a reading rut recently too. Pre-occupied with early pregnancy/spending time with my head in a bucket.
Anyway, I read The Rosie Project. and loved it. Just what I needed. I’m also reading Eleanor & Park, and after that I want to go through the rest of your list!
Lorna
These all look like great reads! Eleanor & Park will definitely make my must read list. I’ve got a tween and we’re experiencing the pangs of “first love” – hits close to home for me. Thanks for sharing!
First of all, I LOVE the concept behind your blog. Second, I’m a school librarian in my day job so I’m always eager to hear what other people are reading. I just read Eleanor & Park, too, and I loved it!
I love finding new books! After this post, I’ve added The Rose Project and Eleanor & Park to my Goodreads to-be-read shelf! Thanks for sharing.
Lost in Suburbia and the Rosie Project are sitting on my ‘to be read’ shelf right now too!
Hi Lois, I’ve been in that reading rut lately (maybe I need to lay off the social media too, lol) but a few of these books might help. I’ll be adding The Rosie Project, The House on the Cliff and Brilliance to my kindle reading list. Your reviews are wonderful and make them all sound so good. Hope you have a great day! 🙂
I’ve been in need of some book recommendations. I haven’t had much time lately, but I always like to have something on hand (er, on the Kindle) when I do have a few minutes and get through a few pages.
Great suggestions!! I also went through an anti-reading stage. So happy to be out of it now!
This is a great reference for me. I just joined a book club and I’m not a huge reader, so a list like this one will come in handy when it’s my turn to pick the book.
Ooh, I’m adding all of these to my Goodreads list!! Especially Brilliance…sounds really gripping!
I went through an anti book reading phase a few months and now I’m on a mission to read my height in books! I really want to read Te Rosie Project and Eleanor&Park!
I too loved Eat, Pray, Love; I definitely need to get my hands on her new book!
These books ought to keep your attention for a bit. You picked out some winners. I need to get back to reading, I really love it, just need to make time for it.
I haven’t picked up a book in a while, and I was just thinking the other day how I much I’ve missed getting lost in a good book. Thanks for the recommendations, I’m going to have to check these out.
I just went through a reading phase, and The Rosie Project is next on my list. Thanks for the recommendations!
Yay! I am always looking for new book ideas to try out. And don’t worry about taking a break from reading. I am a huge book nerd – even have my masters degree in literature – and there are still times I just can’t get interested in reading.
I’ve been looking for some new books to read. I also took a short break. Sometimes I read voraciously and then feel guilty about all the time it sucks up and take a break for awhile. It’s always nice to come back fresh after a reading hiatus though.
Love getting book recommendations from you, Lois! Another bookie friend highly recommended Eleanor and Park so that is on my list.
I have been wanting to read “The Signature of All Things” for quite some time now… since it first came out. Thanks for the kick in the pants as incentive! 😉