2013 had to be the best year ever for reading books. From discovering new authors and to losing my fear of reading Stephen King, I made great strides in my love for reading. I meant to write this last week or the week before. But today is quiet enough where I am able to think about all of those wonderful books I unearthed in 2013.
I hate to list which one was my favorite. But it’s relatively simple. My two favorite books of 2013 are by my two favorite authors: Luanne Rice and Kate Kerrigan (Morag Prunty) –THE LEMON ORCHARD by Luanne and LAND OF DREAMS by Kate. These two books I had eagerly awaited with much anticipation and was not disappointed by either. After reading THE LEMON ORCHARD, I felt deeply moved by this story of love and loss and reconnecting with the past and what we lose sometimes is what does matter the most. I don’t want to reveal the plot too much here because you must, must read it for yourself. This book is also encompasses the power of love, hope and how the human spirit can always rebuild again.
LAND OF DREAMS by Kate Kerrigan just simply rocked for me. Maybe it’s the fact that I already loved Ellie from ELLIS ISLAND and CITY OF HOPE or it could even be the fact I love old Hollywood and the stories that unraveled there for Ellie and her family. Either way, I just loved it to pieces and felt a bit of sadness to think I would not be reading Ellie’s next journey again…unless there is a fourth installment?~! That would make my 2014 seem absolutely delightful!
If you didn’t have a chance to read THE LEMON ORCHARD or LAND OF DREAMS, I suggest adding these to your reading list for 2014. (Do read ELLIS ISLAND and CITY OF HOPE first, since they are in a trilogy set.)
Two new authors that I discovered and will now be a devoted fan always:
Who are these authors? Beth Hoffman, author of SAVING CEECEE HONEYCUTT and LOOKING FOR ME & Phyllis Theroux, author of THE JOURNAL KEEPER.
These three books are also at the top of my list for 2013. Phyllis Theroux’s THE JOURNAL KEEPER is definitely one you do not want to miss. Especially if you are a writer. Phyllis also lists numerous books that she suggests reading in the back of this fascinating book.
CeeCee and LOOKING FOR ME struck a deep chord within and I felt myself buried amongst the pages without wanting any disruption from my reading. I hate to compare and choose which one between these two, which I don’t think I will…read both.
Phyllis and Beth have now been added to my must read authors that I will follow down any dark corridor in order to read what they write next.
And Stephen King??
Wow~ ! That’s what I have to say after reading 10 of his novels in 2013. I had been too frightened I thought to read his work. But after reading Phyllis Theroux’s reading recommendations, I soon found myself reading his book ON WRITING, which is half memoir/half craft. I soon realized I would just have to bite that fear and read one of his books…which I did. I remember specifically reading MISERY in one sitting with much glee. I had so much fun reading that book, I literally ran between my husband’s office and our bedroom with updates of what was happening next. (Yes, I saw the movie, but the book had so much MORE to it and there was so much more to love about the suspense in this book!)
Some other favorites of the year:
LOVE AND THE GODDESS by Mary E. Coen
SIGNATURE OF ALL THINGS by Elizabeth Gilbert
LIFE OF PI by Yann Martel
BEATRICE and VIRGIL by Yann Martel
WHERE LIFE TAKES YOU by Claudia Y. Burgoa
LITTLE BEE by Chris Cleave
THE PARIS WIFE by Paula McLain
OLIVE KITTERIDGE by Elizabeth Stout
MARGARET FROM MAINE by Joseph Monninger
THE SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK by Matthew Quick
My favorite memoirs were by Anne Morrow Lindbergh, AGAINST WIND AND TIDE and Pearl S. Buck’s MY SEVERAL WORLDS.
I look forward to the New Year of 2014 with much excitement to read more this year and to find books that can show and reveal to me a world I could not access here but only in my imagination. Keep reading and most of all, keep buying books. Happy New Year!
