I read quite a lot of books this year. There were a few hits and misses, but I read some of the best books. I loved reading these books; here are my favorites-
- Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.
I loved reading this book. The characters of Jane and Mr. Rochester have a beautiful love story though it falls in somewhat of a grey area at times. The way the book is written is engaging, and the story moves forward at a good pace. It keeps you hooked.
- A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams.
This play was simply amazing. The story and the characters were something different entirely. It has gritty and dark elements to the story which are subtly woven throughout the plot. Once I started reading this play, it was difficult to put it down. The story strikes a nerve with the reader in an unexpected way. It is one of the best plays I have ever read.
- Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelley.
Another story set during World War II, follows three women, Caroline, Kasia, and Herta. This novel is based on true events but with the inclusion of a few fictional characters. It was difficult to read the book sometimes because it gets very heavy. In the end, it is worth it. It is a heartbreaking and inspiring story, written beautifully with amazing characters at the helm.
- 1984 by George Orwell.
Reading 1984 was kind of an eye-opening experience for me. The world George Orwell created is messed up and dystopian yet some aspects of it are now a part of our lives. The way the story is narrated keeps you on edge waiting for something to happen. It is a must-read.
- Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro.
One of the best dystopian fiction books I have read. Never Let Me Go for me was surprisingly emotional as well as disturbing. I couldn’t predict what was going to happen and though it gets heavy in its subject it remains engaging. The novel is dystopian and has a grounded setting; it resembles the world we know with slight differences. It is a book everyone should read at least once.
- We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter.
We Were the Lucky Ones is a historical novel set during World War II. It is a true story of the Kurc family. It is beautifully written with different family members acting as a narrator that gives a complete sense of the harrowing times. It is an emotionally heavy read yet the ending has a hopeful tone to it.
- A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry.
A Fine Balance is set in India during the 1975 Emergency period. Mistry, through four characters from different backgrounds, shows the effect this period had on people. The bond these people form and the trials they face individually add intensity to the story. The novel is long but it never gets dull. It focuses on the characters and the effect on their lives instead of getting political.
- My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult.
I read this book just last month. It is really sad and heartbreaking. I enjoyed the way the story is told by using major characters as narrators. This gave me insight into situations from varied perspectives which is necessary for a story where there is no way of knowing what exactly is right or wrong. It’s a beautiful family story.
- Perfect Regret by A. Meredith Walters.
This is one of my favorite love stories I have read in recent times. Garrett and Riley seem to have nothing in common yet they have a level of understanding with each other. The concerns Riley has about Garrett seem justified enough though she can be a bit harsh sometimes. Their bond develops slowly and steadily which I liked. The characters feel real and grounded. It was such an enjoyable read.
- Almost Heaven by Judith McNaught.
Almost Heaven is a historical romance. The story follows Ian and Elizabeth’s love story. Their love story is passionate, adventurous, and dramatic. I had fun reading this book. I finished it over one weekend because I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. I felt immersed in Elizabeth and Ian’s love story.
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Books and blues 