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Best Books of January 2020
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Title: Know My Name: A Memoir
Author: Chanel Miller
Rating: 5 Stars
Format: Audio
ATY Prompt: Side Read
Reason Why It Was the Best:
This book just knocked me over. It was a tough listen, but so important, and it made me feel so much anger and rage and sadness and empathy and horror at the injustices that Chanel faced from the start of her journey to the end. I'm glad I listened to it on audio, because her emotional reading of her story really made it more impactful. Definitely recommend it on audio, but make sure you have some lighter reads to mix in with it because it is very heavy.
- Title
Little Fires Everywhere
- Author
Celeste Ng
- Rating
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5 stars!
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio)
ebook
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable)
Form of transport on the cover
- Brief reason why it was the best
It gave me a book hangover. I was just really engrossed with all of the characters. Celeste made me feel something for all them. This is a book I'll be thinking about even days after I've already finished it.
Here are the reviews of my other January reads.
Already, I'm struggling to pick just one!Title: Strange the Dreamer
Author: Laini Taylor
Rating: 5 stars
Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Print
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): It wasn't for ATY, but it was for a prompt in a different challenge: A book set in multiple locations
Brief reason why it was the best: I had to pick this book as the best because it was one I was so intimidated to pick up! I love Laini Taylor's writing but it can be dense, so I was hesitant to even start this duology. I'm so glad I did though, because I loved it! The characters were fascinating and I loved the world-building.
Title: Diary of a SomebodyAuthor: Brian Bilston
Rating: 5 stars
Format: Audio
ATY Prompt: #42 as nominated for the Costa or #25 related to the arts or #52 related to time
Reason Why It Was The Best:
This is a fictional account of the diary of "Brian Bilston" an aspiring poet whose New Year's resolution is to write a poem a day in his diary. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Seriously, download a kindle sample, read the first couple of days' entries and you'll be hooked on Brian's wry wit and charm.
The poems are hilarious, the characters he meets are larger than life, the audio narrator is amazing if you go for that format. The plot across the year is pacy, has heart-wrenching and heart-warming twists and turns and without giving any spoilers, finishes with the most satisfactory conclusion to a book I think I have ever read.
I would never have guessed that my favourite book of the month would have astrological haikus, an exorcism, and the man at number 29 who can't get his bins out on the right day.
Title: We Cast a Shadow
Author: Maurice Carlos Ruffin
Rating: 5 Stars
Format: Audio
ATY Prompt: Side Read
Reason Why It Was the Best: A brilliant satirical book that looks at what lengths a parent will go through to protect their child, and the fine line African Americans are being forced to walk between choosing respect for themselves and their survival. I highly recommend the audiobook as the narration is phenomenal and so full of life.
- Title
Red, White & Royal Blue
- Author
Casey McQusiton
- Rating
5 Stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio)
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable)
From the 2019 Goodreads choice awards
- Brief reason why it was the best
It is so hard to do a fun light-hearted book surrounding a powerful message/topic. This achieves that. I couldn't put this down.
Title: Plum RainsAuthor: Andromeda Romano-Lax
Rating: 5+ stars!
ATY Prompt: #32- Related to 2020 Olympics (Set in Japan)
Why it was the best: It’s an engaging story with a mixture of the future (2049) with the past, women’s issues, 3 interesting characters including 2 women and a social companion robot, plus wonderful writing!
- Title: Recursion
- Author: Blake Crouch
- Rating: 4.75
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): Not sure yet, but likely the geographic design one
- Brief reason why it was the best: Recursion is a riveting science fiction read based on an interesting premise: by trying to restore memories for Alzheimer's patients, scientists find a way to time travel through memories. I flew through it in a couple of nights because it was so engaging.
Title: The Bear and the Nightingale
Author: Katherine Arden
Rating: 5 stars!
Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Audiobook (Libby)
Brief reason why it was the best: The scenery and characters are rich and powerful, it's a darker fairy tale/fairy tale retelling and I was sucked in by just the first chapter. Can't wait to read the 2nd and 3rd book.
- Title Where the Crawdads Sing
- Author Delia Owens
- Rating 4 stars
- Format Audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for It was my only side read for the month.
- Brief reason why it was the best. I loved the listening to Cassandra Campbell. A good narrator can make a good story even better.
- Title: Pretty Girls
- Author: Karin Slaughter
- Rating: 4.5 stars
- Format: Audio
- Brief reason why it was the best: I'm crediting this book as THE reason I'm getting into thrillers more this year. It was so engaging and I loved the family dynamic between the two sisters.
- Title:
A Great Deliverance - Author: Elizabeth George
- Rating: 4.75 rounded up to 5
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio:) Print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable):
5. The first book in a series that you have not started
- Brief reason why it was the best:
I like the interaction of Inspector Lynley and Detective Havers. Great characters, plot and setting. I love mysteries set in England.
I had three 5 star books in January so bare with me!Title: Wonder
Author: R. J. Palacio
Rating: 5 stars
Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Print
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): A book with a title that doesn't contain the letters A, T or Y
Brief reason why it was the best: It was a really easy read, but also quite emotional. I think I placed myself in the boots of Auggie, having been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 3 and always being a bit different in school because of it (I know it's not quite the same but still)
Title: The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of September 11, 2001
Author: Garrett M. Graff
Rating: 5 stars
Format (Print, eBook, Audio): eBook
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): A book that you are prompted to read because of something you read in 2019
Brief reason why it was the best: Very informative book for someone like me who grew up in the UK and was also too young to remember 9/11. Again, another emotional book but I think it's important that we share what happened on that day and share how people felt during and in the aftermath of the event
Title: The Word Is Murder
Author: Anthony Horowitz
Rating: 4.5 stars but for the sake of Goodreads, 5 stars
Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Print
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): The first book in a series that you have not started
Brief reason why it was the best: Very different from any other crime/thriller book that I've read in the sense that Anthony Horowitz made himself one of the main characters. It also wasn't obvious who the killer was until the very end
Title: Borne
Author: Jeff Vandermeer
Rating: 5 Stars
Format: Print
ATY Prompt: Without A, T, or Y in the title
Reason Why It Was the Best:
Jeff Vandermeer really isn't for everyone. I understand and accept the criticisms of his Southern Reach trilogy. That said, if you like his writing, you'll love Borne. It is a beautiful example of one of my favorite genres: weird lit. I love his creativity and imagination. The post-apocalyptic world, the bizarre characters and concepts, it all kept me so engaged. I'm still thinking about the book a month later.
My favorite this month was Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ebook (but I loved the audiobook of another of his books)
AtY 3: prompted by something I read last year - the aforementioned Medicine Walk
This book was beautiful and sad, but ended on a hopeful note. If you want to understand more about residential schools and their impact on native communities, it’s a great choice.
Long Bright River by Liz Moore
Rating: 5 Stars
Format: print
ATY Prompt: A book published in 2020
Brilliant, emotive, unputdownable. So so so fantastic!
I Still Dream by James Smythe
Rating: 5 Stars
Format: print
ATY Prompt: A book by an author whose last name is one syllable
Thought provoking and heart breaking. A brilliant philosophical discourse on technology and identity. Such a powerful well written book.
- Title The Grendel Affair
- Author Lisa Shearin
- Rating 4 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio) print (library book)
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) x
- Brief reason why it was the best A fun start to a new UF series that has very likable characters, an easy to read writing style and really cool monsters :) While I read some 5 star books last month I chose this one as my favorite, because it kicks off a new series that I've now been binge reading and all of it is brilliant!
My best read for January has to be Title: Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania
Author: Erik Larson
Rating: 5 Stars
Format: Print
ATY Prompt: #27 A history or historical fiction
Reason Why It Was the Best:
I knew about the sinking of the ship, and the heavy loss of lives, but was unaware of the number of survivors. I also had no idea about the politics behind this disaster. I liked that the author gave us some of the background of some of the passengers, which made it more than just a book of facts. I found the information on the first submarines quite humourous , with the description of the crew have to run forwards and backwards to spread the load and keep the U-boat stable.
Title - Stay With Me
Author - Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format - Hardcover
ATY Prompt - A book by an author whose real names you're not quite sure how to pronounce
Brief reason why it was the best - I have not read that many books in January, but this was a very good book nonetheless. The writing is strong, realistic character work, an insight into traditional Nigerian family politics and a beautiful story about motherhood. The only reason I have not given it five stars is because I felt a little let down at the end - though I do not know what changes I would make, personally I did not feel sufficient impact. I still would wholeheartedly recommend this.
This was a packed reading month for me, yay! And incredibly I ended up with three 5-star reads. Title - Half of a Yellow Sun
Author - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Rating - 5 stars
Format (Print, eBook, Audio) - eBook
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) - A book by an author whose real name(s) you're not quite sure how to pronounce
Brief reason why it was the best - Adichie writes beautiful prose and I really felt for the characters in the book. I also learned about Biafra.
Title - Blowout: Corrupted Democracy, Rogue State Russia, and the Richest, Most Destructive Industry on Earth
Author - Rachel Maddow
Rating - 5 stars
Format (Print, eBook, Audio) - eBook
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) - A book inspired by a leading news story
Brief reason why it was the best - Maddow tells fascinating little stories that make a huge point, and she ties together things that I did not know were connected. Great analysis, and I have a deeper understanding of current events now.
Title - The Unwomanly Face of War: An Oral History of Women in World War II
Author - Svetlana Alexievich
Rating - 5 stars
Format (Print, eBook, Audio) - eBook
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) - A book related to one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse (war, plague, death, famine)
Brief reason why it was the best - These stories of real women at war, told in their own words, were deeply moving.
I read 9 books for the month & I gave 7 four stars. I didn’t have 5 stars this month. I was torn between using Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy or The Widows of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey to answer this question. Favorite read for January The Widows of Malabar Hill
Author Sujata Massey
Format ebook
ATY prompt used, book with a geometric geometric pattern or element on the cover.
Reason why I liked the book. It is set in Bombay India during the 1920’s. Perveen Mistry is the first female solicitor in India working at her father’s law firm. She is from a respected Zoroastrian family. Perveen has a past that the reader finds out about in flash backs. The law firm represents 3 widows of Muslim faith living in purdah. Because of her past history & her current status as the only female lawyer in India she is a champion of female rights. I really liked the female voices in the book. I also liked her father because he stands by Perveen giving her opportunities many fathers at the time wouldn’t have done.
I love this idea and seeing what other people have read. I read 8 ATY this month and 5 free-that's a lot for me so I'm off to a strong start. Two five star reads, but I try to choose a month fav.
The other five star was The Trouble with Goats and Sheep
Best:
- Title: Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love
- Author: Jonathan Van Ness
- Rating: 5 star
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): A book featuring an LGBTQIA+ character or by an LGBTQIA+ author
- My Review:I'm a fan of Gay Eye, but JVN is probably my least fav of the five. I like Tan who is more calm and reserved. But, when this book won the GR awards and showed up at my library, I thought why not? The book reads very strongly in his voice- I loved the inflections and cultural touchstones. What I didn't expect was how hard his life was-not just the childhood bullying growing up in a small conservative town, but the really dark experiences in his adult life. Raw journey indeed! To come out the other side as positive as he presents is so inspiring. It look like a lot was accomplished with therapeutic help and good on him! I would give this four stars but I enjoyed it so much it's five stars baby Queen!
- Title: Their Eyes Were Watching God
- Author: Zora Neale Hurston
- Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Format: Audiobook narrated by Ruby Dee
- ATY Prompt you used it for: 47. A classic book you've always meant to read
- Brief reason why it was the best:Powerful voice and imagery!
- Title 57 Bus- Author Dashka Slater
- Rating 4 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio) eBook, love OverDrive
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) #6, book with mode of transportation on the cover
- Brief reason why it was the best I appreciated how effectively it covered a really broad range of issues affecting folks on all sides of the incident. I also live in Oakland, so it gave me some interesting perspective on my town. I don't think I would have read this book (at least not any time soon) if not for this challenge, so it's also helping me appreciate the range and depth of the prompts!q
Title - Flowers for Algernon
Author - Daniel Keyes
Rating - ★★★★★
Format - Audiobook
ATY Prompt - 15. A book set in a global city (New York)
Reason - This was a reread and I loved it just as much the second time around. It's such a heartbreaking story and it really gets under your skin. It highlights how mean people can be towards those less fortunate, and it also illustrates how ambitious and forward thinking science can be. It also touches on the pressure society puts on everyone to be a certain way. It's honestly such a rounded experience and I'd recommend this to every single person.
- Title
The Tattooist of Auschwitz
- Author
Heather Morris
- Rating
5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio)
Print (very unusual for me but I borrowed it from the library)
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable)
40. A book with a place name in the title
- Brief reason why it was the best
It was both fascinating and horrifying getting into Auschwitz.
My first book of the month (year, decade!) was also my best - it was all downhill from there. 🤣Title The Wall
Author Marlen Haushofer
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format (Print, eBook, Audio) Audio (but that's only because it was the only way I could find it here).
Brief reason why it was the best Although I can totally see why people would find it dull, I was totally captivated and found it really compelling. It was fascinating watching the character develop throughout the book.
I like this idea of a monthly look back!!Title Miracle Creek
Author Angie Kim
Rating 5 stars
Format (Print, eBook, Audio) audio
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) not for this challenge
Brief reason why it was the best I love books with lots of "grey areas" - this book is multiple POVs, and each POV shows you a different aspect of the story. The characters are all flawed in various ways. I found the mother-daughter relationship between Mary & Young to be very relatable . Plus, there was a mystery to be solved (the mystery was just an excuse for the book, not the reason for the book, if that makes sense).
I read 6 books in January, my favorite was: Small Country by Gael Faye
Five Stars
Borrowed from Library (a goal this year is not to buy any books!)
This book was beautifully written. I enjoyed getting a different view of the horrendous genocides that took place in Rwanda, in particular from the perspective of a young boy coming of age during that time.
- Title Brideshead Revisited- Author Evelyn Waugh
- Rating Five stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio) ebook
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) A book with a placename in the title
- Brief reason why it was the best Beautifully drawn characters who felt very real to me.
Title: A Magical InheritanceAuthor: Krista D. Ball
- Rating: Five stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): ebook
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) A book in a series you haven't read
- Brief reason why it was the best: Great setting (Regency England with a magical twist), great characters (women discovering their occult powers), and an engaging plot (women doing magic in an era where men believe women are too weak/stupid to do magic). Hope the next volume comes out soon!
Title: The Calculating StarsAuthor: Mary Robinette Kowal
Rating: 5
Format: Audio
ATY Prompt you used it for: The first book in a series that you have not started
Brief reason why it was the best:
I loved the alternate history setting which created circumstances in which women could be more involved in the space programme. After reading/watching Hidden Figures it was nice to see the computers having more opportunity, although the book still shows the sexism and racism present at the time. I also loved the author's narration of the audiobook.
Title: Spinning SilverAuthor: Naomi Novik
Rating: My first 5 star book of 2020! (and the only one so far)
Format: Paperback
ATY Prompt you used it for: N/A, used for the Popsugar prompt 'a book with bronze, silver or gold in the title'
Brief reason why it was the best: I loved the different POVs and how the same events could be interpreted differently by different characters. I also loved how in-depth all the POV characters were, I genuinely felt for all of them and cared about what happened to them.
I have added a few of the listed books to my Want To Read shelf!I had 3 - 5 star books this month but looking back and comparing I'm only adding two here.
- Title Stay with Me
- Author Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀
- Rating 5 stars
- Format Audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for - NY Times 100 Notable Books
- Brief reason why it was the best: This is a book I most likely would not have picked up without the prompt. The story follows a Nigerian couple through issues of not being able to have children. The culture is what I enjoyed most about the book.
- Title The Water Dancer
- Author Ta-Nehisi Coates
- Rating 5 stars
- Format Audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for: Place/Time I wouldn't want to live
- Brief reason why it was the best - Loved the writing in this book.
Such a great idea for a thread although I feel my TBR expanding again!I had three 5-star reads this month but I want to highlight one in particular that is my overall favourite.
Title: Wilder Girls
Author: Rory Power
Rating: 5-stars
Format: Hardcover
ATY Prompt: #4 - a book set in a place or time you wouldn't want to live
Brief reason why it was the best: Uniquely weird and atmospheric Lord of the Flies-influenced story that celebrates the resiliency and power of girls. I loved it! It really is a blend of mystery/thriller/horror but I am cautious about who I recommend it to because this book is not for everyone. For example, if you are a cozy-mystery fan because you love solving problems but don't like graphic violence or body horror, this story is not for you.
Agree with everyone, this is a great idea!Title: Honolulu
Author: Alan Brennert
Rating: 5 Starts
Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Paperback
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): #1, A book without A, T, or Y in the title
Brief reason why it was the best: It was a great historical fiction story of Honolulu in the early 1900s and showed that not everything was as glamorous and beautiful as it is often portrayed. There were a lot of fighting and injustice towards many ethnic groups (Native Hawaiians, Koreans, Japanese, Chinese, etc.) and the White people and Naval personnel were seen as the elites. There are some tough subjects portrayed (abuse (spousal, physical, emotional), miscarriage, prostitution) so it may be not for everyone.
Yes I love this idea!Title: A Curse So Dark and Lonely
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Rating: 5 stars
Format: Ebook
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): Emotion in the Title
Brief reason why it was the best: It's a YA retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I usually enjoy YA Fantasy Romance a lot even when there are glaring flaws, but this had all the things I love about the genre and very none of those obnoxious tropes (I don't want to mention these by name in case of spoilers!).
Title: The Sarah BookAuthor: Scott McClanahan
Rating: 5 stars
Format: Print
ATY Prompt you used if for (if applicable): A book that can be read in a day
Brief reason why it was the best: I read this novel for a book club at my local independent bookstore, which sparked excellent and eye-opening discussions. The author's pain, depression and experiences were eloquently written. He captured what it's like to lose someone you love, go through a divorce and the timeline of a relationship.
I like this idea!- Title - Autumn
- Author - Ali Smith
- Rating - 5 stars
- Format - Print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): A book by an author on the Abe List (list of 100 women authors)
- Brief reason why it was the best: It's the first of four "seasonal 'state-of-the-nation'" works set in a post-Brexit world. On its face it's the story of an unusual, platonic relationship between a much older man and younger woman. But I really loved the writing style and how the author blended that more personal story with comtemporary issues like aging, bureaucracy, the immigrants' plight, the failing economy, and living in a dangerous world. Art also plays a big role, with a side story running through the novel involving tragic 1960s' British Pop artist Pauline Boty and the Profumo Affair. I found myself searching online references every five minutes! While this kind of literary fiction isn't for everyone, there was a timeless quality to it which I loved and look forward to reading the other seasons soon.
- Title: The Confession Club- Author: Elizabeth Berg
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): 45. A book by the same author who wrote one of your best reads in 2019 or 2018 (Also for Pop Sugar: A book that passes the Bechdel test)
- Brief reason why it was the best: For the author's understanding of the human condition and the loving way in which she treats her characters.
I am reading The Confession Club right now and loving it! I read The Story of Arthur Truluv and Night of Miracles for book club. I love Elizabeth Berg. Her characters are so lovingly real and deeply developed through each other. Can't wait to read more of her work. Can you recommend any other of her books that might fit an ATY prompt?
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- Title When All Is Said- Author Anne Griffin
- Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio) -print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) - Week 26 a book from the 2019 Goodreads Choice Awards
- Brief reason why it was the best - It was a very powerful, heart wrenching story
I can't believe I didn't answer this back in January.- Title
The Dutch House
- Author
Ann Patchett
- Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio) -print
Audiobook
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable)
A book from the 2019 Goodreads Choice Awards
- Brief reason why it was the best
I love family stories, and stories where the house is almost a character in the story. And Tom Hanks reading the audiobook was phenomenal.
My best book read in January was- Title
Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania
- Author
Erik Larson
- Rating 5 Stars
- Format Print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable)
A history or historical fiction
- Brief reason why it was the best
Larson has given us the background of a lot of the people travelling on this ship, and so the reader becomes more interested in the outcome of their survival, or otherwise. Also it examines the politics concerned with the sinking.
- Title Pamiętajcie, że byłem przeciw. Reportaże sądowe- Author Barbara Seidler
- Rating 4 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio) eBook
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) - A book that you are prompted to read because of something you read in 2019
- Brief reason why it was the best: it was very fasicinating to read about courtcases from communist times, especially since this collection was very varied - from neighbours squabble, to murders to abuse to economic crimes. The only reason I rated it 4 stars instead of 5 is that I think the editor could've gone further and when possible tell what happened to people mentioned in the text.
Mod
News of the World
Author : Paulette Jiles
Rating 4 stars
Format Audiobook
ATY prompt - a book with a method of transportation on the cover
A story that was at once dramatic and understated. It was touching but also unsentimental. Apparently based on some true stories of children returned from Indian captivity.
Heidi's Guide to Four Letter Words
Author Tara Sivec
Rating 4 stars
Format Audiobook
ATY prompt - A book about the arts
A real hoot, especially on audio. A shy kindergarten teacher gets a job with a publisher. It turns out they publish erotica. She learns to take risks in her life. Lots of humor about keeping the info from her family. Also lots of small town Minnesota humor. Explicit language, as you might expect.
- Title: The Forgotten Garden- Author: Kate Morton
- Rating: 4 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): NA
- Brief reason why it was the best: a bit of a lighter read, with multiple storylines/timelines that all connected in interesting ways.
- Title - Sweep with Me
- Author - Ilona Andrews
- Rating - 5 stars
- Format - Ebook
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) A book published in 2020.
- Brief reason why it was the best - I love the Innkeeper series, and this did not disappoint. Plus it had purple space chickens, enough said. 😋
Around the Year in 52 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
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The Shelly Bay Ladies Swimming Circle (other topics)
Uncle Tom’s Cabin (other topics)
You (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Janice Galloway (other topics)John Williams (other topics)
Sophie Green (other topics)
Harriet Beecher Stowe (other topics)
Caroline Kepnes (other topics)
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Here is the place where you list your best book(s) of the month. Answer the following questions:
- Title
- Author
- Rating
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio)
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable)
- Brief reason why it was the best
Let's get a chain of recommendations!