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Best Books of February 2020
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- Title: The Rotters' Club- Author: Jonathan Coe
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Print
- ATY Prompt: #10 Book between 400-600 pages
- Brief reason why it was the best: It was engaging (funny, shocking, historical (1970s England), great writing) and so very British! Even though the month is not over, nothing I'm reading this week is going to top this one.
Title: The PhotographAuthor: Penelope Lively
Rating: 5 stars
Format: eBook
ATY Prompt: #14. A book by an author on the Abe List of 100 Essential Female Writers
Brief reason why it was the best: It was engaging, emotional, somewhat shocking, and beautiful writing. It made me ask a lot of questions, such as: who really knows who you are? And, after you die, can anyone claim you as their own? Whose memories of you are the most legitimate? This book was haunting!
- Title: My Boyfriend Is a Bear- Author: Pamela Ribon
- Rating: 4 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): #9 Book that can be read in a day
- Brief reason why it was the best: Charming story of a woman and a black bear who fall in love. Graphic novel with great graphics and a good story.
No 5 star books this month, but I enjoyed this one the most.
Title : The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides 5 Stars, Print Book, Not for ATY and The Warehouse, by Rob Hart 5 Stars, eBook, read for the ATY challenge for "A book with a two-word title where the first word is "The".
I just finished The Silent Patient and was pleased that it did live up to all the recommendations I'd received. It has many twists and turns and certainly held my interest to the end!
Earlier in February I read the Warehouse, and was completely immersed in this crazy "warehouse world". It sounds a little too close to what could be a true situation in the future to make reading it very comfortable. The story is certainly unique, and this was what I found so appealing.
- Title - The Night Circus- Author - Erin Morgenstern
- Rating - 4 1/2 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio) - Audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) - #19 A fantasy book
- Brief reason why it was the best - The large cast of characters and the way their stories were interwoven were wonderful.
This book will top my “Best book I read because of the challenge” list.
- Title:
Winter (The Lunar Chronicles #4)
- Author:
Marissa Meyer
- Rating:
5 stars!
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio):
eBook
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable):
43. A book related to one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse. The book has war, plague and death.
- Brief reason why it was the best:
It's the last book in the series and the author just did such a great job of tying the characters' stories together, and showing a lot of character growth. It was just so satisfying.
Mod
Title: Homegoing
Author: Yaa Gyasi
Rating: 5 stars! (Although, the first time I read it, I gave it 4 stars. On this reread, I bumped it up.)
Format: Print (Paperback)
ATY Prompt: Side Read
Why It Was the Best:This novel spanned seven generations and hundreds of years, but managed to do that in 300 pages. It was so unique in that each chapter was a different character's POV, but I never felt like I was lacking in the story. It was emotionally heavy, but presented such a great point of view and story arc, and I thought it was just so expertly woven.
Title: Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup
Author: John Carreyrou
Rating: 5 stars
Format: Audiobook
ATY Prompt: TBD - I think it might only fit the NYT Notable Books, though. Or one of the past winners or rejected prompts
Why it was the best: This book was excellent investigative journalism by Carreyou. The narrative is engaging and well-researched, and the company is very frustrating. For the unaware, Carreyou investigated the Theranos company and its CEO, Elizabeth Holmes, that claimed it had an incredible device that could do hundreds of blood tests based on a single drop of blood, except it never really worked and they defrauded investors of billions of dollars. The book was on so many awards and top lists in 2018 and it's deserving of those honors for sure.
- Title Murder In Thrall
- Author Anne Cleeland
- Rating 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio) Print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable)
- Brief reason why it was the best- this is my second time reading this book and it's a solid 5 stars both times. This books is NOT for everyone, and it deals with some pretty dark stuff, (think Fifty Shades but with actual good writing :p ). The character development is fantastic, the mystery story-line is good and keeps you guessing, the sense of humor throughout is great and then the 'romance' aspect hits you over the head and messes with your mind, big time! Highly recommend if you're looking for something different!
Love this thread!Title: Ayiti
Author: Roxane Gay
Rating: 5 STARS!
Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Print
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): An underrated book, hidden gem, or lesser known book
Brief reason why it was the best: I've read Roxane Gay's other mainstream books and loved it, but I feel like Ayiti and An Untamed State don't get as much attention as the others. Then Ayiti turned out to be my favorite of her books. While some stories are only a page or two they pack a punch. You're immediately wrapped into the new world and the new characters, their struggles, and their joy. Absolutely recommend this book to anyone.
Steve wrote: "Title: Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup
Author: John Carreyrou
..."
You could also use it for the prompt book inspired by a leading news story
- Title: Spinning Silver- Author: Naomi Novik
- Rating: 5
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): eBook
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): A book with "-ing" in the title
- Brief reason why it was the best: I love Eastern European folklore. It was very well written, but not flowery.
- Title: The Woman in the Window- Author: A.J. Finn
- Rating: 5
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): print book
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): A book between 400-600 pages
- Brief reason why it was the best: Twists and turns I didn't see coming!
Alicia wrote: "Steve wrote: "Title: Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup
Author: [author:John Carrey..."
I considered that, but my hope is to find a book fiction book that's more of a "ripped from the headlines" type thing rather than a non-fiction book.
Title: Know My NameAuthor: Chanel Miller
Prompt: Book based on a news story
Reason: This book was written by a young victim of sexual assault, whose story was all over the internet years ago. However, there’s so much more to Chanel’s story than what played out in public. Chanel is a phenomenal writer and opens the readers eyes to the failings of our society and our justice system, to what a victim has to go through to actually see justice. Such an important book, and beautifully written. I couldn’t put it down.
Title Ask Again, Yes- Author Mary Beth Keane
- Rating 5 star
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio) Book
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) One syllable last name
- Brief reason why it was the best
I have a special weakness for family dysfunctional stories. It's just so interesting to peel back the facade of happy Facebook statuses to an authentic feel for real life struggles. Issues of violence, betrayal, addiction, and mental illness are portrayed with sensitivity but honesty. I have to admit I leaked a few tears at the end.
Title: The FlatshareAuthor: Beth O'Leary
Rating: 5 stars
Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Print
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): Not for ATY, but I used it for the rejects prompt "A book recommended by an influential person or group" because it was highly recommended by ChelseaDolling on her channel
Brief reason why it was the best: The romance was adorable, but there was also a lot more depth to the story than I expected, and it was by far the most memorable book I read this month
Title: Wild Swans: Three Daughters of ChinaAuthor: Jung Chang
Rating: 5 stars
Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Audio
Brief reason why it was the best: Well, I only read two books in February, but I'm pretty sure this still would have come out on top regardless. It was absolutely fascinating, and has made me want to read more about China's history.
The Deep by Rivers Solomon, for “same title as an unrelated movie”.This isn’t a long book, but there’s so much to it. The concept, writing, and characters are all wonderful. I love how they unpacked the good and the bad (mostly bad) of forgetting history.
I have read several of the above titles and highly recommend Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik, Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.This month I enjoyed mysteries, fantasies, essays, and classics. While it is difficult to pick my single favorite book, I suppose that Shipping News by Annie Proulx edges out the others purely for its unexpected and varied content.
- Title: Shipping News
- Author: Annie Proulx
- Rating: 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Format: Audio
- ATY Prompt you used it for: 11. A book originally published in a year that is a prime number.
- Brief reason why it was the best: It exquisitely captures life within an isolated, island community and features some rather memorable characters.
Hmmm, going over my February reads and I finished 5 - 2 I gave 3 stars and 2 I gave 4 stars. So my favourite 4th star one is... - Title - Magitech Rises
- Author - Sarah Noffke
- Rating - 4 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio) - ebook
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) - 3. A book that you are prompted to read because of something you read in 2019 - This is book 3 and I read book 1 in 2019.
- Brief reason why it was the best - this is a spin off series from the Liv Beaufont series - Sophia the main character in this series is Liv's little sister. Dragons, magicians, mother nature, father time, battles to save the world! What's not to love!
- Title - A Lesson Before Dying- Author - Ernest J. Gaines
- Rating - 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio) - Print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) - 11. A book originally published in a year that is a prime number
- Brief reason why it was the best - A Lesson Before Dying is a very powerful, moving book, and one of a handful of books I could/will read over and over again. It's a book that will take a while to process, and deserves a second or third rereading.
I first became aware of Ernest J. Gaines as the SUNY Brockport digital repository manager. For more than 50 years, Brockport has invited great authors and poets to come speak, including Ernest Gaines, on 27 Feb 1969. These interviews were video recorded, and I had the privilege to digitize and put many online. If you wish to see it, here is the link: https://digitalcommons.brockport.edu/....
Kim, I am intrigued and look forward to reading this book in the near future.
Title: In Pain: A Bioethicist's Personal Struggle with OpioidsAuthor: Travis Rieder
Rating: 5 stars
Format: Audio
ATY Prompt: N/A
Brief reason why it was the best:
So many draw dropping moments, this was a great balance between personal and professional and I felt I learned a lot. Should I, or a loved one, be prescribed opioids anytime in the future, I feel prepared! Also it was narrated by the author which I do prefer for memoirs.
Mod
I read 15 books in February. 4 of those were 5 star, but the one which stood out for me was Title: The Hours Before Dawn
Author: Celia Fremlin
Format: Print
ATY Prompt: 52 Book related to time
Brief reason why it was the best:
It is said to be the forerunner of the psychological thriller that we have so many of today. I think most mothers of newborns have, at one time or another, said they would give anything to have a full night's sleep, and so we meet Louise saying these words. The lack of sleep she is going though leaves her in a complete daze during the day. I thought the author did really well at describing the characters and built the tension up brilliantly. I could feel the tiredness of Louise and her muddled thoughts. Her fear and love for the children, and her own sanity.
Title: American DirtAuthor: Jeanine Cummins
Rating: 5 stars
Format: Print
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): 35: a book with a geometric pattern or element on the cover
Brief reason why it was the best: Believe the hype. This dazzling novel pulls you in right from the start and doesn't let you go. Although it's a work of fiction, it's based on the brutal realty of the Latinx migrant plight in fleeing dangerous homelands in search of a better life in el norte.
Title: P.S. I Still Love YouAuthor: Jenny Han
Rating: 4 stars
Format: eBook
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): 24 A book with an emotion in the title
Brief reason why it was the best: I had a bunch of DNFs this month and got this through the Libby app. It was a lighthearted and easy read and got me back on track with my reading.
I remember the angst of being a teenage girl in love (although I don't think as dramatic as Lara Jean) and am so glad those days are behind me!
Title: Forgotten PlacesAuthor: Johanna Craven
Rating: 4 1/2 Stars
Format: Print
ATY Prompt: Week 7: Set in the Southern Hemisphere
Brief reason why it was the best: I loved this this book because it was unique, had surprising twists, was unexpected, and very well written. These four traits are hard o find and all together made for a wonderful read.
Title: My Sister, the Serial KillerAuthor: Oyinkan Braithwaite
Rating: 4 stars
Format (Print, eBook, Audio): eBook
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): A place you wouldn't want to live (it takes place in Nigeria and I have no friends or family there). I also considered using it for an author whose name I couldn't pronounce.
Brief reason why it was the best: This book was so surprising -- funny, yet with serious points about family, loyalty (pro & con), and mental health. It wasn't at all a typically gory serial killer book.
- Title Endurance:Shackleton's Incredible Voyage- Author Alfred Lansing
- Rating 5
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio) Print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) #37 Two books that are related to each other as a pair of binary opposites. I'm doing Antarctica & Arctic
- Brief reason why it was the best. I had a grand total of 6 five star reads in February. That was 6 books that moved me & kept me interested till the last page. I picked Endurance as the best because I was invested in the outcome of the crew. This is a nonfiction story. I don't want to give spoilers if you don't know how this ended. On the
last page I almost sobbed. This read had lows & highs. I enjoyed the book.
- Title A Gentleman in Moscow- Author Amor Towles
- Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio) - print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) - Week 15 a book set in a global city
- Brief reason why it was the best - it is a very unique and heart-wrenching story. I loved it.
- Title: Dzisiaj narysujemy śmierć- Author: Wojciech Tochman
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): eBook
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): A book set in southern hemisphere
- Brief reason why it was the best: I'm not easily moved, but it almost made me cry. Despite book not being long, the author manages to show many different aspects of Rwandan genocide.
- Title: Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law- Author: Haben Girma
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio): ebook
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): NA
- Brief reason why it was the best: I've been really drawn towards memoirs lately. I learned a lot about the deaf-blind experience (which I knew very little about prior) that was eye-opening.
February’s top read was The Last Thing You Surrender by Leonard Pitts Jnr. It’s set during WWII and looks at how wartime experiences, military and civilian, highlighted issues of race and changed some people’s perception of race. Really powerfully written. I’d never heard of this author before. I’ve since gone and read all his fiction and am rather sad he doesn’t seem to be a book a year author.
- Title - The Night Circus
- Author - Erin Morgenstern
- Rating - 5 stars
- Format - Paperback
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) - A book with a silhouette on the cover.
- Brief reason why it was the best - This book hasnone of the things I normally value in a book (Strong characters, humour, etc.) and yet I love it so much. It was like a dream that left me feeling sad to wake up when it was over.
- TitleThe Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
- Author
Taylor Jenkins Reid
- Rating
5 stars
- Format (Print, eBook, Audio)
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable)
02. A book by an author whose last name is one syllable
- Brief reason why it was the best
A main character who is flawed yet likable. It takes you on a deep-dive into the secret scandals of a Hollywood starlet. Includes important conversations tied to identity, sexuality, and sexism.
- Title: The Weight of Ink- Author: Rachel Kadish
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format: ebook
- ATY Prompt: #4 A book set in a place or time that you wouldn't want to live
- Reason it was the best
Beautiful writing, detailed, accurate, well-researched historical fiction, populated with interesting, complicated characters. As a student of history and philosophy myself, I was surprised to learn that Rachel Kadish wasn't - she did an enormous amount of dedicated research (including reading a lot of Spinoza) in order to make this story ring true and I really respect that.
I want to share one nonfiction and one fiction.Title: Midnight in Chernobyl: The Untold Story of the World's Greatest Nuclear Disaster
Author: Adam Higginbotham
Rating: 5 stars
Format: Audio
ATY Prompt you used it for: A book related to time.
Brief reason why it was the best: It was a very detailed account of the disaster which I knew about, but only in a general way. I was struck by how the scientists were ignored by the politicians and that has stuck with me.
Title: Olive, Again
Author: Elizabeth Strout
Rating: 5 stars
Format: Audio
ATY Prompt you used it for: Just a side read
Brief reason why it was the best: The characters that Elizabeth Strout has created in these stories are so real, warts and all. The themes of ageing and loneliness resonated with me.
- Title: Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves- Author: Glory Edim (editor)
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format: Print
- ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): n/a
- Brief reason why it was the best: well-done anthology of black women writers' stories of their early reading experiences, looking for (and often not finding) themselves in the stories they read, and finding the inspiration to write their own stories.
Hannah wrote: "- Title: The Weight of Ink- Author: Rachel Kadish
- Rating: 5 stars
- Format: ebook
- ATY Prompt: #4 A book set in a place or time that you wouldn't want to live
- Rea..."
I started this last week, Hannah, and I agree - the writing is beautiful! I'm looking forward to seeing where the story goes!
Title: The Forgotten Letters of Esther DurrantAuthor: Kayte Nunn
Rating: 5★
Format (Print, eBook, Audio): Print
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable): Not read for ATY
Brief reason why it was the best: Historical fiction, told in a dual timeline, which isn't an uncommon way of telling a story at present, but the older storyline caught me up and I just wanted to know what had happened to Esther - a young mum committed to a mental asylum by her husband.
Title A Long Long WayAuthor Sebastian Barry
Rating 5-Stars
Format (Print, eBook, Audio) Print
ATY Prompt you used it for (if applicable) 45: Book by an author who wrote one of your best reads from 2018 or 2019
Brief reason why it was the best Barry is a lyrical writer, even when addressing the horrors of war.
Title
Strange the Dreamer Author
Laini Taylor
Rating
4 stars
Format (Print, eBook, Audio)
Audio
ATY Prompt you used it for
13. A prompt from a previous Around the Year in 52 Books challenge (2016 13. Reader’s Choice)-
Brief reason why it was the best
I found the story interesting.
Title: Nothing to See Here
Author: Kevin Wilson
Rating: 5 Stars
Format: Print
ATY Prompt: NYT 100 Notable Books
Reason Why It Was the Best: I always appreciate a novel that is short and focused while still packing a big punch. I love the characterization of Lillian and the two children. Lillian felt like such a real and honest person. I also liked that it is somewhat of a rags to riches story, except the riches aren't hers.
Around the Year in 52 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
Nothing to See Here (other topics)Strange the Dreamer (other topics)
A Long Long Way (other topics)
The Forgotten Letters of Esther Durrant (other topics)
The Weight of Ink (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Kevin Wilson (other topics)Laini Taylor (other topics)
Sebastian Barry (other topics)
Kayte Nunn (other topics)
Rachel Kadish (other topics)
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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
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