I chose this photo of the Elmhurst Public Library at sunset because EPL is truly the beating heart of my reading life. Not only do they have a wonderful selection of books, often arranged in tempting displays, but their e-resources are unbelievable. Thanks to My Media Mail/The Libby App and Hoopla Digital, I read and listen to many wonderful books for free. Because Hoopla is the easiest digital resource to use (if your library subscribes, which I hope it does), I will make mention when a title is available via Hoopla.
2018 Highlights -- New Books from Old Favorites
If you can't easily secure the title I mentioned, you're safe choosing a backlist pick.
All I Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin: Giffin's best book in years. It's a whole new world out there with social media, even for "good" kids.
Lethal White by Robert Galbraith: I am obsessed with the Cormoran Strike series. I waited almost two years for this one. Start at the beginning with Cuckoo's Calling though. Even my husband is hooked, though he won't gush about it like I do.
Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty: Some people found this one to be a snoozer, but I liked the characters and their back stories. Stick with it.
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones: A tough novel to read, but so well-written and worth it. If it's unavailable, try Silver Sparrow.
How Hard Can It Be by Allison Pearson: I waited over a decade for this follow up to I Don't Know How She Does It. You need to read that one first, but then you won't have to wait ten years for this worthy sequel.
How Hard Can It Be by Allison Pearson: I waited over a decade for this follow up to I Don't Know How She Does It. You need to read that one first, but then you won't have to wait ten years for this worthy sequel.
Anatomy of a Miracle by Jonathan Miles: Cameron was paralyzed and walks again. Miracle? Medical breakthrough? You'll want to meet Cameron, his sister, and his neighbors.
How the Light Gets In by Louise Penny: I listened to seven Chief Inspector Gamache books in 2018, I recommend listening because the narration is exquisite. My heart about burst at the end of How the Light Gets In, but you can't start there. You have to start at the beginning with Still Life. Sorry.
How to Walk Away by Katherine Center: Center's best yet.
Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi: Includes witty text exchanges.
I Liked My Life by Abby Fabiaschi: Premise is the worst, but stick with the story and you'll be glad. Available via Hoopla.
The Cactus by Sarah Haywood: Great for fans of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. Available via Hoopla.
One Day in December by Josie Silver: Read it and imagine the blockbuster rom-com it will be one day (see what I did there?).
This Must Be the Place by Maggie O'Farrell: This one was a WOW for me.
My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh: Dark, dark, dark, but it worked for me. You might hate it though.
2018 Highlights -- Solid, Satisfying Novels
These books just hit the spot for me. I'm not going to say much more.
Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi: Includes witty text exchanges.
I Liked My Life by Abby Fabiaschi: Premise is the worst, but stick with the story and you'll be glad. Available via Hoopla.
The Cactus by Sarah Haywood: Great for fans of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. Available via Hoopla.
One Day in December by Josie Silver: Read it and imagine the blockbuster rom-com it will be one day (see what I did there?).
This Must Be the Place by Maggie O'Farrell: This one was a WOW for me.
My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh: Dark, dark, dark, but it worked for me. You might hate it though.
2018 Highlights -- New Favorite Authors
I will track down all future titles.
Jane Harper: Great mysteries with cool Australian settings. I enjoyed The Dry and Force of Nature.
Cherise Wolas: The Family Tabor asks big questions: How does one negotiate life without faith? What happens if you try to bury, deny, discount the past? Her previous novel also made me think. I'll come back for more.
Cherise Wolas: The Family Tabor asks big questions: How does one negotiate life without faith? What happens if you try to bury, deny, discount the past? Her previous novel also made me think. I'll come back for more.
2018 Highlights -- New Favorite YA Authors
I am picky about my YA. I don't like YA novels where teen characters are mouthpieces for adult author social/political commentary or when situations are exceptionally brutal, bleak, or sexual. I like books that feature interesting teen friendships and relationships with witty, realistic-seeming dialogue.
Emma Mills: I started with First and Then, a romance involving football and a play on my beloved P&P. Stay tuned for reports of the 2019 Emma Mills bender I went on.
Brigid Kemmerer: I started with More than We Can Tell and have since read another from the Letters to the Lost Series. Looks like there are some other series, but they sound sort of Sci-Fi-ish so I'm not likely to be going there. Letters to the Lost though ... I'm all in.
2018 Highlights -- Short Stories
I always think I don't like short stories until I remember that I do.
I always think I don't like short stories until I remember that I do.
You Think It, I'll Say It by Curtis Sittenfeld: Just right. Smart, witty, ringing true.
Fight No More by Lydia Millet: These interconnected short stories were a fantastic surprise. Sad and happy and hopeful. Available via Hoopla.
2018 Highlights -- For Anne (with an "e") Fans
In case your spot for Anne of Green Gables is as soft as mine is.
Marilla of Green Gables by Sarah McCoy: Lovely and heartbreaking to imagine Marilla's life before Anne. Available via Hoopla.
House of Dreams: The Life of L.M. Montgomery by Liz Rosenberg: This book is NOT fiction, but all those who love L.M. Montgomery's fiction should read it. I said more here.
2018 Highlights -- Fun/Creepy Reads for Boy Moms
Consider yourself warned. Who's good enough for your precious boy?
The Girlfriend by Michelle Frances
The Other Woman by Sadie Jones
2018 Highlights -- Romance
Combination of some steam and a good story.
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang: BOTM pick. Available via Hoopla.
The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal: Reese Witherspoon said so. Via Hoopla.
If you're not exhausted, check out Part 2: 2018 Reading Highlights -- Nonfiction.
