I’ve Been Reading!

I know I’ve been quiet about books for the past year. But that doesn’t mean I haven’t been reading. Life has just been too hectic. And I’ve been so immersed in getting my book ready for pitch that I haven’t had the time to sit and rave about the books I’ve fallen in love with in the past year. When I was told to cut 20,000 words from my most recent book, I took to reading. I mixed it up a bit – picked up a few traditionally published books while continuing my support for the neighborhood I grew up in.  Here are my top books for the year – in no particular order.

Hausfrau – This book. All I can say is that I wished I could write like Jill Essbaum. This book is emotionally charged from start to finish. Every single word feels like the end of the world. I saw my pain in this book. And then I realized how everyone’s torment can run as deep as Anna’s does.

Adultery – No other book screams as loud as this one does, in all its subtlety. Words don’t need to shake you, they can stir you quietly, rattle you without so much as a touch. This book did that for me. For a while, it was my reality and I lived it.

November 9 – What can I say about this book that hasn’t already been tweeted, instagrammed, facebooked or posted? I can still swoon over this author even if I consider her a friend.

Marrow – I was lucky enough to be with this one in Paris on Release Day. While she went on and on about the gypsies, I badgered her with endless questions about this book. When you are lucky enough to be loved by someone as brilliant as her, it is truly a priviledge. Sometimes, it’s just plain exhausting too.

Paper Swan – I read this book when it was unfinished, and then when it was finished, and then when it was published. I felt so guilty about being out of the country during release week. Turns out, this author didn’t need my help. She hit the NYT all on her own.

Letters Written in White – Heartbreaking, sad and hopeful. Life is like that, isn’t it? Kathryn Perez’ book was a breath of fresh air.

Epic Sins – My latest read. All I can say is that I shouldn’t have waited this long to read Trudy Stiles’ book.

Secondhand Hearts *Not YET RELEASED* – Just finished this book last night.  You can hardly tell that this author is a newbie.  If anyone ever tells you to let go of the past, make sure you tell them that you’ll do it on your own terms and in your own time.