2017 Favorites Thus Far & Whimsy Pictures
When you read as much as I do, (especially this year) its a bit daunting to select your yearly favorites, but I do like some organization so I doggedly do it. I'm glad to present to you two of my top favorites this year -- one non-fiction and one fiction. Both very different except the essentials: 1) excellent writing; 2) deep story; 3) I learned something; 4) I want to tell people to read these books.
American Wolf: A True Story of Survival and Obsession in the West by Nate Blakeslee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
One of my favorite books this year, not just because of its grand depth, where O-Six and her family were brought alive before my eyes, and where the people who care help others know and care so much, but for its tale of two cities in a fragile eco system, cohabiting with each other while political games and increased rhetoric first put one and then the other above each other. I suppose it's possible that we Americans shall go on living with each other, come what may, never noticing all they who depend on our equilibrium, who need a good example of melting-pot cohabitation; I suppose it, but I no longer take it for granted. Yes, this book told me a beautiful story of wolf life in Yellowstone, made me think of the whole picture of the Yellowstone community, but it also made me think of America, and indeed the world, on a grand scale. Thank you, Nate Blakeslee, for doing such a damned fine job and bringing this story to me and the world. Also, thank you for helping me know that I've put off my long desire to visit the park, far, far too long.
The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Tour De Force! This book was everything it is claimed to be and more. First, it is well written, like Joyce (when not showing off) but with modern flair. The pacing, voice, and place, they are all incredible. Also first, it is an honest portrait of an Irish man and his friends and family and loves through the ages. I feel like I know what it is like to have come of age in Ireland, be I a girl or a boy, and regardless of who my heart falls for. I also have a deeper appreciation for more of what some of my friends have actually lived through, yet I do not feel beaten over the head with it. This is just a story. Such a story that it feels real to me, and I'm in book hang over. Oh, how the heart furiously betrays us, and yet how it is loyal and true.
If that's not enough for you, here is the rest of the list, as ordered as well as possible: 2017 Favorites
And here are some favorite pictures of books, of what the dogs do when I'm reading, of proof that I don't just read in my free time, and other whimsy.
American Wolf: A True Story of Survival and Obsession in the West by Nate BlakesleeMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
One of my favorite books this year, not just because of its grand depth, where O-Six and her family were brought alive before my eyes, and where the people who care help others know and care so much, but for its tale of two cities in a fragile eco system, cohabiting with each other while political games and increased rhetoric first put one and then the other above each other. I suppose it's possible that we Americans shall go on living with each other, come what may, never noticing all they who depend on our equilibrium, who need a good example of melting-pot cohabitation; I suppose it, but I no longer take it for granted. Yes, this book told me a beautiful story of wolf life in Yellowstone, made me think of the whole picture of the Yellowstone community, but it also made me think of America, and indeed the world, on a grand scale. Thank you, Nate Blakeslee, for doing such a damned fine job and bringing this story to me and the world. Also, thank you for helping me know that I've put off my long desire to visit the park, far, far too long.
The Heart's Invisible Furies by John BoyneMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Tour De Force! This book was everything it is claimed to be and more. First, it is well written, like Joyce (when not showing off) but with modern flair. The pacing, voice, and place, they are all incredible. Also first, it is an honest portrait of an Irish man and his friends and family and loves through the ages. I feel like I know what it is like to have come of age in Ireland, be I a girl or a boy, and regardless of who my heart falls for. I also have a deeper appreciation for more of what some of my friends have actually lived through, yet I do not feel beaten over the head with it. This is just a story. Such a story that it feels real to me, and I'm in book hang over. Oh, how the heart furiously betrays us, and yet how it is loyal and true.
If that's not enough for you, here is the rest of the list, as ordered as well as possible: 2017 Favorites
And here are some favorite pictures of books, of what the dogs do when I'm reading, of proof that I don't just read in my free time, and other whimsy.
So, now I'm curious, what are your favorite books this year?
Additional Posts you might like:
Comments