Thankful #TopTenTuesday
This week’s Top Ten Tuesday topic is a freebie related to Thanksgiving. One of the Bookish Goals that I set for a Top Ten Tuesday post in January was to read more books that delight me. Let’s see how I did on that front, with a list of the top ten books that I’m thankful for because they delighted me in 2024.
In order from least surprising that this book delighted me to most surprising.
Books 1, 2, and 3
I’m writing a World War II novel and run a link party called British Isles Friday. The Emmy Lake Chronicles by A.J. Pearce feel like they were written for me, personally. This series is about a young woman who works in publishing in London during World War II. The first three books are Dear Mrs. Bird, Yours Cheerfully, and Mrs. Porter Calling. According to the author’s website, she’s working on a fourth book for the series.
Book 4
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett hit several buttons for me. I loved listening to Meryl Streep’s narration. A big theme in the book was summer stock theater, a huge step up from the community theater that I participated in when I was young, but familiar ground. I also enjoyed how this book illuminated the pandemic experience of a family tending cherry orchards.
Book 5
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld was another story that fed my fascination for pandemic stories. But first, it took me behind the scenes at Saturday Night Live (or something very like that show). I loved learning about what it takes to produce a live show once a week.
Book 6
The selections for my book group that specializes in books about race in America are always illuminating. They aren’t always delightful in the sense that I’m thinking of for this list. The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb was an exception. I loved visiting the higher echelons of the classical music world through the eyes of a black violinist.
Books 7 and 8
I’ve definitely loved reading fantasy in the past (Elemental Blessings series by Sharon Shinn), but it’s never been a go-to genre for me. I’m not sure I have a favorite genre, these days, but I was surprised that I was so entranced by these new adult romantic fantasies, The Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros: Fourth Wing and Iron Flame. The third book, Onyx Storm, is expected in January.
Book 9
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig gets categorized as fantasy, but I called it magical realism. I mostly put it on my TBR because of the narrator — Carey Mulligan. But it turned out that I loved the story and its structure and what it had to say about being human in the world today.
Book 10
Science fiction was my dad’s genre. I loved Isaac Asimov’s robots, but that was about as far as I went in reading science fiction. I only picked up Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir because I wanted to join an online book group about it. But then, I couldn’t put it down. Project Hail Mary is in production for a movie starring Ryan Gosling, but we have to wait until 2026 to see it.
What books most delighted you in 2024? Happy Thanksgiving!
An audiobook with Meryl Streep narrating sounds wonderful. Whether that particular book is normally for me or not.
I have a couple of books that really stood out for me. Fa-La-La-La Faking It and A Stolen Kiss
I loved the audiobook of Tom Lake. Meryl Streep brought that book to life for me.
I can’t wait to see Project Hail Mary.
Project Hail Mary is awesome. I’m excited for the movie!
I read Dear Mrs. Bird but didn’t realize there were two books that followed. The Curtis Sittenfeld book is on my list as well. LOVE Midnight Library and just bought a copy to keep. Previously I read a copy from the library but want to have that one on my shelf. I imagine what each path taken could have meant in my life.
Excited about the movie for Project Hail Mary!
I enjoyed DEAR MRS. BIRD, although I’ve yet to read the sequel. Have you read THE SPIES OF SHILLING LANE by Jennifer Ryan? It’s a WWII novel that reminds me of DEAR MRS. BIRD a bit.
PROJECT HAIL MARY was a surprise hit for me too. I wouldn’t have read it if not for my book club, but I’m so glad I did. It really is a delightful read.
Happy TTT!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
I still need to read Project Hail Mary, but I’m really looking forward to it!
I keep meaning to try the Elemental Blessings series, but get distracted by all the shiny one things!
You have some truly wonderful books here! I found Project Hail Mary, The Midnight Library and the Emmy Lake books delightful as well!
I have several of these on my list to get to at some point!
You have posed a question that interests me. I need to research for an answer.
Okay, I am back.
Most of the books I loved last year, like Germinal and Of Human Bondage and Pit Pony, were wonderful but deeply depressing.
However I did find a few books I loved that were also delightful:
* Ben and Me by Eric Weiner
* Madame Bovary in French
* Here by Richard McGuire
* The Oz series
* The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan
* Three Simple Lines (Japan and Haiku) by Natalie Goldberg
* Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson
That’s a terrific list! I enjoyed witnessing your journey through Madame Bovary on your blog because it was evident that you were delighted by the project.
I have had Dear Mrs. Bird on my TBR for quite a while. Not sure where I heard of it, but should probably check it out at some point in time.
You have a good list. I have liked AJ Pearce’s first book and The Violin Conspiracy. And I still need to read Project Hail Mary!
Great list! I’ve heard many great things about The Midnight Library, but I haven’t gotten round to reading it yet. I’m glad you loved all these books
If you’d like to visit, here’s my TTT: https://thebooklorefairy.blogspot.com/2024/11/top-ten-tuesday-books-i-am-glad-i-read.html