Favorites In Fiction

The Bean Trees, by Barbara Kingsolver

Sub-Genre: Women's fiction/Contemporary Literature

Goodreads | Audible

Why It's A Favorite: This is another one of those books that I first read and loved in high school, then loved again when I read it a second time as an adult.  The writing alone makes this a great read, not to mention the storyline and the character development.

Favorite Spotlight

Can't Wait To Get To Heaven

Sub-Genre: Chick-Lit

Goodreads | Audible

Why It's A Favorite: This was a book that I first read at just the right time.  It helped shaped my view of the world, and you can't help but love Elner Shimfissle.  I always read this book whenever I'm feeling blue.

Favorite Spotlight

Homer's Odyssey, by Gwen Cooper

Sub-Genre: Non-fiction

Goodreads | Audible

Why It's A Favorite: This is a non-fiction book but it's my only non-fiction favorite for now, so I put it with my fiction.  I love this heart-warming story of Homer the blind cat and his fun and quirky life.  Definitely a good read for animal lovers.

Favorite Spotlight

Jurassic Park, by Michael Crichton

Sub-Genre: Techno Thriller

Goodreads | Audible

Why It's A Favorite: It's rare I get to say this, but in this case, I watched and loved the movie first, and then I read and loved the book.  This is a great story about going too far with technological advances, and you're kept on the edge of your seat the whole time, whether you're watching it, or reading it.

Favorite Spotlight

Life Of Pi

Sub-Genre: Literature

Goodreads | Audible

Why It's A Favorite: Yet another book that I read at exactly the right time, and which thus helped to shape my view of the world.  People might disagree with me on this, but I find this to be a beautifully written story.

Favorite Spotlight

Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, by Robin Sloan

Sub-Genre: Contemporary fiction

Goodreads | Audible

Why It's A Favorite: This is a story that reads a bit like a fantasy/adventure novel, yet it's a fiction novel.  There's no magic in the plot, yet it feels absolutely magical.  It's a story that always makes me smile and feel better and hopeful when I finish it.

Favorite Spotlight

Ragtime, by E.L. Doctorow

Sub-Genre: Historical literature

Goodreads | Audible

Why It's A Favorite: I had some good English teachers in high school.  This one was a high school read that I read again as an adult.  It's a unique novel with a unique writing style that should feel dry and cumbersome, and yet you find it captivating and flowing.

Favorite Spotlight

The Rosie Project, by Graeme Simsion

Sub-Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Goodreads | Audible

Why It's A Favorite: I almost want to call this "chick-lit" or "women's literature", but it's really about a man seeking love, not a woman.  I love the quirkiness of this story; it's a tale that will make you smile

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The Shining, by Stephen King

Sub-Genre: Horror

Goodreads | Audible

Why It's A Favorite: I'm not a huge Stephen King fan, but I love this story!  It still scared me when I read it a second time around.  If you're looking for a good scary book, this is it!

Favorite Spotlight

The Snow Child, by Eowyn Ivey

Sub-Genre: Historical fiction/Magical realism

Goodreads | Audible

Why It's A Favorite: This book is so beautifully written, and so wonderfully sad.  It's a great story, and perfect for book clubs.

Favorite Spotlight

The Thirteenth Tale, by Diane Setterfield

Sub-Genre: Gothic Fiction

Goodreads | Audible

Why It's A Favorite: The writing at the beginning of this book is what got me hooked in the first place.  I bought this novel at a book sale because it looked good and the writing looked promising.  I've had no regrets!

Favorite Spotlight

The Time Traveler's Wife, by Audrey Niffenegger

Sub-Genre: Romantic fiction/magical realism

Goodreads | Audible

Why It's A Favorite: I'm very picky with my love stories, but I love this one!  It made me cry both times I read this.  Well written and well-paced, this is a romance with a time-travel twist.

Favorite Spotlight

Watchers, by Dean Koontz

Sub-Genre: techno-thriller

Goodreads | Audible

Why It's A Favorite: I admit, I'm a sucker for stories with super-smart dogs.  It's a fun story with good characters that I can actually like and root for.  I'm not a Dean Koontz fan, but I definitely like this fun thriller.

Favorite Spotlight

The Waverley Family Series, by Sarah Addison Allen
Garden Spells | First Frost

Sub-Genre: Magical Realism

Goodreads | Audible

Why It's A Favorite: Simple, sweet, and enchanting; that's how I would describe these two novels.  They're light reads that are meant to make you feel good and happy.  Definitely one of my go-to's when I'm in the mood for something nice without too much depth.

Favorite Spotlight