I’ve already listed the best books published in 2013, but there were many other books that stood out for different reasons. Here are the other books that deserve a special mention:
Five star reads:
Thérèse Raquin by Émile Zola (Audio Book)
The Noonday Demon: An Anatomy of Depression by Andrew Solomon
Encounter with Tiber by Buzz Aldrin and John Barnes
Far From the Tree by Andrew Solomon
The Farm Lane Book Awards:
Best premise: War with the Newts by Karel Capek
Dystopian fiction involving intelligent, talking newts? What’s not to love?!
Most Memorable Scene: Andrew Solomon’s description of the assisted suicide of his mother in The Noonday Demon: An Anatomy of Depression by Andrew Solomon
Most surprising book: The Casual Vacancy by J K Rowling
I loved the Harry Potter series, but didn’t think JK Rowling would be able to transfer her skills to an adult novel. I was wrong.
Best ending: The Last Banquet by Jonathan Grimwood
Most memorable character: Don Tillman from The Rosie Project (review coming soon)
Best audio book: Thérèse Raquin by Émile Zola
Most disappointing book: And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
I’ve loved all of Hosseini’s other books and so had high expectations for this one. Unfortunately I found it so boring I abandoned it.
Best writing: The Fish Can Sing by Halldór Laxness
Most engaging story: Encounter with Tiber by Buzz Aldrin and John Barnes
Buzz Aldrin’s experience in space shines through in this book that manages to effortlessly blend historical events with predictions for the future. It’s all scarily possible.
Book I’ve found myself recommending most often: Difficult Conversations by Stone, Patton and Heen
Best treatment of a difficult subject: Beneath the Darkening Sky by Majok Tulba
An horrific insight into the plight of African child soldiers. It contains some disturbing scenes, but you can’t help fall in love with the little boy at the centre of this story.
Author I’m most excited about discovering: Émile Zola
Most thought provoking book: Far From the Tree by Andrew Solomon
Book which has improved the most since reading: Lamb by Bonnie Nadzam
Best children’s book: Just Imagine by Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharratt
A great book to share with children of all ages. It is fascinating to discover their thoughts on a wide range of bizarre subjects, including whether they’d rather be made of lego, elastic or glass!
Book of the year: Far From the Tree by Andrew Solomon
Far From the Tree is the most important book I’ve ever read. It is a masterpiece of research; giving an impressive insight into human relationships and our tolerance of those who are different. If everyone read this book the world would be a better place.
I hope this post introduces you to many fantastic books! Do you agree with my award winners?
I’m taking a blogging break for Christmas and the New Year. Thank you for reading and commenting on my blog in 2013.
I hope you have a fantastic Christmas and wonderful New Year!
See you in 2014.