While these are not all of the books I read in the first quarter, these are by far my top 5. Epic fantasy, dystopia, historical fiction, horror thriller, and fantastical science.
The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien
I enjoyed this book immensely more than I ever thought I could, and I wholly credit that enjoyment to Andy Serkis. While Mr. Tolkien paints a beautiful narrative landscape, each stroke building on the last, I believe I never would have gotten through a read of this book myself. Having Andy Serkis, whom I had just listened to bring The Lord of the Rings trilogy to life this past year, transport me into the ever growing landscape of Tolkien’s universe made the journey possible.
I will start by saying, this is not written in the same way as The Hobbit or the Lord of the Rings trilogy. It is a history book built with epic tales and poetry. It is a Creation story and romance in one. The Silmarillion sets the-literal- world stage for the rest of Tolkien’s work. Epic characters and a map that grows just as the Earth grew. It will not be an easy read. (If it is for you, I tip my hat)
Having said how difficult it is, however, I would be remiss to not recommend any and all lovers of fantasy and epic storytelling to at least give the book a chance, maybe in more than just print.
10/10 perfection wrapped between two covers
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
When Suzanne Collins says she only writes when she has something to say, that seems readily apparent in the latest edition to the Hunger Games universe.
Patriotism versus propaganda. Sacrifice versus entertainment. The struggle of the oppressed. The hardship of a working life. The all encompassing power of grief.
All of this, in a book about a boy who never volunteered, wasn’t even supposed to be there, trying to do something meaningful with his life.
This edition tells the tale of Haymitch Abernathy and his continuing struggles with his unfair, uncalled for, Reaping. It has twists and turns, some that Haymitch sees, many he doesn’t.
Many die, but some live on. You can’t protect everyone, all the time, but that doesn’t necessarily free you from the guilt.
“You have enemies? Good. That means you stood up for something, sometime in your life.” Try telling that to a 16 year old who just wants to see his family. But it is still emphatically true.
50/50 would not recommend starting a Hunger Games, regardless which side wins
The Women by Kristin Hannah
A historical fiction painted with a brush of reality, The Women portrays the story of female nurses in Vietnam. The women who “weren’t in Vietnam.” Because serving in Vietnam means you saw direct combat and fired your weapon. Not, that you kept hundreds of Joes alive, even if you didn’t/couldn’t keep them well. Not, that your field hospital was mortared constantly and yet you continued to work to keep those boys alive so they could make it home. Not, that you can’t close your eyes without seeing and hearing the men you couldn’t save. No, that definitely wasn’t serving in Vietnam.
But, more importantly than the time in Vietnam, which is detailed and even heart-throbbing at times, is the return and the dealing with all of that experience by yourself. The years and years it takes, the nights of little sleep, the days of nothing but. The tricks with alcohol. The tricks without. The “no one would understand, so why bother telling them” vying with the “why are you acting so different”?
The Women is a fantastic expose on a sparsely-spotlighted group of heroes.
10/10 no one should read this unprepared to cry
The Relic by Preston & Child
A thriller, for sure. Preston & Child build a gripping narrative with likable protagonists and detestable foils, the narrative builds with you fearing, but not hating the true antagonist. Judgement calls might not be easy, but when you are sitting in the armchair with all the facts, it can be extremely difficult not to question every bad call being made right before your eyes.
If you want some anthropology, biology, and history (which may or may not be fact) built around a narrative of who-dun-it? then The Relic will be an excellent choice.
Just keep a light on.
8/10 I didn’t keep a light on and it wasn’t worth it, I fully intend to read the next without the light on as well
Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennet
Cool magic system. Unique main characters. Set in a vivid city. What’s not to love?
Foundryside tells the tale of a lowly urchin with questionable upbringing fighting to survive tomorrow in a world where she likely as not won’t even see tonight.
It also tells the tale of a war hero, returned home with a different perspective than when he left.
It also brings to life the struggle built into a society where your parentage matters more than your ability.
But also, one hell of a magic system. If you don’t like anything else I’ve said about Foundryside, just read it for the magic system Bennet employs. It is COOL. To be frank… is it even magic?
9/10 cause slavery isn’t cool
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