I was recently asked for some book recommendations, and I happen to have recently finished two really great titles in a row. So, of course, I wanted to share with all of you!
Title: Where’d You Go, Bernadette
Author: Maria Semple
Why I Loved It: This book is just plain funny. I actually listened to the audio book, rather than reading a physical copy, and I found myself frequently laughing out loud. I also could not wait for an opportunity to listen to more – in the car, on a walk, during my lunch break, while doing the dishes – I basically took every opportunity possible to devour this story. Bernadette is a brilliant, sweet, crazy woman who disappears days before a family trip to Antarctica, under the most bizarre and hilarious of circumstances. The characters in this book are a mix of charming and repulsive, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at Maria Semple’s portrayal of them all. The audio book narrator was perfect for the job, so if you’ve never tried an audio book before, this would be a great one to get you started. In any case, if you’re looking for something smart, sweet, and a little bit snarky, add this to your reading list today.
Title: The Night Circus
Author: Erin Morgenstern
Why I Loved It: If someone had told me before I picked up this book that it was the story of a fierce competition between two magicians set in the late 1800s, there is no chance I would have committed to reading its almost 400 pages. Books about the supernatural are really not my style, but somehow this story captivated me from beginning to end. Yes, it’s set hundreds of years ago, and yes, it’s basically about magic, but somehow that all worked even for a realist like me. In the end, this was a book about dreams and friends and stories and love, and magic just gave it some context. If you’re looking to get lost in something special, you’ve got to give this one a try. On top of the great story, this was one of the most well-written books I’ve read in years. Between the beautiful language and the wonderfully unique story, this is definitely a title no book-lover will want to miss.
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Less Than Challenge 