2016 In Review: The Books

photograph by me

2017. A new year, a new me. And insert all those cliched sayings that capture how most of us feel at the start of a new year. I have many goals I would like to fulfill in 2017, but first I want to recap 2016.

Reading

Reading wise, 2016 was a little of a disappointment for me. I did not reach my Goodreads reading goal in 2016 or surpass my previous reading record. I only made it to 25 books. However, I did discover new authors and was blown away yet again by old favorites.

If I had to make a list of top five reads it would probably be:

84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff. This is a book every bibliophile needs to read. It is like The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society but actually a true story. Enough said. Go forth and read it. Goodreads review.

The Warden by Anthony Trollope. My introduction to Anthony Trollope and the first book in his Chronicles of Barsetshire series, the plot of the book failed to completely engross me but I have fallen in love with his authorial voice and satire. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series Barchester Towers. Goodreads review.

Beowulf translated by Seamus Heaney. Unflinching and vivid are two words that describe this translation of the famous Anglo-Saxon epic poem. You can read further gushing here.

Resist by Emily Ann Putzke. High expectations were fulfilled when I read this piece of historical fiction based on a true story. Hans and Sophie Scholl and the rest of the White Rose came to vivid life. I have a more complete review here.

Sundown Slim by Henry Herbert Knibbs. There was something different about this story in comparison to other westerns I have read (admittedly, I have not read many). The relatively soft-spoken hero thrust into a cattle rancher vs. sheep herder conflict made for a memorable read.

Okay, scratch five, we are going to make it a tied for sixth with an honorable mention.

Pendragon’s Heir by Suzannah Rowntree. An epic, time traveling retelling of the legend of King Arthur and Camelot, this full length novel by Rowntree built upon all the things I love about her fairytale novellas. I cannot wait for her Crusader epic Outremer. Yes, I realize I probably have a long wait.

Storming by K.M. Weiland. This book was pure fun. I fell in love with the characters, and while I will admit it has its faults, it has become one of the few books I actually fangirl over with family members who have read it.

And honorable mention actually goes to Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee. The notorious prequel/sequel to To Kill A Mockingbird, this was a different read for me because of its controversy. I read TKaM during a summer vacation to California in 2014 and it was my favorite read of that year. To Kill a Mockingbird is a well deserved classic and I loved it to proverbial bits. While, Go Set A Watchman does not quite match up to its predecessor in quality and suffers from a little bit of choppiness, it still has its author’s distinct voice (and also remember, it is the untouched first draft). Nonetheless, I thought Go Set a Watchman provided food for thought and let Scout grow up. I am glad I read it and as I write this, I become more and more convinced I need to reread both books.

And three more honorable mentions because I cannot write a post about the books I read in 2016 without them: The Bells of Paradise by Suzannah Rowntree, The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron, and The Legend of Sam Miracle (Book 1 in the Outlaws of Time series) by N.D. Wilson.

Okay, I am going to end this now.

P.S. Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon.

Alright, I am actually finished this time. This post was originally going to include a list of my top favorite films watched in 2016, but because of how lengthy both sections became I divided it into two posts. So be on the lookout for that film post sometime next week.

Now, what were your favorite reads last year?

Book Review: Once

available via Amazon

Fairytale retellings have quickly become a favorite of mine. For many of these stories it’s my first exposure to the fairytale, but I love them and the themes that always seem to be intricately woven into their very structure. When I learned my favorite indie authors were collaborating to release a collection of retellings together, I was ecstatic. And then I was given the opportunity to read them in exchange for a review. Cue happy dance.

The Mountain of the Wolf by Elisabeth Grace Foley starts out the collection of stories and ended up probably being my favorite of the six retellings. It is an atmospheric western retelling of Little Red Riding Hood that showcases my favorite aspects of Foley’s writing— a character driven plot, compelling characters, and a satisfying ending.

The second story She But Sleepeth by Rachel Heffington I found less to my liking. While the Romanian setting and its historical background intrigued me, the story just did not click for me personally. Something that should not in the least reflect on Miss Heffington. Her writing is something to savor and I have loved everything else I have read of hers.

Rumpled by J. Grace Pennington was unusual for me. I rarely ever venture into the world of steampunk, but I enjoyed this foray into the genre and it confirmed my desire to read more of Miss Pennington’s work.

I knew going into Emily Ann Putzke’s Sweet Remembrance it was going to hurt and it did. Set in the Warsaw Ghetto during WWII, she retells the story of the Little Match Girl with heartbreaking vividness and reality. You can feel the cold seeping under your skin and you can feel her character’s pain. It is a tearjerker.

Suzannah Rowntree can weave a story like no one else. She has a way with words that is stunning to behold and this vibrant fast paced mystery set in Jazz era New Zealand does not disappoint. Death Be Not Proud kept me glued to the page from start to finish.

I did not know what to expect going into Hayden Wand’s With Blossoms Gold but was delighted by its sweet story and what I found to be a somewhat different take on the tale of Rapunzel.

I have to hand it to these ladies. They are excellent at their craft and masters of description. Each story came to life in its own unique way that made it memorable. I would highly recommend this collection to lovers of fairytales and historical fiction, or anyone who loves a good story.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Beowulf & Our Creative Voice

photograph by me

Then down the brave man lay with his bolster
under his head and his whole company
of sea-rovers at rest beside him.
None of them expected he would ever see
his homeland again or get back
to his native place and the people who reared him.
They knew too well the way it was before,
how often the Danes had fallen prey
to death in the mead-hall. But the Lord was weaving
a victory on his war-loom for the Weather-Geats.
Through the strength of one they all prevailed;
they would crush their enemy and come through
in triumph and gladness. The truth is clear:
Almighty God rules over mankind
and always has.
— Beowulf translated by Seamus Heaney

This passage captures everything I loved about Beowulf: the straightforward turn of phrase, the courage and steadfastness in the face of opposition and peril, and the always present acknowledgement of God's rule over earth and men. Beowulf is unflinching and vivid. It is an epic in the true sense of the word. I am now accepting any and all recommendations for other Medieval/Anglo-Saxon epics. (Seriously, if you have any recommendations please, please leave them in the comments.)

Fan girlish flailing aside however, I did actually struggle reading Beowulf at times. More often than not, I had to sit alone in a silent corner of the house in order to concentrate. This was not the poem's fault. I have never read long poems. I have never read much poetry. Period. Something I fully intend to rectify. I have decided to try putting my senior year of high school resolution of reading some type of poetry at least once a week back into practice. I also want to study poetry. I am sadly ignorant when it comes to poets and poetry. (Which brings us back to the part where I am accepting recommendations for poetry books and books on poets and poetry in the comments. Thank you. *passes out chocolate*)

In other reading, I have slowly started making my way through Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon, relishing each creative golden nugget and pondering over them. Probably the one that I have been pondering over the most is what he has to say about your creative voice.

... the only way to find your voice is to use it. It's hardwired, built into you. Talk about the things you love. Your voice will follow.
— Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon

I was reading back over posts on other blogs I had missed in the crazy shuffle of juggling that is my life right now and I ran across one by Schuyler over at My Lady Bibliophile. In her post, she talks about story elements she sees in her own writing and how they connect to beliefs she has and the stories she enjoys reading and watching in film. This has started me thinking a good deal about the elements I most often include in my own stories and the elements I have noticed in my favorite books and films. It provides fascinating food for thought and is something I would like to dig deeper into in the future.

Have any of you read Beowulf? How do you like poetry? Do you have any particular favorite poets and/or poems? And what are your thoughts on how some of our favorite elements in stories affect our creative voices?

10 Childhood Favorites: Historical Fiction

photograph by me

 It is no secret that historical fiction is my favorite genre. I devour it in pretty much any form I can get it— historically set films and television included. This deep love of historical fiction and history was sparked by my mother. Some of my favorite childhood memories are of her reading aloud to my siblings and I as we sat outside the library building waiting for book sales to open. Historical fiction was our main reading diet and the books she read to me and I read at that early age are responsible for what I write today. Many of these books are considered classics of their genre, but sadly are becoming increasingly lesser known as times passes. So, today I want to scratch the surface and tell you about ten of my childhood favorite works of historical fiction. (And just you wait, this time I plan on sticking to the afore set number.)

The Chosen Ten (In No Particular Order, Except Maybe Timeline)

The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare
No list of my favorite historical fiction would be complete without mentioning this book. This novel, the characters, and their stories are extremely near and dear to my heart. Set in Israel during the times of Jesus, this is a poignant story of revenge, grace, and forgiveness.

The Church History Series by Emma Leslie
This one entered my life as I entered my early teen years, so maybe it does not quite fit into the childhood category, but this series has firmly found a place in my list of favorites. The books follow the early days of the Christian church in Rome through the days of the Reformation. Yes, the more you read of the series the more you notice its cliches and tropes, but it shines light on sometimes forgotten but nonetheless important times in Christian church history.

The Black Fox of Lorne by Marguerite De Angeli
I do not actually remember the plot of this one in detail, just specific scenes with such great distinctness that they have never left my memory. It takes place in Scotland/England (I cannot remember which specifically) and follows Viking born twin brothers who somehow become separated. I would recommend pretty much anything by De Angeli. Another favorite is The Door In the Wall.

In Freedom's Cause by G. A. Henty
I do not believe any other book has quite influenced my childhood like this Scottish saga of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. This book instigated a fascination with Scotland and their fight for freedom against England that carried well into my early teens. I highly recommend it!

How Sleep the Brave by J.H. Hunter
Think the Scarlet Pimpernel meets the Scottish Covenanters and you will have a fairly accurate idea of what this book is like. It is pure Scottish adventure and fun!

Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes
This story of Boston during the early days of the American Revolution was another favorite. I remember listening to an audiobook of this almost on loop. It was another one that truly captured my imagination.

The Little Maid Series by Alice Turner Curtis
What the American Girl books were to other girls my age is what this series was to me. Young girls being a part of history during the American Revolution and generally accidentally being in the thick of things. I do not care if some of the scenarios are highly implausible. It did not matter to my imagination. All in all, this series is just pure fun.

In the Reign of Terror by G. A. Henty
Another of my all time favorite Henty stories, Harry Sandwith finds himself the champion and protector of the aristocrat family that had taken him in during the French Revolution.

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
I remember my mother reading this aloud to us and I reread it a few years back. Set in the South during the 1930s, it vividly portrays the racial divide that has haunted America through the eyes of young Cassie Logan and her family.

Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan
A group of Norwegian children find courage and bravery as they resist the Nazis by helping transport their nation's treasury out of the country. I highly recommend!

_____

 I feel as if I have left so many other favorites off this list. *deep sigh* Oh well, I hope to make something of a series out of posts similar to this: 10 Favorite something-or-other. What do you think?

Have you read any of these? What are some of your favorite historical fiction books that you read as a child?

My 2016 Autumn To Be Read Stack

photograph by me

 I will be the first to admit my reading habits have been anything but consistent this year. So, I am hoping to work on remedying that this autumn.

The Stack

The Book That Changed Your World by Vishal Mangalwadi
I first spotted this book on Goodreads when Suzannah was reading it. I remember thinking that it sounded fascinating, so imagine my excitement when a couple weeks ago my former writing class teacher gave me a chance to read it. So thrilled to dig into it!

Gilead by Marilynne Robinson
This book first crossed my radar when Lila, the third book in this trilogy, was a runner up in WORLD magazine's fiction books of the year a while back. I am very much looking forward to it, especially after hearing how much Joy and Schuyler enjoyed it.

Beowulf by Seamus Heaney
And so my journey into broadening my exposure to the great classics of literature begins...

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
A friend told me to read this and I hope to follow it up with George Orwell's Animal Farm.

Plenilune by Jennifer Freitag
This book. I CANNOT WAIT! Enough said.

Behold the Dawn by K.M. Weiland
I am on mission read all of K.M. Weiland's books after devouring Storming earlier this year. I have read the first chapter already and I am excited!

Persuasion by Jane Austen
I have never read this or seen any of the adaptations, so I am going into this one practically spoiler free. Austen has a dear place in my heart. Do not underestimate the depth of her writing. Also, I have heard this novel is particularly suited to the autumn season.

What books are on your autumn reading stack?

Blog Updates

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