With Thanksgiving this week, I’m reflecting on all the things I’m thankful for which of course, includes books. Here are five books I’m thankful I read this year. 

James by Percival Everett

Wow. Just wow. This retelling/reimagining of Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was brilliant. I finished listening to this several days ago and haven’t stopped thinking about it. It’s the kind of book that will stay with me for a long time. It takes everything I’ve thought about the story of Huckleberry Finn and turns it around, allowing me to see it in a new way. This would make an excellent book club discussion. This book made me think of all the books I read as an English major in college that I loved thinking deeply about. 

The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan

I loved absolutely everything about this book. I encourage all historical fiction readers and book lovers to get their hands on a copy of this five star read. I’m jealous of everyone who gets to read it for the first time. For readers who love found family stories, you will fall in love with each character and who they connect with and what they overcome. The writing is magnificent – I felt transported back to WWII London and could easily imagine the library in the Underground. And the way Ryan writes about the power of books, stories and libraries was simply beautiful and made me so proud of my librarian past and of all librarians. I found the author’s note fascinating as well. Jennifer Ryan is definitely an auto-buy author for me. This is a hugging book for sure. This book reminded me how reading can truly transport you to a different time and place. 

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

What a strong mystery, perfect for summer. “When a teenager vanishes from her Adirondack summer camp, two worlds collide. As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds.” I usually avoid books with missing kids but something about the reviews drew me to this book and I am so glad I picked it up. I read it quickly, needing to have resolution to both the mysteries from the past and present stories. The language is beautiful and the setting of the woods in summer time made this the perfect read. It’s a bit creepy as there are some very awful people, but others are wonderful and watching how first impressions can change and true character unfold was fascinating. I loved this. Five glowing stars. This book reminded me of the joy of summer reading and how perfect it is to get truly lost in an amazing story in the long, hot days of summer. It reminded me of summer reading when I was a kid and teen. 

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

I’m late to the party when it comes to reading A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder but I’m SO glad my 13-almost-14 year old pressed this in my hands. And on audio with a full cast – YES! My heart was pounding as I listened and I came up with every possible chore to do that allowed for listening time. This book reminded me how much fun it is to connect with my daughter about books. 

Funny Story by Emily Henry

This title was everywhere and for good reason. It’s absolutely the best – funny and romantic and the perfect summer escape. Sometimes I go to my bookshelf and just smile at it, I love it that much. This book reminded me why I love romantic-comedies, especially those with a librarian as a main character, and how much fun it is to laugh out loud while reading.