Two books that I've been on the waiting list for at the library became available last week. I wasn't sure I could invest that much reading time (the ebooks have shorter check-out periods than paper books), but I downloaded them both and put my planned reading on the back burner (again).
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
I really, really enjoyed this one. It wasn't the most upbeat story line, but the writing was excellent, the characters likable, and I laughed out loud many times (oh the chapter of the author reading at the bookstore!) One review I read mentioned that it was similar to The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society...I remember really liking that book as well, but I don't think they are at all similar.
The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
When I started this one, I wasn't sure I could take another story of troubled teen in the foster care system. Oh am I glad I stuck it out. I wasn't far into it when I was hooked and read it through in a couple of marathon readings. I've read some reviews in which the reader found the main character too unlikable, and couldn't see why supporting characters were so attached to her. I found the main character believable. Flawed? Yes. She almost lost me a couple of times, but I found her detachment believable considering the background. I guess it's a matter of taste or maybe even mood.
I feel like I won the reading lottery this week with two I really liked in a row!
Now I'll try to get back to my list.
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I just got back from the library, my audio book for THE GOLDFINCH just came in and I have it for 3 weeks and it is 26 CDs. I am so glad you liked A. J. Fikrey and I also read the Language of Flowers this year. I just returned the best book I have read this year, Too Much Pretty. It wouldn't be for everyone, but I bet you would like it too. It's so nice to have reading friends.
ReplyDeleteThe Language of Flowers sounds interesting - I'm going to add it to my ever-growing Amazon wishlist!
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