Consider these books…

It was a decent year for books and reading. Not books released in 2023 specifically, but solid reads that surprise or are worth repeating. Here are six to consider.

Best Reread: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

The title’s metaphor concerns the mysterious art of understanding folks and not judging a book by its cover, or in this case, a mockingbird by its tune. Lee’s writing? Smooth as warmed butter on a just-baked biscuit.

Best Find: The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell

The premise is so familiar in fiction and Hollywood, that it took me years to get to the original source material. I am glad I did.

Best Conflicted Review: Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead

Can a book be extremely well-written, yet boring? My answer is yes. I love Whitehead’s writing but this book never delivers pace or momentum. It has a few amazing lines among strong prose but is instantly forgettable.

Worst Read: Sparring Partners by John Grisham

Two novellas and a short story, written by Grisham…I anticipated a quick entertaining hammock read. Well, it was quick, terrible, and a money grab. Worse for the author, it has caused readers and reviewers to question if Grisham was ever any good.

Best Surprise: Fairy Tale by Stephen King

This story is at once, playful and serious, light and heavy, and trite and robust. It is like two books. You can read it at face value or look for the deeper meaning as in any fairy tale.

Wanted to Love: Oscar Wars by Michael Schulman

The Oscar’s survive not because they are entertaining or relevant. They are often a garbage fire (a term used in the book) and car wreck. People tune in, not to see the best outfits but the worst. Not to celebrate the art, but to gawk. The Oscar’s always disappoint and so does this book which is surprising given the source material.

A Netflix Movie: The Pram by Joe Hill

American folk horror explores the sinister underbellies of bucolic villages, towns, and communities. The Pram is extremely good with moist breadcrumbs liberally sprinkled in this tidy tale (forget streaming, turn this into a play!). Any more said will result in spoilers but be prepared for a gross-out that is largely unnecessary and should be treated differently if this is ever filmed.

And there you have it. A good year, but possibly a great year depending on how you spiced your reading up!