Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Favorite Books of 2013

Christmas is three weeks from today--do I have my tree up? No!  Have I started writing out Christmas cards? No, I haven't even bought them yet!  How about Christmas shopping?  Barely started.  So what am I doing sitting at the computer writing a blog post??  The answer to that--besides my procrastination on Christmas--is that today is the last meeting of the Book Review Club this year, and I wanted to recommend two of my favorite books of 2013.  I read both of them much earlier this year, so I'll keep these very brief, particularly since my memory of character names and details is pretty fuzzy on both.


 And The Mountains Echoed is the latest novel by Khaled Hosseini, author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, both critically acclaimed novels and two of my favorites from past years. Hosseini has often been described as a master storyteller, and I can think of no better way to describe him. Mountains contains many more characters than his previous novels with many storylines that intersect, often in surprising ways.  Once again, the main setting is Afghanistan, although most of the characters travel far from their homeland, giving us not only a glimpse into the rich but tragic culture of this war-torn land, but also how their background affects the characters in different settings and for many years.


This novel will not disappoint fans of his earlier works. While it is often sad, it is not as depressing as the life of Mariam in A Thousand Splendid Suns, and even offers some hope in its themes of love and loyalty.  Put this one on your must-read list!


A novel about Monarch butterflies and the ramifications of climate change? Not my usual cup of tea.  Fortunately, however, something intrigued me about the summaries I read of this book, and I picked it up from the library.  Yes, it is about the Monarchs, and Kingsolver's scientific background gives credibility to the plight of this particular group of Monarchs and what could very well happen if climate change continues.  But the story is also about young Dellarobia Turnbow,  whose discovery of the Monarchs wintering near her home turns her small Appalachian community upside down.  Trapped in an unhappy marriage and an unfulfilling life, Della is captivated by the butterflies who help her to find her own "wings."  Kingsolver's prose is beautiful, and the images she creates of the butterflies are magnificent and haunting.



 For my blogging friends who prefer gardening books to novels, Flight Behavior is the book that just might change your mind about fiction!

Whether you are looking for a gift idea for a book-loving friend (note: Flight Behavior actually was published in 2012, so the paperback is now available) or just looking for something worthwhile to read during the long winter nights ahead, And The Mountains Echoed and Flight Behavior deserve to be at the top of your list.


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@Barrie Summy



Disclaimer: No compensation of any kind was received for this review. As always, I review only books I enjoy and think others would enjoy reading too.  I purchased my own copy of Mountains and checked out Flight Behavior from the library (though now that I've become a fan of Kingsolver, I will  probably  purchase her books in the future.)

20 comments:

  1. I find Hoesinni's books too sad. Not that all of my books are so uplifting. I have read only the Kite Runner. I will try your second choice. Sounds interesting.

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  2. Both of these books have repeatedly been recommended to me. ANd I love Kingsolver so will have to read.

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  3. Lisa, I understand. "A Thousand Splendid Suns" was so beautifully written, but I was so depressed after it, mainly because I know what he described is true. But I do think you'd love "Flight Behavior"!

    Pattinase, This was my first Kingsolver novel--I don't know why I'd never read anything by her before! Just finished "The Bean Trees" last night, and I'm definitely a fan.

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  4. I'm so glad you enjoyed Flight Behavior too. It was eerily timely with the vanishing Monarchs (lovely photo). My 16 year old daughter loved it too. The Kite Runner was fabulous and your review reminds me that I should read his other books too.

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  5. Rose, you are a woman after my own heart although I must confess to buying some Christmas cards today :) I have 'And The Moutains Echoed' downloaded on my Kindle ready to read soon I hope. Have never read anything by Barbara Kingsolver but will look out for her books. Hope that you have time to fit in some reading over the festive season.

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  6. I read A Thousand Splendid Suns in a former book club, and as you said, it was beautiful to far too sad. Mostly because it is true. It's good for us to know that, but hard for us to know that.

    I have enjoyed several of Barbara Kingsolver's books, and this one is on my to-read list :-) I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it.

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  7. I've never read either of these authors but it sounds like they may be worth checking out. Thanks for the review.

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  8. Thanks for your reviews. I loved And The Mountains Echoed. I will have to read the Kingsolver book.

    I'm in denial about Christmas. I must get on it tomorrow!

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  9. Loved the Kite Runner--can't believe I haven't caught up with this one. Thanks for the reminder! And the Kingsolver sounds great, too.

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  10. My Book Club read "The Kite Runner," and most of us "liked" it. Tough material, but some good life lessons, too. Someone recommended "A Thousand Splended Suns," but we voted for other books instead. We are, however, reading "Flight Behavior." I'm looking forward to it!

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  11. Sarah, I first heard of "Flight Behavior" from your review last year--thanks so much for the recommendation! I probably would have overlooked it otherwise.

    Anna, I am definitely a procrastinator when it comes to Christmas. But I just can't get into the spirit until December. Hope you enjoy "Mountains"!

    Cassi Renee, Yes, that is exactly what made "A Thousand Splendid Suns" so depressing--knowing this was actually going on in countries like Afghanistan. It haunted me for weeks. I think you'd love "Flight Behavior"!

    Lucy, Thanks for visiting--I tried to return the visit, but I can't access your blog!

    Sally, I remember your review of "Mountains" earlier this year and went back and read it again. Hosseini really is a superb writer.



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  12. Ellen, If you liked "The Kite Runner", you'll definitely enjoy this new one as well.

    Plant Postings, Glad your book club is reading "Flight Behavior"--I'd be interested in hearing what they thought of it. My book club has kind of fizzled out--how can a bunch of retired teachers all be so busy?:) I'm hoping I can get it re-started in January.

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  13. Flight Behavior sounds like a fantastic book. I need to check it out. I love your new header photo!! I just bought a new crabapple for the land and as of lately I am not fascinated with the crabapple tree so your photo surely caught my eye. If I don't speak to you before the holidays have a great one!

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  14. I am a big Kingsolver fan. I'm glad you enjoyed this book. And I loved The Kite Runner. So, I must try Moutains. By the way, Khaled Hosseini is coming to San Diego to speak in Feb. :) Thanks for putting off your Christmas stuff to review!!

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  15. Both of the authors are favorites of mine, but I haven't read either of these books. Thanks for taking the time to make us aware of them. As for your Christmas procrastination, bravo! I aim to get even more rebellious every year, and this one might be the best ever--no decorations up, very few presents bought, and certainly no cards sent out. And so few days left! Hehe!

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  16. I haven’t read any of these books but I have heard about Flight behaviour, possibly from another gardening blog, might be one for me too – thanks for the review!

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  17. I wish I enjoyed reading! Magazines are more my speed. I just don't have the attention span for books!

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  18. Flight Behavior sounds like a perfect red, like Lisa, I don't enjoy deeply sad books anymore. Happy Christmas Rose! xogail

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  19. Two interesting books. I did not read the Kite Runner, but I did see the movie and liked it. With so much of the world's attention focused on Afghanistan, I would love to read a book like The Mountains Echoed that has an intimate understanding of the culture and country.
    Like you I have read several summaries of Flight Behaviour and thought it sounded interesting, but I just haven't had the opportunity to pick it up. I will have to see if the local library has a copy.
    I have a recommendation for you, as I know you like mysteries. Have you read The Cuckoo's Calling by J.K. Rowling? We just finished the audio book and loved it!!

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  20. I didn't know Hosseini had another novel out. I loved A Thousand... better than Kite Runner. Will look out for this one. Many thanks.

    Greetings from London.

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