Kara’s Favorite Books of 2016
1. Pride and Prejudice
Classic | Romance
Okay, this shouldn’t be surprising, and if you haven’t read Pride and Prejudice – WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE? For real, though, I fully believe that Pride and Prejudice should be required reading for all humans. This was a re-read for me, but it’s only the second time I’ve read it. And the first time was in 7th grade, so I was long overdue for a re-read. I just thing Jane Austen’s stories are so pleasant and pastoral and human.
Also, I picked up this stunning edition from Waterstones right before I left England! I think it’s absolutely gorgeous.
2. The Lies of Locke Lamora
Fantasy | Adventure
I often have a craving for a really good ADVENTURE story, but I have a hard time finding things that really fit the bill. When I’m looking for adventure, I want a book that makes me feel like I’m watching Indiana Jones or Pirates of the Caribbean. I want non-stop action, humor, and great characters. This is one of the most exciting, engaging books I have ever read. I had SUCH a fun time reading this. It has everything: Pranks, theft, near-death experiences, great world-building, hilarious camaraderie between characters, peril, etc.
And I’m partial to this edition. Other editions are much more fantasy-novel-y, but this is so bright, and I love the type. I left this one behind in England, unfortunately.
3. The Hating Game
Romance | Contemporary
I absolutely LOVE romance stories when they are done well. Unfortunately, most romance books are not good, and I am very picky. So I abandon a lot of romance books after a few chapters, or I finish them and hate myself a little bit for reading utter trash. BUT THIS BOOK. What a breath of fresh air. This is truly a romantic comedy – super good and FUNNY chemistry between characters and excellent romantic tension. And NO DUMB ANGST. I can’t recommend this enough.
Also, I HATE ROMANCE COVER ART. It is, almost without exception, very bad. Meet the exception.
4. Lists of Note
Nonfiction | Novelty
This one is a little bit different. It is a book full of lists. A lot of the lists are interesting because they were written by famous people. You can read Johnny Cash’s to-do list, which includes such items as “Eat” and “Kiss June.” You can read the long-list of name ideas for Disney’s seven dwarves, which includes Awful, Chesty, and Flabby. Some lists are interesting for other reasons. I particularly enjoyed a list of wartime rules at a British golf course. One of the rules was, “A player whose stroke is affected by the simultaneous explosion of a bomb may play another ball from the same place. Penalty one stroke.”
