Another year has passed quickly and it's time for my favorites. This year, though, I found it particularly difficult to pick just a couple, so here are my six top picks from my reading list:
The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker. What a delightful debut novel that intertwines two folk tales - Chava is a golem (in Jewish folklore, a golem is a looming figure made from clay to serve a master) that travels across the Atlantic with a rabbi who dies along the way; Ahmad is the Arabic jinni unwittingly awoken from his slumber by a tinsmith. Both creatures find themselves relying on each other to survive in turn-of-the-century New York. Richly drawn characters and clever plot make this a winner.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green and Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell. I try to fit in at least one YA novel during the year and if you think they're kids' books, think again. These days, YA authors are taking on many of the real issues facing teens today (ahem....disregarding the vampires, werewolves and zombies) like self-esteem, bullying, illness, gangs, and reassuring them in the process that they're not alone with their troubles.
NOS4A2 by Joe Hill. I've always been a fan of Stephen King (read on), but I have to say I love Joe Hill. (and it has NOTHING to do with the fact that I acted like a schoolgirl when I met him and his brother Owen King at a book signing). The little kid with the voodoo doll at the end of Creepshow has become a master of creepy storytelling. Charlie Manx "rescues" unhappy children and takes them to Christmasland; and it's not all candy canes and presents. Victoria McQueen, who once escaped his clutches, must now face the horror again to save her son. Did I say creepy? Well I'll say it again...creepy.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman. Okay, I'm a sucker for library supporters, you know, being a librarian and all. As one of the most successful crossover authors (from Coraline to American Gods), Gaiman charms you with dark fantasy and sympathetic characters, making this a captivating read for teens and adults alike. And thanks for the endorsements, Neil!
Doctor Sleep by Stephen King. Well, the long awaited sequel is here, and it doesn't disappoint. Little Danny Torrance from The Shining is now a grown man with demons of his own. But he must pull it together to save children who shine from a group called the True Knot. Suspense and "redrum" galore. But please, don't base your expectations on the movie, which King admittedly hated.
Yes, it was quite a year; I hope 2014 is as exciting. As the weather outside gets frightful, you'll find me wrapped in a blue Snuggie with hot chocolate and a book, of course.
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?
