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Gary's Top Reads in 2024

I listen to lots of books, in fact, according to Goodreads I have listened to 91 books this year! I wanted to share my top picks here, in no particular order, for the those who like to read or listen!

Fiction

The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman

Christmas With the Queen by Hazel Gaynor & Heather Webb

The Memory of Lavender and Sage by Aimie K. Runyan

The Time Keepers by Alyson Richman

James by Percival Everett

After Oz by Gordon McAlpine

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

The Trial of Mrs. Rhinelander by Denny S. Bryce

The Goddess of Warsaw by Lisa Barr

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Call Me Zelda by Erika Robuck

Finding Margaret Fuller by Allison Pataki

The Queen of Sugar Hill by ReShonda Tate

A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci

The American Queen by Vanessa Miller

Young Adult

Where Wolves Don't Die by Anton Treuer

Buffalo Dreamer by Violet Duncan

The First To Die at the End by Adam Silvera

Across So Many Seas by Ruth Behar

The Rent Collector by Camron Wright

Debut

Them Bones by A. Atkins

Talmadge Farm by Leo Daughtry

Suspense

Twenty Years Later & Long Time Gone by Charlie Donlea

The Paris Widow by Kimberly Belle

The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins

She's Not Sorry by Mary Kubica

The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean

Non Fiction

The JFK Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer & Josh Mensch (Coming January 2025)

From Here to the Great Unknown by Riley Keough & Lisa Marie Presley

American Wings: Chicago's Pioneering Black Aviators by Elizabeth Wein & Sherri L. Smith

Series

Think Twice by Harlan Coben

Crosshairs by James Patterson

Capture or Kill by Don Bentley

A Death in Cornwall by Daniel Silva

This is Why We Lied by Karin Slaughter

Nothing But the Bones by Brian Panowich

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Middle Grade Favorites

I try and read all genres, including middle grade. A good amount of the middle grade selections are fantasy and I don’t read much middle grade fantasy.  Here are some of my favorite fiction and non-fiction picks in middle grade, generally ages 8-12, but I sure am a lot older than that, so they work for adults too!

FICTION

Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan is brilliant. A truly unique novel that is great for middle grade readers, young adults and adults. This novel is lyrical and beautiful with riveting stories and yet tightly written and plotted.

The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz was a fun and captivating tale  A nice mix of historical fiction and fantasy with a great collection of narrators and honest voices. Adults and kids will enjoy.

Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis is a modern classic that deals with racism.

The War I Finally Won/The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley are great historical fiction reads for middle grade readers.

Dan Unmasked by Chris Negron is a heartfelt middle grade debut about grief, creativity, and the healing power of friendship shows that not all heroes wear capes.

The Last Super Chef by Chris Negron features family and food at center stage in this heartfelt middle grade story.

Harry Potter by JK Rowling is the series/book that got me back into reading after college.

The Islanders by Mary Alice Monroe is a great read about kids disconnecting from technology and enjoying the beauty of nature and animals that surround them.

A Night Divided by Jennifer Nielsen  is a stunning thriller about a girl who must escape to freedom after the Berlin Wall divides her family between east and west.

Resistance by Jennifer Nielsen tells the extraordinary story of a Jewish girl's courageous efforts to resist the Nazis.

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate is based on a true story and is a heartwarming read.

The Boy on the Porch by Sharon Creech is an amazing story of unconditional love.

CLASSICS

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell 

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

NON-FICTION

The Lincoln Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer is a non-fiction book about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln told in a fashion appropriate for young readers.

The First Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer is a non-fiction book about George Washington told in an age appropriate way for younger readers.

The Boy on the Wooden Box by Leon Leyson is a memoir written by the youngest boy Schindler saved in WWII.  

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Suspense Favorites of 2019

I spend a lot of time in the car and audiobooks help pass the time, especially novels of suspense. Here is a list of my favorites I read this year!

Dear Wife by Kimberly Belle

The Better Sister by Alafair Burke

Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

The Mother-In-Law by Sally Hepworth

The Murder List by Hank Phillipi Ryan

29 Seconds by T.M. Logan

If She Wakes by Michael Koryta

Someone We Know by Shari LaPena

She Was the Quiet One by Michele Campbell

The Banker’s Wife by Cristina Alger

Someone Knows by Lisa Scottoline

How It Happened by Michael Koryta

I highly recommend FoxTale Book Shoppe for your reading enjoyment.

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Non-fiction Favorites 2019

It is true, I don’t read a lot of non-fiction.  However, I did manage to read or listen to a few that I can recommend.

The First Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer

I thoroughly enjoyed The First Conspiracy. This read like a work of fiction and kept the action, twist and turns, betrayals, second guesses and more coming page after page. I love when I can learn and be entertained. An edition for the young readers is coming out January 2020.

Before & After by Julie Christie and Lisa Wingate

I loved Before We Were Yours and couldn’t wait to read the nonfiction version, Before and After! It is a great read, full of love, loss, hope, redemption and gives voices to those who hadn’t had a voice for many years.

My Love Story by Tina Turner

I’ve been a long time Tina Turner fan and had the privilege of seeing her in concert once.  I thought this was a great memoir bringing us up to date from the time of her previous book, What’s Love Got To Do With It.  This book focuses very little on Ike and the domestic abuse she endured but rather discusses her later years, although riddled with health issues, how she maintained her positive outlook and embraced love.

Don't Stop Believin' by Olivia Newton-John

Also a longtime fan, every since Grease, I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir from Olivia.  Although beset with health issues for many years, she continues to shine and savor life and do great things.  An enjoyable read.

While we are on a music roll, I also read Me by Elton John.  I thought Me was okay but having seen the amazing film, Rocketman, the book did not compare.  Almost always, the book is always better, but in this case, I think the movie was better.  The book is great for Elton fans as a whole though.

I highly recommend FoxTale Book Shoppe for your reading enjoyment!

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Historical Fiction Favorites 2019

I read and listen to a good many books and thought I would share some of my top (non WWII) Historical Fiction reads.  I was never a fan of history as a student but I find myself loving many novels in this genre.

Lost Roses by Martha Hall Kelly

Having loved Lilac Girls, Kelly's first novel, I knew I would be engrossed in her latest novel, Lost Roses. This Lilac Girls prequel works as both a prequel and a stand alone novel. Lost Roses is a wonderful blend of World War I historical fiction, love, redemption, loss, survival all while being a page turner. Kelly tells this fascinating story from three points of view and almost always leaves you hanging at the end of each chapter. I highly recommend this great read. I had a book hangover when I finished Lost Roses. I both read and listened to this novel.  My favorite book of 2019!

Call Your Daughter Home by Deb Spera

This debut novel takes place in South Carolina, 1924, and features three strong women in various places in life.  If you’re looking for a beautifully written story, look no further than Call Your Daughter Home.  I was recently asked for a book as good as Where the Crawdads Sing, and immediately Call Your Daughter came to mind.  

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson

I have read several novels from Richardson and thoroughly enjoyed them; however, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is my new favorite.  Set in Kentucky in 1936,  with an authentic voice, Richardson captures the characters so well while sharing about the WPA Book Program under FDR. I learned about the blue people of Kentucky, the library program and life in Kentucky during a challenging period of history. Ultimately, this is a story of love, family, perseverance, hope and intention.

The Summer Country by Lauren Willig

I have never been to Barbados until Lauren Willig took me there with her sweeping historical fiction novel, The Summer Country.  Not only did I go to Barbados in my imagination but I traveled back in time to the 1800′s to a time of sugar plantations and unrest.  There are dual timelines, one taking place when there was slavery and the other taking place after.

Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan Henry

I'll admit, I've barely read any C.S. Lewis and knew nothing about him or his wife Joy Davidman and wasn't sure if this would be my type of book. Well, I thoroughly enjoyed this 5-star read that left me with a book hangover when finished. The writing was beautiful, thoughtful, balanced and a thoroughly researched. I felt that I was right there with Jack and Joy. A great story of love, perseverance, friendship, honor and more.

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

Set in 1922 Russia, this brilliant novel deserves all the accolades it has received.  The story is beautifully written, thought provoking and everything you want in a novel.

The Home for Unwanted Girls by Joanna Goodman

Great story, wonderful prose and all around excellent book. This is a perfect read for those who enjoyed Before We Were Yours.  Set in 1950s Quebec, where the French and English barely tolerate each other, tells a multi-generational family story  that is unique and well written. Did you know the orphanages were turned into mental hospitals in Canada during this time period?  I didn’t!

I highly recommend FoxTale Book Shoppe for your reading enjoyment!

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Favorite WWII Reads of 2019

I read and listen to a good many books and thought I would share some of my top Historical Fiction reads.  I was never a fan of history as a student but I find myself loving many novels in this genre. Here is my list of favorite World War II reads this year.

The World That We Knew by Alice Hoffman

I absolutely loved The World That We Knew! A masterful novel with all the feels. Highly crafted story with beautiful prose. One of my favorites of the year. This novel takes Hoffman’s signature magical realism and weaves it into a moving story set during World War II. 

The Fifth Column by Andrew Gross

Gross writes historical fiction thrillers like no one else.  The Fifth Column brings us back to World War II in the United States.  Gross weaves a story of love, loss and redemption while bringing us back to a dark time in our history.  Side note: Gross’ The One Man is my favorite all time historical fiction thriller.  Another side note: Gross is one of my few go-to authors that I read every book without even knowing the first thing about the story.  I always know it will be that good.

The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff

A great read that sheds light on an unknown piece of history during World War II. Great plotting and character development! Another home run for Pam Jenoff. I also recommend The Orphan’s Tale from Jenoff.

The Long Flight Home by Alan Hlad

This debut novel was a great read.  Taking place during World War II, this story focuses on the role of the pigeons during the war while weaved into a story of love and family. In this story an American pilot joins the Royal Air Force which was an unique plot device.

The Last Year of the War by Susan Meissner

I love when a great story and history come together. Highly recommend The Last Year of the War. This is a story of a German immigrant who is forced to live in an interment camp in the United States who becomes friends with a Japanese American teenager.  This is a story of the power of the human spirit and much more. Once again an interesting take on World War II history.

The Last Train to Midnight by Meg Clayton A wonderful and engaging novel centering on the Kindertransports that carried thousands of children out of Nazi-occupied Europe—and one brave woman who helped them escape to safety.  This  is extremely well researched and thoughtfully written. Excellent character development and plotting round out the greatness of this historical fiction read. The author grabs you and doesn't let go and even got me to shed a few tears.

I recommend FoxTale Book Shoppe for all your book buying needs! 

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School’s out and more time for leisure reading!

I read across all genres and have recently read a few middle grade novels that are worth sharing!  

1. Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan is brilliant. A truly unique novel that is great for middle grade readers, young adults and adults. This novel is lyrical and beautiful with riveting stories and yet tightly written and plotted. 

2. The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz was a fun and captivating tale  A nice mix of historical fiction and fantasy with a great collection of narrators and honest voices. Adults and kids will enjoy.

3. Into the Lion’s Den by Linda Fairstein is a great book for middle grade readers. I have long been a fan of Linda Fairstein's adult books and was eager to see how her first middle grade novel would read and it did not disappoint. The book does a superb job of balancing age appropriateness while not condescending to the tween protagonists. Not a very easy task but Fairstein does it perfectly.

4.  The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. Finally read this award-winning book. Heartbreaking, funny, hopeful and compelling coming of age story. Teenage voice is captured very well. Definitely recommend for teens twelve and up.

5. The Best Man by Richard Peck.  This is the first book I've read by this author and I am impressed. The voice of an elementary school student and kids in general was captured so well. Some kids are astute observers, others slow on the pick-up...that's real life for kids and adults. This book tackles several hot topics, but readers will not feel like the author or protagonist is talking down to them or pushing an agenda. 

I would love to hear what you or your kids think about these and any other books they read and loved!

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Tumbleweed effect of Hillbilly Elegy

Like a tumbleweed growing in size as it travels, Hillbilly Elegy has become an unexpected NY Times best seller in 2016, partially due to it being referenced by politicians in our recent elections. My only explanation is that many people liked it because someone else liked it or said they should like it. I wish it was that easy for me to just like it, since most people have.

While the book wasn’t poorly written, it was not a compelling read. It failed to set itself apart from any other group.  Did the author have a challenging childhood?  Yes. Did he overcome several hardships and bad odds? Yes. Were they unique? No.  The problems, that were supposed to make the story unique and important as a social commentary of the Appalachian people, did the opposite. I have learned more about the Appalachian people from fiction than from this work of non-fiction. Think Ann Hite, Adriana Trigiani, Lisa Wingate, David Joy, Ron Rash and Wiley Cash to name a few.

I grew up a Jewish kid from Long Island. Theoretically, I should have little to nothing in common with the Appalachian people. That being said, my father drank all afternoon at work, drove drunk daily and guzzled wine while driving. If that wasn’t enough, he would stop at a strip club on the way home and leave his kids in the car for anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour and then of course, the kids had to lie to their mother. He almost drowned my brother for failure to properly apologize to a moccasin shoe. He was arrested for DUI among other things.  I don’t share this for sympathy because relatively speaking, I had it easy.  To my point, the travesties conveyed in Hillbilly Elegy don’t rise above many people’s experiences, even this Jewish kid from Long Island.

I have discussed this book for hours with several people.  So yes, the book did get me thinking and yes, it took me several weeks to gather my thoughts on my problem with Hillbilly Elegy. I could go into more detail but I do try and keep these blog articles on the short side.  Happy to discuss further if interested.

Thanks for reading, I think....

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Fiction as Exercise

Book loving friends often ask me why I or they read books with unimaginable horror. Most often they mean WWII historical fiction; I don’t actually read horror or very graphic thrillers.  Sadly, the worst horrors are not imagined but things humans do to other humans.

A few years back, I attended a book signing with thriller/suspense writers Jamie Mason and Jenny Milchman.  Something Jamie Mason said has stuck with me over the years and I recently asked her to clarify my three year old memory.

When this topic comes up, what I like to say is that fiction is exercise.

Lifting a dumbbell, which is frankly just a hunk of metal, over your head twenty times is pointless. That piece of metal did not need to be seven feet off the ground. The fact of it serves no purpose in reality. But what it does do is condition the muscles that did the work to be competent to do work at all.

Same with fiction, and maybe particularly hard-topic fiction. We all have an essentially endless capacity for reaction. We will never experience enough life to wear out our mental and emotional muscles. But, these "muscles" craft and manufacture morality. And what could be more important work than that? 

The what-ifs of fiction, even most particularly of dark fiction, condition our emotional and intellectual muscles for empathy, outrage, surprise, delight, justice, our comfort level with ambivalence, and our perceptions of heroism and villainy.

And I think these exercises can condition us to react in real time, to real situations, because just like the approximations with hunks of metal strengthened our biceps, we've worked out.

So friends, know that you are working out and furthering the development of your morality in reading suspense, thrillers and even historical fiction.

Jamie Mason is the author of THREE GRAVES FULL and MONDAY’S LIE (Simon & Schuster). Jenny Milchman is the author of COVER OF SNOW, RUIN FALLS and AS NIGHT FALLS (Penguin Random House).

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Liza with a Z asks what should she read next!

You ask a book lover what to read next and be prepared! It is really hard to stop once us book lovers get going.  So my friend Liza says, “Just finished The Couple Next Door.  Great book!  Thanks for the recommendation! So, if you know any others like that, that's my kind of book!” Yes, I enjoyed The Couple Next Door.

Floodgates open.

The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson is one of the best thrillers I've read, and that says a lot. Somehow, it flew under the radar and never got the broad acclaim it should have gotten.  It is inspired by the Patricia Highsmith classic, Strangers on a Train. It had more than one “oh sh$#” moment for me! Can’t say much more.

In a dark, dark wood by Ruth Ware was a fast and compelling read.  It felt a little like an Agatha Christie novel.  I wasn’t sure about it at first as it is based on a hen party, the British equivalent to a bachelorette weekend. But, it was a page turner and grabbed me.  

The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian, while not necessarily a thriller, was excellently written, suspenseful and compelling.  It deals in part with Armenian teen sex industry and it makes for a great read.  The characters are well-developed.

I also told Liza to look at Finding Jake by Bryan Reardon, The Passenger by Lisa Lutz, The Ex by Alafair Burke, The Silent Wife by ASA Harrison, The Good Girl & Pretty Baby by Mary Kubica and The Girl Next Door by Patricia MacDonald.

Can’t stop there...these offer some unique plot points.

Ruin Falls by Jenny Milchman is a great domestic thriller with environmental and sustainability issues included.

Invisible City by Julia Dahl deals with Hasidic Community in Brooklyn and the relationship they have with non-Jews in dealing with crimes.   

Those Who Wish Me Dead by Michael Koryta is a suspenseful wilderness survival thriller.

The One Man by Andrew Gross is an outstanding historical fiction thriller. One of the best and most compelling historical fiction reads I’ve come across.

Save Me by Lisa Scottoline is a suspenseful novel which in part focuses on the responsibility a parent has when volunteering or simply having lunch with their child in the event of an emergency.

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Using 9/11 for a marketing promotion never OK

Trying to use 9/11 to sell or promote one’s business or agenda will never be OK. It will never, I repeat, never be OK.  While I would think this is basic common sense and decency, apparently it is not.  

Texas based Miracle Mattress made a commercial stating, “Right now, you can get any size mattress for a twin price.” It also showed people falling onto two stacks of mattresses, knocking them to the ground. Purposefully insensitive. Disgusting...

A Walmart in Florida, along with Coca-Cola Bottling Company, erected a Twin Tower display with an American Flag and a banner saying We Will Not Forget. I actually think that is pretty cool and a great way for the store to pay tribute. However, the sticking point became the “Rollback” Special!  That’s where a tribute turned to a sales promotion and the fine line was crossed. Yes, we are that sensitive and should be.

In 2015, New York Daily News’ Linda Stasi wrote, “ Way out west, the Zales store in Omaha ran a sale, complete with a window sign that read, “Ask us about 9/11!” and worse, “Renew, Reset, Restyle,” mocking the post-9/11 slogan, “Remember, Rebuild, Renew.”

Earlier this Summer, Pokémon Go users descended on the 9/11 Memorial in New York City, which is also a location in the game. Poor planning, Nintendo.

It’s not just businesses being insensitive though.

At Atlanta’s annual Sci Fi Fantasy convention, DragonCon, two imbeciles made and donned horrific costumes of the burning Twin Towers with Barbie dolls representing people jumping out of windows. Vile!

In 2015,  Devo rocker Jerry Casale, had a 9/11-themed wedding complete with Twin Towers cakes and for wedding favors, they gave out engraved box cutters. Who does something that? Sadly, there are many more examples of insensitive and downright stupid behavior. 

Fortunately, the vast majority of people are respectful and 9/11 remains revered for most. We will never forget.

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The Time I Met THE ONE MAN Author in the Produce Aisle

It’s not every day you meet an author at a book signing in the produce aisle of Kroger!  In 2013, I had the pleasure of meeting NYT Bestselling Author Andrew Gross in exactly that, the produce aisle.  Andy was a good sport, chilling in the produce aisle for a few hours.  I met another Andy fan, Diane at the book signing, and have since become friends.  I even helped her with a mortgage in my prior career.  See, the book signing connections you make are real!

I love all of Andy’s books and am excited about THE ONE MAN, available today (8/23/16).  I have been riding around with the ARC (Advance Reading Copy) in my car trying to read whenever I can.  Ultimately, I will listen to it on audio, but still, I carry the ARC hoping for a few pages here and there.  I just can’t part with it!

I highly recommend THE ONE MAN and all of Andy’s books.  He also co-wrote several books with James Patterson and then struck out on his own with James’ support. 

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WWII book recommendations, Part Deux

As promised a few months back, I have more WWII book recommendations! 

I read across many genres and learn something from everything I read. Perhaps, I should have known these things before, and whether I learned and forgot, or things now resonate with maturity, I am always learning.  As an empathetic person, they can be hard reads, but they are important reads. 

With the end of WWII 70 years ago, our first person witnesses are getting fewer and fewer. Here are a few additional WWII great reads.

1. The Secrets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meissner: This novel takes place primarily in London and I don’t remember knowing London was under siege during WWII!  Feels dumb to admit that, but, hey, it is true.  This is a highly engaging story full of resilience, love, hope, redemption, ambition, guilt and regret. Missed the protagonist when I finished the book!

2. Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys: While technically classified as a YA or Young Adult novel, this is perfect for adults alike. An excellent WWII novel taking place in East Prussia about a predominantly unknown tragedy, in fact, the largest maritime tragedy. I knew nothing about the events in this novel prior to reading. The characters were interesting and flawed. Ultimately this is a story of character and characters. The beauty of historical fiction is to learn and enjoy at the same time, 

3. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys: This is not a typical WWII novel focusing on Germany, but rather, the focus is on Russia and Stalin's actions during WWII. From Siberia to Lithuania, with heart and hope, art, love, resilience and more...excellent book for teens and adults!

4. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr: I am not usually a fan of major award-winners.  Fortunately, I read All the Light prior to it winning the Pulitzer Prize.  Beautifully written, emotion packed, a compelling story...really an amazing book and worthy of the Pulitzer.

5. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak:  Amazing writing! So creative, nuanced, brilliant! This is by far the most imaginative book I have read!  Also, technically a YA book, this is a book for all ages.

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Beam me up: my first book signing

I was talking with author Barbara Davis earlier and one thing led to another and we were talking about Nora Roberts, then I mentioned Anne Rice and next Star Trek and then, BAM, I had a blog idea. Random firings for sure!

My first book signing was in 1995 at Borders in Sayville, NY.  The idea of meeting a living author?  Not all authors are dead like Shakespeare, Machiavelli and Orwell?  So off to the bookstore I went to listen to Michael Jan Friedman, author of many Star Trek and other books, talk about his book Crossover.

I used to read a lot of Star Trek books back in the day. I was also a fan of the Star Trek: The Next Generation TV show and had a thing for Counselor Deanna Troi. In fact, I still have a Deanna Troi coffee mug (picture below).

I remember getting the book signing bug then and twenty years later, I have attended hundreds. I always learn something. 

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Ricky Gervais & I

Now that I got your attention! So, what do Ricky Gervais and I have in common?  We are both animal lovers, we both have a dark sense of humor and we both enjoyed the new book, ESTHER THE WONDER PIG! 

In addition to the wonderful story and their love of animals, I also found their insight on social media, crowdfunding, dealing with others' agendas and the like very interesting.  As some of you may know, I work in social media management, primarily in the publishing industry, and think they do a great job. I loved how they worked to find Esther's voice.  Well done, gentlemen!  

I highly recommend this book. With over 700 ratings/online reviews, it maintains a 5/5 star ranking.  Practically unheard of!  This would be a great family read also!  Depending on the age of the kids, you can skip right over the very few curse words.

Side note: My mother-in-law's name is Esther.  Of course, I had the ARC on the nightstand when she visited in the Spring! Esther, Esther, Esther!

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When a Book Doesn’t Work

Not every book works for every reader, every time. 

I am often asked what I do when a book doesn’t click. With so many great books out there, I definitely will cease reading something I am not enjoying. Do I blame the author or the book? Generally, no. I accept not every book is meant for every reader, every time. 

I realize authors are people too. Most spend at least a year working on a book, pouring their very best into their work, slaving over each and every word. 

Along the same lines, if I finish a book and ultimately didn’t love it, do I leave a bad review on Goodreads or publicly? I do not.  The old adage works for me, if I have nothing nice to say, I say nothing in most cases. Also, as stated above I understand not every book, works for every reader, every time. So my general rule of thumb is if I cannot leave at least a 3 star review, I do not review a book publicly.  Will I share my thoughts one-on-one? Definitely!  

Maybe my kids interrupted me so many times, I couldn’t get into a reading groove.  Maybe, my mind is too distracted and I can’t make the leap to the page. There are many reasons a book doesn’t click and that is ok in my book.

I never will recommend a book I did not like. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t love it!

Photo credit: Gerry Schmitt

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Woof! Arf! Favorite dog-related books

As a dog lover, I thought I would share some of my favorite dog-related books!

1. The Divinity of Dogs is a wonderful nonfiction collection of true stories about the connection between dogs and their people. A great book that can be read straight through or savored a story at a time. I especially love that a percentage of sales has gone to hundreds of animal charities.

2. The Art of Racing in the Rain is in my top 3 books ever.  Garth Stein’s novel was written so brilliantly, blurring the lines between memoir and fiction.  I often thought it was a memoir but had to remind myself it is told by a dog!  This book will make you love, cheer, hope, cry, endure and more. There is the adult version, a young adult version and picture books.

3. Where the Red Fern Grows is a book I never heard of before a few years ago.  I enjoyed this classic novel about a boy and his best friends.  

4. I enjoy Susan Wilson’s dog-themed books including A Man of His Own and One Good Dog.

I’ve yet to read W. Bruce Cameron’s books, but plan to, and I’ve seen the Marley & Me movie, so I won’t read the book!