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Chapter 2 - The Reading Life


I had set a goal of 130 books to read in 2019. I know that sounds like a lot but as I had accomplished that in 2018, it seemed like a reasonable number. It probably also sounds crazy because who sets goals as to the number of books they read right? Well yes, but for me the more books I read the more I can talk to people about books and make suggestions of books they might like.

As I got towards the end of the year, I wanted to read fun books or books by authors I hadn't read in a long time. Here was my list coming into the final stretch of 2019.

Twisted Twenty-Six by Janet Evanovich - One of our good customers Vee-Ann recommended I read this and as I hadn't read Evanovich for many years, I thought I'd give it a try. It was a good book - funny and quick, with great characters. If your favorite Plum family person is Stephanie's grandmother, I'd suggest reading this latest.

Love and Death Among the Cheetahs by Rhys Bowen - This is a Royal Spyness mystery, Bowen's latest and just as good as her previous ones. Georgie and Darcy are honeymooning in Kenya but, of course, murder intervenes in their trip. Just a word of caution, you really need to start this series from the beginning with Her Royal Spyness.

Anne Boleyn: 500 Years of Lies by Hayley Nolan - This was one of the heavier books I read at the end of the year. In this well-researched biography, Nolan puts to rest some of the myths, legends, and lies about Henry VIII's second wife. If you enjoy Tudor history, this one is for you.

The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg - I have recommended Berg's novels before and you can add this to the list. Arthur Moses goes everyday to visit his wife, Nola's, gravesite and has lunch with her. One day he meets a troubled teenager, Maddie Harris, and they become friends. The book is a good reminder of friendship, love, and who family really is.

Apt Pupil by Stephen King - While this doesn't fit the description of a "fun" book, it was a book which will stay with me for a long time I think. Todd Bowden is often described as an apt pupil by his teachers. When Todd discovers a Nazi war criminal's past he wants to know more and in the learning discovers the real meaning of power and evil. This book was disturbing in many ways but would be an interesting book club book.

Did you read anything worth sharing at the end of the year? Let me know.

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