Michelle Palmer
Although the New Year is already here, 2013 proved to be a fantastic year for books. From gripping novels to the explosion of young adult literature, the choices were almost endless. Here are a few of the best from 2013.
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
Don’t let this hefty size of the newest novel by Donna Tartt put you off. At nearly 800 pages, it is a big commitment, but there is much to love in what reviewers are lauding as one of the best books of the decade. Centered around 13-year-old Theo, an explosion that kills his mother, and a painting that falls into Theo’s hands, The Goldfinch is a beautifully written coming-of-age story that is worth every page.
Allegiant by Veronica Roth
Divergent fans waited with bated breath to finally read the last book in the wildly popular dystopian series by Veronica Roth. Picking up at the end of Insurgent, this book had a lot of loose ends to tie up, and it does—although perhaps not the way eager fans would have wanted. Roth’s bleak world, where society is divided into factions based on a particular personality trait, makes for an exciting series of books, one well worth delving into.
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
In Life After Life, Kate Atkinson solidifies her position as one of today’s most interesting and talented writers. Her newest novel is a departure from Atkinson’s well-loved Detective Brodie series, but it may be her best novel to date. Ursula Todd is born into a wealthy banker’s family in 1910, and dies instantly. But that is just the first of Ursula’s lives. She continues to be born again and again, like a twisted kind of “Groundhog Day,” until Ursula finally gets it right and learns her purpose on earth. With Atkinson’s trademark humor and unlikely plot twists, Life After Life will keep you guessing until the highly satisfying ending.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
Author of several young adult novels, The Ocean at the End of the Lane is Gaiman’s first adult novel since 2005. Although technically written for adults, readers of all ages will thrill to this supernatural story about a lonely seven-year-old boy and the secret he discovers about his neighbors, young Lettie and her family. With a child’s sense of wonder and fear, Gaiman perfectly illustrates the life of a lonely child, and how terrifying the grown-up world can be. This short novel is the ideal book to curl up with on a cold winter’s afternoon.
This is just a sampling of the many fantastic books from the last year. Whether you enjoy one of the books above, or another of your choosing, happy reading!
Michelle Palmer is Read To Succeed’s One Book Committee Co-Chair and author of the blog, Turn of the Page (michellepalmersbooks.blogspot.com).
