Since beginning this blog in March 2018, I’ve often found there isn’t a clear way to classify many books. Some books cross genres. Others have multiple themes. If you’re a regular reader, you know I love books about books or bookstores or libraries and have included many in earlier columns with that theme (Blog #4 – Books about Books; Blog #18 – More Biblio-Books.) But these “books about books” may also fall into other categories such as historical fiction or mystery or women’s fiction – all additional favorites of mine.
And then there are books that are outliers and as a result haven’t found their way into this blog until now. Either I haven’t been able to classify them, or I haven’t wanted to because they stand out to me. So the idea of writing a post to highlight the uniqueness of these books seemed like an idea whose time was overdue!
The Last Equation of Issac Severy by Nova Jacobs is one such book. Is it a mystery? A family drama? A psychological study with some (mild) modern day gothic fantasy elements? Books like Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore, The Bookman’s Tale and even one of my all-time favorites, The Shadow of the Wind come to mind. Don’t expect a fast-paced mystery but be prepared for a fantastic ride! I thoroughly enjoyed this inventive, quirky, and unusual book.
Another mystery related book, The Eighth Detective by Alex Pavesi, was much more than your average whodunnit. Years ago, a mathematics professor self-published a book with seven short stories to demonstrate his theory that there is a formula for murder mysteries. He had since lived a very reclusive life, but agrees to break his isolation to meet with a book editor who wants to re-publish the book. As they review the short stories, a bigger mystery begins to unfold. This wonderful unique book is a must read for any mystery lover!
Following with the mystery theme is Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club. This was such a fun book – and with a positive view of the elderly. Four septuagenarians living in a peaceful retirement community come together every week to discuss “cold” murder cases. But then a murder in the community pulls them into the hunt for the killer. The unfolding mystery takes many surprising turns and the wonderful characters and their relationships captured my heart.
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman was one of my favorite books of the year. Initially it is hard to know just what is going on. There are mysterious events and many twists and turns. Some readers give up, but I encourage you to persevere. It’s a special book about a lot of things – with a lot of characters – but ultimately it is about being human with all of our imperfections. I highlighted passages to share with others. I bought copies for friends. I felt broken open and I laughed out loud. I didn’t want to end.
The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle, while not mysterious, is magical. “At one point or another, we’ve all been asked to name five people, living or dead, with whom we’d like to have dinner.” That is the premise of this very original novel that was unlike anything I have read. It’s hard to find words to describe it. Total fantasy and yet so very real. Tragic but also uplifting, fun and hopeful. And having Audrey Hepburn, one of my favorites, was an added bonus.
Another poignant and unusual novel, Love is a Rebellious Bird by Elayne Klasson, was a gratifying, thought provoking book. Reading like a memoir, this story is a long love letter to Elliot, the man Judith has loved for 60 years. She questions why we love who we do and looks at the loss and sacrifice she has endured in this unequal love. Anyone who has loved someone devotedly throughout their life will find themselves in these pages. A beautiful and gently unfolding story.
Finally, Nine Women, One Dress by Jane L. Rosen, was a classic “feel good” book. The fashion industry’s “Dress of the Year” weaves through the stories of nine women – and a few men – of all ages, with wonderfully heartwarming effects. I haven’t enjoyed a book as much as this one in a while. As much as I wanted to know the outcomes of the stories, I didn’t want to say goodbye to all the characters. A very sweet engaging read.
I found all of these novels to be distinctive or original and thoroughly enjoyable. What books have you read that stand out for you as unique or special in some way?
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