Hi.
Welcome to Hasty Book List—your cozy corner of the internet for all things bookish. Here, I share the stories I’m reading, the ones I can’t stop thinking about, and a few literary surprises along the way. I’m so glad you’re here.
Welcome to Hasty Book List—your cozy corner of the internet for all things bookish. Here, I share the stories I’m reading, the ones I can’t stop thinking about, and a few literary surprises along the way. I’m so glad you’re here.
If you’re in a reading rut, it probably means you haven’t branched out to try a new genre in a while. Or, if you have, the book you chose wasn’t great so you fell back into your old routine. As a thank-you for signing up for my monthly newsletter, I’m sharing with you the 5 books, each in a different genre, that represent the best of that genre, or perhaps a “gateway” read into that genre. Enjoy!
Followers by Megan Angelo
Science Fiction is definitely not on my list of top genres that I turn to when I’m looking for a great book. However, I really enjoyed reading Followers by Megan Angelo. It is set in a futuristic world in the aftermath of The Spill. People are wary of sharing anything online. In an attempt to convince citizens that the internet is safe again, the government sets up a wildly successful reality tv program where characters share everything about themselves from the moment they wake up to the moment they go to bed.
Fierce Kingdom by
Gin Phillips
Mysteries and thrillers are my go-to books when I need a book guaranteed to draw me in quickly. This is the best genre for getting me out of a reading rut, especially if I haven’t read one in a while. I could NOT put down Fierce Kingdom by Gin Phillips. My heart was racing, the pages were flying, and I nearly read this entire book in one day.
A Well-Behaved Woman by Therese Anne Fowler
My all-time favorite genre is historical fiction. I have a Ph.D. in fashion history, so this should come as no surprise. But even I get tired of the genre, unless it is the BEST the genre has to offer. I thought A Well-Behaved Woman by Therese Anne Fowler was the best of the best of historical fiction. It was full of great historical information, but still relevant to today’s world, plus it had glamour and a bit of mystery.
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
If you haven’t read Wonder by R. J. Palacio, you’re missing out. Young Adult books are really good at hooking readers right away (I guess they figure young adults will quit reading if they aren’t drawn in immediately?) So if you’re in a reading rut, turning to a YA novel is a great way to renew your love of reading. Despite the name, they aren’t just for young readers. Wonder is about a boy who was born with a facial difference.
Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield
I NEVER would have selected this book for myself. When I lived in St. Louis, I joined a book club with reading preferences very different from my own. And lucky for me, because they introduced me to some great books, including Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield. It was dark and mysterious and FASCINATING.
This is How it Always Is by Laurie Frankel
Perhaps you’re in search of a contemporary novel that will introduce you to unique and compelling characters. My book club read This is How it Always Is by Laurie Frankel and we all loved it. Every single one of us. And this is rare, as we each have our own (and strong) opinions about what makes a good book, what genre we prefer, etc. This book is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
