My favorite book of 2020. It's a beautifully written historical fiction novel about how Shakespeare came to write "Hamlet" three years after his son Hamnet died. I cannot praise this book enough, and you don't have to be a Shakespeare fan to be enthralled by it.
~Marion
This book left me weeping at 2 in the morning. I couldn't bear to put it down, and was captivated by Klara. It's a haunting, brilliant novel.
~Marion
This is an absolutely stunning and magical adventure inspired by the mythologies and fairy tales of the Middle East. It is intricate, lush, and has a badass female protagonist. It is also unputdownable. Seriously, I tried but ended up reading through the night. For those of us who love our fantasy novels blended with history, fairy tales, and politcal intrigue. Then, it's follow up "The Kingdom of Copper" is even better. You'll want to read it straight away since "The City of Brass" ends on one heck of a cliffhanger.
-Marion
This is an wonderful historical page-turner that will stay with you long after it's ended. It follows a family of Korean immigrants in Japan during the early 20th century, led by the extraordinary Sunja. It was such an amazing book, and it left me emotionally devestated - but it the best possible way. A great choice for bookclubs, too!
-Marion
Need a book to read while you're spending an afternoon by a beach? Well, this is the one for you! It's got a fesity heroine who has to navigate Society but her telekinesis keeps getting in the way. It's a comedy of manners, a Regency romance, and a fantay novel all rolled into one, and it's just utterly enchanting.
~Marion
Listen, I could write a whole book on why you should read these books. But I don't have that much space. So: if you like science fiction, fantasy, or excellent storytelling read these books. Stop what you're doing and read them! They are engrossing, beautiful, and full of twists and turns. Also, all three books won the Hugo Award consecutively, which has never happened before.
-Marion
The story of "middle sister" (the characters have no names) and the people around her is: compelling, stressful, emotional, violent, feminist, stunning, and utterly unforgettable. There are transcendant moments of pure beauty and joy that will shock you. This is an amazing book worthy of all the praise.
-Marion
This is the perfect book to read during the snowy Maine winter. Grab your softest blanket, your largest mug of hot chocolate, and prepare to read through the night. It's a lovely, magical story that is a must-read for those who love fairy tales! It's considered a fantasy novel, but this would also be perfect for teens who love young adult fantasy. There are 2 other books in this series, and they are also fantastic!
-Marion
The "Kopp Sisters" books are full of smart, quirky female characters who are an absolute blast to read about. The series is about Constance Kopp and how she became the first female sheriff's deputy in the United States. These books are a ton of fun, and you get to learn some unique history along the way!
-Marion
This is the first book in an epic 2 book series that does not disappoint. It's filled with stunning writing, interesting characters, and magical twists and turns. This is for fans of fantasy (both YA and adult) and masterfully told tales.
-Marion
Eleanor Oliphant is not fine. Her favorite store is the supermarket and her only friend is her houseplant, but that is all about to change. This is a book that is equal parts sad and happy, and you end up just adoring the quirky, unconventional Eleanor. It remineded me a lot of the movie The Apartment. A quick, lovely read for anyone!
-Marion
Now this is a Novel. It has more than earned that capital "N." It's incredibly written and beautiful. George Eliot is an absolute genius. You get wrapped up in the lives in this 19th century English village, and it is riveting. Plus, it also has one of the best literary heroines ever in Dorothea Brooke. Read it, fellow literature nerds!
Forget everything you think you know about how a novel is supposed to be written and trust in George Saunders. This book is going to take you on a journey through time, life, and death while also looking at the love between a father and son. This strange, beautiful novel deserves all the accolades it's been given.
-Marion
A fantastic short story collection that has a little something for every reader: dystopian societies, faeries, steampunk, shapeshifting aliens, revolutions, sentient ponds, Cajun dragons, and foodie wizards. Full of sci-fi, fantasy, and Afrofuturism - a must read!
-Marion
You will love this book. It's about love, life, and travel. It's about a man who's kinda sorta going through some stuff after he finds out his ex-boyfriend is getting married to someone else. It's just a wonderful book that left me happy crying.
-Marion
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I have read a lot of books, and so when I tell you that every sentence is perfection - I mean it. It's labeled as "romantic suspense' but I feel like that is limiting it. It is so much more. Before Gillian Flynn, there was Daphne Du Maurier, and this book is a must read for anyone who likes a well-written book. Read the book, and then watch the Hitchcock movie.
-Marion
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In the near future, the center Time Travel is at Oxford University and it is a place where science fiction and academia meet. This book is about one student's trip to the middle ages, and how it goes horribly, horribly wrong. It's a fantastic book for anyone who loves a good time-travel novel.
-Marion
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1) Do you love magic? 2) Do you love Jane Austen? Did you answer 'yes' to one or both of my questions? Then this book is for you. It's a tale of friendship and magic that is detailed and enchanting.
-Marion
A clever, hearbreaking, and extraordinary book that will make you laugh and cry. It's a family drama written like a screenplay that you won't be able to put down. Just brilliant.
~Marion
This is for those of us who love detective fiction. Specifically, the Agatha Christie kind. The whodunnits. The kind where someone is murdered in a sleepy English village, and then all the safely kept secrets start to spill out. It's by a writer for "Midsomer Murders," so he knows his stuff. It's also a brilliant novel-within-a novel, with plenty of twists.
-Marion
People always ask me my favorite novel. Well here it is!
Beautiful, heartbreaking, and surprisingly funny, this novel is one of my favorites to recommend. The last 150 pages I could do nothing else but read this amazing book. It's still in hardcover 2 years after its publication, and yes it is worth buying.
-Marion
Anyone who is a literature nerd or a history buff needs to read these comics immediately. They're perfection. And also hilarious.
-Marion
This is a chilling and riveting account of Michelle McNamara's hunt for the Golden State Killer, a previously little known serial killer who terrorized California in the 1970s. She died before seeing her work published. Yet, a few months after the book was published, the serial killer was caught using techniques she describes in her book. It's a must-read for anyone who stays up late watching "Forensic Files" or bingeing true crime podcasts.
-Marion
This fantastic science fiction novel was originally published in China, and was then translated into English and won all sorts of awards. It switches between the Cultural Revolution in China in the 1960s and the present day, where scientists are being killed off after playing a mysterious video game. Be prepared for the scariest alien invasion you've ever read about. It's also brilliantly written.
-Marion
The best historical thriller I've ever read. It's about a team of wonderful characters trying to catch a serial killer at the end of the 19th century in New York City. Think "Criminal Minds" before behavioral psychology was invented. Excellent!
-Marion
This is the tale of 17 year old Cassandra, who lives in a decaying castle with her zany family in 1930s England. Her adventure begins when two American boys come to visit, and she finds she has a lot of growing up to do. It was written in the 40s, but it is a timeless coming-of-age story.
-Marion
As a Sherlock Holmes 'purist,' I was so skeptical of this series - but, man, did I just love this book! The whole series is excellent, but you definietly want to start with the first. Come for Sherlock Holmes, stay for Mary Russell!
-Marion
