This year has been an incredible journey reading Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs), and I'm excited to share a bit of extra love and attention to them. I've stumbled upon some truly remarkable reads—some I might never have discovered otherwise! So, without further ado, let's dive into a recap of my ARC adventures this year, spotlighting my top 3 favorite reads and my top 3 audiobook picks.
This year, I dove into 16 ARCs, both reading and listening, making up an impressive 19% of my total books for the year! Especially during the latter half, I set a personal goal to immerse myself in as many ARCs as I could. Recognizing the hard work authors put into their creations and the crucial role the bookish community plays in their promotion, I feel truly honored to be a part of this vibrant world! <3
Here are the books I read or listened to in no particular order:
"The Connellys of County Down" by Tracy Lange
"The Road to Somorrostro" by Julia Slack
"Dreambound" by Dan Frey
"The Other Princess" by Denny S. Bryce
"Finding Home (Hungary, 1945)" by Dean Cycon
"The Sea Elephants" by Shastri Akella
"No, You're Crazy" by Jeff Beamish
"The Box Must Be Empty" by Marilyn Kriete
"Correction: Parole, Prison, and the Possibility of Change" by Ben Austen
"The Wolf Hunt" by Gundar-Goshen
"The Shadow of Banshee Hill" by Fionn Mac Meldrum
"With Sprinkles On Top" by Stefani Goerlich
"The Way We Wind" by Halle Starling
"The Mini ADHD Coach" by Alice Gendron
"North Woods" by Daniel Mason
"Julia" by Sandra Newman
Among these, a few shone particularly bright! After much contemplation, I've selected my top three standout reads and my top three audiobook experiences to share with you.
"The Shadow of Banshee Hill" by Fionn Mac Meldrum-
The Shadow of Banshee Hill" by Fionn Mac Meldrum rekindled my love for fantasy with its captivating blend of Irish folklore and Celtic mythology. The story masterfully intertwines the lives of Cillian Valour and Emily Corvo across different eras, offering a rich narrative that evolves and deepens as the plot progresses. With its impeccable writing and refreshing originality, this book stands out as a unique gem in the fantasy genre, making it a must-read for those seeking a novel that truly immerses and engages.
"Finding Home" by Dean Cycon-
"Finding Home" poignantly sets its narrative in post-World War II Hungary, following Eva, a Jewish pianist and Auschwitz survivor, in her emotional journey to reclaim her life and career. The novel thoughtfully explores themes of prejudice, discrimination, and the Holocaust's lingering effects. With its profound impact and exploration of the seldom-addressed post-war struggles of Jewish survivors returning home to Hungary, this novel offers a unique, deeply moving perspective on history.
"Dreambound" by Dan Frey-
"Dreambound" stands out with its unique, layered storytelling, utilizing emails, journal entries, and interviews for a rich, immersive experience. The narrative, set in Los Angeles, centers around Byron's quest to find his missing daughter, blending real-world emotion with a magical quest that's reminiscent of beloved fantasy tales. Dan Frey's skill in character development and plot crafting, coupled with a satisfying conclusion, makes "Dreambound" a mind-bending, captivating read that's both enjoyable and thought-provoking.
"The Connellys of County Down" by Tracy Lange || Narrator: Barrie Kreinik
"The Connellys of County Down" by Tracey Lange is a captivating novel that won me over with its intricate plot and deeply crafted characters, earning a well-deserved five-star rating. The story's heart lies in the portrayal of Tara, a former felon, and her realistic struggles with societal reintegration, offering a profound look into family dynamics and the challenges faced by those emerging from the criminal justice system. With its exceptional character development, accurate depiction of therapy, and an engaging audiobook narration, this book stands out as an exploration of human emotions and societal issues.
"The Sea Elephants" by Shastri Akella || Narrator: Vikas Adam
"The Sea Elephants" by Shastri Akella is an emotionally powerful novel that chronicles the life of Shagun, a young Indian man grappling with his sexuality in a society where same-sex attraction is taboo. Akella's narrative skillfully depicts Shagun's journey from youth to adulthood, weaving a tale of determination and ethical bravery that resonates deeply, especially with queer readers. The book stands out for its intricate plot, rich character development, thought-provoking themes, and immersive world-building, making it a highly recommended and enlightening read, despite some potentially triggering content.
“Correction Parole, Prison, and the Possibility of Change” by Ben Austen || Narrator: Brett Barry
'Correction: Parole, Prison, and the Possibility of Change' by Ben Austen is an eye-opening exploration of the U.S. correctional system, presenting a deeply researched and humanized view of its complexities and flaws. Austen masterfully intertwines historical context, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the poignant real-life stories of Johnny Veal and Michael Henderson, exemplifying the challenges and failings of the parole system. This book, enhanced by Brett Barry's engaging narration, is a profound and informative read that offers essential insights into criminal justice reform, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of these critical societal issues.
As I reflect on the diverse array of ARCs I've had the pleasure of exploring this year, from the thought-provoking journey of 'Correction' to the immersive realms of 'The Sea Elephants' and 'The Shadow of Banshee Hill', it's clear that 2023 has been a remarkable year in literature. Each book, with its unique narrative and emotive power, has not only enriched my reading experience but also broadened my perspective on various facets of life and society.
It's been a privilege to be part of the early readership for these works, contributing to the vibrant bookish community.
As I close this chapter of 2023 and look forward to the literary adventures that 2024 holds, I encourage you, my fellow readers, to dive into these stories. May they inspire, challenge, and transport you as they have me. Happy reading, and here's to another year of discovering hidden gems and new favorites in the world of books!
Happy reading!
Bobbi
Yorumlar