Best Book of the Month
It’s Road Trip Wednesday on YA Highway, and this week the question is: “What was the best book you read in September?” Good question! And this was tough because, first I have to try to remember which books I read in September (I read a bunch), and then I have to decide which of those is the best. I think it really comes down to two. The top slot is going to one I know for sure I read this month, and runner up goes to one I’m fairly sure I read this month. So here’s my Book of the Month:
THE CATER STREET HANGMAN by Anne Perry
Why this novel? I read it for a couple of reasons. First, my brother has been on to me to read some Anne Perry for a while. Second, my WIP is set in late Victorian London, and I thought it would be interesting to see how Perry handled the setting. Also, I enjoy a good murder-mystery, so I had high hopes. And my hopes were not dashed. What I found was a well-written character piece that was accurate enough in it’s portrayal of Victorian social customs that I could enjoy the story. It is the first of her Thomas and Charlotte Pitt novels, but this story essentially tells how they met in the midst of trying to catch a serial killer. Points I liked: the fact that the murderer wasn’t obvious from the beginning; the way the Thomas and Charlotte love story played out; the fact that Perry wasn’t afraid to kill off a fairly main character in order to raise the tension. I was impressed, and I have the second in the series on my wish-list.
LIKE MANDARIN by Kirsten Hubbard
I want to give mention to the close runner-up, partly because it deserves a mention, and partly because the author is on the YA Highway team and I want her to know that I enjoyed her novel. LIKE MANDARIN is a beautifully written story about two very different girls that become unlikely friends, and what happens when that friendship is betrayed. I’m sure regular readers of YA Highway know all about it, and if you don’t, then trust me–go buy it. Kirsten’s writing is top-notch–such that it gave me moments of self-doubt about my own work. But hey, I’m a writer: self-doubt is a constant companion. Nevertheless, it was a pleasurable read and I highly recommend it.
I’ve been meaning to read Like Mandarin, and you’ve just solidified that “meaning to” into a “have to.” Thanks! I haven’t read anything by Anne Perry yet, so I’m gonna put that on my meaning to list now. And so the cycle continues.
So many books… so little time! Especially when you’re querying agents (i.e., checking e-mail every 30 seconds), writing novels, raising a family, and holding down a full-time job. Isn’t life fun? 🙂
How interesting– will have to check these out. :0)
The Carter Street Hangman sounds interesting. I’ll have to check it out.
Hi Colin,
Thanks for commenting. I checked out your blog–I’ll be adding you to my blog subscriptions, as YA Lit and Dr. Who is a winning combination in my book. Since I teach at public school and my blog is hosted on my school account, I feel a little iffy about adding a blog with religious content to the blogroll there, but I look forward to reading more.
Mrs. S
I understand about the school situation. Thanks for adding my blog to your subscriptions. 🙂
I’m so glad you enjoyed Like Mandarin! thanks so much for including it 🙂
You are so welcome Kirsten! It truly deserved a mention. And thank you for commenting–that about made my week. Perhaps month–unless I get a request for a full tomorrow from one of the agents I’ve queried… 🙂
I haven’t read either one of these books, but with all the talk about Like Mandarin, I’m tempted to read that one.
Also on my list in The Hunger Games. Many seem to be raving about that one too, so of course I have to see it for myself. I love these opportunities to discover new books to read!
Both very different books, but both good in their own way. I’ve only read the first Hunger Games novel, so I can’t speak for the series. I plan on catching up with the other two at some point, hopefully soon.
Thanks for commenting, Donelle. Your blog is now on my RSS reader. 🙂