Reading Re-Cap: 2018

I realize there are still ten days left. Still, considering the volume of my reading in 2018, especially when combined with the reduction in my published blog posts, I decided this first ever reading re-cap - even if it is little early - might be a good way to ensure some of the gems I read this past year made it onto the lists of at least a few regular readers.

Novel most likely to be recommended to casual readers: "Standard Deviation" (2017) by Katherine Heiny. Please note: The word casual is NOT used as a sly elitist put down; this is a well written book that happens to be enjoyable on several levels and frequently laugh out loud funny.

Novel most likely to be recommended to discerning readers: "Tortilla Curtain" (1995) by TC Boyle.

Novel and non-fiction book that most deepened my experience of living: "Flight Behavior" (2012) by Barbara Kingsolver and "We Were Eight Years in Power" (2017) by Ta Nehisi-Coates.

Most worthwhile re-read: "Disgrace" (1999) by JM Coetzee.

Most intriguing: "Alias Shakespeare" (1997) - Shakespeare scholar Joseph Sobran's accessible book was a stimulating introduction to the long-simmering debate about the authorship of the sonnets and plays that form the backbone of English literature.

Most personally useful:  Asked to select just one book I would not want to have missed reading this past year, "American Audacity" (2018) by William Giraldi would be the hands-down winner.

I hope you'll share your 2018 selections with me and others, using my headings or ones of your own design. And, if need be, you can add anything you finish over the next ten days.  I might.