1) Lerner, Betsy. The Forest for the Trees: An Editor’s Advice to Writers. You can see my review here. What I loved about this book was how sharp and insightful it was about how books are made, and how to make good books even better.
2) Weir, Andy. The Martian. You can read my review here. What I loved about this book was the horrible situation the main character was in and all the (many, many creative ways) he found to survive. And the humor. This was just, hands-down, my favorite new sci-fi of the year.
3) Vaughn, Carrie. Dreams of the Golden Age. You can read my semi-review here. What I loved about this book was really the mother-daughter relationship, which felt real from both points of view.
4) Melinek, Judy, M.D, and Mitchell, T.J. Working Stiff: Two Years, 262 Bodies, and the Making of a Medical Examiner. You can read my review here. My favorite thing about this book was learning more about a fascinating job.
5) McKinley, Robin. Chalice. You can read my review here. What I loved about this book was what a warm, floaty, atmospheric read it was. Perfect, honey-full summer reading. Just perfect for a lazy, hot day.
6) Moon, Elizabeth. Crown of Renewal. Apparently I didn't write a review of this one. But let me say this: Elizabeth Moon, in this book, provides a satisfactory ending to a series she's been writing for (IIRC) decades. What an accomplishment! I love the series, and the fact that I loved the end of it too just shows Moon's skill. Not many authors can land an ending like that so beautifully.
7) Clarkson, Sally. The Ministry of Motherhood: Following Christ’s Example in Reaching the Hearts of Our Children. You can see my review here. What I loved about this book was not just its honesty and grace (though it was full of those qualities), but the reminder that my children belong to the Lord.
8) Simsion, Graeme. The Rosie Project. You can read my review here. What I loved about this book was the narrator, and how the writer used the narrator to tell us the story - but also to imply the story. Very clever. (And heart-warming, which doesn't hurt.)
9) Sanderson, Brandon. Warbreaker. You can read my review here. What I loved about this book was the world-building. It's brilliant. And I loved the wise-cracking, sentient sword. Most fun.
10) L’Amour, Louis. The Cherokee Trail. I know I haven't written a review of this yet, and it's because I just finished it. But, oh my goodness! What have I been missing all these years? The absolute mastery of story here, the incredible depth of research! L'Amour has earned his laurels. Now I know you can pick up a L'Amour book and just sit back and enjoy the ride. He knows what he's doing, and he's going to make sure you have a good time. Read some L'Amour! Now! What are you waiting for? :D
Peace of Christ to you,
Jessica Snell
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