Note: This was first posted on the Romancing the Genres blog.
I love to read, as most writers do. I have eclectic tastes in reading; I read mostly fiction, but some nonfiction too. My favorite genres are YA (young adult) romance, contemporary, and historical fiction. I throw in some middle grade, adult romance, mystery, and history to mix it up a bit. Here are my favorite reads of this year—some were published this year, but others have been around a while. Look through and see if there’s a book that strikes your fancy! I’ve included author website links so you can check them out.
The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams (Adult fiction)
Anxious teen Aleisha works at the local library when she comes across a list of books that broaden her horizons. Lonely widower Mukesh comes in to see what his late wife saw in books. When Aleisha shares the list, that leads to a transformation of their lives, and the community's. (content warning: mental illness and suicide)
The Next Great Jane by K.L Going (Middle Grade fiction)
Jane is a precocious sixth grader determined to become a writer. When a famous author visits her small Maine town, and a hurricane, an obstinate boy, and Jane's Hollywood mother combine, not even Jane can guess the ending.
Eagle Drums by Nasugraq Rainey Hopson (Middle Grade Fiction)
An Iñupiaq (Alaska Native) boy collects obsidian when he sees a magic eagle who tells him he must go with him or die like his older brothers. He learns about drumming, singing, and dancing from the Eagle Mother, then teaches other people at a great feast, bringing a sense of community to their culture. Hopson tells the origin story of the Messenger Feast of her Iñupiaq people brilliantly, with heartfelt words and lovely illustrations. This middle grade book won a Newbery Medal nomination for good reason, and will enchant readers of all ages.
Kill Her Twice by Stacey Lee (YA Historical Mystery)
Lulu Wong was Gemma and May Chow’s friend and neighbor before she became a movie star. When the sisters find her body in Chinatown, the police are slow to act, and business leaders use the killing as an excuse to tear down Chinatown to make way for a train station. Gemma and May must find the killer before it’s too late for their neighborhood, and before the killer catches on to their investigation. Historical fiction queen Stacey Lee brings 1930s Los Angeles to life in this great page turner.
Sway with Me by Syed M. Massod (YA Romance)
Arsalan’s 100-year-old great-grandfather taught him everything he knows. Not wanting to be totally alone one day, he asks feisty Beenish, stepdaughter of a prominent matchmaker, for help. She agrees if he’ll help her ruin her sister’s wedding by performing a forbidden dance. They end up growing closer than either would imagine.This hilarious and heartwarming coming-of-age story is a gem! Love the romance, found family, and multi-generational love! (content warning: physical abuse)
Murder on the Last Frontier by Cathy Pegau (Adult Mystery)
Romance, mystery, and Alaska history--this hit so many of my interests! Cathy Pegau's Murder on the Last Frontier is a great feminist historical mystery set in Cordova, Alaska during the suffragist days. I will look for more from this Alaskan author.
Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert (YA Romance)
Bradley manages his OCD, his classes, and his friendship with the popular guys pretty well, but trading insults and barbs with Celine isn’t as fun as it looks. Celine has one goal: to become the next Golden Explorer and protégé of the famous lawyer Katharine Breakspeare, but when Brad decides to compete for the title, she’ll need to beat him to get there. A survival course in the woods might lead to a winner, or an emotional adventure neither of them expects. This second-chance, enemies-to-lovers romance kept me up late turning pages--funny, witty, and heartfelt in all the right ways. (content warning: mental illness)
If you’d like to look at other books I’ve read, you can follow me on The StoryGraph at https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/lynnlovegreen.
Happy reading!
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