1. The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt
Patrick deWitt has written what looks like a Western, but is in fact a comedic journey in search of gold, family and well… some parts are just a wild ride. I’ve rarely read a book that’s the perfect combination of being both plot and character driven.
We’re told the story by Eli Sisters, a seemingly sensitive yet unreliable narrator, and I got sucked in to the story the very second I found that Eli refused to let go of his injured horse, Tub. And if you know anything about the Wild West, you know that horses are a lifeline. And so I went down this rabbit hole, unable to put this book down, and a few chapters in, unwilling to put it down.
Buy on Bookswagon.
2. The Mermaid of Black Conch by Monique Roffey
The Mermaid of Black Conch is set in the Carribean, and tells the story of a mermaid who is fished out of the sea and made to live among humans against her will. It is also the story of David who rescues her, falls in love with her and is the only man she encounters who finally decides he wants what’s best for her. It’s an unusual love story that is also a commentary on imperialism, sexism and touches on what it means to have and look out for chosen family.
Buy on Bookswagon.
3. Sea of Tranquility by Emily St John Mandel
Sea of Tranquility is one of those literary science fiction novels that I immediately fell in love with. The science fiction of it is subdued, minimialist and yet powerful. It’s that sublime type of time travel that I yearn for when worldbuilding and futuristic stories become too much and too overwhelming. Sea of Tranquility borders on cozy, even. We start of in 20th Century Canada, end up on the Moon in the far future, and look for clues as to what connect the two. I highly recommend this if you’re looking for a calming SF read for a cold and rainy day with a cuppa.
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4. Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
Legends & Lattes is one of those books that warms you from the inside and leaves you beaming for weeks. It’s the book version of Butterbeer. The cover advertises exactly what the book offers – High Fantasy. Low Stakes. Good Company.
Viv is a warrior who’s had enough of fighting (which one of us hasn’t?). All she wants to do is settle down, find her own corner in the world and start a coffee shop. That shouldn’t be too hard, right? There are obstacles along the way, but with some great friends, good coffee and excellent baked goods, Baldree takes us on a journey as we both root for Viv and envy her for living our dreams.
Buy from Bookswagon.
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Check out our list of 20 dark academia books to read this year.
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