What is the best book you have read so far this year?

1. 73

   wayne barrettposted 10 years ago

   What is the best book you have read so far this year?
   
   The best book I have read this year is, "Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov. I had always heard it was a classic, though controversial. In my opinion, the writing was absolutely brilliant.
   So, tell me about you're best read in the first half of 13.

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2. 87

   bravewarriorposted 10 years ago

   I've been so busy trying to get my freelance career launched that I haven't had time to read anything other than tips and tricks on becoming a better writer, how to get published, etc.  I did, however have the pleasure of reading Bill's (aka billybuc) novel, "The 12/59 Shuttle From Yesterday to Today" and I have to say it's one of the best books I've ever read.  Before I rekindled my passion for writing, I was an avid reader, so I have a lot of books under my belt.  Dean Koontz is my favorite author, but Bill's book had me glued from start to finish.  I read his novel in less than 24 hours - it is that good!

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      wayne barrettposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I plan on reading Billy's book, but you know how it is. I have read several of Koontz books.

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3. 89

   johnsonrallenposted 10 years ago

   I think I'm currently on book 31 or 32 this year. All have been good reads except 3 I put down early (and didn't include in my total). I have hubs on a few I've read, but the two that truly stand out are "11/22/63" by Stephen King and "Augustus" by John Williams.

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   1. 73

      wayne barrettposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      King is my favorite author, and I have yet to read 11/22/63, so I will put that one on my list. I love roman history and have read of Augustus in the past , so I may have to give this one a whirl as well.

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4. 83

   LastRoseofSummer2posted 10 years ago

   "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin. I'm not sure I would have read it if I hadn't found a cheap copy in a Goodwill store. I was afraid it was going to be some kind of weird Freudian or feminist manifesto. Instead, it is a magnificent story of a woman awakening to a higher meaning and to being an artist. I think it is one of the best books I have EVER read, let alone for just this year.

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   1. 73

      wayne barrettposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I have heard of The Awakening, but have not read it. I will have to look into this one.

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      Theater girlposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      You should check it out Wayne! Another good one!

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   M. T. Dremerposted 10 years ago

   The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman would have to be the best fiction I've read this year. Not exactly a new book, but I was happy to finally get around to it. Best non fiction book I read would have to be The China Study.

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   1. 73

      wayne barrettposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Interesting; I just ordered his new novel, "Ocean at the end of the lane" today. Many in a writers group I'm in say it is the best book they have read this year.  I will check yours out.

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6. 69

   Theater girlposted 10 years ago

   The Innocents by Francesca Segal
   It is a remake of the Age of Innocence. I thought it was the most beautiful representation of the choices that the heart tries to make, despite what it wants. Also, not all modern remakes are good, but this was true to the original, with just the right amount of updates!
   It is the book that moved me the most this year!

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   1. 73

      wayne barrettposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      The Age of Innocence is a classic and a Pulitzer prize winner, so if The Innocents can stand up to that, it must be a great read indeed.

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7. 68

   LeslieOutlawposted 10 years ago

   
   
   A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness is by far the BEST book I've read this year. This particular book is one of three in her All Souls Trilogy. It is well written with lots of historical references and attention to detail. This book is a love story that journeys into the world of witches and vampires. It is a must read!!!

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   1. 69

      Theater girlposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Oooh! I love this one too! I have enjoyed book one and two...and cannot wait for number three!

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   2. 73

      wayne barrettposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Well, especially with Jennifer's added comment, I am really interested in checking this one out.

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   3. 69

      Theater girlposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      You really should Wayne! She is wonderful!

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   4. 68

      LeslieOutlawposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Centers on a reluctant witch and a 1,500-year-old vampire. The witch - a direct descendant of the first woman executed in the Salem Witch trials - accidentally unlocks an enchanted manuscript and finds herself in a race to prevent an interspecies war

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   5. 60

      sunilkunnoth2012posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      i love to read it and i must. thank u for the suggestion.

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8. 71

   shanmarieposted 10 years ago

   Believe it or not, I have not read any books this year.  We had a house fire last September and we lost everything, including the probably hundreds of books I had.  The last book I did read,though, was "The Shack" snd I remember it well because the first few chapters made me cry, so full of emotion.

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   1. 73

      wayne barrettposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      The Shack is listed as one of Amazons best books of the year. I will definitely be looking into that one. I hope life is getting better for you sweety. Hang in there.

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      shanmarieposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      It's definitely at the top of my list for books I'd recommend.  As for life, thank you. Surely things will improve.  I guess we have to choose to not ne discouraged and make the best of things as best we can.  :-)

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9. 62

   duffsmomposted 10 years ago

   The Zombie Fallout series 1-6 by Mark Tufo. Really enjoyed the main character's sarcastic tone.

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   1. 73

      wayne barrettposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I'm not a Zombie fan, but I am keeping track of all the answers here, so I will be checking out the quality of my fellow hubbers.

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10. 61

    AMAZING THINKERposted 10 years ago

    "The other side of me" by Sidney Sheldon. It's the story of his life and how his journey to becoming the great writer he is. This is the best book I've read and it Inspired me. I think it's a must read for all aspiring writers and artists.

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       wayne barrettposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Sounds like a great memoir to check into. Thank you.

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11. 60

    sunilkunnoth2012posted 10 years ago

    I mostly read Indian fictions. This time I read the book "The Immortals of Meluha" written by Amish. I loved it too much. It is trilogy and I wish to read the second one titled "The Secret of the Nagas" soon.

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    1. 61

       AMAZING THINKERposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Its not that good. you'll know when you read the other two books. Indian writers are just armatures, read Dan Brown, Stephan King and other western writers.

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    2. 73

       wayne barrettposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you Sunil. I will look into this one.

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       sunilkunnoth2012posted 10 years agoin reply to this

       But more than 1 million copies sold. What it shows? Popularity!

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    4. 61

       AMAZING THINKERposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Even Twilight saga is a hit, doesn't mean it's good. These kind of books are meant for children. Read from real writers and you'll see.

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12. 0

    Alise- Evonposted 10 years ago

    The Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton, Ph.D.  All new science about how cells (really) work and how our beliefs get programmed into us.  A must read- you could really have much more positive influence on your children (and/or others'), plus understand why willpower or positive affirmations just do not always work. I wrote one hub on one of its themes and plan on doing one or two more.

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    1. 73

       wayne barrettposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I am a non-fiction reader as well as a fiction reader, and I am really into the subject matter you mention here, so I appreciate the heads up on this one.

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       Alise- Evonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Do read it!  It's fascinating.

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13. 64

    Globetrekkermelposted 10 years ago

    I have a preview read  on line on the book :"The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari"by robin Sharma.I like the preview read, so I ordered it in AMAZON which I can't wait.Very interesting book on a complete 360 degree turnaround  of  lifestyle.Even if I have not read the whole book yet, I think this book will be one of the best books I read so far for this year.

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    1. 73

       wayne barrettposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I hope it turns out well. The ending can break a very good novel.

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14. 73

    wayne barrettposted 10 years ago

    Thank you all for the great ideas you have given me. I'm glad to see the quality of literature mentioned. I truly believe that to be a successful writer, you must also be an avid reader. And the better quality work you read, the better it will make you. So, write on my friends and read, read read!

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15. 60

    thostposted 10 years ago

    Persuasion by Jane Austen. I always come back to her work and find something new each time.

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       wayne barrettposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       She is a master

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16. 71

    Anna Havenposted 10 years ago

    Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Lone. It is part of the Demonica series and full of twists and turns.

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17. 58

    C.V.Rajanposted 10 years ago

    "The laws of the spirit world"
    Here is the review of the book: http://cvrajan.hubpages.com/hub/Book-Re … -Bhavnagri

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18. 0

    Michelle Widmannposted 10 years ago

    So far, I have two favourite books from this year: Beautiful Music for Ugly Children by Kristin Cronn-Mills, which is about a boy who was born in a girl's body and how he copes with this identity crisis as he expresses himself via a late-night radio show. Very interesting, and quite cool.
    
    And the other is The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan, which is a book written entirely in segments like dictionary definitions which tells the fragmented story of a relationship - it sort of reminded me of the film (500) Days of Summer.

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19. 60

    Koyna Senposted 10 years ago

    I lately read Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, I found it amazing, the language is so lucid yet so grabbing. The way it was narrated is just excellent. I have also read other books of this famous author, but Alchemist truly stands apart.

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20. 65

    married2medicineposted 10 years ago

    Try this one: "The Soul Talkers" by Funom Makama. This is the best book so far I have read, Suspense-filled and so contemporary, using a london campus setting, blended with sport, poetry, emotional saga and peer antagonism.
    
    I will leave the rest for you to decide after reading it

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