I Can Explain.
It’s true. Today is Thursday (but I did start this post on Wednesday)… I could blame it on WordPress; something about a glitch in their post scheduling system. But that would be fiction. Here’s the truth: I’d gone to the dogs. Literally. I left Connecticut at 10:40pm Monday evening to meet a transport containing a litter of puppies coming up from Alabama. They had been living outside for all eight weeks of their little lives. The transport was due in at 3am. It’s didn’t get in till just after 6am. In case you are wondering what we (I met a girlfriend in New York and we rode together) did to pass the time between 3-6, let me just tell you, the options were very limited. We got a little punchy and discussed options such as ringing random doorbells, paper-toweling the town, blowing our horns till lights came on, etc. In the end, we decided on the only real option. We hung out at the local 24 hour diner.
The Broadway Diner
I will refrain from doing a culinary critique here. Suffice to say that my friend ordered a Greek salad which was served WITHOUT LETTUCE.
Finally, the moment arrived. The puppies were identified and loaded into our car. We were off like a herd of turtles.
pile of puppies
Then traffic, blah, blah, blah. I didn’t get home till about 11am. I hadn’t had one second of sleep since Monday morning. Needless to say, the puppies and I were quite tired yesterday. (I am only fostering two. The rest were transported to other foster homes.)
tired puppies
In summary, my zombie-like state prevented me from being able to focus on anything other than getting through the days so I could get some rest. But this week’s TTT was one I really wanted to participate in so I thought better late than never. So, without further ado….
Top Ten Books Read in 2016
(click on images for full review)
The Summer Before The War by Helen Simonson
I love WWII fiction and this book provided an emotional read full of characters to love.
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
This is not my usual genre but I went in with an open mind and was blown away. Rarely do I find the most-hyped books live up to my expectations. This book, however, exceeded them.
Georgia by Dawn Tripp
Georgia is a historical fiction at its best. It’s a beautifully written account of Georgia O’Keefe’s life, exploring both her art and her very complex relationship with Alfred Stieglitz.
The Last Days of Night by Graham Moore
I would not have thought a book about the history of electricity would be such a page-turner, but I loved reading about the War of Currents. Though it is a fictionalized account, I highly recommend this book to fans of Eric Larson.
Free Days with George by Colin Campbell
This a terrific feel-good read about a rescued Newfoundland dog named George and the man he saved. Sloppy George kisses were the absolute highlight of #BEA16 for me. In my review, you can also see a video of my own Newf saving my Lab (who does NOT need saving) in my swimming pool.
Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman
Fredrik Backman is the master of creating unique characters filled with quirkiness and depth. He is one of my all-time favorite authors and I cannot wait for his 2017 release, Beartown.
Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris
This is a sick, twisted read that kept me at the edge of my seat. Hands down, the best mystery/thriller I read this year.
His Bloody Project by Graeme Macrae Burnet
Is young Roddy insane? The answer to this question will determine whether he lives or dies. I loved this book which tells the story of Roddy’s crimes through a series of documents including eyewitness testimony, court reports, and forensic documentation.
On the Shores of Darkness, There is Light by Cordelia Strube
This is definitely the most underrated book I read this year. Harriet and Irwin are characters to love. Their story is beautifully told and will stay with me for a long time to come.
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
This book is on many “best of” lists this year and for good reason. I’m blown away by the characters, the story, and the writing. I don’t have one critical thing to say about this book. It’s absolute perfection!
Thanks for reading!
Excellent reason for a late post. I’m a dog lover too and I despair at what humans are capable of. You’re doing a sterling job 💞 Have only read one of your top ten but it’s also in my forthcoming list namely The Summer Before the War (and yes I cried about the dog).
Thanks, Jill. I’ve been so lucky with these girls. You never know what your going to get with puppies that may or may not have been properly socialized but these puppies are gems. Three days in and I only had to get up once last night and then not a peep. They are doing remarkably well with house training and are just typical, happy puppies.
I’m glad to hear you also liked The Summer Before the War. I can’t wait to see what Helen Simonson will come out with next.
Good luck with re-homing the puppies, I really admire what you do.
Thanks! I just found out they are both being adopted right after they are spayed next week!
Great news, (just found this reply – don’t know how I missed it).
Aww, the puppies are so gorgeous I nearly forgot to look at the books! But you’ve reminded me that I must read His Bloody Project soon, and I’d really like to fit in The Gentleman of Moscow if I can…
Here’s to another great year of reading in 2017! 🙂
Thanks, they are getting on so well I’m amazed!
I really liked HIs Bloody Project. I hope you will as well! The way it’s formatted makes it interesting and easy to read. A Gentleman in Moscow was awesome too! Even though it’s a little more lengthy, I found it to be a quick read.
Dark Matter is not my usual cup of tea, but enough people have raved about it that I’ve put it on hold at the library….and I’m number 40 something, so maybe I’ll read it sometime in 2018?!
And – since you like WWII fiction, I have a recommendation for you. We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter…out 2/14/17 from Viking. I went to college with the author, but I promise my unbiased opinion is it’s a hopeful, page-turning, kind of mind blowing novel based on the real experience of her own family during WWII (they were Polish Jews). It’s on Netgalley – you should check it out.
Wow! 40 something… That’s quite the waiting list.
I actually have the ARC for We Were the Lucky Ones and I can’t wait to begin it. I’m trying to work through my January Arcs as we speak but I’m so tempted to just throw caution to the wind and start it now! The reviews have been amazing so I absolutely believe that you are not biased. 🙂
Love that the puppies are all safe but a Greek salad with no lettuce?? His Bloody Project got right under my skin so despite thinking I knew where the truth lay, the uncertainty still had me thinking…
No lettuce, no kale, no spinach, no greens… Lol. I know what you mean with His Bloody Project. It was a great read but disturbing in many ways.
Dark Matter sounds super interesting! I must read it this year!
It really was fantastic. It motivated me to seek out other genres. (I used to read a very eclectic mix but I’ve been stuck in a literary fiction rut for a while now.) I’ve since read When the Moon was Ours and The Bear and the Nightingale and loved them both.
Oh so cute… these puppies are SO gorgeous. You know I almost forgot to look at your favourite books! Having said that, you have here such a great book selection Ann Marie. I definitely want to read The Gentleman of Moscow…
Thank you! I’m very happy to report that they’ve both been adopted by wonderful families. I hope you can get to A Gentleman. Well worth working into the queue. 😃 I’d love to hear your thoughts if you do!