Thanksgiving is an opportunity to express gratitude. Since I’m a book nerd, it’s easy for me to be grateful for the wonderful books I’ve read and those I’m looking forward to read. I’ll narrow it down to 7 so I don’t cause heads to explode (including mine).
As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride
By Cary Elwes and Joe Layden
Available Now
Thank you, Simon and Shuster for including As You Wish in your newsletter. I subscribe to so many newsletters, hoping to discover a rare gem that screams, “READ ME!” As You Wish screamed at me. I adore The Princess Bride movie and have gotten sons and nephews hooked on it. As You Wish is an insider look from Westley himself, Cary Elwes, at the making of the classic movie. The idea that fans of The Princess Bride would miss out on this book is inconceivable!
Chubby’s Tale: The true story of a teddy bear who beat cancer
By Carola Schmidt and Frederico Schmidt
Available now
I am thankful for Carola Schmidt all year. The pediatric oncology pharmacist has worked with illustrators to provide wonderful picture books for children of any age to remind them that love is more valuable than any diagnosis. Schmidt provides the basics of illness treatment in a caring, easy to understand way. Chubby’s Tale is considered one of the best about leukemia. Her other picture books include When a Brave Bear Fights Cancer and Bald Is Beautiful.
Kolkata Noir
By Tom Vater
Available now
Thank you, Tom Vater, for asking me to read The Road To Kathmandu. It was a book that I would never have chosen for myself, but I am grateful you nudged me out of my comfort zone. I don’t need any convincing to read Vater’s recently published novella Kolkata Noir. The three novella cycle focuses on a British traveler and a police officer, combining crime fiction of the past, present, and future. Tom Vater has worked predominantly in Asia, and his vivid scenery painting puts the reader directly into the city formerly known as Calcutta.
The Numbers Game
By Miles Watson
Available now
I am thankful that Miles Watson writes wartime short stories and novellas. I recommend his works to fans of war stories and/or well-crafted shorter works. I fall in the latter category, because longer war tales often feel overstuffed and overwhelming. Watson’s The Brute, pleasantly surprised me through its vivid, rich, fascinating tale of a wartime battleship. The Numbers Game introduces a Royal Air Force pilot whose theory about pilots becomes an obsession about his numerical formula than human life. I’m not surprised by Miles Watson anymore – I know he’s an excellent writer and am eager to read more of his works.
The Warden
By Jon Richter
Available now
Thank you, Blackthorn Book Tours, for introducing me to Jon Richter’s recently published book The Warden. Just reading the description of this claustrophobic psychological thriller gave me goosebumps. A brutal murder in a virus-proof permanently locked down tower grabs the attention of an agoraphobic former detective compelled to solve the crime, even if his investigation takes him out of his comfort zone. The Tower setting unnerves me, even as it draws me into the compelling plot.
Last Stop on the 6
By Patricia Dunn
Available now
Thank you, Meryl Moss Media Group, for introducing me to Last Stop on the 6. Angela fled The Bronx to escape the crushing guilt of a family tragedy. The aspiring actor turned anti-war activist returns home for a family wedding and has to face her NY life and family. I’m not from New York, I’m not Italian-American, but I felt welcomed into their family.
30 Rock Book
By Mike Roe
Available November 30
Thanks to everyone involved in this absurd and amazing show. I was a Tina Fey fan when she was on Saturday Night Live. Once 30 Rock started, I became an adoring fan. Did Liz teach you how to self-Heimlich when you’re living alone and choking? Are you a fan of Jenna’s Rural Juror? Were you pleased when Kenneth missed the midnight train to Georgia? Fans of the show will definitely want to go to there.
What books are you thankful for? Share them in the comments.
