For the last month I have been tapping my ruby slippers together and repeating to myself, “There's no place like home.
For the last month I have been tapping my ruby slippers together and repeating to myself, “There's no place like home. ” The question is, what does home mean? As the wife of a military pilot for 25 years home is my hubby; wherever he and my daughter are feels like exactly where I am meant to be. This is something I am sure of as I have moved 12 times in the past and will be doing so again this week. My family and I are relocating to Wichita, Kansas, the “Aviation Capital of the World. ” Therefore, I am moving on from the Eagle and have decided that this month's column will embrace book recommendation as opposed to the usual book review. I have lovingly perused my book shelves and come up with my favourite books/authors. They are not in any particular order as I feel bad doing that to them as they are all so dear to my heart.
• I am going to start off by recommending two of my favourite authors: Maeve Binchy and Kate Morton. Anything by either of these authors is wonderful. Small town life and the interweaving of lives.
• The Pact by Jodi Picoult. I am not a huge fan of Picoult as I believe that she is repetitive in her format and a little predictable. Having said that, The Pact is a well-developed story with intrigue and a fantastic twist ending! I long for surprise endings in books.
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. This book is exceptional in so many ways but for me, it is the most romantic story ever written. Mr. Darcy couldn't be more mysterious and dreamy and we follow the maturation Elizabeth Bennet as she learns what defines a true gentleman.
• The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. For those of you that have been following my column you already know my thoughts on this book. I re-read it every Christmas and each time it is more enjoyable than the last. It is my all time favourite and I highly recommend it!
• The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer. My preferred genre is Second World War historical fiction and this, along with The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, are two of the best I've read. Both handle the topic of Nazi occupation in such remarkable and unique ways.
• And finally, Jeffrey Archer's The Clifton Chronicles. This series is definitely binge worthy! These books are for everyone and draw the reader in from the first page. Perfect for cold Alberta winters.
I hope that these recommendations hold you over for the first few months of my absence. I have enjoyed reading the books, some more than others, over the past 18 months and writing about them. But, the best part about being a columnist has been talking to all of you about books. I have had conversations all over Cochrane about authors, series and have received many wonderful book recommendations from fellow bibliophiles. Thank you all for your consideration and loyalty. I loved having an audience to write for and have composed every column with you in mind. Additionally, I would like to send out a big thank you to the publisher and staff at the Cochrane Eagle for giving me their blessing and for supporting my obsessive book habit.
Lastly, keep in mind that the book is always better than the movie!
