This week the 2017 Debs say goodbye and welcome in the 2018 class!
The other gals have also said it, but I want to parrot how it’s hard to believe this is my last post as part of the Deb Ball Class of 2017. It’s been a wonderful year and I’m not sure it’s possible to list all the ways in which I’m grateful for this experience. But, I simply have to point out how thankful I am to have gotten to know Crystal, Amy, Lynn, and Tiffany, four spectacular women.
I’d like to think, without this experience, I would’ve still seen their books bee-bopping around social media, but since I primarily read historical fiction (never as early as the first century until Crystal’s book!), it’s been such a treat to be introduced to their books, in genres I don’t often pick up. Crystal, Amy, Lynn, and Tiffany are all so talented and have written unforgetable books. In fact, I’d love to give a quick shout-out to each one of them one last time as a Deb.
Historical Fiction
Let me start by saying this is quite the impressive book. King has done her homework. Many times, I forgot I was reading a novel and thought I had picked up a memoir recovered from the first century. I found it very interesting to learn of the politics, intrigue, scheming, and happenings of ancient Rome, along with all the customs, superstitions, and loyalty to the Gods. Learning of the food during this time was also intriguing, though forgive me if flamingo tongue is not served at my next dinner party.
Women’s Fiction/Satire
I implore you, pour yourself a glass of wine and curl up with this book. Around 10% in is where I started snort laughing into my glass, and probably burned through hundreds of calories smiling and laughing throughout the book. The realizations of the cast of characters, as they each face their own drama, are done so well and each stream of consciousness is simply hysterical. And, my goodness does this book have rhythm. I found myself flying through the pages, reading passages aloud to my husband, who kept reminding me he was reading his own book. Definitely recommend!
Memoir
This is the most honest book I’ve ever read. I can only imagine the humility, strength, and bravery it took to capture every one of these very real words. Because of Hall’s vivid descriptions, I found myself cringing and shaking my head in disbelief, but then nodding in appreciation in response to the people who supported and cared for Hall, and also how Hall decided to care for herself. “A story of rape and resilience” is such an apt description of this memoir, and I encourage everyone to read it.
Young Adult Contemporary
The books I enjoy most are the ones where I feel like I’m experiencing a new world or reality, and I felt immersed in Mary’s. This book is raw, honest, realistic, and gut-wrenching, not to mention a page turner. The conversational feel of it, along with the twists and turns, meant I read this book in record time. I had to get to the ending. I’m still thinking about that ending.
I also want to give a warm welcome to the Class of 2018. I am excited to continue to find new books by amazing women and can’t wait to read theirs!
Not pictured, but you’ll get to see Julie shout about her cover soon, is Julie Clark’s THE ONES WE CHOOSE (Women’s Fiction)!
Thank you, all, for joining me on Thursdays as I rambled on about that week’s topic. It’s been a pleasure, and I hope to be back on the Deb Ball one day as a guest. For now, I hope you’ll continue with me on my journey through Twitter, Facebook, and my (occasional) newsletter. I’ve got some exciting things coming soon, including the reveal of my new cover for SIDE BY SIDE!
