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I’m going to let you in on a little secret: I do not like to recommend books. I know! That sounds strange for someone who writes a book review column. I’m not talking about recommending books to you. For the most part, you don’t respond, and if you do, it’s to say how much you enjoyed a book that I recommended.
No, I’m talking about recommending books live and in person, for book clubs, for example. I especially won’t recommend books that I really love. It’s not that I think everyone should love every book that I love. In fact, if you can articulate your reason for disliking a book, I’m happy to discuss it with you. (It was too long, does not count. The main character’s name was Madison, and you don’t like the name Madison, does not count.) My reluctance to recommend books that are important to me comes from the fear that the person will say something (for lack of a better word) stupid about the book. Case in point: For December, my book club wanted to read a Christmas-themed book. I just happen to have a favorite Christmas-themed book, “Christmas Gift” by Georgia author Ferrol Sams. I made the mistake of piping up and recommending it. In it, Sams juxtaposes his childhood Christmases of the Depression with present-day (it was published in 1989) Christmases with his grandchildren - sharing the importance of passing along the rituals that make the holiday special.
Who could find fault with that? Someone in my book club complained that it felt “dated.” Set in the 1930s and the 1980s, you might expect that. She also said his writing is “sappy” and needed an “edge.” For the love of books and Santa Claus! It’s a Christmas book, in which the author is sharing the cherished memories of his childhood and the precious new memories he is making with his grandchildren. Let the man be sappy! How much of an edge do you need for a Christmas book? Sorry! I was working myself up to
an absolute rant. It’s that sort of thing that keeps me from recommending books that are important to me.
So, what are some books that I have learned not to recommend?
Amor Towles’ “The Lincoln Highway” In my opinion, this book is a masterpiece – but some people don’t get it.
Anthony Doerr’s “All the Light We Cannot See” Such a moving book, and again, some people miss it.
Darynda Jones’ Sunshine Vicram trilogy This is my guilty pleasure: funny and racy and Sunshine is a total firebrand. If I had free time and a glass of wine, these are the books I would want with me; they’re not everyone’s cup of tea, or cocktail, and I get that.
Pam Munoz Ryan’s “Echo” Combining history and fantasy, this is one of the most engrossing books I have ever read, but not everyone will appreciate it.
Fredrick Backman’s “A Man Called Ove” Funny and poignant, I think readers who concentrate on the sad moments and find it depressing are missing the point.
Wishing you Happy Reading, and hoping you have or find those books that are special to you!
No, I’m talking about recommending books live and in person, for book clubs, for example. I especially won’t recommend books that I really love. It’s not that I think everyone should love every book that I love. In fact, if you can articulate your reason for disliking a book, I’m happy to discuss it with you. (It was too long, does not count. The main character’s name was Madison, and you don’t like the name Madison, does not count.) My reluctance to recommend books that are important to me comes from the fear that the person will say something (for lack of a better word) stupid about the book. Case in point: For December, my book club wanted to read a Christmas-themed book. I just happen to have a favorite Christmas-themed book, “Christmas Gift” by Georgia author Ferrol Sams. I made the mistake of piping up and recommending it. In it, Sams juxtaposes his childhood Christmases of the Depression with present-day (it was published in 1989) Christmases with his grandchildren - sharing the importance of passing along the rituals that make the holiday special.
Who could find fault with that? Someone in my book club complained that it felt “dated.” Set in the 1930s and the 1980s, you might expect that. She also said his writing is “sappy” and needed an “edge.” For the love of books and Santa Claus! It’s a Christmas book, in which the author is sharing the cherished memories of his childhood and the precious new memories he is making with his grandchildren. Let the man be sappy! How much of an edge do you need for a Christmas book? Sorry! I was working myself up to
an absolute rant. It’s that sort of thing that keeps me from recommending books that are important to me.
So, what are some books that I have learned not to recommend?
Amor Towles’ “The Lincoln Highway” In my opinion, this book is a masterpiece – but some people don’t get it.
Anthony Doerr’s “All the Light We Cannot See” Such a moving book, and again, some people miss it.
Darynda Jones’ Sunshine Vicram trilogy This is my guilty pleasure: funny and racy and Sunshine is a total firebrand. If I had free time and a glass of wine, these are the books I would want with me; they’re not everyone’s cup of tea, or cocktail, and I get that.
Pam Munoz Ryan’s “Echo” Combining history and fantasy, this is one of the most engrossing books I have ever read, but not everyone will appreciate it.
Fredrick Backman’s “A Man Called Ove” Funny and poignant, I think readers who concentrate on the sad moments and find it depressing are missing the point.
Wishing you Happy Reading, and hoping you have or find those books that are special to you!
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