The Quintessential Summer Book Tag was created by the Bookish Kat and is a unique way to look back on some of the awesome (and some not so wonderful) books we’ve read in the past. For this edition, I’m showcasing books that were published 10 years ago, in 2014.
Iced Drink – A Refreshing Book
Big Little Lies, Liane Moriarty
At first glance, Big Little Lies, the debut novel by Australian author Liane Moriarty, appears to be a lighthearted, relatable tale about a group of parents navigating the challenges of kindergarten and the social politics of suburbia. And, indeed, the book’s early pages do unfold with a witty humor and an air of familiarity, as we meet the mothers and fathers of Pirriwee Public School, each with their own distinct struggles and insecurities.
But, just as you settle in for a humorous romp through the world of over-caffeinated, over-achieving parents, Moriarty drops the curtain and reveals a far more complex, layered narrative. Beneath the surface of this seemingly idyllic Australian suburb lies a rich tapestry of secrets, lies, and hidden truths.
Through the eyes of three central characters – Madeline, Celeste, and Jane – Moriarty expertly weaves together a story that tackles some of society’s most pressing issues: bullying, domestic abuse, and the crippling pressure to conform to societal norms. These themes are woven seamlessly into the narrative, never feeling heavy-handed or preachy.
The characters themselves are equally well-crafted. Moriarty’s dialogue is snappy and authentic, capturing the banter and camaraderie between mothers who become fast friends at school drop-off. But it’s her ability to excavate the inner lives of these characters that truly sets her apart. Each woman is multidimensional, with flaws and fears that make them relatable and human.
As the story unfolds, Moriarty masterfully manipulates tension and suspense, expertly dropping breadcrumbs that hint at the events that will ultimately lead to a shocking climax. The result is a page-turner that’s impossible to put down.
Big Little Lies is a masterclass in storytelling, one that showcases Moriarty’s impressive range and skill as an author. She takes a seemingly innocuous premise – the absurdities of kindergarten politics – and transforms it into a nuanced exploration of human nature. It’s a testament to her talent that she can balance humor and drama so effortlessly, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Have you seen the HBO TV series yet?
Cotton Candy – A Book That was Fluffy and Sweet
Britt-Marie Was Here, Fredrik Bachman
Britt-Marie was Here is a masterclass in character development, storytelling, and emotional resonance. The story follows Britt-Marie, a prickly and particular individual who shows up in the tiny town of Borgmästarebegreppet, a place on the brink of collapse. The town’s residents are struggling to make ends meet, and Britt-Marie’s arrival seems like a bolt from the blue. Her brusque demeanor and sharp tongue only add to the initial impression that she’s another outsider looking in.
But as the story unfolds, we delve deeper into Britt-Marie’s past, and the complexities of her personality begin to unravel. We learn about her troubled marriage, her struggles with motherhood, and her desperation to find meaning in a life that has been marked by disappointment and heartache. Through her journey, we witness the transformation of this once-timid woman into a force to be reckoned with.
Meanwhile, the townspeople of Borgmästarebegreppet are equally fascinating characters. From the enigmatic Karl-Erik to the lovable but troubled Amilia, each person has their own unique story to tell. As Britt-Marie becomes embroiled in their lives, we see her soften and grow, forming connections that surprise even herself.
Backman’s writing is nothing short of magical. He has a gift for crafting characters that feel authentic and relatable, even when they’re difficult to like at first glance. The author’s ability to balance humor and pathos is remarkable, as he expertly navigates the reader through moments of joy and sorrow, resilience, hope, and the power of human connection.
In short, Britt-Marie Was Here is a must-read for anyone who loves character-driven fiction. It’s a book that will make you laugh, cry, and feel all the feels. So grab a box of tissues and settle in for a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
Sunglasses – A Dark Book
Silence for the Dead, Simone St. James
Set in 1919, this atmospheric and chilling story transports readers to a crumbling mansion turned asylum for war veterans, where the lines between reality and madness are expertly blurred. The narrative centers around two main characters: Lucy Shaw, a young woman who arrives at the asylum seeking answers about her sister’s disappearance, and Dr. Vaughan Mason, a brilliant but troubled psychiatrist tasked with treating the tormented soldiers within its walls. As Lucy delves deeper into the mystery of her sister’s disappearance, she uncovers dark secrets and unspeakable horrors lurking within the asylum’s labyrinthine corridors.
St. James masterfully crafts a sense of foreboding from the very beginning, as the crumbling mansion’s imposing structure seems to exude an aura of malevolent energy. The author’s vivid descriptions of the decaying estate, replete with cobwebs, creaking doors, and flickering candles, effectively conjure up a sense of unease that permeates every page. The asylum’s inhabitants are a motley crew of soldiers shattered by their experiences on the battlefield, their sanity fraying at the seams. The author’s portrayal of their struggles is both poignant and unsettling, making it easy to become invested in their fates.
Throughout the story, St. James expertly weaves together elements of psychological horror, historical fiction, and mystery to create a narrative that is both captivating and unnerving. The pacing is deliberate and measured, building tension as Lucy uncovers more disturbing secrets about her sister’s disappearance and the asylum’s dark past. The ghostly presence that permeates the narrative adds an extra layer of unease, as Lucy begins to question what is real and what is mere hallucination. St. James does an excellent job of creating an atmosphere where anything can happen, leaving readers on edge as they turn the pages.
Silence for the Dead is a triumph of atmospheric storytelling, expertly capturing the essence of a haunted house in all its creepy glory. Simone St. James delivers a meticulously researched and engaging tale that will appeal to fans of historical horror and psychological thrillers alike. With its richly detailed setting, complex characters, and spine-tingling scares, this book is sure to leave readers sleeping with the lights on.
Summer Blockbuster – Your favorite book-to-screen adaptation
You, Caroline Kepnes
All you really need to know about this book before you start reading is that Joe is a stalker. He sets his sights on Beck and is willing to do anything to make her his, and he does the typical things that stalkers do. But damn the author for making him seem so relatable, and for putting us in his head (he’s the narrator), where he thinks the things he does are perfectly normal – he can rationalize with the best of them. Kepnes even managed to make me forget Joe was a total psycho on occasion. The tv series on Netflix is also excellent. I normally don’t do both – I’m an either one or the other type of person, but in this case, I did both read the book and watch the movie – and I recommend you do the same.
Dropped Ice Cream – A book You Were Anticipating That Wasn’t Good
Blood on Snow, Jo Nesbo
This is the story of Olav: an extremely talented “fixer” for one of Oslo’s most powerful crime bosses. But Olav is also an unusually complicated fixer. He has a capacity for love that is as far-reaching as is his gift for murder. He is our straightforward, calm-in-the-face-of-crisis narrator with a storyteller’s hypnotic knack for fantasy. He has an “innate talent for subordination” but running through his veins is a “virus” born of the power over life and death. And while his latest job puts him at the pinnacle of his trade, it may be mutating into his greatest mistake
The premise of Blood on Snow is indeed intriguing. It centers around Olav, a highly skilled “fixer” working for one of Oslo’s most powerful crime bosses. One would expect a gripping narrative filled with the dark, twisty plots that Nesbø is known for. However, despite its promising setup, the book fell flat for me.
The pacing was lethargic, and I struggled to maintain my interest through the pages. I pushed through about two-thirds of the novel before I finally threw in the towel, unable to finish the story. The character of Olav, while potentially interesting, felt underdeveloped and lacking the depth that I’ve come to expect from Nesbø’s protagonists. As much as I wanted to be invested in his journey, the narrative simply didn’t hook me.
In stark contrast to the nail-biting tension and intricate plots of the Harry Hole series, Blood on Snow felt like a tepid stroll rather than the thrilling ride I craved. This standalone novel had all the makings of a gripping thriller but ultimately failed to deliver on excitement and engagement.
Beat the Heat – A book You Were Anticipating That Was Good
Cress (The Lunar Chronicles #3), Marissa Meyer
Cress is the third book in the Lunar Chronicles series, and unbelievably, it’s even better than the first 2 (which I also loved). It’s a fairytale retelling of Rapunzel (admittedly, the connection was a bit tenuous), but Marissa Meyer is a genius for reinventing fairy tales into something fresh, vibrant and completely enthralling, placing beloved fairy tale characters into the futuristic world of Lunar. World building is another aspect of Cress which was done brilliantly. Meyer seems to have done it even better in Cress, and I was very happy with it.
Palm Tree – A Big Book You Loved
The Silkworm (Cormoran Stike #2), Robert Galbraith
When novelist Owen Quine goes missing, his wife calls in private detective Cormoran Strike. At first, Mrs. Quine just thinks her husband has gone off by himself for a few days – as he has done before – and she wants Strike to find him and bring him home. But as Strike investigates, it becomes clear that there is more to Quine’s disappearance than his wife realizes. The novelist has just completed a manuscript featuring poisonous pen-portraits of almost everyone he knows. If the novel were to be published, it would ruin lives – meaning that there are a lot of people who might want him silenced.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the Cormoran Strike series,, The Cuckoo’s Calling, I approached The Silkworm with high expectations, and I’m delighted to say that it not only met them but, for many, surpassed them. It takes us deeper into the world of detective Cormoran Strike and his brilliant assistant, Robin Ellacott. The complexity of the mystery is both intricate and detailed, weaving around the dark corners of the literary world with finesse. The plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat, ensuring that I was utterly engrossed from start to finish.
What struck me most was the development of the characters. Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rowling) has meticulously fleshed out the cast, making them feel real and relatable. Cormoran and Robin’s evolving dynamics are a highlight of the book, filled with tension, camaraderie, and mutual respect. Watching their relationship deepen adds an extra layer of enjoyment, making every interaction a pleasure to read.
Beyond the captivating mystery, the writing itself shines. Galbraith masterfully crafts a story that not only entertains but also keeps you guessing until the very last page. The Silkworm truly has it all: a suspenseful plot, rich character development, and a compelling narrative that draws you in completely.
Another bonus for readers is that while the series does benefit from being read in order – so you don’t miss the exquisite backstory it gradually builds – you can jump right into The Silkworm without feeling lost. It is an outstanding continuation of the Cormoran Strike series, balancing an intense mystery with deeply drawn characters. I can’t recommend it enough to both fans of the first book and new readers alike! It’s a testament to Galbraith’s storytelling prowess and a sure reminder of why I’m such a fan of this series.
Fireworks – A Book That Exploded Onto the Scene
Mr. Mercedes, Stephen King
In the predawn hours, in a distressed American city, hundreds of unemployed men and women line up for the opening of a job fair. They are tired and cold and desperate. Emerging from the fog, invisible until it is too late, a lone driver plows through the crowd in a stolen Mercedes, running over the innocent, backing up, and charging again. Eight people are killed; fifteen are wounded. The killer escapes. Months later, an ex-cop named Bill Hodges, still haunted by the unsolved crime, contemplates suicide. When he gets a crazed letter from “the perk,” claiming credit for the murders, Hodges wakes up from his depressed and vacant retirement, fearing another even more diabolical attack and hell-bent on preventing it.
Stephen King’s Mr. Mercedes, the first book in the Bill Hodges trilogy, marks a departure from his typical horror narrative, yet it remains a gripping thriller that showcases the masterful storytelling we’ve come to expect from him. King’s prowess in character development shines brilliantly as he immerses readers into a world consumed by madness rather than horror, providing an intimate look at the human psyche.
Bill Hodges, our retired detective protagonist, quickly became my favorite character. His relatable qualities and authentic struggles resonate deeply, especially as he confronts the stark reality of retirement after dedicating over 40 years to a demanding profession. King explores the psychological aftermath of retirement without missing a beat, allowing readers to witness both Hodges’s vulnerabilities and his determination. His quest to stop the enigmatic Mr. Mercedes is not only thrilling but also becomes a journey of redemption and resilience that is painted with dense strokes of creepiness and suspense.
The cat-and-mouse game between Hodges and Mr. Mercedes is both captivating and terrifying, filled with tense moments that kept me on the edge of my seat. King’s ability to craft suspenseful sequences is evident throughout, creating a pulse-pounding atmosphere that complements Hodges’s deeply introspective character arc. The mix of relatable human emotion with high-stakes drama is intoxicating, showcasing that while the story is grounded in the gritty realities of human life, it doesn’t shy away from exploring the horrific aspects of the human condition.
The literary landscape of a decade ago introduced a remarkable array of books that have left a lasting impact on readers and the industry alike. These works, marked by their innovative storytelling, diverse perspectives, and profound themes, not only captured the essence of their time but also continue to resonate in today’s world. Revisiting these great books serves as a reminder of the power of literature to transcend time, connect us across generations, and enrich our understanding of the human experience. Have you read any of the books mentioned above? Or are there any you would recommend?
