The Best And The Worst of 2013

[Lip Service]

The year is over. Time to discuss what you most liked or disliked

[Ursula]

I don't believe you have to finish a book to make it your choice for worst book.  As I posted earlier, I quit after the first 3 chapters of the book I voted the worst.  Isn't that what makes it your worst book, when you can't be bothered to finish reading the book?!!

[tnbopeep]

Oh I had LOTS of DNF's (did not finish) this last year. I used to feel compelled to finish any book I started. Then I decided that was just dumb & like many of you, after 50 or so pages (depending on how long the book is), I toss it.

My best/worst this year are neither new books, but first reads for me.

WORST: Bel Canto by Ann Patchett. I wanted to like it, but just couldn't. The premise - bunch of people held captive in South America in a diplomats home - should have made it entertaining. Just couldn't care about the fate of the people & then it just ended. Dumb.

BEST: I think maybe a non-fiction (I know, most unlike me!) The Girls of Atomic City by Denise Kiernan. Maybe because it takes place near me, I found the subject interesting & well presented. It's the story of the building, staffing, and operation of Oak Ridge TN and the Manhattan Project. It was a toss up between this & Louise Perry, How The Light Gets In.

[grammyk]

I read The Girls of Atomic City and also found it interesting and well-done.  I like some of Ann Patchett's books and have Bel Canto in my current library basket, as a matter of fact.

As a P.S. to favorite books of 2013 - I forgot The Lemon Orchard, by Luanne Rice - loved it!

[grammyk]

I just finished "Bel Canto".  I kept putting it off until I had renewed it for the last possible time.  I made myself finish it and I agree with you.  The end seemed rushed and then just ended.  Strange book.  I read somewhere that this is the book that "made" Ann Patchett's career; I'm no expert for sure but I don't understand that!

[Eaglewoman]

The Guernsey Literary Potato Peel Pie Society is free today on the NOOK>

[Ursula]

Where did you find it for free??  I bought it yesterday for $1.99 and that's what the B&N website is still showing today.  Too late for me, but others would appreciate the link to the free download.  Thanks.  :-)

[Eaglewoman]

Whoops sorry, I got it mixed up from the free list and the best bargains list.

http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/t5/NOOK-Book-Discussion/Best-No...

Here is the daily free list

http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/t5/NOOK-Book-Discussion/Free-NO...

[Kathryn K]

I liked Sycamore Row too and The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri although The Namesake is still my favorite of her books I really enjoyed this one.

I'm not sure about the worst. I was disappointed in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy by Helen Fielding. I loved the earlier two books but I guess I expected Bridget to grow up a bit.

Already this list has given me a new book to check out. The  Light Between the Oceans looks really good.

[grammyk]

I was disappointed in the new Bridget Jones book too.  I wasn't sure why but I think you've got it - she should have grown up more by now.

The Light Between the Oceans was a great read!  I keep debating about The Lowland; I think that will go on my reserve list at the library too.