20 Best Book Past According To Nyt (2023 Update)

This is a journey into the past of a young man seen from his future. Couldn't put this one down! Well written with a twist at the end. ENJOY!Edna

I like this book because it reminds me of some things in my younger years; soda counters, root beer floats, etc. Things of the 50s $ 60s. A good coming of age novel. I havent finished it yet-still enjoying every word. I hope it ends well.Dorothy

I was struck by the flawed physical attributes of many of the characters: stuttering brother, hare-lipped sister, blind family friend, and wondered if all of these (except for the brother) really contributed to the plot. Initially, I found the relentless descriptive similes actually corny and repetitive. Fortunately, these began to disappear as the story progressed. The author repeatedly interjects details which are supposed to reinforce the time period, but they seem not to ring true. (I'm sure I did not, in the '60s, serve Kool-Aid at almost every meal.) That being said, it was an interesting read and was generally quite well-written.artistcollectingstuff

Unusual combination of mystery/ everyday circumstances/ humour/ deep understanding of humanity. Never read anything like it. Highly recommended, although I do not think I will immediately choose another book with these characteristics.Haggis Basher

This book is heartwarming and heartbreaking. The times were terrible with slaves being treated as animals yet some families treated as any other person. Could not put the book down read in 3 days.Nannasworld

I found this a compelling read. Well reasearched and thought out plot and engaging characters. Some issues of serious consideration under the surface. One of my favourite reads for a long time.Al

I love her quirky books that have a deeper message. It is interesting having the combination of Japanese and American culture.Annette

Jamie Raskin is a brilliant Constitutional scholar and as committed to our democracy as anyone could ever possibly be. He lived through the despicable insurrection only days after losing his cherished son on December 31st. This book is so well written and the facts are so well laid out. It barely scratches the surface in terms of what was behind the wild attempted coup to overthrow our government! You don't want to put down this book!!!Ron

I just loved this book! Thought provoking story set in World War II featuring a blind girl in France and a young German boy who was recruited into the Hitler Youth brigade. I then bought the Audio version for a dear friend who lived through these times and is blind herself.Janet

Excellent book! Couldn't wait to read it every time I got in the car. Not something I would usually read but loved every part of the book.malloryscholes

I loved reading the After series♡, grabs you from page 1 and was hard to put it down, loved how each chapter was labeled from the point of view and thoughts of the 2 main characters, I watched the After series movies also, so much important info was left out, it was like completely different series, I have the spin off series Nothing more,Nothing less telling the journey of Landon's life, can't wait the read them. ANNA TODD is the modern version of Danielle Steel for young adult readers!!!Helen

I've fallen in love with this collection. As soon as I started reading I was unable to stop. The "After" collection is going to be the death of me. I would definitely recommend these books.The Sassy Reader

I loved the way the characters were so tightly intertwined with their love. Was hard to not read the whole series so quickly as it was easy to get obsessed with that would happen next within their love storyRhi the reader

"The Martians of Science: Five Physicists Who Changed the Twentieth Century", by Istavan Hargittai, Oxford Univ. Press, NY 2006. ISBN 13 978-0-19-517845-6. HC 314/240 pages includes Preface, Contents, Intro., Appendix 12 pgs., Notes 36 pgs., Biblio. 6 pgs., Chronologies 7 pgs., Index 12 pgs. 9.5" x 6.5"A cleverly devised treatise details five of the Worlds' most notable theoretical physicists – all began as Jewish Hungarian citizens of Budapest who, in time, migrated to the U.S., toiled collectively and separately to develop strategic defense systems including the atomic hydrogen bombs, computers, modernized Airforce, and establishing or working at the AEC, NASA, JPL, Manhattan Project, Livermore, Los Alamos, Oak Ridge, etc.Convenient attribute of this writing is its apportionment into six chapters to reveal their progressive transition from early childhood into figures of greatness and thence onto their waning years. It reflects their family influences, societal environs, politico-economic conditions, scholastic opportunities, and acceptance into American cultural institutions as Princeton, Harvard, Berkeley, Caltech and the U.S. military.The plethora of B W photographs contributes enormously to the book's value as does appendix of "Sampler of Quotable Martians". Perhaps most importantly are descriptors of personal interactions amongst the Martians themselves. This book embraces exciting history, racism, psychological ploys of embattled nations bureaucracies, and the search for peace amidst glorious and sometimes inglorious purlieus. That the author is an acclaimed writer, recognized scientist, Professor of chemistry, authored several dozen books and is personally acquainted with and interviewed several of the 'Martians' is a plus. Its a good read and the price is right.niŝs.r

I read The Martian via audio book. Going into The Martian, I didn't know what to expect. I was around when it won a Goodreads Choice in 2014. Since that moment it has been on my to-read list and I was always very curious of it. I recently I saw previews for The Martian film. I finally understood what the story was about and my curiosity grew immensely. The idea fascinated me and as a Psych major, I wondered: what would being deserted in space do to your head? Then a good friend of mine read it and though she told me she wasn't sure if I would like it, I knew it was time to read it any way and I figured all the space and science jargon would be easier to get through if I went the audio route. I was blown away by home much I actually liked this book. Yes, some of that science stuff and numbers were a bit hard to get through and I found myself unconsciously tuning some of it out. My favorite part of the entire book was Mark's sass. He is a very sassy character and humorous! I found myself laughing out loud a couple times. The tale is an on-the-edge-of-your-seat read. Mark meets many trials which he very cleverly works through. The part that I was most looking forward to was obviously the psychological side of it which was touched on a few times but perhaps not as much as I hoped however I loved that Mark was perfectly honest in his log as to how he was feeling with an I am screwed and I'm going to die now! screw you Mars! attitude. At the end of the book I found myself cheering with everyone else! It left me feeling good and accomplished. (view spoiler) I will warn that this book contains strong language. I recommend this book to anyone who fascinated by space, those who love numbers and science and anyone who is in the mood for a bit of a challenging read.krista.t

The Martian is about an astronaut, Mark Watney, who is the first to walk on Mars. After a sandstorm his crew had to leave him, assumed dead. He survived and the story is about how he survived. Mark is a botanist and mechanical engineer, so the only way he can think of to stay alive is through growing potatoes. Why potatoes- Because it has 770 calories per kilo. So as we read along, he calculates and tries solving many problems that come into play. His dark sense of humour saves him at times. I read this book, because I have seen the movie and it was so good, I had to buy the book. This was also my first time in reading a science fiction book. I must applaud Andy Weir, the way he writes this book, is just astounding. With his knowledge of being a software engineer, his maths and physics, scientifically woven into this story, you would think this would be so believable. His plot twists in this book is superb which you don't see coming. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the engineering industry who like to know how things work, readers who like space, sci fi fans (and apparently Andy Weir is a Doctor Who fan and has seen all the episodes). Word of warning, since it does have dark humour in this book, there is a bit of swearing and crass language, but not overbearing.Pauline

Great to have a resolution to the Gilead story. I found it a great read and it was interesting to consider character motivation. A definite redemption arch . Plus a bargain price from eBay.annrebeccad

Although I loved The Handmaid's Tale, this sequel was so much better! It was easier to read and tied together several events from the original book. The Testaments was also a great follow up to the HULU TV series.janny1954

The sticker wouldn't come off of the book jacket without leaving a lot of residue… And it was a gift. So it made me a little remiss to give it to my sister. I wish I had bought it without the sticker? Whatever. It's a great book, was in great condition otherwise, and my sister didn't seem to mind the stickiness too much.SHANON

I hadn’t realised this was a cartoon strip book! I bought it as an autobiography! Not my cup of tea at all! Read a bit of it and found the language very basic. Waste of money as far as I’m concerned.Mary C.

This is an autobiographical book, written through the perspective of a 10-year-old girl who lived through the Iranian revolution. She tells the story through black and white pictures. It is very compelling. Would highly recommend it to anyone to read.godsmunchkin

I didn't think I would like this book because I don't usually enjoy graphic novels, but I loved this book! Cute, funny and sad all in one. I would highly recommend to anyone who asksCrista

This is one of the most charming books I have read. It was a pleasure to read and considering it's structure flows wonderfully – almost impossible to put down. The characters are endearing and so believable as is the story it tells. It demonstrates so well the resilience of the human spirit through the tragedies of war. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is a tragedy that Mary Ann Shaffer was never able to complete another novel. Hers was a rare talent – producing prose that is truly a joy to read.kazmr

Most reviews were positive, but a few said it was too "Hallmark" and the narrator didn't take war seriously. It was our Book Club selection for June, and I found it a delight! Lots of subtle humor, quirky characters, and some great historical insight into the War, including life with diminishing food sources, enemy occupation, and lines that blur between friend and foe. Interesting and easy read…the title, itself, compels one to read the book, if only to discover its meaning.bearrox222

Very interesting and entertaining historical fiction about the lives of people in England and the Island of Guernsey and how they were affected by World War II via the novel's characters, especially the German occupation of Guernsey. The story is cleverly told through letters and telegrams. Although it touches on some very sad and horrific wartime events and realities, the main storyline and several supporting plots are lighthearted, endearing and even humorous. A very good read.ssventures125-8

A totally different Nora Roberts book is what you need to expect when picking up this book. So it's definitely not all romance and roses as some people seem to be disappointed about. I absolutely loved Year One although an edge of your seat ride, this dystopian novel has the power to suck you in and just running away from the evil. A virus kills off billions of people and the survivors are left with a fight for their future – and some of the survivors have also acquired new powers so be prepared for witches, elves and faeries. I cannot wait for the 2nd book, but just emailed Nora's website and was told we have to wait a year…….will be a long wait for sure as I just want to keep reading! Loved it…..Willow Tree Reader

Very different type of story by Nora Roberts. The first book begins the start of an entire new world when a terrible virus takes most of the life on earth. Its the beginning of a new type of life with humans and magical beings trying to live together. Really compelling story showing the way humans can survive even in dire conditions. She shows life on both sides with the darkness as well as the light coming through as the different beings learn to survive together. Loved the first book and cant wait for the second in Decemberjmccoy57

Nora is my absolute favorite author! Year One was very well written and really invites you into a magical world like on Nora can. This is the first installments of one of my favorite trilogies. It has it all magic, romance. Suspense, action. Love it!tanesha.e

This isn’t on the book content but the way the book arrived to me . It came with the dust jacket ripped and a razerblade cut through the top of the pages. I honestly didn’t return it cuz I didn’t feel like messing with it but I def am disappointed and don’t know if I will purchase books via Walmart again. I was hoping to have better luck then when I order on Amazon but I guess not.brianna

This was a fantastic, gripping, and whirlwind of a conclusion to the ACOTAR series. I could not have thought of a better ending because every single thing I wanted to happen, happened and it was written so beautifully and with such grace that kept me enthralled enough to read 200 pages in one sitting – which is no small feat for me. The character development that happened, both from watching these characters from the first book to this one and from solely watching them through this book, was tremendous. We started out with a feeble human girl struggling to provide for her terrible sisters and deadbeat father to her truly living up to her title of Cursebreaker. Every single other character that Maas planted in the first book sprouted to heights I didn’t even believe were possible – for everyone from Rhysand’s friends to the other high lords to even Feyre’s sisters. They all endured so much, truly learning from it. It actually made me feel so proud of them and their accomplishments and sacrifices. In this book, I really appreciated getting to know Rhysand’s people better. In A Court of Mist and Fury, I felt a little detached from them and barely knew them let alone remembered who they all really were. However, going along with the character development, the group grew so complex and vital and I was so glad to get to know them. They all had such big, unique personalities that were so interesting to learn. I really want to reread the other books just so I can pay attention to them more since I really hadn’t in the beginning. The love that flourishes between all of the romances is so pure, as well as a certain character’s intentions in the end when he chooses to help. I was so touched by all of them. And Feyre and Rhysand give me life, my soul is built upon the foundations of their love. I will forever root for them no matter how much I adore Rhysand. The world would end if they weren’t together. Maas’s writing style is also something to behold. I hung from every word like the pure trash that I am for this series. The sentences flowed so smoothly and were stung together so delicately that it felt like she put she so much time and dedication into every single word. She does tend to use ellipses and dashes an obscene amount, and use a key word of the following sentence, and then finish the thought behind that word in the sentence. I had never noticed that until it was pointed out in a few booktube videos I watched, so I’m sorry if I just pointed it out to you! But really, in general, I find the whole world Maas crafted to be so deliciously dark and whimsical. The creatures she designed to cause turmoil are straight from nightmares. Every part of the world is enticing, and I really want to learn more. I need a guide to Pyrthian. I am so sad to see this beautiful series end, but I hope the novellas will at least somewhat fill the void it left in its wake.taylor.m

A Court of Frost and Starlight was very enjoyable,. It was a great way to wrap up the story of the first three books. The different POVs allow readers to enter the minds of the Inner Circle, and Nesta to see how they were coping with the aftermath of the war. What I loved most was reading about Cassian and Mor (in their POV chapters) and seeing how they felt about their family, choices and lives. Bonus: The hardcover for this book and the others are absolutely stunning!Kota

"Here's a little advice for the next time we play: Always take the Dare." A new copycat in town and a truth or dare game? *Slams hands-on desk* That my friend, that is the kind of thriller I like to see! This was a solid sequel or more like a spin-off that includes the original Bayview four but its mainly displayed the life of three teens Phoebe, Knox, and Maeve.Eemana

I loved the first book, "One of Us is Lying" and the second book was even better. I did not expect the ending. This is definitely a must read for those that love mystery and suspense.April

This book is a masterpiece! A page turner filled with suspense, mystery and romance. Completely blew my mind and kept me guessing throughout the book. Hands down Karen McManus is so amazing. This book like the first book is beautifully written and I love this book!Brad

** “I think there’s something wonderful and reassuring about the idea that in the rush of modern life people will still come together and sit for an hour in a theatre, a gymnasium or a giant tent simply out of a love of books and reading. There’s a sort of innocence about it.” ** Author Anthony Horowitz and ex-detective Daniel Hawthorne team up again in Horowitz’s “A Line to Kill,” a masterful whodunnit where the author inserts himself as a main character. When Horowitz and Hawthorne are invited to a literary festival on the island of Alderney, they begrudgingly agree to attend — you see, none of their books have even been published yet. Joined by a blind author who sees into the spirit world, a TV chef, a local historical writer, a children’s author and a performance poet, the two men quickly learn there’s more than meets the eye. And when a series of unfortunate circumstances hit the island, the two must work together to help solve the case. Horowitz does a great job of creating delightfully zany characters with a plot filled with twists and turns, leaving the reader guessing until the very end. His story also has a refreshingly novel component with allowing himself to be a main character. Fans of authors like Agatha Christie and other classic whodunnits will love this book. Disclaimer: it does contain some language. “A Line to Kill,” which is the third in the series but can be read on its own, is due out Oct. 19. Five stars out of five. Harper provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.Semmie

The Sherlockian duo of Hawthorne and Horowitz confronts another challenge in A Line to Kill, the third in Anthony Horowitz's delightful literary mystery series. As in the previous books, Horowitz finds himself caught up in an investigation despite his primary objective to write about Hawthorne and his exploits. His self-deprecating, unwitting narrative "self" reports the astounding talents of the former detective as he uncovers the truth behind crimes. As Horowitz becomes enlightened, so does the reader. In this installment, the two men are assigned a "command performance" at a literary festival. The island of Alderney seems like an odd place to host such an event, and Anthony is also curious as to why Hawthorne would willing agree to take part. Once on the island, things take a deadly turn, and the pair is confined to Alderney with the rest of the odd festival attendees. The police request Hawthorne's help in solving a murder that is linked to the festival. There is a lot of surreptitious activities and connections in Horowitz's homage to Christie's "locked room" scenario. Everyone, even Hawthorne himself, has ulterior motives that propel the action forward and provide interesting twists. The final reveal is carefully plotted and satisfying. Horowitz has once again created a unique series with an innovative approach, despite how much of the classical tropes are employed. Funny and fast-paced, A Line to Kill seamlessly brings nostalgia and class to the mystery genre that has grown to display more style than substance.jnmegan

This book will make you feel things you didn’t know you could in a book. Very emotional and will leaving you gasping and even frustrated ,but not with regret.Nesscia

I really enjoyed the way this book was organized and the "realness" of the main character. Must read! Especially if you are into psychology and the effects of trauma.Danielle

Once I picked this up I could not put it down! I stayed up all night reading and becoming invested into the book. I was fascinated by the characters, their stories, their experiences, and their feelings. This was truly a well written story.maggie

4 Stars! This was a cute book. I liked the main characters but I also didn’t like them. They were witty with funny banter but the “romance” wasn’t really there. Violet was a snob but got better near the end and Cain was mostly an angry jerk. If they fell in love, I didn’t see how it happened. That being said, it was a cute read and I enjoyed it. I laughed, I cried, and I reminded myself they were fictional characters and just finished the book. Haha! *I received this book at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*Carey

I have really enjoyed reading this book- it’s told from a historian perspective instead of individual perspectives like the A Song of Ice & Fire series. I’m reading the content for the new House of the Dragon series that this book is based on.Jcortez0215

If you have been enjoying the new House of Dragon and want to know the history of the Targaryens when they arrived in Westeros, definitely worth the read then!Violet