20 Best Books 2005 (2023 Update)

This book is well written and humorous, even if it deals with a range of serious subject matter such sex discrimination and orphanages run by the Catholic church. If this sounds like a contradiction, you will have to read the book to find out how well it works.Derrith

Thanks to NetGalley & Doubleday Books for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own. This novel, a debut no less, was all over the place for me. Funny, satirical, sad, ironic, entertaining, witty, with elements of fantasy and feminism. And don't forget the magic realism of the dog. So did I like the novel and how would I rate it? I'm giving it 4 stars – read my review to find out why. Cleverly written with a quirky and memorable heroine, this is the story of chemist Elizabeth Zott. In the 1950s, when the story begins, it was very nearly impossible to be anything but a housewife/mother, nurse, or secretary. But Elizabeth fights against stereotypes throughout the novel – whether it's cooking, rowing, motherhood, or chemistry. Elizabeth's on-the-spectrum personality (literal, headstrong, blunt) propels the plot. And the plot is brilliant – things happen and people connect (and reconnect) in ways that both surprised me and had me admiring how the author fit everything together. There were several provoking aspects to the story – some of which were the way people misunderstood each other, the sexist attitudes, and how some characters fought against and often overcame the 1950s cultural norms. What gives the novel depth is that the story is told from different characters' points of view, including Six-Thirty, the dog. And these characters were compelling. The reader learns what each is thinking, and why, and we can often anticipate the way things will be misunderstood, which makes for laughs as well as sighs. While the book contains a great deal of wit, as another reviewer mentioned, there are serious issues including brutal abuse which is described in detail, and a suicide due to homophobia. And the sexism is rampant which unfortunately was how it was back in the 1950s, with some areas still troublesome today. But in the end the bad guys get their comeuppance, with loose ends tied up, providing a satisfying conclusion.PhyllisE

Wow. This book made me laugh, cry, scream, and tear up with happiness all at once. That is so rare in a book, and Laurie Frankel captures it all in this book. It was so engaging, even when I didn't have time to read, I was thinking about the book. Incredibly written and so very important to have such a book for people to read. Loved every minute.Rach C

Nothing I say could do this novel justice: it is the first book I've read in years that I want to hand out on street corners and force all my friends and family and neighbors to read IMMEDIATELY. It is profound and hilarious and uplifting and thought-provoking and page-turning. I fell in love with the entire family: parents, five kids, and grandma. The writing made me laugh out loud and stay up late for just one more chapter. The story made me think about society and gender in a way I never had before, impressing upon me how absurdly preoccupied we are with what happens to be in other peoples' pants (or skirts). There are fairy tales and horror stories, parenting tips and transformations. Read it!!!!Becca

This book is so honest and real and deals with being different in today's society. It's so raw and definitely a book I couldn't put down. I would read it again. And again.Kadybug

It was a great a book. I bought the book because I have read other "I survived books" and liked them. What I like about it is they make it cool. I wish it had more pages. This book is more exciting than the San Francisco earthquake.audr.edwa

Bought this for 10yo grandson, but browsed it myself. A few bobbles with grammar but otherwise reasonably well written and interesting subject matter. His 7yo sister will gobble it right up. So, so much better for children's reading than some of the very poorly written so-called children's literature these days.crauck

This massive volume (it weighs about 7kg!!) is a must have for any Star Wars fanatic! Filled with incredible photos and drawings and lots of information all about the making of the Prequel films, episodes 1-3.bookshelffullofbooks

The story of the struggle for success in Hollywood, particularly that of a reluctant child and an obsessed stage mother is well-worn territory. So what made this worth reading? Ms. McCurdy spent several years as a Nickleodean star in the early 2000s, even dabbling in a recording career. What makes this so compelling is her ability and willingness to share painful and unique details of her life, as well as that of her families' struggles, and how she was manipulated by her Mother and other adults at the network. She draws you in with a competing conversational style, and doesn't hold back on anything. By the end of the book, the reader is left feeling both moved and pleased with her decisions and intelligence in deciding to move beyond the grief left behind by her experiences. I was drawn from page to page and finished it in one sitting. I'll probably reread it more slowly, to be able to contemplate her unsparing exposition of the path she took to reach this point in her life. I wish her well. Buy it!fisheye

How does one begin to describe a woman who was a writer from birth but forced into acting but a complicated and narcissistic mother? Make no mistake, Jennette is aa wordsmith with a gift for dialogue. As a counsellor, I often see these memoirs end at the rick bottom stage and then go in with a sweeping epilogue if health abd wealth. Jennette us having none of that. She's done the work and writes of how hard it was to recover from mother. I've not been so struck by a voice in many years. Thank heavens Mom's death made way for Jennette's true colours. How bright and alive they are.”Lexa

In all areas of the USA there are "hillbilly" people even if they don't go by that title. Ignorance is not limited to the southern part of our nation, nor is drug use, illegitimate children or low income jobs. We all have issues of some kind no matter where we live. Yes, he pulled himself up by his boot straps to make something of himself, but there are people like that all over the country.spo5158-6fasuqitzw

This movie, hands down, is the best movie I have seen yet! This movie really can make you feel what it’s like to have a loved one succumbed in addiction, or even show you how another views you in addiction. I am a recovering addict, I have never had something touch me and show me the reasons I stayed sober, furthermore I could see how I truly acted towards others. This movie is truly an inspiration!!!!!katlin.w

This is an excellent memoir of life in a disadvantaged community in rust-belt USA and how the author escapes from it and climbs the social ladder to achieve a successful career. However, whilst he achieved the American dream most people in the community did not and they still live in poverty surrounded by unemployment and drugs. The book sheds some light on why many people became disillusioned with the Washington elites and voted for Donald Trump in 2016. Whether he can solve their problems is a question unanswered.John

Absolutely awesome read. I am not a fan of autobiographies, and yet this one was delicious! I fed my mind, heart, and soul. I was expecting to hear about how he was a jokester growing up or of something…who knows. I just know I was not expecting this…this book tells of his upbringing as a colored South African with a mother who set the foundation under which he currently functions. There is telling of his hunger to survive at all stages of life in a way that is very reminiscent of American children today. Definitely worth every bit of my time. Glad I picked it up!Abronxgirltoldme

The first half of the book made me laugh out loud. I have seen a lot of Trevor Noah’s daily show updates and those are just as hilarious so when I was reading this book, I could literally hear his voice. Trevor has a gift to have humor about the tragedies he and his family faced. How our system betrays certain groups of people. It’s great to see how he understands so deeply the right and wrong in what he did in his past whether as a kid or as an adult. I learned a great deal about South African history through this book. The ridiculous hunger of power by suppressing other people can still be seen in some parts of the world. We read all these stories about war, nazis, apartheid, slavery but do we actually learn anything? Do we stop discriminating against other people? Why don’t we respect every human being that came into this world, just like we did? Domestic violence is still a major concern and police in many male dominating countries take it the same way it’s shown in this book. They don’t file a complaint and it gives the edge and the power to such men to repeat their horrific actions without any consequences till they eventually beat the woman to death. I wish in this century, we can all start respecting women and start taking crimes like rapes and domestic violence seriously all over the world. I loved this book and the writing style. I hope more and more people read it.p.a

A book made up.of short chapters each a self contained episode of the author's very colourful.life. An easy read, vibrant and lively. One of our bookclub did wonder how such could be fitted into 19 years…? But an enjoyable, interesting read, giving great insight into life in South Africa as a mixed race kid, only a few years ago…MrsDent

Heard so much about this book- reading it was a CHORE. Had so much potential, but nothing ever really happens except a pandemic. Some characters were well written, overall disappointing.Missy

It's a good book. Better than some. It isn't perfect though. I still haven't figured out how some of the parts go together. The organization of the book was interesting.jessper

There is an expectation among those who research such things that the end of world as it presently stands will not occur due to a war fought over oil religion or politics. Its final gasp will not be due to nuclear fallout or global warming. The end will come because of a natural occurring virus against which 99.99% of humanity has no resistance. That is the premise upon which Ms. Mandel launches what has all the markings of a remarkable trilogy. How humanity was whittled down to potentially extinction levels is of less importance in this story than how those who lived respond to being survivors of a sparsely populated world. The book opens with a production of Shakespeare's King Lear at Toronto's Elgin Theater. The death of the lead actor Jeeven Chaudhary star of stage and screen from a heart attack during Act IV is a death unrelated to the outbreak of 'The (Russian) Georgia Flu ' but it does set the tone for what will happen after the devastation that flu strain will bring is complete. This flu is so contagious incubates so quickly and is so deadly that humanity has no chance of adequately responding; Shakespeare is timeless and humanity has been responding to his works for centuries. One of the book's over-arching themes appears to be to highlight the difference from the 'temporary' from the 'transcendent.' Kristen Raymonde is an eight-year-old bit player on stage when 'King Lear' has his heart attack. In 'Year 15 ' as time is now measured from the beginning of The Collapse she is a member of a traveling Symphony and Shakespeare company. 'Cities' are made up of groups of more than 100 and are typically centered around buildings constructed to serve people ñ former gas stations fast food restaurants and big box stores. Houses for reason's unclear are shunned and allowed to dilapidate after being repeatedly searched. Everyone who survived Year One is leery paranoid and guarded. As the troupe is on constant tour they see the stagnation of humanity and are on constant alert for fear of a reoccurrence of 'what happened.' In response to what she sees Kristen ponders if perhaps 'humanity should pass from existence.' At each stop the Company performs – music one night Shakespeare the next. The story is told in flashbacks each 'visit to before' sheds light on how those still living came to react as they do how seeming disparate events and elements were not as random as they first seem everything and everyone is connected to the present. Life is reduced to its basics ñ food water shelter community. One goes to bed at dark and rises with the sun. Questions so important when 'everything worked' are revealed to be empty replaced by deeper ponderings of faith power beauty and trust. The survivors are no longer connected to possessions having learned to treasure what is of real value. Religion is still alive in this new age as is the genuine faith sometimes found in its practitioners. What is more often the case however in this tale of warning is one's 'religion' gives credence to delusion. Prophets abound their followers seeming to find safety in following the words of one who 'hears the voice of god' and will obey what this prophet says even if it means violating every moral and value they possess. The book ends with many questions answered and new paths discovered. The 'end' did not feel like a conclusion Kristen's feeling as if 'it was time for humanity to cease' was confronted with a reason to hope. I would like for this journey to continue but if Ms. Mandel brought her readers to the intended place of parting it is a good spot to rest.Thomas in Kentucky

A QUIET LIFE by Ethan Joella is a wonderful novel about three characters who each experience overwhelming grief after a terrible loss and slowly move forward with time. Chuck's wife died, Ella's daughter disappears, and Ella's father is violently killed. The characters' stories are all very different and independent of each other, but they do meet and gently help each other in touching and unexpected ways. I truly loved reading this book. It is inspiring and encourages you to do something good for another person.Linann

This book is full of good friends, kind acts and good deeds in the midst of sorrow and grieving. This book will remind you that people are good. Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.KottyM

I’ve seen this book catch some flack; but, Coleen Hoover is an exquisite writer in the paranormal genre. The way she was able to weave the paranormal, the living, love, loss, and reunification is phenomenal!mashleighhhx

I read this due to me loving Verity so much. This book was very dreadful to read. The plot was prolonged and very predictable. For something that could’ve be told within the first two chapters took forever. It was just dragged out, I wanted to put the book down many of times but I believe in finishing things although it took me longer than normal to finish it because it was that boring. Colleen books are typically captivating from the first chapter but this was nothing of sort.Goddess

My granddaughter has really started reading colleen’s books this summer. She really likes the way she rights her stories and if a teenager wants to read I am going to get the books!Julia

I saw that this book made the "favorites" list from a celebrity, so I thought I'd read it. Whew, what a struggle to get through. I really didn't have a clue WHY this book HAD to be written! Don't spend the money or the time on this one!angiempc

Both my mother and I are book addicts and devoured the first book that we've read by Frederik Backman. I immediately ordered 2 others by him. Ove is an "outsider" in terms of modern-day society, or as it's described, a curmudgeon. As I am a bit the same, I found this book particularly delightful as Ove is forced out of his inner life due to circumstances. It is a commentary on modern society. Those of us who prefer a solitary life, to read or spend time alone, are viewed as outsiders, yet Ove learns that helping others changes his life and theirs. The humor is a surprising bonus! A MUST READ and you will be through it in 3 readings and order his others from BAM.Susan

I liked this book but I didn’t love it, I’ve read much better novels. I read about 1/3 of it and then stopped as I couldn’t really get into it as I found it pretty boring. After a year I decided to read the remainder of it since I had spent the money on purchasing it. It all came together and I found it heartwarming. It’s not a book that would be on my top 10 to recommend but I wouldn’t discourage someone not to read it.essie.p

What a brilliant book , well written brilliant translation and funny. Observations are excellent and really funny. The topic is interesting as is the living in spite of everything. It touched parts of me deeply and is incredible to make me laugh and cry in the same book. Really really great read followed by watching the Swedish sun titled film! Love itnashhy

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

This book is in PRISTINE condition. It was promptly sent and packaged well! What more can I say. I bought it to complete the set of annual recipe books from martha stewart and I am really happy with the detailed recipes.I love it!free2gadabout

I got this cookbook after checking it out in the library first. I've been cooking all my life, but I started to get too much into a routine, making the same things. This cookbook taught me how to do some new things, and I adore Martha's use of natural, fresh ingredients, which really make a positive difference to the taste. For the mushroom risotto, I had to learn how to roast garlic- which I can now do in other recipes for a more robust flavor! I also made a chimichurri sauce with fresh herbs that is restaurant quality! Everything I try is a culinary adventure and a wonderful taste. I haven't found anything to dislike about this cookbook yet.mabby0574

This book is in PRISTINE condition. It was promptly sent and packaged well! What more can I say. I bought it to complete the set of annual recipe books from martha stewart and I am really happy with the detailed recipes.I love it!free2gadabout

I got this cookbook after checking it out in the library first. I've been cooking all my life, but I started to get too much into a routine, making the same things. This cookbook taught me how to do some new things, and I adore Martha's use of natural, fresh ingredients, which really make a positive difference to the taste. For the mushroom risotto, I had to learn how to roast garlic- which I can now do in other recipes for a more robust flavor! I also made a chimichurri sauce with fresh herbs that is restaurant quality! Everything I try is a culinary adventure and a wonderful taste. I haven't found anything to dislike about this cookbook yet.mabby0574

The Girl on the Train was hyped up to such an extent that I really felt that I would be missing out on something if I didn't read it. It has been plastered over bookshop store fronts and has had it's own dedicated display areas which lead me to believe this was the next big thing. Sadly, I was mistaken. I started with the best intentions. I like to keep an open mind before totally discarding a book, which I feel I did with this book. But, I also feel one of the reasons I did finish it is because it's not really a long read. We meet the character Rachel. From the offset I got the impression that she was quite a lonely, sad character, however, as the plot goes on I got to learn not only is she sad and lonely but an alcoholic, love sick, overdramatic, non-sensical human being. Her character is annoying and foolish but honestly it doesnt stop there, as I soon learned there would be no love lost between me and any of the characters in this book. Rachel goes for a journey on the train everyday, passing by the house she used to live in with her cheating ex-husband Tom, who now lives there with his new wife and child, Anna and Evie. Although Rachel has no real reason to be travelling this route, she is quite obsessed with the fact that a new woman has taken her place in the house she was so happy in. The train tracks run alongside the gardens of this street of houses, giving Rachel a clear view of the goings on in each house. In her own mind she gets to know the neighbours, she creates names, identities and stories for them, all from her intense study of them from her seat on the train. One day whilst passing on the train, she witnesses something quite out of the ordinary in the neighbours house and soon learns a missing woman has been reported. We join Rachel on her unrealistic, detective mission to find out what really happened to the woman. There is no mystery as to what I thought of this book. It felt like a poor attempt to be in the same category as Gone Girl. There were very similar elements to this book, especially the writing style and diary entry layout but for me it just didn't work. I can appreciate a murder- mystery but this is not one I'll be recommending to friends. In a sentence: A very mild, boring version of Gone Girl. Rating: 2/5 Published: 2015maria.l

When this originally came out I rushed to Barnes Noble and picked it up right away- I was so excited to read it! But it sat on my bookshelf for hmmm over a year until finally I decided to read it. I don't know and also DO KNOW what I was waiting for! I lost a whole day plus a night of sleep reading this! WHOA. Rachel Watson, divorcee and alcoholic, rides the 8:04 train every morning into London and spies on the "perfect" couple whom she names Jess and Jason. Jess, beautiful blonde with a lithe body, and Jason the tall brooding protector- two strangers characterized out of a romance novel take up too much space in Rachel's mind. When Rachel sees something shocking from the train window her obsession reaches a peak moment and she immerses herself in the couple's lives. Jess has turned up missing and Rachel believes she may hold key information into finding her. As Rachel moves in on Jess and Jason's lives, she comes head to head with her past as well. Rachel is an utterly despicable character at times but deep down she truly is a good person. I identified with her probably more than I should have- thrust into her world of introversion and a little too much to drink, I couldn't "hate" her because I sympathized too much with her. I felt an emotional connection, especially during her darkest of pages. I felt her desperation, panic, loathing, and overall want to recognized- to be important. I thought this book was perfectly paced- enough was revealed bit by bit to keep the pages turning. There were major and startling plot twists but enough foreshadowing that I enjoyed trying to figure out the mystery myself. I found the ending sort of "meh"- how it all came together at once but I did not predict the "who dun it." (I really might think the worse of people). I have already borrowed this book out and am urging others to read it- its soooo good! Highly recommended! I cannot wait to see the movie adaption.regan.d

The first one third to half of the book is a little hard to get into, but inevitably I kept reading because the writer does a good job of drawing you into the mystery and making you too curious about the ending to stop reading. Initially it is a bit confusing if you’re not paying attention. The book is written in the first person perspective of three different characters; each chapter is labeled with the name of the character whose perspective you’re now reading, along with the date. I rated it highly because the actual mystery is intriguing and unpredictable. It will have you continuously guessing as it reveals further clues into the mystery. I knocked it down to 4/5 stars because none of the characters are likeable or particularly relatable. I found myself frequently frustrated and annoyed with the main female character, and the other two main female characters were extremely narcissistic and difficult to sympathize with. Overall, it’s an interesting, unique crime mystery and worth the read.afiyah.a

Start with Hoard of the Dragon Queen!!! This book is the conclusion to that story-line. Great for running a campaign adventure for characters Levels 8-15! You will also need the Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Handbook & Monster Manual to successfully run this campaign.Kristyn

Its dragon killing time! Or at the very least Party Killing…either way the DM will laugh, the Party will laugh, the mimic will laugh, the Barbarian will try to eat the mimic, all good fun!BENJAMIN