As we reach the halfway point of the year, it's time for some reflection.
This year, I’ve been reaching for the books that have been waiting on my shelves for years to be read along with a few new ones.
Across genres, centuries, and themes, these are the stories I’ve traveled through so far.
Some made me laugh out loud.
Some broke my heart.
All of them made me see the world a little differently.
So without further ado, here they are:
His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman
What It's About
Parallel worlds, dust, and the search for truth through the eyes of a fierce and curious child.
What I Thought
For a children's series, this explores surprisingly adult themes (soul, truth, power) and takes some dark turns. Very imaginative. I loved the first book most (The Golden Compass); the others didn't land as strongly. I truly loved reading it in this Everyman's Library edition.
Quote:
"The idea hovered and shimmered delicately, like a soap bubble, and she dared not even look at it directly in case it burst. But she was familiar with the way of ideas, and she let it shimmer, looking away, thinking about something else." ~The Golden Compass
The Martian by Andy Weir
What It's About
A stranded astronaut, a desolate planet, and one hilarious survival strategy powered by science, sarcasm, and duct tape.
What I Thought
At times hilarious and always hopeful. A survival story built on cleverness, resilience, and determination. Perfect for the new year: full of problem solving and persistence. Surprisingly inspiring.
Perfect for the new year—full of problem-solving, persistence, and unexpected inspiration.
Quote:
"At some point, everything's gonna go south on you... and you're going to say, 'This is it. This is how I end.' Now you can either accept that or get to work."
Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
What It's About
A woman longs for beauty, passion, and escape from the dullness of provincial life only to find that dreams and reality rarely meet.
What I Thought
I loved how real this book felt - especially Emma. She's messy, conflicted, and completely human. A tragic portrait of longing and illusion.
Quote:
"She wanted to die, but she also wanted to live in Paris."
Dune by Frank Herbert
What It's About
A brooding space prince inherits a sand planet, political chaos, and a prophecy he didn't ask for. Also: worms. Lots of worms.
What I Thought
Good, but not great. I'm not sure 1960's sci-fi is my thing, but I'll keep going for the Penguin Galaxy editions alone. Also: this book made me very thirsty. 😂
Quote:
"The mystery of life isn't a problem to solve, but a reality to experience."
The Power and The Glory by Graham Greene
What It's About
A hunted priest, a broken land, and a slow-burning story of grace under impossible circumstances. Faith, failure, and redemption in the quietest ways.
What I Thought
This book got me. It's the most deeply moving novel I've read in a long, long time. It sat on my shelf for years and I felt 'I wish I'd read it sooner'. Then again, maybe this was the perfect time.
Quote:
"Hate is just a failure of imagination."
Silence by Shusako Endo
What It's About
A Jesuit priest in 17th century Japan faces the silence of God, the suffering of others, and the weight of faith under persecution. Quiet, brutal, and unforgettable.
What I Thought
I thought this would be the perfect follow up to The Power and The Glory but I didn't love it. Perhaps I shouldn't have read it right after that one. The contrast between the priests of both stories is telling. Not an easy read, but it stayed with me. Even after I finished, I kept thinking about it.
Quote:
"It is easy enough to die for the good and beautiful; the hard thing is to die for the miserable and corrupt."
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
What It's About
War, storms, ancient oaths, and broken people trying to become something more. Epic fantasy that starts slow, builds, and then sweeps you away.
What I Thought
I read this over the course of six weeks. Slowly at first, and then raced through the last few hundred pages in one sitting. It's massive, detailed, and completely immersive. Kaladin and Jasnah were my favorites. Epic is the right word for this one.
Quote:
"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination."
Which ones have you read?