A Few Favorite Books by Saralyn Richard

I’m often asked about favorite books, and I consider that an unfair question for someone who reads as much as I do. Practically every book I read is my favorite when I’m immersed in its world, identifying with its characters. I truly have hundreds of favorite books that have touched me at different times in my life.

I love to read various “year’s best books” lists, and I’m delighted when one of mine makes someone’s list. Thanks to Hungry for Good Books, MURDER OUTSIDE THE BOX, is one of the top mysteries of 2024. I’m honored and thrilled.

And if you’re like me, the most fun post-holiday chill-event is reading great books. Here are a few of the MANY books I’ve enjoyed and recommend at this time of year.

I would start with A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. I love all of Irving’s novels and all 54.0his quirky characters, but I could read this book over and over again and find new bits of cleverness each time. Beneath Irving’s sometimes preposterous plot events lie an impressive bedrock of commentary about the absurdity of life and the relationships that make it all worthwhile.

The second book I would choose is Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese. Verghese was a protegee of John Irving, and this book, while telling an amazing story of its own, can be read as a tribute to Irving’s body of work. Indeed, there are nods to Irving throughout that bring knowing smiles to those of us who catch them.

Next, I would re-read The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. Kingsolver manages writing in multiple points of view more skillfully than any other writer I can think of. The family of a missionary in Africa during turbulent political times experiences many physical and emotional hardships and deprivations. We see these through different lenses, so the resulting picture is much like that of a kaleidoscope, sometimes beautiful, sometimes horrifying, but always changing.

Finally, I would read William Kent Krueger’s Ordinary Grace. This book nails it all. It’s a compelling mystery that unfolds itself with extraordinary wisdom at every turn. Its characters and the situations they are in are hauntingly familiar and yet fresh and fascinating.

However you’re celebrating and whatever you’re reading this season, I’m sending my very best wishes to you and yours.