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Kate's avatar

I track all my reading in a google sheet, so I'm with you and not wanting another app! I read the Earthsea series a few years ago and felt like it's similar to Tolkien's Middle Earth in conveying immense richness and wisdom through a fantasy tale. One read-through isn't enough to take it all in.

In 2024 I really enjoyed fiction books that dove into the complexity of being human. One of my favorites was Graham Greene's "The Power and the Glory," about 1930s Mexico and the last priest alive who is barely clinging onto his faith but refuses to neglect his duty to the people.

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Lisa Hensley's avatar

Thank you for this recommendation! It sounds like a great choice! And I felt the same way about Earthsea. It feels so unknown to most people though.

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Christiana Peterson's avatar

Some great new recommendations here! Thanks! And I love Jesus and the Disinherited too. So so powerful.

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Lisa Hensley's avatar

You're welcome! I love talking about books!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Lisa, hi! I track my reading in a little blue lined notebook that dates back to the '90s. Thanks for a whole bunch of new to be titles - except for Emily Freeman's which I enjoyed.

Here's my 4 favorites of the year -

https://lindastoll.substack.com/p/porch-162-my-4-favorite-books-in

Happy New Year.

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Lisa Hensley's avatar

Thanks for sharing your list! I've heard so many good things about The Women. I might have to make space for it this year.

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Sofia Thomas's avatar

The post from you that I’ve been waiting for! 🎉

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Lisa Hensley's avatar

It's my favorite one to write!

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Brooke Shorey's avatar

Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner - book of the year!

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Lisa Hensley's avatar

I haven't even heard of this one. Thanks!

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Brooke Shorey's avatar

I hadn't either! But then it popped up on a few best of lists from people I trust so I decided to give it a try. Enjoy :-)

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Amber Mann Riggs's avatar

I read "A Gentleman in Moscow" a few months ago, and I also wanted to read it all over again. As a matter of fact, before I even finished it, I had to go back to the beginning and reread the prologue and first chapter. Plus, it's written in a chiasm of time, but I didn't realize it until I visited Amor Towles' website after finishing the book. Brilliant.

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Lisa Hensley's avatar

The structure of the book is brilliant. Maybe I will read it again!

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