This December, I’m back at the writing desk, this time hoping to counter the negativity of last month’s column. Lo and behold: my current top five five-star reads. If any of you readers are avid Goodreads users like myself, you’ll know the coveted 5-star rating is quite an achievement. This probably sounds sarcastic, but in complete sincerity, there are very few books I would confidently declare perfect. These five, however, make the cut.
An author who certainly practices what she preaches, setting all of her novels on the coast of Nantucket where she resides herself, Elin Hildebrand is living out her own young adult novel. Hildebrand’s “28 Summers” is a go-to recommendation of mine; it’s brilliantly thought-out, both conceptually and stylistically. The novel follows a multi-decade affair spanning from young adults in 1993 sowing oats to grown-up life in 2020, and everything in between. The timestamps are no random detail, as each chapter chronologically explores the week in summer that the two rekindle at the beach house — the introduction for all the latest happenings of that year. Seeing how the character’s personal storylines intersect with real-world history is what made this novel stand out because it felt so much more real.
Now, please give it up for one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read. Bethan Robert’s “My Policeman” is a heartbreakingly beautiful tale that explores the tragic relationship of Tom, a policeman questioning his sexuality, and his prim and proper wife Maryann, amidst the forbidden love between Tom and his gay lover. Set in the 1950s, the novel navigates the complexities of gay romance when it was illegal. It’s a real tear-jerker, so beware. Even so, it is worth the read.
Moving on to a book that I have investigated extensively, welcome to “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt, which is so well-loved by readers that I chose it as my English paper focus for the semester. If you want a metaphorical escape from Los Angeles or have always fantasized about New England boarding school life, Hampden College is the fictional place to be. As a group of teens walks the line between prestigious and pretentious, we watch them descend into immoral territory, and readers are left to determine the good and the evil within each character. Tartt’s stylistic uniqueness and visceral imagery make this a must-read.
Next up, a book from summer 2023 (my hardcore fast reader phase), so excuse me for not remembering all of the details. Despite that, with absolute certainty, I remember absolutely loving “Every Last Word,” passing it around to everyone around me and urging them to read it. Some authors struggle to make a plot twist unpredictable, but Every Last Word is the opposite: with a truly page-turning story about love, life with mental illness and a jaw-dropping plot twist, Tamara Ireland Stone curated a compelling and deeply moving novel.
Last, but not least, we’re moving into a different genre territory: fantasy. Leigh Bardugo’s incredible storytelling in general, is worthy of a shoutout, but specifically, I want to highlight the second novel of her series, “Crooked Kingdom.” The world of the Grishaverse has all the components of an amazing novel: lovable characters, compelling dynamics and a unique setting. It’s set in a fantasy world in which their crew attempts to pull off a seemingly impossible heist. If I had to describe “Crooked Kingdom” in one phrase, it would be a can’t-put-down read. This also happens to be the only book I have successfully read in one sitting — 546 pages in four hours is my most impressive reading record yet. I cannot express my love for these characters and the family they miraculously built.
There you have it — my top five five-star reads. Each one earned its place for different reasons, whether through breathtaking storytelling, unforgettable characters or thought-provoking themes. If you’re looking for your next read, any of these will keep you hooked.
