Traveling With T’s Best Books of 2013

It’s that time of the year- the time of year where numerous “Best Books” list are published. And so, it’s time for Traveling With T to publish a list- a list of the books I loved, some books that made me a better reader, and a few honorable mentions.

Best of 2013

The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman

Photo Credit: Goodreads

Lori Nelson Spielman’s debut is heartwarming, loving and and has some thought-provoking moments. I cried, I laughed, I LOVED. Here is my review. This is 1 of the 2 hands down favorite books of Traveling With T. Read on for #2!

Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight

Photo Credit: Goodreads

Kimberly McCreight’s debut, Reconstructing Amelia, was called 2013’s Gone Girl. While many books in the mystery/suspense was compared to Gone Girl- this one probably was most deserving. Dark. Twisty. Kate’s anguish over what happened to Amelia, realizing how she did not know her daughter- and wondering if past sins of hers played a role in Amelia’s death- of if the sin of not being there for Amelia in her time of need was why Amelia is gone. Each character- each section of the book- carefully crafted and wonderful. You, as a reader, might think you have it all figured out- but Kimberly takes twists and turns- and creates a story in unforgettable. Here is my review.

A Place at the Table by Susan Rebecca White

Photo Credit: Goodreads

When I was emailed a request to review this book, I wasn’t familiar with Susan’s work. But, I had a good feeling from the description and the cover was beautiful. I’m glad I trusted my instincts- because this book is a Southern Lit treasure. Love, finding yourself, feeling nourished, and acceptance are themes of this book- and it truly is a gem. Here is my review.

W is for Wasted by Sue Grafton

Photo Credit: Goodreads

I yearn for the latest Kinsey book well ahead of Sue Grafton’s 2 year publishing schedule. I curse the the day I discovered A is for Alibi and thought “Years and years of mass market paperback books will keep me busy for some time.” It did not. Thus began the waiting game. Each year a Sue book is published- I’m so happy. Kinsey rocks as a character. Seriously. If you like a mystery- Sue Grafton is great.

The Engagements by J. Courtney Sullivan

Photo Credit: Goodreads

My first J. Courtney Sullivan book was a treat. JCS weaves a story of fiction with some real-life truths about how “A Diamond is Forever” came about. Criss-crossing from 4 viewpoints, 4 different time frames- and how a diamond plays a role in all their lives. Here is my review.

Finding Colin Firth by Mia March

Photo Credit: Goodreads

Mia March books just scream “SUMMER” to me. Light, funny- sometimes fluffy- I love to read a Mia book. Finding Colin Firth, her 2nd novel, tells the story of 3 women- women who are each dealing with troubles of their own. To add to the mix, a movie is being filmed- and rumor has it that Colin Firth is in town- which adds to the fun of the book. Here is my review.

Hush Little Baby by Suzanne Redfearn

Photo Credit: Goodreads

Thriller. Terrifying at times. Suzanne’s look into the dark side of a marriage is worth a read. Here is my review.

The Pieces We Keep by Kristina McMorris

Photo Credit: Goodreads

A mother’s love. Love and trust in WWII. Secrets and betrayal. Grief. And much more. Kristina McMorris weaves 2 stories together to make 1 compelling book. Here is my review.

The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow by Rita Leganski

Photo Credit: Amazon

Magical-realism. That phrase made me hesitant about reading this. But, I did. And I’m so glad. It was so much more than I expected. Don’t let the magical-realism label scare you! Here is my review.

The Funeral Dress by Susan Gregg Gilmore

Photo Credit: Goodreads

Haunting and beautifully written. A Southern Lit tale that will stay with you far after the last page is turned. Here is my review.

A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams– Love, lust, betrayal. Secrets. And a hurricane. Here is my review.

Photo Credit: Goodreads

Books that def require a mention!

The Wrong Girl by Hank Phillippi Ryan

Photo Credit: Goodreads

Enjoyable- very enjoyable! Here is my review.

You Knew Me When by Emily Liebert

Photo Credit: Goodreads

Entertaining and enjoyable. A tale of friendship- the highs and lows. Here is my review.

Buried Leads by LynDee Walker

Photo Credit: Henery Press

Smart. Funny. Nichelle is high-heel loving, Moscato-drinking, and funny as all get out reporter. Enjoyable read! Here is my review.

The Affair by Colette Freedman

Photo Credit: Amazon

Normally an affair can be seen as pretty black and white issue. But Colette Freedman takes this topic- and paints in shades of grey. By the end, you’re not sure who is right or wrong! Here is my review.

The Longings of Wayward Girls by Karen Brown

Photo Credit: Goodreads

A lie. A harmless lie. And a girl turns up missing. But, that is just a section of the story. Page turning- and you are never quite sure who is innocent or guilty. Here is my review.

What do you think? Find any books to read? Did I miss a book you thought was “Best of 2013” worthy? Tell me!

*This list is just my opinion. I fully realize that I may have over-looked a book that should be ranked. My apologies!

Why I love The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman

Photo Credit: Goodreads

It’s no secret that I adore The Life List. I had such a good feeling about this book from the beginning- and then the first few pages sucked me in. I cried. I laughed. I loved. I loved so much that I picked this as October Book Lovers Unite selection. I love so much that I tell anyone to read this book.

Why do I love this book so much? That’s complicated. And yet, kind of simple.

While I may not have had an actual, honest to goodness written life list like Brett, I had dreams. Some were simple. Some were silly. Some were dreams that I just assumed would happen as they were more like rite of passages. Some were dreams that upon later in life I’m glad they did not work out!

Dreams and plans are good. In fact, necessary. Without a dream, life is not worth living. For me, over the years some dreams have panned out- I’m college-educated, I’ve had some great opportunities. I’ve had some experiences in life that made me feel so alive, so sparkly and wonderful. I’ve also made mistakes. I’ve been too scared at times to take chances. I’ve regretted things.

With Brett, I felt such a kinship. Similar age range, similar education backgrounds- living a good life- just not the life that we’d planned, dreamed about. Is my life terrible? No, in fact it’s pretty wonderful. However, I do wonder about the unknown.

When I was 14, I dreamed of going to Harvard. This was before I understood things of how much college would cost or the fact that while I was an A+ student at my school- transcript was not going to be quite as impressive as other students who went to more prestigious high schools. I dreamed it because I wanted it. And because, for a long time, no one ever told me I couldn’t.

One day, I hope to find that little girl who dreamed of going to Harvard- who felt brave enough to say she had a dream- even if it seemed impossible. Thanks to Brett and her creator Lori Nelson Spielman, I might be a step closer to finding that girl.

Book Lovers Unite Week 2 Discussion Questions: The Life List

Photo Credit: Goodreads

This is Week 2 questions for The Life List! Why am I posting these on Tuesday instead of a Friday? Yours truly forgot to post them last Friday in her rush to pack for vacation over the weekend- so I’m truly sorry!

In light of this, Week 3 Questions will be posted Friday Oct 25th and Final/Overall Thoughts of Book will be posted Thurs Oct 31st.

Week 1 questions are here for you ease of finding them!

Week 2 Questions:

1. Andrew decides to help Brett with her Life List. Why? Is this his way of showing Brett that he is the man for her- her rock?

2. Brett and Carrie- at this point in the book, can you understand why they drifted apart? Should Carrie hold a grudge? What would you do if you were Carrie?

3. Brett thinks she is pregnant. And this thought fills her with joy. How is Brett’s reaction different from an average single woman’s reaction at this possibility?

4. Brett’s father- can they begin a relationship? Has too much time passed? Does too much time ever pass for parent/child relationships?

Literary Friday ya’ll….

It’s Friday- what’s your weekend plans?

1. Deep South Mag and their #literaryfriday: Fannie Flagg, Vampire Books, Lee Smith, book festival news and so much more!

2. #giveaways this week include:

Always With a Book is giving away the latest Laura Childs book, Gilt Trip!

Book-Alicious Mama is giving away Grounded by Angela Correll!

Traveling With T is giving away Strangled by Silk by Barbara Jean Coast!

3. Traveling With T was visited this week by Angela Correll- her debut novel, Grounded, was released this week! Read the Interview or Author Spotlight about Angela for more information!

4. Reviews posted this week on Traveling With T: Grounded by Angela Correll, Wedding Belles by Beth Albright, The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty & Rose Harbor in Bloom by Debbie Macomber.

5. Book Lovers Unite is reading The Life List for October! Here is Week 1 questions!

6. Another AWESOME blogger: Helen at My Novel Opinion!

7. Yesterday, I posted a blog post that I had written- A Million and 1 ways to be a Blogger. In it, I consider things that bloggers think about- but mainly, the question is “Am I Blogging Right?” Is there a right or wrong way to blog? I don’t know- but I’m loving hearing what others are thinking!

8. Bloggers Recommend just posted their October newsletter: 26 Must Reads for October 2013. Check it out and find you a read!

9. My #fridayreads The Last Winter of Dani Lancing by P.D. Viner. At first it was hard to get into- but I hit a groove the other night. Let’s hope that continues!

10. October 10th come chat with Literary New England and myself- it’s a combo chat between Literary New England and She Reads- we’ll be discussing The Movement of Stars by Amy Brill. There will be giveaways! 8pmEST #LNEChat

Book Lovers Unite Week 1 Discussion Questions: The Life List

It’s time! It’s here! All October long we will be discussing The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman- a fantastic debut novel that is heartwarming and made of wonderful!

This is Week 1 of the discussion- here is the Reading Schedule! Need to know more about Lori Nelson Spielman? Read the interview and author spotlight that was featured on Traveling With T over the summer!

Questions for Week 1:

1. Did you ever make a “life list” for yourself? If so (and if you feel like sharing) what were some of the things on the list?

2. When The Life List begins, we know that Brett has lost her mother. Brett is filled with grief and sadness- but does have to smile a bit that her mother has taken some steps to make this day easier (the champagne and the journal for later). Would you read the journal today or wait?

3. “Who’s going to boost my confidence now that my mom’s gone?”- Brett, pg 7. Is this a normal mother-daughter relationship? Or an extra-special relationship?

4. Is it cruel or loving what Elizabeth has in mind for Brett to receive her inheritance?

5. Brett’s friends try to think of ways that Brett can technically complete the list- is this what Elizabeth was thinking when she stipulated the list in her will?

6. Why is Brett so hesitant to contact Carrie?

7. Elizabeth asks “Where did she go, that fearless, self-assured girl who loved to entertain?” Why is Elizabeth so worried about this? People change- so why can’t Elizabeth accept this is not part of Brett’s personality anymore?

8. Elizabeth gives Brett a deadline as to when to finish the goals. Why? Should the deadline be negotiable? Shouldn’t Brett have time to grieve?

9. Brett loves Andrew. Can she cross the “falling in love” off her life list?

* These are just some questions to get you thinking- feel free to answer all or just some! If you have a question ask- just don’t ask about anything that did not happen between pages 1-96 #nospoilersplease!

Reading Schedule for The Life List: October Book Lovers Unite selection

Here is the reading schedule for October Book Lover Unite selection, The Life List!

October 4th (Week 1) Pages 1-96 (read through ch 9)

October 11th (Week 2) Pages 97 (Ch 10)- 213 (read through Ch 20)

October 18th (Week 3) Pages 214 (ch 21)- 331 (end of book)

October 25th (Week 4) Overview and final thoughts

Lori WILL BE participating with us- as soon as I have those details finalized- I’ll let you know.

The Life List moves very fast- once the story unfolds and the reader begins to see what is happening, it’s a pretty fast read. Week 2 and Week 3 have more pages to read- but, don’t stress. Take your time and enjoy the book- each week’s questions will be posted on Friday and will be ready for discussion when you are ready!

Need more info about The Life List– visit my sign-up post!

Literary Friday ya’ll…..

It’s Friday! What are your plans for the weekend?

1. Deep South Mag and their #literaryfriday: Flannery O’Connor and money, James Franco and “As I Lay Dying”, Gatsby Companion Reading List, Top 10 references to Faulkner in Pop Culture and much more!

2. Book-Alicious Mama has posted Week 3 Questions for Astor Place Vintage, our September Book Lovers Unite selection. Join in the fun ( it’s a great book!) Don’t forget, Book Lovers Unite fans- we’ll be back at Traveling With T in October for The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman!

3. Bookmagnet’s Fall for These October Titles is filled with interesting sounding books! Two have caught my attention even before she posted her list- The Last Winter of Dani Lancing by P.D. Viner and Bridget Jones Mad About the Boy by Helen Fielding.

4. Another AWESOME blogger- Rhiannon @ Ivory Owl Reviews! See Rhiannon’s #literaryconfessions for 2 #literarygiants she cannot stand!

5. Reviews posted this week on Traveling With T: A Seaside Christmas by Sherryl Woods, The Stranger You Know by Andrea Kane, and The Funeral Dress by Susan Gregg Gilmore.

6. My #fridayreads: The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty ( from Sept 30-Oct 6th, come discuss at She Reads!), Wedding Belles by Beth Albright, and Grounded by Angela Correll (look for my review and interview next week with Angela Correll!)

Happy Reading!

Literary Friday ya’ll…..

Friday, Bloggiesta, and lots of reading! What’s your Friday plans?

1. Deep South Magazine and their #literaryfriday: News of James Franco as Faulkner, SoFest of Books in Nashville, 11 scariest mothers in books, upcoming book signings, what Erin is reading now (some good looking books that *may* be on the upcoming Fall Reading list!) and much more!

2. Bloggiesta is happening this weekend! Basically, it’s a 3 day weekend to work on your blog, make connections and visit the other blogs hosting the mini-challenges. It’s blog love, baby! I don’t always participate in Bloggiesta- but I try to do some work when I can during these 3 day blog-love weekends! This time, I’m REALLY trying because 2 of my fav blog buddies- Rebecca @ Love At First Book and Allison @ The Book Wheel are both hosting mini-challenges (Whoo, Rebecca and Allison! Proud of you girls!)

Here are some interesting Bloggiesta-related things I’ve found today:

Love At First Book: How To Host (and participate) in a Digital Book Club & Giveaway!

The Book Wheel: 50 Bookish Things

Always With a Book: Bloggiesta.. My To Do List and Updates

Books Speak Volumes: Ten Things Every Book Blog Needs

3. Did you know that I’ll be co-hosting the Hank Phillippi Ryan chat with Literary New England on September 25th at 8pmEST? You didn’t?! Well, I am! Be there as we talk about THE WRONG GIRL and giveaway some books! Use hashtag #LNEChat to join I the fun! This will be the first of 2 scheduled Literary New England/She Reads chats- and everyone is very excited!

My blogger friend, Always With a Book, got to meet Hank Phillippi Ryan this week (and was kind enough to pick me up a signed book!) Read about K meeting HPR- Author Meet and Greet: Hank Phillippi Ryan

4. This isn’t Bloggiesta related, but Ivory Owl Reviews blogged this week about what she learned in her first year of blogging- and it’s worth a read!

5. #giveaway: Have you heard of The Returned by Jason Mott? The blog-osphere is all a-twitter about this book! And you are in luck! Luxury Reading is giving away a copy! Need more of The Returned? The Book Wheel was lucky enough to get an interview with Jason Mott (that girl is a mover and shaker- folks!)

6. 2 reviews posted this week on Traveling With T: Beautiful Day by Elin Hilderbrand and What A Mother Knows by Leslie Lehr.

7. Holly Goddard Jones, author of The Next Time You See Me, stopped by Traveling With T this week for an Interview and Author Spotlight.

8. Book Lovers Unite September read Astor Place Vintage is still going on at Book-alicious Mama and October’s book has been announced for when it returns to Traveling With T: The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman I’m very excited for this discussion- and I hope you will join in the fun! Reading schedule to be posted next week!

9. Catching up on posting about 2 fab authors I met over the summer: Meeting Anton DiSclafani and Meeting Susan Crandall

10. Another Blogger Made of AWESOME: Drey @ Drey’s Library!

11. My #fridayreads: Astor Place Vintage, Wedding Belles by Beth Albright, and maybe 212 by Alafair Burke! What are you reading for #fridayreads?

Happy Reading and good luck with Bloggiesta if you are participating!

October Book Lovers Unite: The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman

I debated. I hem’ed. I haw’ed. I looked at tons of books. Pro and con lists were made. I even considered calling a psychic about what should the October Book Lovers Unite book be. I was *this close* to naming MOONRISE by Cassandra King- and yet, I held off. And then I made a choice (and one that I hope you, Book Lovers Unite folks, will like!) I chose: THE LIFE LIST by Lori Nelson Spielman!

Here’s the synopsis from Goodreads:

In this utterly charming debut — one woman sets out to complete her old list of childhood goals, and finds that her lifelong dreams lead her down a path she never expects.

1. Go to Paris
2. Perform live, on a super big stage
3. Have a baby, maybe two
4. Fall in love

Brett Bohlinger has forgotten all about the list of life goals she’d written as a naïve teenager. In fact, at thirty-four, Brett seems to have it all—a plum job at her family’s multimillion-dollar company and a spacious loft with her irresistibly handsome boyfriend. But when her beloved mother, Elizabeth, passes away, Brett’s world is turned upside down. Rather than simply naming her daughter the new CEO of Bohlinger Cosmetics, Elizabeth’s will comes with one big stipulation: Brett must fulfill the list of childhood dreams she made so long ago.

Grief-stricken, Brett can barely make sense of her mother’s decision. Some of her old hopes seem impossible. How can she possibly have a relationship with a father who died seven years ago? Other dreams (Be an awesome teacher!) would require her to reinvent her entire future. For each goal attempted, her mother has left behind a bittersweet letter, offering words of wisdom, warmth, and—just when Brett needs it—tough love.

As Brett struggles to complete her abandoned life list, one thing becomes clear: Sometimes life’s sweetest gifts can be found in the most unexpected places.

Reading schedule will be posted later this week- but go ahead and reserve the book from the library or buy from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or your local indie!

*Current prices: Amazon: $10.99 for paperback, $7.99 for Kindle; Barnes and Noble: $11.55 for paperback, $9.99 for Nook.

Lori has already agreed to a Q&A session- the format is to be determined, though. We may email her questions or have a set time for discussion with author on blog. As soon as I have those details finalized- you will know!

Spread the word- and tell your mama and friends to come to discuss this book with us!

Lori Nelson Spielman: Author Spotlight

On Tuesday, I posted an interview with Lori Nelson Spielman- who just had her debut novel, The Life List, published! It’s in stores- just waiting for readers to come by and pick it up!

Today, Lori is back to talk about her #literaryconfessions, #literarycrush and more!

Author Spotlight: Lori Nelson Spielman

1. Lori, when you are not writing- what are some of your favorite things to do?

–I love to sail, and here in Michigan we’re lucky to have the fabulous Great Lakes. I love listening to live music, baking, traveling, reading, and being outdoors. Most of all, I love time with my friends and family, sharing a meal or chatting over a glass of wine.

2. Could you tell us some of your favorite authors?

–Some of my all time favorites are John Steinbeck, Maeve Binchey, Elizabeth Berg, and Edith Wharton.

3. What book (or books!) will you always make room for on your shelf?

–The Help and East of Eden. Always.

4. Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

–Ha! Yes, I do! I’ll whisper it to you: I never finished Harry Potter. And I’m not talking the series, I’m talking the first book, The Sorcerer’s Stone. I started reading it with one of my students, but he returned to school before we’d finished and I never picked it back up.

5. Do you have a #literarycrush?

–Okay, this is really a confession, since my crush is based on a real person, the author of Shantaram, Gregory David Roberts. His character, Lindsay, was courageous and kind, strong yet gentle. I listened to this book on audio, so the Australian accent didn’t hurt, either!

6. What are some of the books that will be in your beach bag for 2013?

–Oh my gosh, there are so many fantastic books out there. I’m reading The Glass Wives right now, Amy Sue Nathan’s terrific debut novel, and I just received a copy of Anita Hughes’ Market Street, which is sure to be a fun read. My book club is reading Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter and I hope to find time for Caroline Leavitt’s latest, Is This Tomorrow, along with Meg Wolitzer’s The Interestings.

7. What was your favorite childhood book?

–Here’s another #literaryconfession: My childhood library was pretty lame. I did read and love some of the Laura Ingalls Wilder books, but mostly I’d swipe and devour my brother’s Encyclopedia Brown books. In third grade Miss Travis read The Boxcar Children to our class and I was completely and utterly spellbound. I’d have to say that was my favorite.

8. Was there a person or a book series that helped start your love of reading?

–I remember being at my grandmother’s house when I was about ten, bored to tears, and finding an old dime store paperback called, First Love. It was my first romance/YA and I couldn’t put it down. That’s when I discovered how much fun it was to get lost in a novel. I’d love to see that silly book now.

9. If you were not an author, what would you want to be?

–My fantasy profession would be either a pastry chef or an actress. I know—acting seems inconsistent with my earlier claim of not enjoying the spotlight or public speaking, right? But something shifts when playing a character. I’ve dabbled in community theater, and someday, when time allows, I’d love to audition again.

10. If you could be a character in a book, who would you be? Why?

Wouldn’t it be fun to be Anne, from Anne of Green Gables, living at the Avonlea farmhouse on Prince Edward Island? She’s a great character, spunky and smart, with a great imagination and joy for life.