I’m pausing to reflect on the Best 6 books I’ve read in 6 months.
Six in Six is a meme created by Jo at The Book Jotter (visit the link to see her categories). At the end of June, we are halfway through the year, so the idea is to share the books we have read in these first six months.
In the true spirit of the 6 in 6 meme, we are asked to share 6 books in 6 categories. Coming up with 36 books will take more brain power than I have available right now, so I will share 6 of the best books I’ve read so far this year. All five-star reads: four fiction and two nonfiction.
Can you identify your best 6 books in 6 months?
Best 6 Books in 6 Months
***This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
(In no particular order)
No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister
This recent read slipped under the wire and knocked a book off my initial list. If you love beautiful writing and books about books, you might love this new literary fiction release. The structure is unique in that it resembles a collection of short stories or a collection of character vignettes.
The premise: Alice, an aspiring writer, creates a stunning debut novel that finds its way to nine readers who each gain something unique from the reading experience. Full review coming soon.
West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
I’m not exactly sure why but I initially gave this book a pass. My dear friend, Gail, sent me a DM and asked if I had read West With Giraffes and indicated that I might enjoy it because it reminded her of News of the World (which she knew I loved). I trust my reading friends and jumped right in. I loved this compulsively readable and unique road trip story. Click here for my review of West With Giraffes.
An Enemy Like Me by Teri M. Brown
This beautiful work of literary fiction explores the love for heritage, family, and country, and what happens when these values conflict. My review of An Enemy Like Me here.
The Last Lifeboat by Hazel Gaynor
Not for the faint of heart, The Last Lifeboat is a harrowing, compelling, and emotional story of survival, endurance, and hope. Content warnings apply. My review of The Last Lifeboat here.
The Wartime Library by Lesley Eames
I am discovering how much I enjoy stories about women on the home front during the WWII years. This is the first in a series and I’m eager for the next installments. Review coming soon.
And There Was Light by Jon Meacham
A resolute and imperfect man is committed to the abolition of slavery and holding the Union together. Jon Meacham uses primary sources to share Abraham Lincoln’s story from the time of his childhood to his turbulent years of leadership through his assassination. I love that this biography of Lincoln focuses on his motivations and rationale. My review of And There Was Light here.
QOTD:
Have you created a “6 in 6” list?
I’m linking up with Deb @ Deb’s World, Sue @ Women Living Well After 50, Donna @ Retirement Reflections, and Jo @ And Anyways… for the June installment of #WhatsOnYourBookShelfChallenge.
Happy Reading Book Buddies!
“Ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading.” ~Rainer Maria Rilke
“I love the world of words, where life and literature connect.” ~Denise J Hughes
“Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones.” ~Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
“I read because books are a form of transportation, of teaching, and of connection! Books take us to places we’ve never been, they teach us about our world, and they help us to understand human experience.” ~Madeleine Riley, Top Shelf Text
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Thanks for joining us Carol and highlighting your best books so far. I wouldn’t know where to start with making a list but I think that’s because I’m in holiday mode and not ‘thinking too much’ mode! I haven’t read any of the books you listed so I’ll take a good look at them when I get some time.
It’s always challenging to make a best-of list! This year was challenging in a different way because I haven’t read a lot of 5 star books and had to resort to a 4.5 star to complete the task!
Thanks for sharing. I haven’t created a 6 in 6, but I hope to start participating in some of these soon. Love all the books on your list, Carol!
Thanks Gina! I guess I like this meme because it jump starts my end of year best-of list!
Hi, Carol- Thank you for joining us for What’s on Your Bookshelf. I love your feature of your favorite 6 books in 6 months. I will definitely check them out.
Thanks! It’s always fun to reflect on the reading year!
Well this challenge does presuppose that participants have read at least 36 books so far. Us mere mortals are way behind on that front…
I’ve read 36 but don’t have the stamina to make 6 categories of 6! Maybe one year I’ll fulfill the prompt! Until then I’m inclined to make up my own version!
Good for you!
The Wartime Bookshop sounds interesting… thanks for linking up!
I just discovered Lesley Eames and love her uplit WW2 histfic!
These all sound like wonderful books, Carol. Of course I have 4 of them on my TBR and really need to get to them. I am curious about the Lesley Eames book, it sounds like one I would definitely enjoy.
I really like her uplit stories!
Oh this is a fun idea! I still want to read West with Giraffes. It does seem like a lovely read.
It’s memorable!
I like the idea of a best-of-the-best list. I might do one at the end of the year for my best reads of 2023. Thanks for sharing yours!
This gives me a jump start on my end of year list! 🙌 Thanks for commenting!
All these books sound good to me, and an interesting challenge
It’s always fun to reflect! Thanks for commenting!
Good choices. I have West With the Giraffes on my kindle I think. Last Lifeboat is on my TBR. The Lincoln one is new to me–I’ll look into it.
I listened to the Lincoln on audio read by the author.
[…] My most memorable fiction read this month is No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister, a beautiful and unique book about books. (review coming soon) This book is included in my “6 in 6” post: Best 6 Books in 6 Months found here. […]
Thank you very much for joining in and spreading the word that you only have to do 6 books if you want! The next Lesley Eames is as good, if not better than the first and there is also a Christmas book coming too.
I’ve just discovered Eames and have been reading her backlist!
This was a fun challenge. I also only posted 6 books. And I am SO glad I found your post! No Two Persons sounds amazing. Definitely my cup of tea. 📚💖 Thanks for sharing.
I’m thrilled you found me and enjoyed my post Sarah! Thanks for commenting!
[…] Reading Ladies […]
Thanks for the round up! 🙌