What book has been your biggest surprise this year?

[Anonymous]

Have you read anything you didn't expect to enjoy but ended up loving it?

I heard a lot of buzz about Remarkably Bright Creatures but I did not think I would like it. Books described as delightful, charming or heartwarming usually don't appeal to me. I took a chance and borrowed the audiobook. I loved it! The story was fairly basic but the chapters told from the perspective of the octopus were, dare I say, delightful and charming. I do not think I would have enjoyed it as much if I had read it in print. The snooty voice of the octopus was what made the book for me.

[Anonymous]

Yes, Roddy Doyle's short stories, Live Without Children. It's fantastic.
I really disliked Smile and shuddered at the inspiration for it - remembering a school girl who as a teacher he had inappropriately had a crush on. Yuk. That was terrible.

[Anonymous]

^^. Life not Live. Sorry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you read anything you didn't expect to enjoy but ended up loving it?

I heard a lot of buzz about Remarkably Bright Creatures but I did not think I would like it. Books described as delightful, charming or heartwarming usually don't appeal to me. I took a chance and borrowed the audiobook. I loved it! The story was fairly basic but the chapters told from the perspective of the octopus were, dare I say, delightful and charming. I do not think I would have enjoyed it as much if I had read it in print. The snooty voice of the octopus was what made the book for me.

The octopus's voice made it for me too. I think this was much better than the Frederich Bachmann books.

[Anonymous]

My Policeman
THe Christie Affair - I just got to the plot twist in this and was screaming internally.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have you read anything you didn't expect to enjoy but ended up loving it?

I heard a lot of buzz about Remarkably Bright Creatures but I did not think I would like it. Books described as delightful, charming or heartwarming usually don't appeal to me. I took a chance and borrowed the audiobook. I loved it! The story was fairly basic but the chapters told from the perspective of the octopus were, dare I say, delightful and charming. I do not think I would have enjoyed it as much if I had read it in print. The snooty voice of the octopus was what made the book for me.

The octopus's voice made it for me too. I think this was much better than the Frederich Bachmann books.

Agree! I was doubtful I would enjoy this type of book, but I was wrong. I definitely loved Marcellus

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have you read anything you didn't expect to enjoy but ended up loving it?

I heard a lot of buzz about Remarkably Bright Creatures but I did not think I would like it. Books described as delightful, charming or heartwarming usually don't appeal to me. I took a chance and borrowed the audiobook. I loved it! The story was fairly basic but the chapters told from the perspective of the octopus were, dare I say, delightful and charming. I do not think I would have enjoyed it as much if I had read it in print. The snooty voice of the octopus was what made the book for me.

The octopus's voice made it for me too. I think this was much better than the Frederich Bachmann books.

Agree! I was doubtful I would enjoy this type of book, but I was wrong. I definitely loved Marcellus

You make me want to try the audiobook now. I would love to hear Ethan's voice too. Btw have you read House on the Cerulean Sea? I enjoyed that too.

[Anonymous]

I would love an entire book of Marcellus. I'd love more of his opinions about humans. He reminded me of Niles from Frasier.

I listened to the audio of Cerulean Sea too and I loved it. The dark humor kept it from being too cheesy.

[Anonymous]

I just got back from a log drive, and my favorite audiobook was Remarkably Bright Creatures. Thanks to everyone who recommended it!

[Anonymous]

Project Hail Mary

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have you read anything you didn't expect to enjoy but ended up loving it?

I heard a lot of buzz about Remarkably Bright Creatures but I did not think I would like it. Books described as delightful, charming or heartwarming usually don't appeal to me. I took a chance and borrowed the audiobook. I loved it! The story was fairly basic but the chapters told from the perspective of the octopus were, dare I say, delightful and charming. I do not think I would have enjoyed it as much if I had read it in print. The snooty voice of the octopus was what made the book for me.

The octopus's voice made it for me too. I think this was much better than the Frederich Bachmann books.

Agree! I was doubtful I would enjoy this type of book, but I was wrong. I definitely loved Marcellus

I loved Marcellus, too.

My big surprise was a book I found recommended here - The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark. I haven't read a ton of thrillers but I just tore right through this, and really enjoyed the feminist streak through it, too.

[Anonymous]

"Say Nothing" a history of The Troubles in Northern Ireland. It was heavily researched and well written.

[Anonymous]

The Marmalade Diaries where the author Ben Aitken becomes a house mate to an 85 year old woman.

[Anonymous]

Lessons in Chemistry. It has mixed reviews. I love the dog's perspective so much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would love an entire book of Marcellus. I'd love more of his opinions about humans. He reminded me of Niles from Frasier.

I listened to the audio of Cerulean Sea too and I loved it. The dark humor kept it from being too cheesy.

I also enjoyed both of these a lot.