As a book blogger, I often find myself sharing my thoughts and recommendations on the latest bestsellers and popular reads. However, there are some hidden gems that I have come across over the years that I have never talked about on my blog. These books may not be as well-known or widely read, but they have a special place in my heart for various reasons. Here are the top nine books that I have enjoyed but have never discussed on my blog:
1. “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern: This enchanting novel follows the story of two young magicians who compete in a mysterious and magical competition set in a magical circus. The atmospheric writing and intricate world-building had me captivated from the very first page.
2. “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel: This post-apocalyptic novel explores the aftermath of a devastating flu pandemic and follows a group of interconnected characters as they navigate a world without modern technology. The lyrical prose and thought-provoking themes left a lasting impression on me.
3. “The Snow Child” by Eowyn Ivey: Set in the Alaskan wilderness in the 1920s, this novel follows a childless couple who discover a mysterious young girl living in the snow. The hauntingly beautiful prose and atmospheric setting made this a memorable read for me.
4. “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman: This heart-warming novel follows the quirky and socially awkward Eleanor Oliphant as she navigates life and learns to open herself up to new possibilities. The character development and emotional depth of this story really resonated with me.
5. “The Miniaturist” by Jessie Burton: Set in 17th-century Amsterdam, this novel follows a young bride who receives a mysterious dollhouse as a wedding gift, which seems to predict the future. The atmospheric setting and fascinating historical details made this a captivating read for me.
6. “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr: This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows the intersecting lives of a blind French girl and a German boy during World War II. The lyrical prose and poignant storytelling had me hooked from start to finish.
7. “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah: Another World War II novel, this story follows two sisters in Nazi-occupied France who must navigate the horrors of war and make difficult choices to survive. The emotional depth and powerful themes of this book left me deeply moved.
8. “The Light Between Oceans” by M.L. Stedman: Set on a remote Australian island after World War I, this novel follows a lighthouse keeper and his wife who rescue a baby adrift in a boat and must grapple with the consequences of their actions. The moral dilemmas and complex characters in this story stayed with me long after I finished reading.
9. “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows: This charming novel follows a writer who forms a bond with the residents of Guernsey during the German occupation of the island in World War II. The witty and heart-warming correspondence between the characters made this a delightful and unforgettable read.
These are just a few of the hidden gems that I have come across in my reading journey. While they may not be as well-known as some of the bestsellers I usually discuss on my blog, these books have left a lasting impact on me and are worth sharing with fellow book lovers. I hope this list inspires you to explore some underrated gems and discover new favorites of your own.