Favorite Factor: August 2015

Favorite Factor: August 2015

• Aug 21, 2015

Cassie and I are still talking about our love for adult fiction, but in a new way! Every other month, we will be sharing four books with you: two recent favorites (and the factors that made us love them) and two upcoming reads (and the factors that have us interested). We hope you'll find the perfect adult fiction for you!

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman

Release Date: June 2015
Genre: Contemporary
Factor I Loved: Writing + Characters

Reason You Should Read:

I've been raving about this book ever since I read it, and I knew I had to include it as one of my picks today. Backman made me fall in love with his quirky characters, lose myself in his touching story and want to move to his creative world. This was a story about fierce love, family bonds, second chances and the power of stories. I was so emotionally invested in this book, and that's due to Backman's writing and the characters he created. I can't tell you the last time I laughed this hard or got this choked up while reading. Backman wowed me, and I was so glad that I didn't overlook this book. A publicist brought it to my attention, and I've since fallen in love with Backman's debut, too. But this one remains my favorite, so it's the one I'll push on you if you love contemporary fiction. I loved pretty much everything about it!

These is My Words by Nancy E. Turner

Release Date: February 1999
Genre: Historical
Factor I Loved: Characters + Relationships

Reason You Should Read:

These is My Words sat on my shelves for a while before I finally picked it up, but I like to think that I read it at the exact right time. I've loved reading about American history through historical fiction ever since I was a little girl, and this book reminded me why. I felt like I was right beside Sarah Agnes Prine as she faced the harsh frontier and fought back with every ounce of strength inside her. The setting came to life, but that was largely due to the characters inhabiting it. Turner introduced me to a heroine I'll never forget! Sarah's got gumption and grit, and I loved seeing her come into her own in this book. And I'd be remiss if I didn't also mention the romance. This couple earned a spot on my list all-time favorites, but you'll have to read it for yourself to see why. If you love historical fiction, character-driven books or epic love stories, pick up this book!

Heart's Blood by Juliet Marillier

Release Date: October 2009
Genre: Fantasy
Factor of Interest: Writing

Reasons I Want to Read:

I could say that I'm interested in Heart's Blood for the plot (because that is true), but it's really on my TBR because I love Marillier's writing! Ever since I read her Sevenwaters series (and Wildwood Dancing and Cybele's Secret duology), I've been craving more. And it doesn't hurt that this is a Beauty and the Beast retelling! Fall always feels like a good time to read fantasy, and this is one I'm hoping to read as the weather cools. I want to get lost in gorgeous prose and complex characters, and I know that's what I'll get with Marillier.

The Truth According to Us by Annie Barrows

Release Date: June 2015
Genre: Historical
Factor of Interest: Plot

Reasons I Want to Read:

I loved The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, so I was excited to learn that Barrows had an adult fiction novel of her own coming out. I bought it soon after it released, though I haven't gotten around to read it yet. I'll admit that I was first drawn to the gorgeous cover, but it was the summary that convinced me this book was up my alley. I like stories about small towns and the people who live, work and love there. And if there are family secrets to be uncovered, that's just so much the better. I'm hoping this is a home run for me!

Want more? Check out Cassie's post!