Since everything in today’s America must start with the phrase gluten free, I thought it necessary to throw that in. But that’s not what this post is about.

I’d say being sick means I have more opportunity to read. But I prefer my nose in a book whether I’m sick or not. There are some moments when it seems like I’m on a winning streak with books, and February was one of those months. Grand slam. A vast array of genres passed before my eyes, all fantastic, all worth the recommendation.

Hunger Games Trilogy

Hunger Games, Suzanne Colins

This trilogy caught me off guard a bit. I was expecting something a bit more clandestine, rather I got a more post apocalyptic feel out of it. Which was fine, it was a fantastic series and I’d read it 10 more times in a heart beat. Truly could not put it down and loved every moment of it. Great character development, which is very important. I found my self absorbed in the story, the injustice of their world and the emotions each of them had to deal with on a moment by moment basis.

These are classified as “young adult”, which I don’t understand. I studied young adult literature when I was in college, and from what I remember the fiction that was typically classified as young adult was due to the fact that the plot and characters more aligned with a young adults world rather than a contemporary adults world. Meaning more teenagers and younger could relate based on the fact that they had not yet met full adulthood. Now however, I think if there is a teenager in the book and there isn’t explicit sex, it gets lumped into this very broad genre.

I digress…

Greatest Knight and Scarlet Lion

Greatest Knight and Scarlet Lion by Elizabeth Chadwick

I mentioned this in my post on what kept me sane while I was sick. This series was a mental gift! I am so glad I stumbled upon it and blame many late nights and many shed tears on this series. The story of William Marshall, known as one of the greatest knights in 12th and 13th century England. Marhall (where we get the rank Marshall from) served under the realm of King Henry II, King Richard, King John and King Henry III.

A fascinating blend of history and historical fiction Chadwick does a great job pulling the reader into the lives of Marshall, his family and those that serve him. Scarlet Lion begins where Greatest Knight leaves off and delves deeper into his personal life with his wife Isabelle. Overall the book spans about 50 or so years and is a fantastic read. And yes, you will need tissue for the end.

Yes I’m a book worm. In fact at about 9:30 pm last night I was waiting for The Scabs to go on stage only to find out they weren’t going on till midnight. My first thought, “I knew I should have brought my book”. Pitiful eh? I don’t care, I typically have a book with me at all times, not a kindle, a book. An actual paper book, and I like it that way.

So here are my recent worm holes. Books I have absolutely loved and devoured in the last few months.

South of Broad by Pat Conroy

I devoured this book over Christmas. It’s a bit melancholy, but fantastic character development and story line. The kind of book where you don’t want to put it down because you feel like you’re leaving your friends if you do. If you’re not familiar with Pat Conroy, he’s a southern writer focusing on the Carolinas. He is great at making you feel like you are walking the streets of Charleston with him. Conroy is the author of The Prince of Tides.

Pigs in Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver

The sequel to Bean Trees. I would rank Bean Trees above this book, but it did not disappoint as a sequel. I think these books resonate with me so much because of the mother daughter dynamic. Fiercely independent yet strong in their love for each other, I find it to be very similar to my own mother daughter dynamic.

The book begins a few years where The Bean Trees left off. And like her first novel, you feel connected and in love with each of her characters.

Dark Road to Darjeeling by Deanna Raybourn

This is the latest in a series, the Lady Julia Gray series. This is not complicated historical fiction, pure indulgent fun and I absolutely love it! The series focuses on the conflict between conventional Victorian England and a very unconventional family, just what modern readers love.

If you like sleuth novels with a strong dose of the Victorian England an a touch of romance these are for you, they make the perfect rainy day reads.

Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon

This is the recent in an EPIC series. Emphasis on epic. Gabaldon started this series in the mid 80′s I believe. Those that love this series fully dedicate their lives to it. I suspect she pumps some kind of female hormones into the glue on the binding.

It’s also a great read for history buffs. Starting in the highlands of Scotland in 1745 with Outlander and traveling to the current book which takes place in the American colonies on the brink of the American Revolution. Of course sadly I now have to wait for the next installment.

A Poisoned Season by Tasha Alexander

So here’s the deal. I love series, I love historical fiction. I blow thorough them way to quickly. The problem with that is I’m always waiting for the next in the series to be published. Therefore I scoured Amazon for a new series to fill my time. I stumbled upon these. The first book, And Only to Deceive, was pretty good. A bit bland. But the series is definitely gaining in strength.

This belongs on the same shelf as the Lady Julia Gray series. The writing is even similar.