All The Light We Cannot See: This is one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read. It has also won critical fame - it won a Pulitzer Prize and many amazing reviews for good reason. The book is spectacularly intricate and perfectly woven together. It is historical fiction set in France in World War II, it shares the story of a young blind girl who is the daughter of a museum curator. The book follows her through the war as she tries to keep a secret for her father and along the way meets many characters. If you read one book in the new year - it should be this one.
The Nightingale: Another historical fiction book set in World War II. It is also set in France - both Paris and the southern countryside. It has very vivid imagery of one family's struggle with the occupation and quiet resistance. This book is also beautifully written and I highly recommend. I am not usually a historical fiction fan - but these two books are captivating.
Gang Leader for a Day: Set in Chicago in the early 2000's, this is the story of a PhD Sociology student at the University of Chicago who befriends a local gang leader for his dissertation research. It's non-fiction, so a fascinating look into how a gang (and the community around it) works. I couldn't put down the book - it feels like you're in the various apartment buildings and community center. It also raises important ethical questions about how far is too far for research - if you are aware of a murder, but did not witness it, do you need to report it. Really interesting take.
Everything I Never Told You: This story is set in the 1970's and walks through the intricate tale of how a teenager decided to commit suicide. At the outset of the book, it seems very simple, but as you read, it is a very complex story that addresses societal changes, racism, and the pressure of being a teenager. I read another similar fiction book on the topic of suicide this year - 13 Reasons Why - but found this story much more intriguing.
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