27 Comments

Mike, this list is like no other and I love it. Next year is going to be my Murdoch year. Start with Black Prince, or do you recommend another? Happy holidays to you too.

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I love that you are single-handedly and fully undermining the “where are the literary men? There’s nothing left to read!” bellyaching.

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Lol! Is this something in the DISCOURSE? I am not familiar, but glad to be doing my part!

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Thanks, Abra! The Black Prince is good, but you could also start with The Bell or The Sea, the Sea. Neither would be a wrong choice.

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omg i LOVED walking through clear water— definitely one of my favorite books of the year!! i haven’t read almost any of the rest of these, so you’ve given me quite the list of TBRs for next year! great post!

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Thanks, EJ! That book is so wonderful! I hope you enjoy some more on this list!

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Thanks for including me, Mike!!!! Excellent company :))

I’ve re-added several of these to my list. I especially want to read A Month in the Country. And The Gadfly. I’ve been listening to the Mandylion ladies’ podcast thanks to your introduction and loving it!

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Thank YOU for your wonderful newsletter and podcast, Eve! I look forward to your thoughts about A Month in the Country and Gadfly. Mandylion has been an a revelation and I am excited about everything they're doing!

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Such a great post, Mike! And thank you, of course, for including Can we read?

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Thanks, Sarah! Happy to include it!

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looking forward to more of Books on GIF in 2025 Mike and Donna!

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Thanks so much, Jam! We're looking forward to the new year and more books!

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Thank you for your newsletter and this wonderful lists. Have read a couple after you discovered them and can’t wait to read the others. I find it so enjoyable and rewarding to get off the beaten path. Thanks for that!

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Thank you so much, Brian! Looking forward to sharing more books in the new year!

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Thanks for this highly original list! All of the books are new to me.

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Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy some of them!

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Sold, sold, sold on all of these! In fact, I want to do one month next year where I read 80-90% of these books. Cisneros has been on my reading wish list for so long.

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Thanks so much, Esha! Cisneros is so good! I hope you enjoy it and some others from this list.

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A Month in the Country was in contention for my favorite book of the year. Then I read House of Leaves, and it blew the top off of my skull with what it did. It's going to be hard to decide now.

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Thanks, Justin! I’m so glad you enjoyed A Month in the Country. I’ll have to check out House of Leaves!

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I love that you included different indie bookstores with each favorite title, might need to copy that (with credit)! I need to re-read House on Mango Street, I remember bits and pieces and am glad it was a favorite

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Thanks! Mango Street is definitely worth a re-read! And we always encourage folks to visit indie book stores. They're the best!

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What a great list. I loved The House on Mango street. I still remember your thoughts on Bloater; loved it. I need to get back in shape (strictly for my reading game)

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Thanks Resh! Glad you enjoyed Mango Street. Did you read Bloater? I have been really lax on reading since I've been on break. But need to get back out there.

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No I haven’t. I remember thinking it is a great book when you posted about it. But sadly I have not gotten around to reading Bloater yet

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Great list! Thank you!

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Thank you so much, Carley! I’m glad you enjoyed it!

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