One of the first books I read after turning 30 was The Magicians, by Lev Grossman. This book was fantastic, and I could hardly set it down. It’s a darker, more realistic Harry Potter — as realistic as a normal guy getting accepted to a school of magic can be. This was a very dark story about magic, power and corruption. I can’t wait for the sequel, and am hoping it comes out before I hit my next birthday.
Another book from last fall was the sci-fi classic Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card. I’ve heard the sequels aren’t worth reading, which is hard to believe because I really enjoyed this book. I am surprised I never read it in high school when it would have been right up my alley. Ender is a young boy who is sent to a military training school in space. He is training to defend Earth against alien invaders. The book ended with a twist I’m embarrassed I didn’t see coming. I read online that a movie version is in the works and for a change I’m excited to see the film adaptation of a book.
The World Without Us, by Alan Weisman was the first non-fiction book I read this year. Weisman details what would happen to the planet if people suddenly and permanently disappeared. It was fascinating to think about how nature would reclaim roads, building and cities, and horrifying to think of the pollution and waste that will be here for thousands of years. I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for something other than a novel to read.
COMPLETED BOOKS
1. The Fixer Upper - Mary Kay Andrews
2. Deep Dish - Mary Kay Andrews
3. The Magicians - Lev Grossman
4. Ender’s Game - Orson Scott Card
5. The World Without Us - Alan Weisman
