I’ve found a few good reads in the past year, including these:

The Calamity Club, Kathryn Stockett
Currently I’m finishing this very long book (630+ pages). Mostly, I’ve enjoyed it. Ages ago, my daughter and I read her book, The Help. This book began with two separate stories, focused on two characters, which eventually interweave. Meg is the orphan who’s so interesting and bright. I loved her from the very start. The other is Birdie, who leaves home to find her older sister. She’s also a fascinating character who drew me in immediately. Their stories come together, gradually.

Whistler, Ann Patchett
I’ll admit I don’t quite remember the significance of the horse, Whistler, by the time I finished the book, but then I’m not all that keen about horses. I did very much enjoy the characters, and the stories of their family and families. My favourites were the sisters at the core of the stories, Daphne and Leda. This was a book I bought with the gift certificates I was surprised to get for my retirement. It felt good to buy some books, actually—a treat.

A Gentleman in Moscow, Amor Towles
An interesting story, to be sure, though long and complex. I did attach to several of the characters, though the Russian historical context was challenging—despite my years of studying Russian history many years ago.
I’d happily read another book by Towles.