As the common adage goes, you really can’t judge a book by its cover. I would like to add that you can’t judge a book by its cover, title, or even the little blurb on the back.
As I expressed in my latest used book adventure, I love a good book hunt. I’m not the type of reader who has a long list of to-be-bought books. No, I prefer the chaos of a shelf-packed room with little organization and no labeling beyond the fiction category. There’s something special about wading through a section of books and pulling out a few soon-to-be favorites.
I’ll admit that not every book is a hit. When I find one that lives up to their initial expectation, though, it’s like finding buried treasure. Well, I’ve never actually found buried treasure, so maybe it’s more like opening your favorite gift on Christmas morning.
After a good book hunt, some books I’ll jump into right away while others get added to the giant to-be-read stack sitting in the corner of my room. This pile, despite my best efforts, continues to grow even after several attempts to say goodbye to a book or two. Does anyone else have this problem?
Whether added to the stack or read right away, there are always a few books that surprise me. I’m a very good book picker and often like most of the ones I take home. There’s a select few, though, that go above and beyond my expectations. They surprise me with their intrigue, mystery, and sometimes love leaving behind a story that sticks with me forever.
Here are five of my most surprising reads that definitely left their mark.
The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker
This book follows Julia as she traces the mysterious disappearance of her father through several countries and generations until she finds herself in a small town holding an incredible history. As she follows the clues, Julia discovers a tale of heartbreak, love, resilience, and determination, finding at the end of it the very heart of her father.
Basking in the glow of book-filled shelves, I found this incredible book. Upon first pull, I immediately connected with the mystery of it. I’m an avid murder mystery reader and while this has no glimpse of murder, it does include a very mysterious disappearance. I think I put the book back once or twice before finally settling on taking it home. It’s honestly a story of love like no other as Julia learns about her father from those that he loved most.
The Thirteenth Tale by Dianne Satterfield
With death approaching, the famous author of twelve tales, Vida, is determined to share once and for all her history and has bequeathed Margaret with the responsibility. Up until this point in her career, Vida has largely told varying stories of her younger days regularly contradicting herself. Intrigued by finally learning the truth, Margaret agrees to Vida’s challenge. Through a series of meetings, Margaret listens as Vida shares her fascinating history with one final twist at the end.
I received this book as a gift, so I can take no credit for discovering its brilliance. Almost gothic-like in nature, Vida’s story unfolds with tragedy and devastation, but it’s honestly the ending and that final twist that stick with me the most. I’ve read many a good mystery and thriller over the years and often pride myself on picking up on twists or outcomes prior to the average reader. Well, Diane Satterfield has me beat. If you like a good plot twist, I highly recommend this book!
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Set in the early on the Mediterranean in the early to mid-1800s, The Count of Monte Cristo follows the life, trials, and ultimate revenge of Edmund Dantes. Edmund begins his career as a sailor but his lack of education and naivety lead to betrayal and wrongful imprisonment by French authorities. While serving his term, Edmund encounters an Italian priest who takes the time to educate and equip Edmund for life beyond prison. With the priest’s passing, Edmund seizes the opportunity to escape and sets out to get revenge on those who wronged him.
I grew up watching the movie version of this book completely captivated by the character of Edmund. Both his transition into the Count of Monte Cristo and his elaborate revenge to take on his enemies create an interesting character development. With the love of the movie in tow, I took on the challenge of reading the actual book (because we all know the book is ALWAYS better). While the challenge was bigger than I expected (958 pages to be exact), the characters were deeper and painted with such vivid colors. It was his final transition at the end that stuck with me the most. It’s a different ending to what we see in the movies, but all the sweeter for it.
The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes by Ruth Hogan
After a terrible loss, Masha shuts her life down, slowly retreating from the world and further into herself. For 12 years, Masha has operated her life this way. Along her daily walks, she encounters the local bag lady that she and her friends have dubbed Sally Red Shoes. Outspoken and sometimes belligerent, this character coaxes Masha out of her stupor. With each passing day, Masha learns to live and laugh again, and perhaps even take a few chances on something new.
I’ll admit, it’s been a long time since I’ve read this one. I checked it out from my local library, so I had to do a little internet research to backtrack my way through the entire plot. While the details of the book may not have stuck in my brain, I do strongly remember the feeling this book left me. It highlights the sweetness of friendship and will leave you with some warm fuzzy feelings. Hogan’s characters are incredibly endearing, and despite her oddities, I can’t help but love Sally Red Shoes.
The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle
On the night of her birthday, Sabrina enters a mysterious dinner surrounded by those included on her list of five people living or dead she would love to have dinner with. The guests include an old college professor, Audren Hepburn, her estranged father, her best friend, and her ex-boyfriend. As the dinner unfolds so too does the story of Sabrina and her ex-boyfriend giving readers a glimpse into what drove them together and later apart.
This book from the beginning is about relationships, complicated ones. I loved this book, and you can read my full review for more details. The characters come to life each filling their needed role as Sabrina works through her unresolved conflict with her best friend, father, and ex. It’s remarkable the way these stories weave together to bring the reader to a final solution. It’s another testament to the value of good relationships.
Every reader has at least one book that left them surprised. With a creative plot twist or one incredibly lovable character, these books worm their way into our hearts. This is perhaps what makes reading a hobby worth pursuing.
What books surprised you? Do you have a few that turned out to be unforgettable?
Now’s your excuse to go on a book hunt. You never know what you might find. And, for our more budget-conscious readers, libraries are another great way to go on a book hunt without going on a spending spree.
Let me know what you find!
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