As far as I can remember this is the first time I started a reading year with 2 books rated 9 so early. There is balance in the Force and unfortunately for me, my book 15 this year was a dud and rated a 4. There was a glimmer of hope that the story would turn, and alas it did not. This book was so worthless that I’m not going to mention the title, with the hope it will fade from human memory.
Among my duo of 9s was Stoner by John Williams, published in 1965. This book and I met by chance and it was on my to-be-read list only a short time. This is the story of a guy who really gets kicked around by life and much of it is not by his own doing. His bright sides have dark sides, but his attitude is unique. Good pace, engaging story, solid writing. Great read. Strong recommendation.
Parts of this book reminded me of my favorite book, Martin Eden by Jack London. There are similarities between the way Martin and Stoner look at things, but there is a big divergence in the arcs of the stories. The similarities may have given Stoner a little extra credit on grading, even though Stoner never became an expert at ironing like Eden.
The other 9 so far this year was This Thing Between Us by Gus Moreno. Like Stoner/Martin Eden, as I was reading This Thing it reminded me of The Fisherman, one of my top books from 2022. Moreno’s book is a dark, unusual story with an odd pace and confusing imagery but it all came together into a compelling story that wrapped well. Unlike Stoner this one is a tough recommendation. If you like dark books this may be one for your. If not, perhaps pick something else.