Here’s the third – and final – part of my list of the best contemporary fiction. These are all books I’ve read within the past year or so:
The School of Essential Ingredients
I know most of you have probably read this one, too. It’s not a very long or complicated book, simply a set of inter-connected stories, but it’s beautifully written. And it will make you hungry. 
Everyone is Beautiful
To quote from my review: “There is so much to this book – it is hilariously funny, but not fluffy. It has wonderful female characters that are experiencing loss and grief and changes, and yet are facing them with strength and dignity.”
The Laws of Harmony
To quote from my review (that I can’t link to because it’s at that other site): “In The Laws of Harmony, Judith Hendricks writes deftly about dealing with the past. What should we hold on to? What should we let go? What happens if we don’t let go of past pain?”
The Last Bridge
This one I read from an ARC; it will be released in hardback on July 28th. To quote from my review: “This book is not an easy read. The horrific things that humans are capable of doing to each other – even to their own children – never fail to break my heart. I couldn’t stop reading, though, because I wanted to believe that it wasn’t too late for Cat, that there was still a way for her to find a measure of healing and sanity. ”
Related posts:
Favorite history books
Favorite books about reading and writing
Favorite historical fiction
Favorite memoirs, part one
Favorite memoirs, part two
Favorite contemporary fiction, part one
Favorite contemporary fiction, part two
Twitter: lakesidemusing
says:
I love your lists, Carrie! The School of Essential Ingredients was a wonderful audiobook, too. I really want to read Everyone is Beautiful (isn’t that cover great?) and have seen lots of great reviews for Laws of Harmony.
Hooray! Thank you so much for including Everyone Is Beautiful on your list of favorite contemporary fiction! It’s a treat to see it in such great company, and I’m so happy that you liked it!
Many, many thanks!!
I read – and loved – The School of Essential Ingredients and have the other 3 in my TBR pile. I need to get to work on it!
I haven’t read any of these, but a few of them are on my wish list!
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
JoAnn – I love that cover, too.
And I’ve also heard great things about the audiobook for Essential Ingredients.
Katherine – you’re very welcome!
Kathy – you have some great reading ahead, then!
Twitter: BethFishReads
says:
A super list of books I really want to read. Some of which I own. At least I know I have something to look forward to!
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Beth – always good to know that the books waiting on your shelves will be good reads.
Thanks for this great list. I haven’t read any of them but, thanks to you and other bloggers, I have them on my list. I’m looking forward to some good reading.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Margot – you’re welcome! I hope you enjoy the ones you read.
Twitter: youvegottaread
says:
I absolutely LOVED Everyone is Beautiful and School of Essential Ingredients. They are at the top of my list for the year. I was feeling very fortunate to have a quick amount of time on the Internet and had to find this post!
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Sandy – How cool – I think you are my first visitor from Poland!
These are all books I’ve heard such great things about. Perhaps one day I will get to read them too! I have enjoyed your three part favorite contemporary fiction feature, Carrie. You’ve introduced me to books I definitely will have to read!
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
LF – thanks.
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The first three are already on my wish list (I added Everyone Is Beautiful to it based on your review), so I’m thinking the fourth one should go on it too!
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Avis – Your wish list must be as big as mine!
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