37. The Interestings

By Meg Wolitzer (560 pp, ebook)

Meg Wolitzer has been on my radar for decades. I don't know how many times I've picked up one of her books and then set it back down. I finally bought this one and loved it. I can't wait to check out more of her books. This is the story of a group of friends that starts in the 70s when they are all at summer camp together. The story follows them into their 50s with success and setbacks and lives that didn't come out as expected. Terrific writing. Great characters. I really enjoyed the book although I found the ending a wee bit unsatifsying. I say this more as a reader who likes when everything works out perfectly than as a flaw in the book.

36. The Blade Itself (First Law #1)

By Joe Abercrombie (560 pp, ebook)

This is a fantasy series set in a primitive-ish Europe? It's the story of a bunch of very different characters who cross paths by the end. There are battles and more set to come, crooked politicians, some slight magic elements that add mystery. I just read my first Joe Abercrombie earlier this year and now I have at least 6 of his books sitting around here. Terrific characters. Very dark and brutal but also funny. Inquistitor Glotka is one of my most favorite characters I've come across in a long time.