agatha christie | Cafe Book Bean

I enjoy reading a large variety of different books. Contemporary fiction is a bit of a loose term considering that time and reality are always changing.
A book that once 50, 100, or even 500 plus years ago was considered contemporary fiction, may seem to us to be historical fiction. Also, many times we read books written way before our own time that was meant to be science fiction, but considering the development of current technology seems now to be dsytopian/contemporary. This of course is one of the many beauties of literature; the variety of experiences that can be enjoyed all thought the ages. I personally do not tend to read as much “current” Contemporary fiction, but I have read some great ones.

Here are some current contemporary fiction highlights:

“And Then There Where None”
Agatha Christie

Also a mystery, but a very realistic and enjoyable adventure. It is an excellent book with lots of intrigue and fun twists. The story takes place on a secluded island where we learn about a variety of interesting characters. And of course try to figure out, who done it?This book is probably Agatha Christie’s most famous work.

Rated 4.6 on amazon.com

Books I’d like to Read:

“The Perks of Being a Wallflower”
Stephen Chbosky
Perks follows observant “wallflower” Charlie as he charts a course through the strange world between adolescence and adulthood. First dates, family drama, and new friends. Devastating loss, young love, and life on the fringes. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it, Charlie must learn to navigate those wild and poignant roller-coaster days known as growing up.

Rated 4.5 on amazon.com

“Me Before You”
JoJo Moyes

They had nothing in common until love gave them everything to lose . . .
A Love Story for this generation, Me Before You brings to life two people who couldn’t have less in common—a heartbreakingly romantic novel that asks, What do you do when making the person you love happy also means breaking your own heart?

Rated 4.6 on amazon.com

“The Husband’s Secret”
Liane Moriarty

At the heart of The Husband’s Secret is a letter that is not meant to be read…
Imagine your husband wrote you a letter, to be opened after his death. Imagine, too, that the letter contains his deepest, darkest secret. Then imagine you found that letter while your husband is still very much alive.

Rated 4.3 on amazon.com

“The Fault in Our Stars”
John Green

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.

Rated 4.7 on amazon.com

Book I’m Currently Reading:

“The Thirteenth Tale”
Diane Setterfield

Reclusive author Vida Winter, famous for her collection of twelve enchanting stories, has spent the past six decades penning a series of alternate lives for herself. Now old and ailing, she is ready to reveal the truth about her extraordinary existence and the violent and tragic past she has kept secret for so long.

Rated 4.3 on amazon.com

What are some of your favorite contemporary fiction works?
And which ones do you hope to read?

With Thanksgiving just around the corner I am beginning to think of what books I would like to read for the Christmas and winter season. Now I am a firm believer in one Holiday at a time. So I will not begin my Christmas reading until after Thanksgiving, at the stroke of midnight. However, I do need to be prepared.

So here are the books on my wishlist.
(Click pictures or links for more info.)

This seems like a typical cheesy but delightful Christmas story, something just right to relax with. I believe it might be a bit romancy, which is not usually my strong cup of tea, but now and then it is nice.
Starry Night: A Christmas Novel Rate 4.5 on amazon.com
Book Bean: Gingerbread Mocha
The bitter sweetness of gingerbread
melts so well with the milk chocolate goodness.

Agatha Christie is such a great author so I have no doubt that I am going to be thrilled with this book.
Hercule Poirot’s Christmas Rate 4.5 on amazon.com
Book Bean: Peppermint Latte or if your daring try a Peppermint Chai, it’s goodness is a mystery 😉

Sometimes I like to mix it up and replace Christmas music with an old fashion Christmas story via audible. This year I think I’d like to try this out.
The Christmas List: A Novel 4.4 on amazon.com
Book Bean: For something easy while on the go brew up some black tea and sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg

I’d like to keep the warm and fuzzy Holiday spirit burning beyond Christmas. So, I think I’ll be reading this book for New Years. It seems like just the right kind of quaint story I adore.
Winter Solstice Rate 4.5 on amazon.com
Book Bean: Spiced Eggnog Steamer
Eggnog and milk steamed or heated and frothed. Sprinkle with cocoa and add a cinnamon stick.
Nothing keeps up the Holiday cheer like this sweet treat!

The best I save for last!
I am really excited for this book. I don’t know why I had never heard of it before, but if J.R.R. Tolkien wrote it I’m sure it is a worthy tale.
Letters From Father Christmas Rate 4.5 on amazon.com
Book Bean: Candy Cane Cocoa
Homemade cocoa in mugs with whip cream and candy canes for stir sticks (this is a tradition my family.) Make up a batch and share this experience with some kiddos.