2021 1st Quarter Top 10

10. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde Great concept, but failed in execution for me. Very slow moving. Couldn't actually finish it, as I honestly didn't care for any of the characters. I guess 1 star. As a DNF, still better than the other fiction book I read which doesn't make the list!

9. The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo A self-help "parable" that just didn't land for me. I appreciate what it tried to do, so maybe 1.5 stars.

8. Light of the Jedi by Charles Soule Pretty mediocre until the end which was a nice pay-off. When all is said and done, I am leaning to 4
stars. A generous 3 if it didn't end the way it did.

7. Dracula by Bram Stoker A nice classic. More of a love story/crime drama than a horror story. Unique "found footage" format.

6. Seeker of Time by J.M. Buckler Fun YA fantasy adventure which sets the stage nicely for the rest of the trilogy. 4 stars.

5. Hero of the Fallen by W. Sherry Coming of age fantasy adventure that keeps the action moving without long expositional passages. 5
stars. Sets the stage for the next book in the series.

4. The Outsider by Stephen King A crime mystery with a dash of horror. 4.5 stars because the ending was a bit week, but everything leading up to that emotionally engaged me more than any other book I've read in a very long time.

3. Bird Box by Josh Malerman A well-executed post-apocalyptic/horror story which dives deep into the human mind. I wish I had read
this before seeing the movie, as it took some of the edge off having a general idea of how things would resolve. Would be 5 stars if I read it before seeing the movie.

2. Doctor Sleep by Stephen King An under-rated and satisfying sequel to "The Shining." I would say it was more creepy than full-on horror. A power and beautiful exploration of a man battling alcoholism. Was sad to see it end. 5 stars.

1. Dune by Frank Herbert Every bit the masterpiece it's reputation suggests. Most complain about the political positioning sequences, but I found them deeply engaging. Earned every bit of 5 stars. I'd give it bonus stars if I
could. Has likely taken over the #1 spot for my all-time favorite novel.