My To Be Read (TBR) pile is big. And since I read for enjoyment, I have a 20-Page Rule.
My 20-Page Rule =
- If I’m not totally hooked on a book by page 20, it’s gets tossed.
- If, and only if, the book is all over the media that I feel left out that I haven’t read it, I might give it an extra 20 or so pages. But, definitely, if I’m not all-in by page 40, I don’t ever get to page 41.
I recently started a book that was on every “Best of 2017” list, an award-winner and a NYT Best Seller. I dove in eagerly for several evenings only to be left bored. Bummer, but this happens to me a lot. There have been many many award winning titles that failed My 20-Page Rule. Often, I look at Page Turner lists and shake my head, because there are so many that I never made it to page 21.
Now, in their defense, sometimes, “It’s not you, it’s me” applies. That is, I may be tired, or too mentally pre-occupied to concentrate on the book. Maybe it’s always me, I’m super picky. I like a book that’s easy to read so I can relax and not think too hard and moves fast.
Because of this pickiness, it’s rare that I experience the bliss of a stay-up-all-night-page-turner. For me to stay awake past 10pm says something, because I’m among the sleepiest people on the planet. That’s why it’s such an honor for a book to make it on to my highly esteemed list of Books that Kept Callaghan Up. I never actually maintained a list, so I’m working by memory. I’m sure I’m missing some, but here’s what I got:
Disclosure (Michael Crichton)
This is the first book I ever read in a day. Truth be told, I like pretty much all Crichton.
_ _
The Firm (John Grisham)
Years later, Mitch McDeere still makes a cameo in a dream. Also, I never met a Grisham that I didn’t love – oh, except that baseball one.
_ _
The Poet (Michael Connelly)
The Poet holds a special place in my heart because, as many have heard me say before, it really changed my writing life. It inspired me to study, devour and write thrillers. Confession: When a Connelly book comes out, my life is literally put on hold until I’ve finished it.
_ _
Paranoia (Joseph Finder)
Love love love Finder, and this is my favorite.
_ _
DaVinci Code (Dan Brown)
Needs no explanation.
_ _
Once We Were Brothers (Ronald Balson)
I love a WWII backdrop. This is so well done. I was sad when it was over.
_ _
Harry Potter (all) (J.K. Rowling)
Duh. No brainer.
_ _
Night (Ellie Wiesel)
Another WWII book. Priceless.
_ _
The Hating Game (Sally Thorne)
This is out of my norm, more of a romantic suspense. Loved it and can’t wait for Thorne’s next.
_ _
Toxin (Robin Cook)
It’s been years since I read this and I can still vividly picture the hamburger scene in my head. A must-read, for sure.
_ _
Others:
- James Paterson, especially Guilty Wives and Black Book
- The Help (Tate Taylor)
- All of Janet Evanovitch’s Stephanie Plumb books
- Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta books
- Bridges of Madison County (Robert James Waller)
- I know I’m missing so many more, and it’s plaguing me with guilt….
_ _
The real point of this post is to welcome the newest arrival to this category:
Behind Closed Doors (B.A. Paris)
I ordered this book at the recommendation of my sister, which was risky because we rarely like the same stuff. Behind Closed Doors is spooky and creepy and page-turnery… Loved it!
Thank you, B.A. Paris for writing this and CONGRATULATIONS on making it onto one of the toughest lists of all time! This is quite an accomplishment. I also just finished Paris’ second book, The Breakdown and it was excellent as well.
I may add more reads to this list as I remember them, but there you have it, some of my favorites of all time.
Leave A Comment