A Thousand Splendid Suns

The story takes place in Afghanistan over the span of just over 30 years through the Soviet invasion to the take over of the Taliban. 2 characters, Mariam and Laila, who are both affected by the wars of their country, along with it's laws of man, are brought together by unforseen circumstances. The two become unlikely friends and allies. The story alternates between the voices of each of the women as they face their struggles together in a war torn country where women are nothing more than objects to men.

So, my favorite book of the year quickly got replaced. LOL! I did not want to put this one down. I love a book that can make you happy, sad, angry all in the same book.

Daughters of the Witching Hill

Well, it's only book 4 for the year, but the best one I've read so far this year.
The story follows 3 generations of so called witches back in teh late 1500's, early 1600's in England. The story starts off from the grandmothers point of view and her experiences with a guiding spirit. The rest of the story is then told from the granddaughters point of view from the time she is old enough to have memories. The story pulls you in and gets really good towards the end when the women are tricked into confessing they are witches. It will leave you hanging on to each word wondering what is going to happen.
I read the Afterword and the story is actually based on true events, although ficticious characters and events were added to the story.