First Book of 2016 with Sheila @bookjourney & Karen @BookerTalk #readinto16

First Book of 2016 badge from Sheila at Book JourneyI didn’t get many books for Christmas, but got a nice stack of them for my birthday in October.

Elena Ferrante books

I read My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante on the flight back from Rome in October, and loved it, so it was great to know I could go right on and read all of the others in the quartet. Which, of course, I didn’t do – in either November or December.

So Book #2 in the Neapolitan Quartet by Elena Ferrante, The Story of a New Name, is my official First Book of 2016.

me "reading" The Story of a New Name and holding an espresso
The Story of a New Name by Elena Ferrante is set in Naples, so an Italian espresso is a suitable accompaniment.

Click here to see Sheila at Book Journey’s photo collage and check out what others are reading for their First Book of 2016.


If you have read My Brilliant Friend or other books by Elena Ferrante, please let me know in the comments so we can gush over them together. I have owned My Brilliant Friend since buying it at the Boston Book Festival in October 2014 on the recommendation of Claire Messud in a panel discussion, but took a year to start it.

And even if it’s not Elena Ferrante, tell me what you’re reading or planning to read in 2016!

This post is also linked up to Karen at BookerTalk’s Reading Into 2016 blog event, another collection of First Book of the Year posts.

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Judith / Leeswammes
8 years ago

I’ve heard only good things about Ferrante. I think I must start reading her/his books soon!

Happy New Year!

JoAnn @ Lakeside Musing

Great series, I read all 4 of them in 2015.. The second book is even better than the first – enjoy. Happy New Year!

Vasilly
8 years ago

I used to own every one of Ferrante’s books. When I moved, I ended up giving them away unread. 🙁 I probably need to go back and read some of her works now.

Happy New Year!

Cleo @Cleopatralovesbooks

I have My Brilliant Friend on my TBR so good to see you enjoyed it so much that you’re onto the next one. Happy New Year!

Melinda
8 years ago

Ha ha! This is the second blog in a row that I’ve read that has had this as its first book! Of course, I can completely understand that–I just finished “My Brilliant Friend” last night and can’t wait to pick back up with this one!

Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library

Ferrante is on my TBR for this year. Her books sound wonderful. Hope you enjoy this one!

Heidi'sbooks
Heidi'sbooks
8 years ago

My first book of the year is The Light Between Oceans. I’m looking forward to it. I’ll be watching for your reviews!

Diane
Diane
8 years ago

Great selections to start off 2016. I read the first 2 and need to catch up this year. Happy New Year – great pics.

Mary
8 years ago

Wow, two posts in a row for this author – I need to try one of her books.

Sheila Book Journey
8 years ago

Thanks for participating!

Rachel
8 years ago

I love your picture – Happy New Year!

Tina
8 years ago

I don’t have A Brilliant Friend but you have made me want to read it!

Debbie
8 years ago

I have the first one in my TBR pile. I hope to get to it soon. Happy 2016 Reading!

Deb Nance at Readerbuzz

I saw this series on so many best-of lists that I added My Brilliant Friend to my list of books I plan to read this year. Thanks for the recommendation.

Mary Aalgaard
8 years ago

Another author to look up. Thanks for visiting my blog from Sheila’s wonderful list of readers. Enjoy all the books!

Elizabeth (Silver's Reviews)

I want to read one of Elena Ferrante’s books.

They look so good

ENJOY, and Happy New Year!!

Thanks for coming by my blog.

Elizabeth
Silver’s Reviews
My First Book Of The Year

Laurel-Rain Snow
8 years ago

Oh, Ferrante is an author I want to read…I’ve heard good things. Thanks for sharing…and for visiting my blog.

Love your books and coffee display. Happy New Year!

Brona
8 years ago

Happy New Year and happy Ferrante! I’m about halfwY through now & it’s just as riveting as My Brilliant Friend. Ferrante’s ability to describe the minutiae of daily life and relationships is painful and, well, brilliant!

La La in the Library
8 years ago

My first read was a novella companion to one of my favorite series. Have a wonderful 2016!

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