I am very particular about the books I read. Bottom line: they have to be good. But good for me may not be good for you. A good read for me is usually an historical fiction that is believable. Case in point and one of the best: "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society". That is one of my all time favorites and I have read it twice already and will likely read it again.
I do enjoy a mystery now and again and if it's also historical fiction, even better. A recent example of such is The Conjurer's Bird". That one had me spellbound and I didn't figure it out ahead of time. Another one that can fall into the mystery category is a series by Alexander McCall Smith featuring a lady detective in Botswana. I've read those twice now and thoroughly enjoy them all.
I also pick up non-fiction titles from time to time. The last one I read was about Warren Jeffs of polygamy fame and presently serving prison time for the rest of his life. The book "Prophet's Prey" was a look into the life of the Mormon cult he led and his capture and trial.
I've just returned from the library but with none of the books I went looking for. I keep a running list of books I hear about from friends and from interviews on NPR. I should just go online to the library to request these titles and will do that next time. I did come home with three unknowns: "The Sheen of Silk" by Anne Perry (a mystery with historical bent), "Mutiny" by John Boyle (historical fiction), and "Love on the Line" (not sure what category). Don't know which one I'll read first but I won't finish "White Oleander" that someone gave me. I was desperate for a book and started that one but got only so far before deciding this was not for me.
What books are you reading? Any good reads lately?