This was kind of a downer year as far as my reading list goes. Most of the books were okay. Not bad, but nothing to write home about either. A few were really good, and a couple were just awful. I've got to learn that it is OK to stop reading a book that's not worth my time. Hopefully 2011 will be a bit of an improvement. As always, if you have any great recommendations, pass them my way!
Thunderstruck by Eric Larson. Pretty good if you like learning about history and murderous husbands. Non-fiction-ish. Not as engaging as The Devil in The White City, but still interesting.
The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman. Also non-fiction. Interesting WWII story about a couple who run a zoo in Warsaw. A bit slow at times, but still enjoyable.
Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman. I quite enjoyed this short little book, and was sad when I finished it. It is a story told by people who contribute to a community garden.
Princess Academy by Shannon Hale. Meh. This was fine, but I think I need a break from Shannon Hale.
Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross. Historical fiction about the legend of Pope Joan. Who knew that way, way, back a woman (disguised as a man) rose to the highest office in the Catholic church? Truth or Fiction? You decide. I quite enjoyed a lot of this book, and yet. . . really disliked some of it too. It was quite thought provoking, and I loved the details of what life must have been like during the dark ages, but some of the story telling and plot were just a little too much for me.
Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. This is a book that everyone needs to know about---but not everyone needs to read. Greg Mortenson's story about building schools in Pakistan is really inspiring. Everyone should know about the work this man is doing. BUT, this book was very poorly written and needed to be edited way down. It was kind of hard to slog through.
Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay. Hated this book. I thought I would love it, and I was so disappointed. I did like learning about a part of history I'd never heard of (the Vel d'Hiv during WWII), but the rest of the book was lame. It started off great, but by the end, I really could. not. stand. the main character. Too contrived. A shame.
Popcorn. After Ethan was born I need some easy fast reading, and this fit the bill.
The Runaway Jury by John Grisham. This was popcorn too, but I have to say I really enjoyed it. Sad to say, but probably one of my favorites this year. It's been awhile since I've read John Grisham, but maybe I'll revisit him.
Pigs in Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver. Sequel to Bean Trees. I really enjoy Barbara Kingsolver's writing style. This was pretty good, but not my favorite of hers.
Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult. Ugh. Frustrating. I think this book had the potential to be good. I like the way Jodi Picoult chooses controversial subjects and shows you both sides of the coin. Things aren't always black and white. I find her writing style easy and engaging, but her language and idea of "romance" are so off-putting that I wouldn't want to recommend this to anyone. Don't think I'll be reading her again.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. This was one of my favorites this year. I read this in jr. high or high school, but I had forgotten enough to make it an enjoyable read. Loved it! So glad I read it again as an adult.
The Enclave by Karen Hancock. Hated this book. Can't believe I finished it. Painfully long. Painfully bad writing. Cannot believe I wasted so many hours of my life reading this book. I read a review in the paper and decided to pick it up. Who knew I would have such an adverse reaction to "Christian Sci-Fi?" Ugh!
The Sign by Raymond Khoury. Also a newspaper reveiw. Also pretty lame. I thought it was supposed to be similar to Dan Brown. Not quite. Not nearly as bad as The Enclave.
The Host by Stephanie Meyer. Also pretty lame---although still way better than the previous two. I thought I'd give Stephanie Meyer a second chance (never did finish the Twilight Series), but this didn't do anything for me. I am not a super-smart reader that can predict the outcome of books, but I knew exactly what was coming next---throughout the entire book. At least it was a quick read.
The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Loved this book! I really did. No wonder it was on the best-seller list for over a year. It takes place in the south during the 1960's and is the story of black maids and the women they work for. It was a page turner and an easy read. I wish I had read more books like this this year! Probably my favorite book of the year.
The Samurai's Garden by Gail Tsukiyama. I quite enjoyed this book. It takes place in Japan, at the beginning of WWII. Although the themes of the book are quite serious, I found the writing to be peaceful and moving. It was slow-paced, but that was okay, because I enjoyed the storyline.
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. Much anticipated. . . good ending to the series.
A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg. Fun, light read just in time for Christmas. Cute book.
2 comments:
Looks like you are already to host book club next month.
Thank you for this list. I had been trying to get "The Help" from the library for a while and had given up. I will try again now. It sounds like it is right up my alley. I miss you. I would love to talk books with you.
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