Top Five Books of 2010

This year I read 36 books.  I know this because for the first time ever, I kept an accurate list of each and every one I finished.  I read both classics and bestsellers, everything from Steinbeck (East of Eden) to the latest Jonathan Franzen (Freedom).  I averaged three books a month (and considering several of them were well over 500 pages, I think that's pretty good).  Reading is obviously a huge part of my life, so I want to share with you my five favorite books of the year (and I'm not counting books I love and re-read during the course of 2010.  I'm looking at you, Daisy Fay and Mr. Salinger).  Without further ado:

#5 The Hunger Games Triology by Suzanne Collins

Yes, I could have picked just one (and if I did, it would have to be the first one).  But I think they go best together.  I'm glad that I finally got around to reading this fantastic Young Adult series.  I loved the concept.  I loved Katniss and how courageous, competent, and selfless she was (I feel like she's the perfect antidote to silly old Bella Swan!).  And yes, I loved how important fashion was to the story.  These were fast and fun reads.  And it helps that I read one of them on my trip to Italy ;)

#4  The Help by Kathryn Stockett

This book appealed to my inner Southern Belle. (What, you don't have an inner Southern Belle?).  The characters are beautifully drawn--so much so that they felt like dear friends by the end of the novel.  And while the circumstances for African-American maids in Mississippi during the Civil Rights Movement were at times difficult to read, I inhaled this book in one weekend.  Seriously, I could not put it down.  I totally get why this is a best seller!  I'm really looking forward to seeing how they translate this excellent story into film in 2011.  (The casting so far looks spot on!)

 

#3  Little Bee by Chris Cleve

This book broke my heart and was very hard for me to read.  These may not sound like a good things, but it speaks to how beautifully it is written.  It made me think about all the many blessings I've been afforded.  I would recommend it to anyone feeling blue about their lot in life.  Or who might (foolishly) be considering a vacation to Nigeria.  The Washington Post said in its review of this book that "it will blow you away."  This book made good on that promise.

#2  The Lonely Polygamist by Brady Udall

This is the second novel by Mr. Udall, who happens to have graduated from the same institution that I did.  Again, the characters are what I love most about this book.  I feel comfortable declaring Rusty, an 11-year-old son of the titular polygamist, the best written child I've ever come across in literature.  I've always been fascinated by polygamy and this book is just that--fascinating!  I was so enchanted that I can't wait to go back and read the first Brady Udall novel.  And I'm eagerly anticipating his next work!

#1  The All of It by Jeannette Haien

This book, given to me by my mother-in-law, is an absolute gem.  When I got to the last page, I flipped back and started it all over again because I didn't want to let it go.   I've never, ever done that before.  It's beautiful and spare and it changed me forever.  I hope the lesson that we as human beings cannot possibly judge another human being stays with me.  This will be one that I return to again and again (in case it doesn't!).




Honorable Mentions:  The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Burbery, The Rick Steves Guide to Italy by Rick Steves (obviously), Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishigura, One Day by David Nicholls, and Columbine by Dave Cullen

Worst book I read this year:  No contest.  The Traveler's Gift by Andy Anderson.  Yikes.  This books is sooooo bad.  I couldn't even go to the book club meeting where it was discussed for fear of saying offensive things to anyone that claimed to have enjoyed it.

Any recommendations for me to try in 2011?