I wanted to create a favorites list for 2010. I thought it would be fun to look back over the titles of all the books I had read this year and see which ones still stood out for me. Before doing so, I already knew of a couple that would make the list because they are ones I still think about months after having finished them.
I hope you enjoy this list and if you haven't read the books already, maybe they can go on your wish list for 2011.
These books are in no particular order and I found that they tended to be favorites for several different reasons.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Anne Barrows
I still can't say enough about this book. Not only was the audio book fantastic, but the WWII story was something different, the setting was different from those I have read in the past. I liked this one so much, I'm going to be looking for a good (used) copy at a used book fair so I can own it.
The Things They Carried by Tim O' Brien
Very thought provoking stories pertaining to the Vietnam War. This is one of those books that sticks with you long after you finish it and put it back on the shelf.
Saving CeeCee Honeycut by Beth Hoffman
Yet another fantastic audio book. I'm also going to be looking for a print copy of this one to buy. You can't help but love the setting, love CeeCee, and love the Southern women who take her under their wings.
Sprinkle With Murder by Jenn McKinley
I read a lot of mysteries, a lot of series, yet rarely ever put them on my favorite list. I think this one deserves a place though because it was such a fun mystery, I still rave about it.
Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay
This was another WWII story that took place somewhere different from the normal stories. It prompted me to do some research and that alone would make it a good book, it doesn't hurt that the story was interesting to. Also, I would be leaving something out if I didn't mention that this one was a great audio book too.
Paco's Story by Larry Heinemann
This one makes the list because it's a Vietnam story that still makes me think, 5 months after I read it. Hard to read at times, but worth it.
The Lottery by Patricia Wood
Yet another audio book. I'm seeing a trend here. This one makes the cut because it was one of the best feel good books I've read in a long time.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the Virgin River series by Robyn Carr. While I have a least favorite book in the series (so far) and a favorite (so far), I couldn't put just one book on a favorites list. This series prompted me to write a post about how emotional it is for me and how it makes me cry and smile. The Virgin River series is by far my favorite series this year.
I think an honorable mention needs to go to some other series too:
The Maxwell/King series by David Baldacci was a surprise. I had never read anything by this author, for some reason didn't really want to, yet I buddy read the first one with some friends. We all ended up loving it and reading more in the series.
The Civil War trilogy by Heather Graham also came as a surprise. I've only read the first one, but have a feeling I'll enjoy the other two just as much. This is a romance book, historical romance to be specific, and the first romance book that I would consider romance (it dawned on me after I read this one that the Virgin River series is considered romance even though I never thought of it that way). I wouldn't say I'm a romance reader, so it comes as a surprise to realize just how much I liked this one.
The Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Braggs has continued to be one of my favorite urban fantasy series, with the Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost following close behind.
It was fun looking back at my 2010 reads and I can't wait to see what I end up reading in 2011.
8 comments:
CeeCee's on my 2010 Favorites list. I'm a VR fan and agree that some are stronger than others but I love the series overall and will continue to read them - yay for 3 new books in the next several weeks :-)
wow, Kris, you have some terrific books on your favorites list. I agree with you about Sprinkle with Murder, such a fun cozy. I'm reading Buttercream Bumpoff right now and it's even better.
Happy New Year to you and your family. May 2011 be filled with good books, good friends, good health and much happiness.
This is one of my favorite times of year, looking back over what we've read during the year. Sometimes I find a title and think to myself, "I read that this year? Why don't I remember it?" And other times, like you mentioned, there are the books you're still thinking about, long after you finish them.
Three in particular you mention are books I've been wanting to read, Shaffer and Barrows' book as well as Hoffman's and De Rosnay's. Maybe this coming year? One can hope!
I plan to read my first Patricia Briggs' book next month. I can't wait!
I hope you have a Happy New Year, Kris!
Mary - I'm excited about the upcoming VR releases too! I'm not caught up on the series yet, but still find myself anticipating the new releases. lol! Glad you CeeCee made your favorites list too.
Kaye - Oh wow..so glad you are liking Buttercream Bumpoff even more! I have that book and it's gong to be my next read. I hope you and your family has a great 2011 too!
Literary Feline - That's exactly why I like looking back over my reads too. I'm always surprised by some that I forgot about or that I read the year before. Oh boy..I hope you like the Patrcia Braggs book! I hope you get to those other ones too.
Thanks for sharing these! I will be adding many to my TBR list.
Prof. Stacy - Oh boy..it's always fun to enable! lol! I hope you enjoy them if you do read any this year.
The Things They Carried and Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt both made my "best of" list. I loved Guernsey, too, and I'm so glad to see Paco's Story on your list. Thanks for taking part in the challenge/readalong.
Diary of an Eccentric - I'm so glad I participated in the Paco's Story read along. If I hadn't, I would have never read that story, and obviously I really liked it.
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