2011 isn’t quite done yet, but I know that my reading time will probably be somewhat diminished over the next 25 days. This year, I set a goal for myself to read 60 books (it was 52 last year, though I actually finished 62) and when I finish my current book, that goal will be met! This of course does not include random little reads I’ve picked up like camping books and crafting books and cookbooks and it also doesn’t include anything I re-read including about 5 of Susan Elizabeth Phillip’s books. I am incredibly grateful that our local libraries have kept their excellent levels of content, particularly audio, even in face of massive budget cuts.
I went through my list (I’m on GoodReads and Shelfari if you’re interested) and was pretty surprised to notice that out of the 60+ books I read this year just a handful were non-fiction. I really enjoy non-fiction – good non-fiction that is but I think it’s hard for me to find. So much of the “non-fiction” out there is so politically slanted one way or the other, it’s hard for me to get into it. I don’t really do politics, don’t’ really like politics and that kills off many possible reads in the non-fiction sector for me. I am also in some ways reluctant to read non-fiction because of the things that have happened with some non-fiction authors like Greg Mortenson. I really enjoyed his books and I as bummed and felt swindled when I learned that his non-fiction was really mostly fiction anyhow. But I’m determined to try and find some more good non-fiction and read it in 2012.
But enough about next year. Here are my superlatives for 2011:
Favorite Fiction Book: This is a toss-up between Bumped and Call Me Irresistible. Bumped is a futuristic YA fiction novel about a time when folks over 25 can no longer have kids and so they pay teenagers to procreate for them either as pros or amateurs. Call Me Irresistible is Susan Elizabeth Phillip’s latest offering, the story of a hometown hero who gets dumped at the alter and the girl who is seen to be responsible for handing the runaway bride her Nikes. Honorable mention to Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand, Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society and any of Maeve Binchy‘s books (Scarlet Feather, Quentin’s, Nights of Rain and Stars, Heart and Soul and Minding Frankie).
Favorite Non-Fiction Book: NurtureShock was a wonderfully insightful book on child-rearing and the scientific advancements in what we know about children. It was very well written and fun to read. Honorable mention goes to The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.
Most Read Author: J.D. Robb – I read 10 books from the In Death series and enjoyed each thoroughly.
Most Enjoyed Author: Thanks to my mom, I rediscovered Maeve Binchy this year and read through 5 of her restful novels filled with amazing characters just in the last few months (no mean feat as they can be LONG), and of course Susan Elizabeth Phillips who is a perennial favorite of mine.
Most Overrated Book: I was told by more than one person that I would adore The Postmistress, but it did nothing for me. It seemed needlessly depressing and like it was trying too hard to be deep. Or perhaps I’m just shallow. I did finish it though.
Book I Just Couldn’t Finish: Two spring to mind: The Wilder Life, which is the story of a woman’s quest to find the lost world of the Little House books, I found to be rambling and poorly-edited. The author goes through page after page of disbelief that the books weren’t really true and the timelines that are incorrect and on and on. I put it down about halfway through and don’t think I’ll resume it. Don’t Lets Go to the Dogs is another one I put down … it was long enough ago that I don’t remember much about it. I just remember it being chaotically written and kind of depressing.
Most Anticipated Books of 2012: I can hardly wait to read Thumped, the sequel to Bumped, due out on April 24, 2012 (and already pre-ordered for my Kindle). I am also eagerly anticipating the release of Susan Elizabeth Phillip’s new book, The Great Escape, due out in July 2012 – it will be a sort of sequel to Call Me Irresistible, the story of the runaway bride. As a footnote, I am super excited to check out the new Hunger Games film in March … they look like they’re doing it up right.
I’d love to hear any recommendations you have, particularly for good non-fiction reads. I’ll try almost anything!
I am very much enjoying My Korean Deli. The author has such a way with words.
I read that too! It was really enjoyable. Surprisingly, I enjoyed his anecdotes about working at that literary magazine as much as the stuff about the store! I’m reading The Peach Keeper right now. I think it’s one you would like.