The end of the year seems to be a popular time for "Best of" Lists. I couldn't miss the opportunity to make my own Best List. Of course mine is going to be all about books. Of the 109 books I've read in 2010, 24 of them received a 4 or 5 star rating. Looking back over those, 6 rose to the top as my choice for Best Books Read in 2011. Since not all of these books were published in 2011, this is not technically a Best Books of 2011 list, but a Best Books Read in 2011 list.
Pam's 6 Best Books of 2011
When Elephants Dance by Tess Uriza Holthe - A powerful debut novel that will not leave the reader unaffected. One of three books I read in 2011 that received a perfect 5 stars.
Never Let Me Go by Ishiguro Kazuo - A stunner of a book. People either love it or hate. I loved it so much it was the second book to receive 5 stars in 2011.
Moonflower Vine by Jetta Carleton - A very good story, simply told! The third and final book of 2011 to receive 5 stars.
Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks - The 2012 Reading Across RI (RARI) winner! Brooks is a master at evoking time and place.
Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon- A very original story with characters I came to care deeply about. Thanks to Sue of Book by Book for the recommendation.
Greyhound by Steffan Piper - Best book you've never heard of and might have a hard time finding. But it's worth the effort to try.
2011 was a pretty good book year for me. While I managed to read 12 more books in 2011 than I did in 2010 and I rated 24 of them 4 or 5 stars, I didn't really read any books that WOWed me. I haven't read any books that blew me away since 2009, which was a blockbuster year for me. How about you? What are your top books of 2011? I'd love to hear from you. After all 2012is just around the corner and I can always use some recommendations.
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7 comments:
None of the books I read this year were actually published this year (other than the new Mo Willem's book, which I highly recommend.)
Hi, Pam -
Nice to see you back in the Blogosphere...and thanks for the shout-out! The Story of Beautiful Girl was one of my favorites read this year, too, and I loved meeting the author.
Wow, you read over 100 books in 2011? That's impressive! I haven't done my final 2011 count yet (2 days still to go!), but I usually end up somewhere around 70-80 books in a year. Did your break from blogging give you more reading time? It's so hard to find the right balance. I know I probably spend too much time online!
I will definitely look into some of your other top picks - I know you have high standards!
Hope you are enjoying a nice holiday break with your family!
Sue
Pam, I read never let me go and loved it, I havent read the others on your list, but think I probably should!
I loved Moonflower Vine too and Never Let Me Go was a favorite from years back. great reading!
The Night Circus, State of Wonder, The immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Out Stealing Horses, Cutting for Stone
Enjoyed more, but these were probably most enjoyable.
I have missed you!
I think the only one of your 5 star books I've even heard of was Never Let Me Go. I need to read A LOT more.
Happy New Year! And Happy Reading!! :)
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