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Top 10 Books of 2009
These are the books I’ve read this year that I have enjoyed the most with a little bit about them (a teaser, if you will), because I just know that due to my recommendation you’re going to run out and read all 10.
Get excited.Prep, Curtis SittenfeldGirl goes to prep school, lots of teenage angst, a little bit of attitude towards her parents. Good writing, a little longer than your average novel.A Short History of Nearly Everything, Bill BrysonExactly what the title says – explained many things in science that I had never understood, usually in 3-5 pages per topic. Covers a LOT of ground. Easy to read a little bit and then pick up again later to read the next topic. Written by a travel/humor writer, so makes you laugh out loud.The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, Mark HaddonTells a story about a curious incident from the perspective of an autistic boy, who narrates the novel. I know I’m really behind on reading this, but I really loved it. Easy to read and super interesting.You Suck, Christopher MooreNontraditional story about vampires (hence the title), which also makes you laugh out loud. Set in San Francisco which was fun for me. Author of lots of other popular books, so you may have read some of the others.Stone Butch Blues, Leslie FeinbergSemi-autobiographical story of a transgendered woman coming of age and coming out in the 1970s. Some parts are tough to read, especially when you realize they’re based in truth. Made me want to be an advocate.The Dogs of Babel, Carolyn ParkhurstStory of a man looking for meaning in his dog (I know it sounds weird) after his wife dies, intermixed with chapters of the story of the couple meeting, dating, and falling in love. Super sad, but fantastic characters.The Meaning of Wife, Anne KingstonA historical perspective of how the meaning of a wife has changed over hundreds of years. Written from a smart-ass feminist perspective, so if that’s not your thing, you won’t enjoy it. Interesting take on things. Lots of writing in the margins.Bee Season, Myra GoldbergStory of a girl who has been completely uninteresting until she wins the school spelling bee. Family of characters who have dysfunctional relationships with each other, and separate lives that the rest of the family knows about.Testimony, Anita ShreveMy favorite author! How a scandal at a New England boarding school changes the lives of everyone directly and indirectly involved. Heart wrenching at times. Definitely made me think.The Devil in the White City, Eric LarsonJust finished this today, and have gushed about it all day. Intertwining true stories about the planning, and building of the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893 and a serial killer in Chicago at that same time. All derived from primary sources, it’s a great read and even better when you take a second to remember that it’s a true story.What are your favorite reads from this year?
Of those I've only read "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time" (and yes, it's good!). I'm really looking forward to some of the books that are on my Christmas list… I'll let you know if any are worth reading.