Monday, January 10, 2011

The Reader

 
I think I have a problem.

On Friday I got back from our library's book sale and went to put the 5 books I bought on my shelf. Then I saw them. All the books I've bought in the last year or so that I have yet to read. All the books that I can't wait to read. All the books that other people have recommended, and then I've found at a thrift store for only a dollar or so. That's the 20 books on the left there. And then there's the four books to the right that I've read before but I really want to re-read.


Yes, I love to read, always have, always will. My mom is the same way and her mom was as well. 3 out of 4 of my kids are avid readers too.  I had to laugh because this year I was talking to Mark about a trip I was thinking about taking and he said, "As long as you have a diet Dr. Pepper and a book to read you'll be happy anywhere." He knows me so well.


I wanted to list some of my favorite books from this year, because like all good things, books are even better when shared!
Half Broke Horses: A True-Life Novel
 
If you liked The Glass Castle (I loved it!) then you'll really enjoy this true story of Jeanette Walls' grandmother.


Outliers: The Story of Success


A fascinating look at what factors can affect success.


The Help
I'm sure you've all heard of this one and if you haven't read it already you really should...it is that good.
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption 
 An amazing true story from WWII, I could not put it down over Christmas Break. 
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks 
Another true story that I found so interesting. So many medical advances have come because of Henrietta Lacks...and she never even knew it.
Still Alice 
The heart-wrenching story of a woman who suffers from early-onset Alzheimers.
The Invisible Bridge (Vintage Contemporaries)
Love story set during WWII (a favorite topic of mine). Definitely long (over 600 pages) but filled with so much rich detail.

Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust

An unbelievable true story from the genocide in Rwanda. I think one of the reasons I like to read non-fiction or historical fiction is because I learn so much about different historical events that I wouldn't otherwise know. Definitely the case with this book.

Even though I obviously have a lot of books I'm excited to read I'd still love to hear more recommendations. What are the best books you read this year?

7 comments:

JasonDebbie said...

Unfortunately my favorite book is people magazine. :) I wish I could get into reading, It would probably make me smarter!

The Stephens Family said...

I always love a list of good book recommendations - thank you!! I've already read and enjoyed several of them and a few more are in my "stack" as well. I gave Unbroken to Matthew for Christmas... guess I'm going to have to steal it from him, which won't be a problem because he's definitely NOT a reader. Did you read Seabiscut? Loved that one too. I just finished reading The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton and really enjoyed it - maybe you'd like it as well.
Happy Reading (if you can find the time!),
Melissa
P.S. It was so fun seeing the Richardsons...wish all those music maker kids were still together. Matt and Jason are still great friends, and I'm grateful for that!

cbo said...

Thanks for the list! I am always looking for a good book.

Michelle Burk said...

Maybe your next blog should be a book blog... Looks like you could post daily without any problem. Good recommendations.

The Michiganders said...

My favorite book this year was "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society". Absolutely loved it and then I made my hubby read it and my sisters....

It is like you read my mind--been lookng for a good book. Been kinda busy so of these books, what was your most favorite. I need one that is not too depressing and sad--as living in Michigan in winter already gets you feeling like that.

Alisa said...

I love reading, too! And I have a tall stack of books by the side of my bed waiting ....... waiting ...... waiting ....for me to get around to reading them. So glad to know I'm not the only one! I'm also glad to get some of your recommendations. I'll have to add them to my stack! :) Sorry to say that I don't have any recommendations for you that I've read---although I've had quite a few friends recommend Cassandra Clare's Immortal Instruments series (they're in my stack).

k8theriver said...

hey, i just came across your blog in a VERY random way.
anyway, i have a similar stack of books. i don't recommend edgar sawtooth. it is the story of othello...so, not so happy.
and i LOVE your new beginnings invites! too bad angela is leaving. that'll be a big hole to fill.