Top Five Favorite Reads of 2009

[garance]

Hey Nancy--

To answer your question, yes, the heroine is the same in both The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Girl Who Played with Fire. I really do strongly recommend them. Just received an e-mail from a sil who read both on my rec. Said she could not put them down and they kept her up nights. Cannot wait for the third installment.

 

[Liann]

I think it's a shame that some people dismiss a "serious" book as not being entertaining. Just because a book it a classic or is praised by literary critics, doesn't mean it's not a joy to read. For example, the book Beavs and I were discussing, A Confederacy of Dunces, won a Pulitzer, but I can't imagine anyone having a hard time reading it, or that they wouldn't have tears of laughter streaming down their faces during most of it. Sometimes I think we sell ourselves too short.

I never said they were boring or serious. Hope you didn't think I was saying that. Just that I tend to only read more fluffy stuff so I'm never a good contributor to these threads and I was trying to make Carrie feel better. I don't avoid the other books, just haven't heard of half of them and I have the attention span of a 2 year old when it comes to reading. I may have to look up ACOD. I usually read books by people like Crichton, Cook, Kuntz, JK, and Kathy Reichs.

p.s. I don't think the people who are saying that their list isn't as impressive as some of you alls are trying to put you guys down. I think they are genuinely feeling a little intimidated by some of the books some of you have read and feel their choices might be looked down on. Heck, I'm embaressed to share my top reads because they do not include any snow flowers, watered elephants or wooden shacks!

 

[Beavs]

I'm with TeTe. A little junk food (or in this case junk reading) is fine but one shouldn't be afraid to pick up the classics. For example, The Great Gatsby is just one of those timeless classics that is just as relevant today as the day is was written.

And yes Nancy, let the Great World Spin is a wonderful book. Colum McCann read from it at a conference I attended before it was published. I had him sign a copy of This Side of Brightness which is an awesome book. I also met Lawrence Hill at a conference. Both are amazing writers and cool people.

 

[horseshowmom]

I never said they were boring or serious. Hope you didn't think I was saying that. Just that I tend to only read more fluffy stuff so I'm never a good contributor to these threads and I was trying to make Carrie feel better. I don't avoid the other books, just haven't heard of half of them and I have the attention span of a 2 year old when it comes to reading. I may have to look up ACOD. I usually read books by people like Crichton, Cook, Kuntz, JK, and Kathy Reichs.

p.s. I don't think the people who are saying that their list isn't as impressive as some of you alls are trying to put you guys down. I think they are genuinely feeling a little intimidated by some of the books some of you have read and feel their choices might be looked down on. Heck, I'm embaressed to share my top reads because they do not include any snow flowers, watered elephants or wooden shacks!

Exactly my point!!! I feel many comments made about brain candy to question my intelligence or integrity as a person. ...that somehow I'm not as smart as another because I don't read about snow, elephants or shacks either!!! It's definitely not a matter of putting down lists of classics....or new classics....just pointing out that those of us who enjoy lighter reading aren't morons! Of course I like country music too so maybe I am hopeless!

 

[horseshowmom]

Covet was good, but I love me some brothers!!! Waiting for John Matthew in April. Did you see the cover?? Holy smokin' hotness!!!

Nan

Ooo la la!!! Can NOT wait for some John Matthew!!!!

 

[janie1234]

I'm always working so it's hard for me 2 sit down an read a good novel. However, I do LOVE audiobooks especially series. So heres my audiobook list:

1. chris grabenstein's- john ceepak and danny boyle mystery series (6 books)
2. stephanie lauren's- cynster series (16 books)
3. j.d. robb's- eve dallas & roarke series (37 books)
4. lisa gardner's - quincy/rainie series (6 books)
5. louise penny - chief inspector armand gamache series (5 books)

plus the public library is a great place 2 go to pick up audiobooks as well.

Also I found this great website that gives you most or all the searches for fiction authors and book. http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/

I love Louise Penny. Can't wait for her to come out with a new book. I'm going to have to read the others on your list. If you like Louise Penny I'm sure that your 1-4 are just as good.

The Book Theif
The Road
All Louise Penny
Neil Gaiman- The Graveyard Book, Coraline, and Neverwhere
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
The Chronicles of Narnia All in series

 

[banslug]

Jainie, The Road, hugh? I read that too. Quite different than anything else I've read.

(and like somebody else said earlier, this thread is costing me money! LOL My kids are going shopping for me tomorrow and my list of books for them to choose from is growing by each of your posts! LOL)

 

[janie1234]

3.) Tears in the Darkness: The Story of the Bataan Death March and its Aftermath by Elizabeth & Michael Norman

Oh my gosh Beaves you've read this too?! I loved this book. I bought it for my FIL and he loved it too.

 

[janie1234]

Jainie, The Road, hugh? I read that too. Quite different than anything else I've read.

(and like somebody else said earlier, this thread is costing me money! LOL My kids are going shopping for me tomorrow and my list of books for them to choose from is growing by each of your posts! LOL)

Ugh, . . .I know. My Amazon shopping cart is starting to scare me. I am being very good and risking the temptation. I've already written down a few of the books listed here and will be heading to my local library. I kinda liked The Road. I thought it was thought provoking. I'll be curious to see the movie.

 

[janie1234]

I'm with TeTe. A little junk food (or in this case junk reading) is fine.

Of course. I love anything Far Side (comics).

 

[carres1973]

I think it's a shame that some people dismiss a "serious" book as not being entertaining. Just because a book it a classic or is praised by literary critics, doesn't mean it's not a joy to read. For example, the book Beavs and I were discussing, A Confederacy of Dunces, won a Pulitzer, but I can't imagine anyone having a hard time reading it, or that they wouldn't have tears of laughter streaming down their faces during most of it. Sometimes I think we sell ourselves too short.

TeTe - I hope you weren't offended by what I said. I just feel intimidated when I see that a lot of people here are reading serious books or re-reading the classics. I have read a lot of the classics but usually don't re-read books (with one exception - The Outsiders). I think I might have a bad taste for critically acclaimed books because of my bad luck with critically acclaimed movies. I want to be "smart" in my book choices but also like to read books I don't need to think about. I have to be in the right mood to read a book I know will make me cry (as The Outsiders does).

Carrie

 

[carres1973]

I never said they were boring or serious. Hope you didn't think I was saying that. Just that I tend to only read more fluffy stuff so I'm never a good contributor to these threads and I was trying to make Carrie feel better. I don't avoid the other books, just haven't heard of half of them and I have the attention span of a 2 year old when it comes to reading. I may have to look up ACOD. I usually read books by people like Crichton, Cook, Kuntz, JK, and Kathy Reichs.

p.s. I don't think the people who are saying that their list isn't as impressive as some of you alls are trying to put you guys down. I think they are genuinely feeling a little intimidated by some of the books some of you have read and feel their choices might be looked down on. Heck, I'm embaressed to share my top reads because they do not include any snow flowers, watered elephants or wooden shacks!

That is exactly what I was thinking. I was just feelig a bit intimidated. BTW - I like a lot of the same authors. Robin Cook freaks me out a bit though. His stuff is just one step away from the truth and that is SCARY!!

Carrie

 

[maddiesmum]

Are you saying it's the same heroine in both "Girl" books? Do you recommend them highly? Sounds interesting.

Nancy:

the two books mentioned form part of the Stieg Larsson trilogy and they are FABULOUS. I have devoured both and am eagerly waiting for the third installment out soon. I'm heading to London, UK, tomorrow and I will be buying it there as my Xmas treat to myself! These are highly intelligent, literary thrillers. The protagonist, Lizbeth Salander, is central in all three books. You've never met a character like her!

You will definitely like these books. Even better on BOCD, read at a well-measured pace by Simon Vance. Check out your local library.

This trilogy, like the Laurie R. King books devoted to an updated Sherlock Holmes and his Mary Russell side kick, are books I will read many, many times in my life. Start at the beginning with The Bee Keeper's Apprentice. My faves in the series are the first volume, Justice Hall, O Jerusalem and Locked Rooms. They are a great combo of mystery, history, an investigation into humanity, and a revision of Sherlock Holmes that humanizes him and makes him far more palatable than the Conan Doyle version of the character. Intelligent, superbly written, unputdownable stuff.

Have you finished the Tess Monaghan books?

Add to this discussion the book The Dogs of Babel by Carolyn Parkhurst and you have my fave books of 2009 an 2008.

Also, any thriller/mystery written by Michael Robotham. The man is good. No "fluff" here.

Clare

 

[Beavs]

Exactly my point!!! I feel many comments made about brain candy to question my intelligence or integrity as a person. ...that somehow I'm not as smart as another because I don't read about snow, elephants or shacks either!!! It's definitely not a matter of putting down lists of classics....or new classics....just pointing out that those of us who enjoy lighter reading aren't morons! Of course I like country music too so maybe I am hopeless!

Approach a classic like you would the latest Cathe workout. It might be challenging but you'll enjoy the ride, and feel grateful afterward.

 

[lioness]

Also, any thriller/mystery written by Michael Robotham. The man is good. No "fluff" here.

Clare

Clare ~ I love Michael Robotham!

Thanks to you guys, I have 130 books on my Amazon wish list!!

 

[Beavs]

Thanks to you guys, I have 130 books on my Amazon wish list!!

Congrats. You have reached official Nerd status (a title many of us a proud of).
PS: A library card might save you some $$

 

[lioness]

Congrats. You have reached official Nerd status (a title many of us a proud of).
PS: A library card might save you some $$

Thank you! I will wear that title proudly!!!

I have a library card. In fact, the Director of our local library is a close family friend. Unfortunately we have a small library so I prefer to buy my own books, pass them around to family and then donate them to the library.

 

[Beavs]

It's great that you donate the books.

 

[carres1973]

Alright Beavs! You and TeTe wore me down. I have put A Confederacy of Dunces on my "wish list" at the library. It better be good!

Carrie

 

[nancy324]

Nancy:

the two books mentioned form part of the Stieg Larsson trilogy and they are FABULOUS. I have devoured both and am eagerly waiting for the third installment out soon. I'm heading to London, UK, tomorrow and I will be buying it there as my Xmas treat to myself! These are highly intelligent, literary thrillers. The protagonist, Lizbeth Salander, is central in all three books. You've never met a character like her!

You will definitely like these books. Even better on BOCD, read at a well-measured pace by Simon Vance. Check out your local library.

This trilogy, like the Laurie R. King books devoted to an updated Sherlock Holmes and his Mary Russell side kick, are books I will read many, many times in my life. Start at the beginning with The Bee Keeper's Apprentice. My faves in the series are the first volume, Justice Hall, O Jerusalem and Locked Rooms. They are a great combo of mystery, history, an investigation into humanity, and a revision of Sherlock Holmes that humanizes him and makes him far more palatable than the Conan Doyle version of the character. Intelligent, superbly written, unputdownable stuff.

Have you finished the Tess Monaghan books?

Add to this discussion the book The Dogs of Babel by Carolyn Parkhurst and you have my fave books of 2009 an 2008.

Also, any thriller/mystery written by Michael Robotham. The man is good. No "fluff" here.

Clare

Thanks Clare! I will follow your directions to the letter. I'm a very slow reader, so I'm only on Sugar House, but it's definitely my favorite so far. I'm reading them in order, so so far I've read Baltimore Blues, Butchers Hill, Charm City, and In Big Trouble. Thanks again for all your recommendations!