MY FAVORITE 2009 READS

A friend suggested that I publish a "Best Books of 2009" list, since everyone else does. The only problem is I didn't read every book published in 2009, or even half the ones I wanted to. So my "best of" list is really just the best books I read this year ... ta da! "My Favorite 2009 Reads!"

I also didn't think it would be fair to name the book and author without giving a clue as to what it is about, but I didn't want to get into lengthy descriptions, so I limited myself to a brief sentence (loosely put), and it ended up being kinda fun. So click on "Read More" below and comment on your favorite 2009 reads.  And the photo to the left, me at the SMU Twirling School in 1965, has absolutely nothing to do with anything.

FICTION (Published in 2009)

1.     The Help by Kathryn Stockett - Winner - Best Book Of The Year!!

Southern maids during 1960’s.

2.     The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

Story of racecar driver, well-told by his dog.

3.     Netherland by Joseph O'Neill

How it feels to be an immigrant in NYC.

FICTION (Read But Not Published in 2009)

1.     The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman 3rd Runner Up - Best Book Of The Year!!

Delightful, sweet ghost story.

2.     The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay

Beautifully written story about a South African child.

3.     Geek Love by Katherine Dunn

      Bizarre, fascinating family of circus freaks.

4.     Ava’s Man by Rick Bragg

Country family – spare but special.

NON-FICTION (Published in 2009)

1.     Lit by Mary Karr  1st Runner Up - Best Book Of The Year!!

Journey out of alcoholism - the writing is golden.

2.     Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

People are exceptional because of lucky circumstances.

3.     Zeitoun by Dave Eggers

One hero from the New Orleans flood

4.     What Would Google Do by Jeff Jarvis

      More info about the web in the first 50 pages than I’ve learned in 10 years.

5.     The Man Who Loved China by Simon Winchester

Fascinating, interestingly told stories about China.

6.     Born to Run by Christopher McDougall

Crazy people who run 100's of miles, non-stop.

7.     Losing Mum and Pup by Christopher Buckley

Delicious and funny eulogy to his mom and dad.

8.     Columbine by Dave Cullen

A tragedy that could have easily been prevented.

NON-FICTION (Read But Not Published in 2009)

1.     Exploring the Big Bend Country by Peter Koch

Early development of Big Bend – cool, interesting.

2.     Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell

Hilarious account of vacation dedicated to assassinated Presidents.

MYSTERY (Published in 2009)

1.     Await Your Reply by Dan Chaon

A good and convoluted psychological thriller.

2.     Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

Somebody kills the family – daughter tries to solve – good writing.

MYSTERY (Read But Not Published in 2009)

1.     Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

Murder and sickos, but you love them and it anyway.

2.     Past Caring by Robert Goddard

Mesmerizing English mystery, keeps you guessing.