Friday, December 11, 2009

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.

2 comments:

  1. thanks SueAnn - this is helpful - and I have read non of the books that you have so thanks

    Randi

    ReplyDelete
  2. and I love this picture of you :-)

    ReplyDelete