I love to read. I mean, really, truly, love to read. I can't get enough of it. I can easily be up until 2:00 am so enthralled in a book that I've completely lost track of time. This can go on for several days until I finish the book. In the summer, this isn't problem because I can sleep in. During the school year, however, my alarm clock chimes in at 5:30...so by the 3rd or 4th day of this routine and I'm toast. But I can't help it. I love to read. And while I love the library, I really love to buy books. It's my vice. I suppose in the grand scheme of things, it's not a bad vice, but it sure is expensive.
Anyway, my friends are always interested in what I'm reading, and I love to talk about my latest "find". So here are my favorite books of 2010, in no particular order (because I find it hard to name favorites - other than my all time favorite, "To Kill a Mockingbird", which got me into reading in the first place).
1. Armageddon by Leon Uris
I love Leon Uris...I love historic fiction - especially anything during World War II and having to do with the Holocaust. This story takes place while the allies are helping rebuild Berlin and trying to control how much influence Russia and Communism will have. Uris' characters and their struggles are heart wrenching. He makes you ask questions you never thought of. I love him. Also read Exodus - this is a must read - and will help you understand the Israeli/Palestinian conflict that still exists today.
2. South of Broad by Pat Conroy
Pat Conroy's books are all about relationships to me - and this one is about the strong, but unlikely friendships that were built and how years later, they were crucial to their survival. That's his other constant theme - survival. But one's survival is with the help of strong relationships. Other good books by him are Prince of Tides and Beach Music.
3. Of Bees and Mist by Erick Setiawan
I love how this book is written - it reminds me of a fable. I think that's what I loved about it. It's not a page turner. I was not up until 2:00 am. It was a relaxing read every now and then. But I loved the story and I loved how it was written.
4. Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore
I learned a lot about myself. I had to question how I look at homeless people and how I would react in situations. I'm not sure I would like my reactions. I also learned a lot about my faith. I always like books that make take a good look at myself and that gives me food for thought when it comes to faith.
5. Girl With the Dragon Tattoo series by Stieg Larsson
These books are pure entertainment - very Jason Bourne-ish. Page turning, and yes - I was definitely up until 2am. I think I finished all 3 books in a week. Thankfully I waited until summer to start the series. Larsson does write about crimes against women in these books - with quite a bit of detail. Sometimes this is difficult to read - but this graphic writing only occurs a couple times in each book, and to be honest, is necessary to get the severity of these crimes across. If you have a week stomach, you can probably skip a paragraph or two and still enjoy the book.
6. Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich
With all the historic fiction and memoirs I enjoy, sometimes my brain just needs a break. The Stephanie Plum series is mindless entertainment. My best friend (also a Stephanie) has been trying to get me to read them for years....and kept telling me that I reminded her of the main character. Sadly...it's true. If I were a bounty hunter, these escapades would be mine, not this fictitious character's. I should be insulted by this comparison...but I'm too busy laughing.
7. Little Bee by Chris Cleave
This book is a slower read, but once again gives you perspective on something you probably never really thought of before. This is about a girl who came into London illegally for refuge. She tried to do everything right, but these are her bureaucratic challenges. I don't remember if this is a true story or not...
8. Getting the Pretty Back by Molly Ringwald
Cute, easy read. She's not a brilliant writer by any means. But it's just a book reminding females to take care of themselves and enjoy themselves. Everything from wine to cheese to a good pair of jeans. Good music to good books to having courage to meet new people and take new adventures. A nice "feel good" book. I actually bought it as a Christmas present and then decided to read it first (I bought a new copy as a gift, don't worry!)
9. Half Broke Horse by Jeannette Walls
This book is about the author's grandmother, who was mentioned in her first memoir, The Glass Castle (also a Must Read). Her grandmother was quite the independent female, especially for her time. A smart, feisty spirit, she was capable of anything. Great memoir.
10. Beneath a Marble Sky by John Shors
I actually read this about 5 or so years ago and loved it. It's one of my favorites ever. It is about the family that actually had the Taj Mahal built, so part of the reason I love it is that it explains some of the architecture of that amazing monument. But it's also a love story. And a story about a family's turmoil. And a story of the daughter's decisions that she has to make throughout her life. Beautiful.
I hope you enjoy these books as much as I have. I'm always looking for new reads, so please send me ideas, too! Happy New Year!!
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