Julie's List : Top Books of 2010

I can't believe it's almost the end of 2010 and I've been working like a dog. Since it's that time of year again, it's yet again time for our Top 10 Lists. I'm on my 55th book for the year as I'm doing this list, so I guess it could be edited if the books I read between now and 12/31 deserve being on the list.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett: One of the most moving books I have read in a very long time. Such a wonderful portrayal of the relationships between the black and white communities in a small town. Review

The Tale of Halycon Crane by Wendy Webb: A wonderful spooky tale. One of my favorite books of the year. Review

This Must Be The Place by Kate Racculia: A great character driven debut novel. This author is someone I will be looking for in the future. Review

The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott by Kelly O'Connor McNees: For fans of Little Women, this is the book that sheds some fictional light on the author. Review

The Distant Hours by Kate Morton: A book about finding out who you are in the midst of unraveling a mystery. An outstanding historical fiction novel. Review

Caught by Harlan Coben: An outstanding psychological thriller, that keeps you guessing until the very end. Review

The Girl Who Chased The Moon by Sarah Addison Allen: I always look forward to Ms. Addison-Allen's books and this one was just wonderful. She never disappoints. Review

Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin: I devoured this book the minute I got it. It made me laugh and cry. Review

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larssen: Review

First Family by David Baldacci: I just loved this book for reasons why I love all Baldacci books: You just never know where the story will end up. Review

I have to say 2010 has been an excellent book year for me. Sure there were books that I read that were disappointing but that's normal. I really can't do a bottom of the pile list since there aren't any books that really sucked.

I already have some great reads ready for 2011 and 2010 isn't even over!

Here's wishing you a wonderful 2011.

Bottom of the Bunch

The rest of the girls don't have anything to add to this post, but I have a couple of books I could have done without this year, and what kind of friend would I be if I didn't warn you?  

The Cart Before The Corpse by Carolyn McSparren:  Review

Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny:  Review

I might be tempted to try another Louise Penny book, but then again maybe not.  And while I didn't care for Hunger Games (Review), in no way does it grace the bottom of the pile...

Jenn's List: Top Books of 2010

As 2010 draws to a close, the time has come for us girls to tell you our favorite books of the year.  As I look over my read list, I'm pleased to see I've been reading more this year ~not as much as when I had a lunch hour before I became a stay-at-home-mom, but steadily increasing as my daughter is older and more independent.


ASLEEP by Wendy Raven McNair:  This is the first book in a trilogy by a self-published author and it's an amazing series so far.  It's YA super hero story with a strong, female, African-American hero.  (Review) AWAKE, the second book in the trilogy, is also tops on my list. (Review) Again I cannot recommend this series enough.  You really must read it!

The Liar's Lullaby by Meg Gardiner:  This is the third book in her Jo Beckett series. In this installment, forensic psychiatrist Jo Beckett is called on to do a psychological autopsy of a country singing diva to determine murder, suicide, or conspiracy.  (Review)  If you love thrillers, you must try her books.  (China Lake is the first book in her Evan Delaney series and The Dirty Secrets Club is the first book in the Jo Beckett series.)

This Must Be The Place by Kate Racculia: A sixteen-year-old, un-mailed postcard launches a story of uncovering, recovery, and self-discovery in this debut novel.  I don't usually read contemporary fiction, but I loved this one! (Review)

Columbine by Dave Cullen:  This was my non-fiction read of the year.  It's an incredible case study of an horrific event that changed the face of education. (Review)

The Girl Who Chased The Moon by Sarah Addison Allen:  A little food and a little magic, there is really no one who compares to Sarah Addison Allen. (Review) All her books are hard-cover-must-haves for me and I anxiously await her March 2011 book, The Peach Keeper.  

Ice Cold by Tess Gerritsen: This is in the middle of the Rizzoli & Isles series, that the new TNT show is based on. I loved this book and the TV show, so I think I'm going to have to go back and read this thriller series from the beginning! (Review)

Virals by Kathy Reichs: This is forensic anthropologist Reichs' new YA series. It's an updated Nancy Drew with a paranormal twist. If you like her books but find them a little heavy, this is like reading Reichs-lite! (Review)

Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel: I was a little "vamped" out, but this book made me fall in love with vampires all over again. I can't wait for the next book in the series due out in June 2011! (Review)

In the Woods by Tana French: This was a great case study in how are experiences impact our per eption and shape our future. I adored the rich detail and will be reading more from French this year, I hope.  (Review)

The Icing on the Cupcake by Jennifer Ross: I don't often enjoy a book where the protagonist starts off as unlikeable, but this was so well done, that I couldn't help but learn to love her as Ansley found her way in the world.  (Review)

I am excited about a new year of reading (yes, I'm nerdy, but we knew that,) and I hope that Roof Beam Reader's 2011 TBR Challenge will help me get to more books this year.

Wishing you a happy, healthy New Year filled with good books.
Happy Reading!

~Jenn