Last year's list of top 10 books read in 2009 was pretty well received, so I figured I'd make it a regular annual feature. I always love getting book recommendations, and enjoy sharing the incredible books I've come across. Sadly, due to a pretty short book list last year (the full list of 34 can be found in the "Reading" tab at the top of this page), and the fact that many of them just weren't that great, I could only come up with a top five this go round.
But what a fantastic top five they are!
1) A Confederacy of Dunces, John Kennedy Toole
I was initially a bit intimidated by this book. I had started reading it in college, and abandoned it a few chapters in. The main character is incredibly unlikeable upon first sight. It's certainly not a story many can relate to. But oh my heavens, is it FUNNY! I rarely laugh out loud when reading a book, but I found myself stifling giggles throughout this entire book. I was shocked that by the end of the book, I had been utterly charmed by the hapless anti-hero of the novel, Ignatius J. Reilly.
2) The Help, Kathryn Stockett
An amazing look at the racial strains in the South in the early 1960s. Everyone who has read this book loves it, and with good reason. It addresses the issues without being preachy, without lowering itself to stereotypes, and with a great deal of heart and humor.
3) The Forgotten Garden, Kate Morton
This is Kate's second appearance on as many of my top book lists, so obviously I know she is hugely honored. What can I say, the girl knows how to write a moody, haunting mystery that sticks with you. This one includes multi-generational secrets, international travel, intensely strong women, a mysterious writer, and an atmosphere that the Bronte's would envy.
4) Three Cups of Tea, Greg Mortensen
I wish that this book were required reading for anyone who wants to spout their opinions on Pakistan, Afghanistan, Muslims, or any combination thereof. It is the true story of Greg Mortensen, who made an attempt to climb K2 and stumbled sick and emaciated into a small Pakistani village, where he was welcomed in and carefully nursed back to health. Overwhelmed by the generosity of these villagers, the dirt poor nurse/climber promised that he would be back and he would build them a school. What follows is an amazingly inspirational journey as Mortensen delivers on his promise plus so much more, while getting to know the people of Pakistan. The chapter on September 11th was beautifully written, and I had to put the book down more than once to collect myself because I couldn't see through my tears. If you read NOTHING ELSE this year, please, please read this book.
5) The School of Essential Ingredients, Erica Bauermeister
This book is short and incredibly sweet, telling the story of a group of cooking class students in a small town. Each chapter focuses on one of the characters, and as the book progresses, their stories begin to intertwine and change one another's lives. It is a story of love and loss, happiness and sadness, and the descriptive passages are simply beautiful.
Honorable Mentions:
Colony, Anne Rivers Siddons
Rich in Love, Josephine Humphreys
I've been wanting to read A Confederacy of Dunces for so long! Done. Adding it to my list. It's next!
Posted by: Brittany | February 11, 2011 at 03:07 PM
I've read The Help and also Three Cups of Tea and both were phenomenal reads. I agree completely that the latter should be required reading in high school, a point when kids are so selfish and really need some perspective.
Historical fiction is my favorite genre. If you run across any more good ones I would love to hear about them!
Posted by: Regan | February 11, 2011 at 03:15 PM
Yeah! Do it! Evidently there is a statue of the main character somewhere in New Orleans??? I want to find it.
Posted by: Angela Noelle | February 11, 2011 at 03:42 PM
Have you read any Margaret George books? They're pretty epically long, but amazingly good historical fiction. I read her Henry VIII and Mary Queen of Scots, and I know she's also written one about Helen of Troy and Cleopatra.
Posted by: Angela Noelle | February 11, 2011 at 03:43 PM
Oh wow! 4/5 of your favorite books I haven't even HEARD of! I am going to add them to my goodreads to-read list. I did read The Help, though, and agree! It was a great read. My favorite book from last year was The Book Thief - have you read it? Its a unique writing style but the story is excellent.
Posted by: Melissa | February 11, 2011 at 06:10 PM
i read mary queen of scots also, great book. henry viii and cleopatra are still sitting on my shelf. alas, grad school ruins everything.
Posted by: terri | February 11, 2011 at 08:10 PM
Thanks for coming by today Angela!
This list is exactly what I need. I have not stepped foot in a library since probably 2007 and I would love to find some books to latch onto. Writing all of these down and picking one up this weekend. I'll keep you posted on what I think. :)
P.S. I didn't realize you were on Twitter, I'm slow apparently, and I'm adding you.....now.
Posted by: Sara | February 11, 2011 at 10:19 PM
i LOVED the help. it was just so good, i couldn't put it down. and 3 Cups of Tea, i liked but it was sort of slow in the middle. but still such a fascinating story.
Posted by: katelin | February 12, 2011 at 12:31 AM
Are you on Goodreads?
Posted by: Jenn | February 12, 2011 at 01:21 AM
Never mind, I sent you a friend request. :)
Posted by: Jenn | February 12, 2011 at 01:23 AM
I haven't read any of these - clearly I'm missing out! I'll have to add them to my list!
Posted by: Jen | February 14, 2011 at 03:13 AM
I am totally bringing some of these titles to my next book club meeting.
Posted by: Kate P | February 14, 2011 at 05:01 AM
I have The Help on my list to read. I'll have to move it up and read it sooner!
Posted by: Thoughts Appear | February 14, 2011 at 04:05 PM
Yeah, I've only read The Help from this list and it was an amazing book. I was so engrossed and moved by it. Cannot wait to see the movie.
Posted by: Jessica | February 15, 2011 at 03:34 AM
Well, crap. Just what I need even more books that I really want to read. If you just hadn't written about them so convincingly, I wouldn't be in this predicament. ;)
Posted by: Molly | February 16, 2011 at 02:22 AM
I can't agree more about Three Cups of Tea. I had to read it for my book club a couple of years ago, and now I recommend it to just about everyone. It's so amazing what one man accomplished (though it makes you feel like SUCH an underachiever when you read it...well...that's how it made ME feel anyway.)
Thanks for sharing your list--I think I might do a similar post soon!
Posted by: Tara | February 16, 2011 at 11:47 PM
Thanks for the recommendations! I have heard nothing but brilliant things about "The Help", and I'm definitely adding it to my list for this year. If you like funny books, I'd check out "Good Omens" by Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman - two of my favourite authors and one hilariously brilliant book :)
Posted by: Emily Jane | February 27, 2011 at 06:18 PM