Favorite Reads of 2011: A Mid-Year Review

When I was a child I was told that as I grew older the years would begin to flash before my eyes, rushing past so quickly that I'd barely have time to grasp the subtleties that presented themselves before me.  While I agree that time seems to be more hurried, I also have days that seem to (so wonderfully) stretch before me.  Some of these days I'm busy getting in all the things I can't do when working, or spending time with my loved ones, but sometimes I get the chance to sit and read for as long as I wish.

Because I featured my favorite reads at the close of the following year, I felt it only right to provide a little mid-year review of six titles that I just couldn't put down.  I'm also excited to share that I've already read three books more than I did in all of 2010.  Goals!

1. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

Mysteries and secrets.  Secrets and mysteries.  I'm kidding, but this novel sucked me in.  I distinctly remember my boyfriend having to pull me out of the groove of the couch I found myself in after not getting off the thing for hours.  In the end, you still have questions.  It was dark and fascinating and an awesome thriller.  All hands for The Thirteenth Tale.

2. The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

I don't know if any of you remember, but a while back, Brenna from Literary Musings and I decided to host a little read-along.  The book was a little slow in the beginning, but I soon found that I didn't want to stop reading once I began the second half.  We got some great participation and were able to share our opinions and questions, which made the read even more enjoyable.  Edith Wharton is seriously amazing.

3. Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran

Another book that I couldn't peel my hands from and one that I mention as a "must read" to any bookworm I encounter.  I have this thing for historical fiction (as you probably already know) and thought this was perfectly entertaining and informative.  The cover art not so much.

4. The Bird Sisters by Rebecca Rasmussen

I know, I know. I haven't managed to post a review on this one yet.  But it has definitely been one of the best reads of 2011.  The storyline was not quite what I expected and made the novel that much better.  Maybe Milly and Twiss are described as old women who nurse birds back to health, but this title holds so much more.  I found Rasmussen's language authentic and engaging.  I strongly encourage giving this title a chance!

5. The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent

I finished this novel last night.  And loved it.  I refused to give it up upon finding that the beginning was a little slow.  In the end, I am so glad I stuck with it because not only did I enjoy the historical element of the storyline, but I also really enjoyed the raw expression of emotions and the landscape Kent so delicately describes.  I didn't want this one to end.  

6. Shakespeare by Bill Bryson

Ok, so maybe I read this one during haze that follows the extraction of my wisdom teeth, but somehow I was able to remain attentive enough to finish the whole thing in a sitting.  Bryson is increasingly becoming a go-to when it comes to learning while laughing.


So close to making the list: The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath & The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Anne Barrows

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Classics Challenge Reading List

A month or so ago I mentioned participating in the 2011 Classics Challenge hosted by Sarah Reads Too Much.  I wanted this challenge to really force me to read things that have been sitting on my shelves collecting dust.  And while it's been difficult picking and choosing, I think I finally narrowed it down.

Classics Challenge list:

1. A banned book- The Jungle by Upton Sinclair

I know!  Can you believe I haven't read this one?  I'm stealing it from J and getting through it.  Must be done.

2. A book with a wartime setting- Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky

I started this novel earlier in the year, but set it aside for another title.  This time I vow to finish it.

3. A Pulitzer Prize Winner- The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

I really enjoyed Ethan Frome and have had numerous conversations about the value of Wharton's work. This one was on the list without a doubt.  And to prove that fact-- I'll admit that this is the only novel on the list that I actually have to purchase.

4. A Children's/Young Adult classic- The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis

I remember reading these as a child.  Somehow I don't remember too many details.  I thought the first book in a seven book series might be just the break I need from all the massive commitments I'm making in the literary world.  Plus, if I'm transported to the time when I did nothing but play in the woods surrounding my home with my three brothers, I have six more to really feel like a kid again!

5. 19th century classic- Dead Souls by Nikolai Gogol

Ah, Gogol.  As a lover of Russian literature, I am quite ashamed to admit I've never read any of his work.  Dare I also admit to a literary life devoid of Pushkin, as well? Yes, a true sin.  Bumping George Eliot's Middlemarch off the list, Gogol is a must this year.

6. 20th century classic- The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Another book I started and never finished because of other reading commitments.  I have always enjoyed Plath's poetry and knew that I couldn't respect myself until I finished this classic.

7. A book that should be considered a 21st century classic- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

I've heard time and again that The Book Thief is a favorite by young and old.  Projected to be a classic in years to come, I threw it on the list because I've heard great things, and because I thought it might be another to calm me down while juggling the book club meetings, the volunteer positions and the maintenance of a social life.

8. Re-read a book from your high school/ college classes- Of Love and Other Demons by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

I will say, and perhaps you'll never forgive me, but I've never favored Marquez.  I read this, as well as, One Hundred Years of Solitude, which I absolutely detested, in college.  However, I thought I'd pick this novel up and try again.

I feel my list offers diversity, and will be nothing less than entertaining and informative.

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Top Ten Books I'd Love To See Under My Tree

With the holidays just around the corner you're sure to get a few presents under the tree.  However, as I've gotten older, I've noticed less packages (oh! how I miss the beautiful wrapping and delicate ribbons) and more cards with little tabs for cards or money. Often times, a card and cash are just safe gifts- you really can't go wrong.  That being said, it's likely that I won't receive a single book in my gift haul. (Although, my Grandmother did give me a splendid cookbook when we had Christmas this past weekend.)
That's ok, though- I love to buy my own books.  I'm picky when it comes to the condition; not to mention, I believe if you're shopping for me, you should at least be able to check my updates on goodreads!

Nonetheless, here are 10 titles that I'd love to receive from the big guy in red:

1. Dreams Of My Russian Summers: A Novel by Andrei Makine

My Dearest Russia- one day I will venture to your beautiful borders.  Until then, I'll read about it. 

2. Then We Came to the End by Joshua Ferris

I love his short stories.  Now I want to see the novel. 

3. The Cloudspotter's Guide: The Science, History and Culture of Clouds by Gavin Pretor- Pinney

I love clouds.  I love watching the clouds.  I love taking picture of clouds and making sense of the shapes they make while drifting past.  I heard it's based on a real life cloud lovers society-- and I think that's just  neat. 

4. Faithful Place by Tana French

I'm not usually into suspense and thrillers, but I've heard great things. Plus, it's based in Ireland. I love Ireland.

5. The Four Fingers of Death by Rick Moody

 I featured this title on my most anticipated reads of 2010.  Didn't get it, still want it.

6. The Cookbook Collector by Allegra Goodman

 It was recently listed on the Millions website as one of the top reads of the year.  I need it.

7. The Possessed: Adventure with Russian Books and the People Who Read Them by Elif Bautman

Really?  You already know why I NEED this one.

8. The Diaries of Sofia Tolstoy by Sofia Tolstoy

Yep, again.  Plus, I have this thing for Tolstoy.  We shouldn't speak if you only have ill things to say.  Really.

9. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

I haven't seen a bad reveiw yet.  I usually trust those reviews.  It's a win/win.

10. Dewey's Nine Lives: The Legacy of the Small Town Library Cat Who Inspired Millions by Vicki Myron

When I made the decision to move in with my darling, J, I also adopted two beautiful babies: Stevie and Shirley (they're cats FYI).  My love for cats has grown from nothing to may-we never-be-parted. Ever.  I want this book that lifts the load, and reminds you that cats are cuddly and affectionate and everything humans are not.  The end. 

If I don't find these under the tree, no biggie; I'm about to start a whole new year of Thrify Book Finds!  Happy Holidays, bookworms! :)  Many thanks to The Broke and The Bookish for another great Top Ten Tuesday!

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