I didn't rake in as many books as last year, but discovered some really great ones!
My rating system:
* (1 star) It was okay. If not my cup of tea, maybe it's yours.
** (2 stars) Good. One to borrow from a friend or the library.
*** (3 stars) Very good. Well-written. Definately worth your time.
**** (4 stars) Excellent. On all levels. One for your personal library.
FAVORITE FICTION:
1. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer ****
LOVED this little book of WWII era letters! Despite being written during the most trying of circumstances, the correspondance is witty, insightful and endearing. I can't think of a better word to describe it other than delightful!
2. The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom ****
A colonial period piece chronicling the life of Lavinia, an Irish orphan who is purchased by a plantation owner and grows up with the black "kitchen house" slaves as her only family...until she reaches maturity and is promoted to the big house because of her white skin. Vacillating between the slaves she loves and her master's family, Lavinia struggles to navigate life, love, and loyalty.
3. Gods and Kings, 4. Song of Redemption, 5. The Strength of His Hand, 6. Faith of My Fathers, and 7. Among the Gods ("Chronicles of the Kings" series by Lynn N. Austin) ****
This series is just superb--the first book had me immediately hooked. It gave me such a keen sense of what it might have been like to live and worship in Israel during the reign of the kings, and the only time I'd put the book down was to look up the psalms that King Hezekiah was quoting.
8. Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay ****
Another favorite from this year! I referred to this book in a recent post because it was made into a movie, which I also enjoyed. But you HAVE to read the book! Click here to read a description of the story.
9. A Tree Grows In Brooklyn by Betty Smith ***
I had never read this classic and I'm glad I finally did. An interesting and heartbreaking coming-of-age story set during the Great Depression.
10. Indivisible by Kristen Heitzmann ****
A gripping Christian mystery that I could not put down. I immediately fell in love with the characters and all of their faults and foibles.
11. Indelible by Kristen Heitzmann ****
It includes some of the same characters from INDIVISIBLE, so read that one first and you'll appreciate this one even more. Same suspenseful tone, and just as thrilling.
12. Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum ****
This one instantly pulled me in, fascinated and repulsed me, and weeks afterwards I was still thinking about it. A WWII piece but from a German viewpoint, it's hard to stomach at times, but you can't help but soften at it's sheer humanity. Read my review here to see what I'm talking about.
FLUFFY FICTION and/or the ones that FLOPPED:
13. Dear John, 14. Safe Haven, and 15. The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks **
I enjoyed each of these for the simple fact that they were non-strenuous and sweet. Well, Dear John was bittersweet.
16. A Woman's Place by Lynn N. Austin **
An enjoyable story detailing the lives of 4 women from various walks of life, who end up working in the same shipyard during the early 1940's--all for reasons of their own.
17. True Devotion by Dee Henderson **
The widow of a Navy Seal struggles after almost drowning at sea, trying to save a boy she spots from her lifeguard stand. Her husband's best friend, also a Seal, helps her find faith and freedom in the aftermath.
18. The Still of Night by Kristen Heitzmann **
Okay, but not my favorite of hers, (probably because I'm struggling to sum up what it was really about). Ever read one of those?
19. Freefall by Kristen Heitzmann **
There were parts I liked, but I had trouble relating to the main characters, so most of it fell flat for me.
20. The Edge of Recall by Kristen Heitzmann **
This one was interestingly creepy, and I really enjoyed figuring out the bits and pieces that revealed the identity of the mystery character. But I struggled to understand the main character's obsession with labrynths and felt the end was tied up rather too neatly.
BIOGRAPHY:
21. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand ****
I read this one back in March and unabashedly proclaimed it to be my favorite book of the year! A long one and a heavy subject matter, but an easy read I found hard to put down. A truly inspiring story of survival, redemption, forgiveness and faith. READ IT!!!!!
22. The Long Walk by Slavomir Rawicz ****
The incredible account of a prison escape from Siberia, and the long trek south through the frozen forests and tundra, across the Gobi Desert, and into the Himilayas until finally reaching the lushness of northeastern India. I've discovered as I've searched reviews online that there is some debate over the authenticity of this book ...nonetheless, it is a fascinating read.
NON-FICTION:
23. The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan ****
A re-read for me from last year. This time I took notes for my own personal reference.
SPIRITUALITY:
24. A Praying Life by Paul Miller ****
I finished it last year but re-read parts because the ladies in my care group were still discussing it. Excellent and enlightening!
25. The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller ****
This is the first of his books that I've read and from what I've heard they are all excellent! I'm hoping the book club I just joined will chose The Reason for God or his new one, The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God.
26. Washed and Waiting: Reflections on Christian Faithfulness & Homosexuality by Wesley Hill ****
I will recommend this book wherever I go because I believe Wesley's story is one that desperately needs to be heard; by pastors, parents, siblings, friends, saved or unsaved, those who struggle with homosexual desires, and those that can't even fathom what that must be like. Intelligently written, with an unwavering commitment to Scripture, and yet heart-wrenchingly honest. It's a small book that you can read in a few hours. Add it to your reading list...better yet, buy your own copy because you'll want to share it!
27. Made To Crave by Lysa TerKeurst ****
In my opinion, the best book out there for those who struggle to practice self-control and good health habits. A humorous but thoroughly convicting "devotional" book that really made things click for me. I continue to go back to this one over and over.
CHILDREN'S LITERATURE:
28. Stuart Little by E.B. White **
I found portions a bit dry and outdated, but hey, it was written in 1945! Personally, I enjoyed Charlotte's Web more, and no doubt will be reading that one to Natalia soon.
29. Little House In The Big Woods, 30. Little House on the Prairie, and 31. On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder ***
I remember devouring these as a young girl. It's funny how your perspective changes once you become a mom. But, Natalia and I are both enjoying these as we read a chapter each night; we just started On the Shores of Silver Lake.
-and to end the year-
a CLASSIC:
32. Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
I'm only a few chapters in, but so far I like it. I doubt I'll finish it by tomorrow night, so you'll have to wait till next year for a rating.
***I am so excited to finally join a book club! I know it'll stretch me to read an even greater variety of genres in the coming year. The thought makes me giddy! (I know, I'm a bit strange.)
My rating system:
* (1 star) It was okay. If not my cup of tea, maybe it's yours.
** (2 stars) Good. One to borrow from a friend or the library.
*** (3 stars) Very good. Well-written. Definately worth your time.
**** (4 stars) Excellent. On all levels. One for your personal library.
FAVORITE FICTION:
1. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer ****
LOVED this little book of WWII era letters! Despite being written during the most trying of circumstances, the correspondance is witty, insightful and endearing. I can't think of a better word to describe it other than delightful!
2. The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom ****
A colonial period piece chronicling the life of Lavinia, an Irish orphan who is purchased by a plantation owner and grows up with the black "kitchen house" slaves as her only family...until she reaches maturity and is promoted to the big house because of her white skin. Vacillating between the slaves she loves and her master's family, Lavinia struggles to navigate life, love, and loyalty.
3. Gods and Kings, 4. Song of Redemption, 5. The Strength of His Hand, 6. Faith of My Fathers, and 7. Among the Gods ("Chronicles of the Kings" series by Lynn N. Austin) ****
This series is just superb--the first book had me immediately hooked. It gave me such a keen sense of what it might have been like to live and worship in Israel during the reign of the kings, and the only time I'd put the book down was to look up the psalms that King Hezekiah was quoting.
8. Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay ****
Another favorite from this year! I referred to this book in a recent post because it was made into a movie, which I also enjoyed. But you HAVE to read the book! Click here to read a description of the story.
9. A Tree Grows In Brooklyn by Betty Smith ***
I had never read this classic and I'm glad I finally did. An interesting and heartbreaking coming-of-age story set during the Great Depression.
10. Indivisible by Kristen Heitzmann ****
A gripping Christian mystery that I could not put down. I immediately fell in love with the characters and all of their faults and foibles.
11. Indelible by Kristen Heitzmann ****
It includes some of the same characters from INDIVISIBLE, so read that one first and you'll appreciate this one even more. Same suspenseful tone, and just as thrilling.
12. Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum ****
This one instantly pulled me in, fascinated and repulsed me, and weeks afterwards I was still thinking about it. A WWII piece but from a German viewpoint, it's hard to stomach at times, but you can't help but soften at it's sheer humanity. Read my review here to see what I'm talking about.
FLUFFY FICTION and/or the ones that FLOPPED:
13. Dear John, 14. Safe Haven, and 15. The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks **
I enjoyed each of these for the simple fact that they were non-strenuous and sweet. Well, Dear John was bittersweet.
16. A Woman's Place by Lynn N. Austin **
An enjoyable story detailing the lives of 4 women from various walks of life, who end up working in the same shipyard during the early 1940's--all for reasons of their own.
17. True Devotion by Dee Henderson **
The widow of a Navy Seal struggles after almost drowning at sea, trying to save a boy she spots from her lifeguard stand. Her husband's best friend, also a Seal, helps her find faith and freedom in the aftermath.
18. The Still of Night by Kristen Heitzmann **
Okay, but not my favorite of hers, (probably because I'm struggling to sum up what it was really about). Ever read one of those?
19. Freefall by Kristen Heitzmann **
There were parts I liked, but I had trouble relating to the main characters, so most of it fell flat for me.
20. The Edge of Recall by Kristen Heitzmann **
This one was interestingly creepy, and I really enjoyed figuring out the bits and pieces that revealed the identity of the mystery character. But I struggled to understand the main character's obsession with labrynths and felt the end was tied up rather too neatly.
BIOGRAPHY:
21. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand ****
I read this one back in March and unabashedly proclaimed it to be my favorite book of the year! A long one and a heavy subject matter, but an easy read I found hard to put down. A truly inspiring story of survival, redemption, forgiveness and faith. READ IT!!!!!
22. The Long Walk by Slavomir Rawicz ****
The incredible account of a prison escape from Siberia, and the long trek south through the frozen forests and tundra, across the Gobi Desert, and into the Himilayas until finally reaching the lushness of northeastern India. I've discovered as I've searched reviews online that there is some debate over the authenticity of this book ...nonetheless, it is a fascinating read.
NON-FICTION:
23. The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan ****
A re-read for me from last year. This time I took notes for my own personal reference.
SPIRITUALITY:
24. A Praying Life by Paul Miller ****
I finished it last year but re-read parts because the ladies in my care group were still discussing it. Excellent and enlightening!
25. The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller ****
This is the first of his books that I've read and from what I've heard they are all excellent! I'm hoping the book club I just joined will chose The Reason for God or his new one, The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God.
26. Washed and Waiting: Reflections on Christian Faithfulness & Homosexuality by Wesley Hill ****
I will recommend this book wherever I go because I believe Wesley's story is one that desperately needs to be heard; by pastors, parents, siblings, friends, saved or unsaved, those who struggle with homosexual desires, and those that can't even fathom what that must be like. Intelligently written, with an unwavering commitment to Scripture, and yet heart-wrenchingly honest. It's a small book that you can read in a few hours. Add it to your reading list...better yet, buy your own copy because you'll want to share it!
27. Made To Crave by Lysa TerKeurst ****
In my opinion, the best book out there for those who struggle to practice self-control and good health habits. A humorous but thoroughly convicting "devotional" book that really made things click for me. I continue to go back to this one over and over.
CHILDREN'S LITERATURE:
28. Stuart Little by E.B. White **
I found portions a bit dry and outdated, but hey, it was written in 1945! Personally, I enjoyed Charlotte's Web more, and no doubt will be reading that one to Natalia soon.
29. Little House In The Big Woods, 30. Little House on the Prairie, and 31. On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder ***
I remember devouring these as a young girl. It's funny how your perspective changes once you become a mom. But, Natalia and I are both enjoying these as we read a chapter each night; we just started On the Shores of Silver Lake.
-and to end the year-
a CLASSIC:
32. Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
I'm only a few chapters in, but so far I like it. I doubt I'll finish it by tomorrow night, so you'll have to wait till next year for a rating.
***I am so excited to finally join a book club! I know it'll stretch me to read an even greater variety of genres in the coming year. The thought makes me giddy! (I know, I'm a bit strange.)
8 comments:
I just finished Paul Miller's book this week - LOVED IT! I got it for free for the Kindle (I just have the app on my computer) and I think I will have to buy a "real" copy of this book!
I actually made it to 50 books this year, just barely, but I would say that a number of them I read just to get put on the list. I've thought about rating them as you do, but that would require annotating them, etc. Shoot, I'm happy if I just get them read! :)
Finally, congratulations on being an aunt again, and congrats to Tek as well! And I can't believe that Adam is already 3!
came your way via Danielle's blog - we have read a lot of the same books! I started 2011 with Tess and loved it. will have to check out some of these--a couple are ones I'd heard of and your description intrigues me; a couple others I've never heard of but now will have to add to my list!
I love your lists! Will be looking into more of your favorites. Unbroken was already on my list. I also read a bunch that you also read this year. (Did you see my lists on the other blog?)
wow. At the end of each year when ya'll post these lists, I feel like such a slug. When do you find time to read all these books? Are you a fast reader? I P.L.O.D. through every book I ever read. And, I'm not one for fiction as much. I gravitate toward non-fiction, so I'm grateful you included a few of those as well. Danielle suggested "My Life in France" which I did read this year and enjoyed mostly. But, to tell you how slow a reader I am, I had to renew it from the library twice! ;)
If you read "Omnivores Dilemma" you may want to read his next book which I read this year as well, "In Defense of Food."
A part from children's literature, I can't remember what else I read this year. I'm sure there was something...oh, "Give Them Grace" by Elyse Fitzpatrick...didn't finish the entire thing. The main thing I derived from my reading of it was to not grow weary of sharing the 'story' of the gospel with my children. Tell them again and again and again, in many contexts, drawing out varying aspects of the gospel as it relates to the circumstances. Overall, however, it wasn't one of my go to parenting books.
Oh..I also read (am STILL not finished) "Relationships, a Mess Worth Making" by Tripp and Lane.
I borrowed this off someone else's book shelf and WILL be buying my own copy. It.is.excellent! I cannot recommend this book enough. It will serve as a "go to" book for me in regards to relating to others in a way that is biblical and Christ honoring.
And, finally, I still have a book I borrowed from Kelly Gaynor called "Anne Bradstreet, A Guided Tour of the LIfe and Thought of a Puritan Poet." Still not entirely through it.
I have this thing about finishing books. I can't seem to do it.
hmm? ADD?
Krista, I added your blog post to "Mr. Linky." Hope that's ok. If you click on the link at the end of my post you'll see you've been connected (not just in the comments, but actual post). If you don't to be, just let me know!
I'll have to read Tess since you and Amy recommend it. Never read anything by that author!
Very impressive list, Krista!!
Karla: aside from a sheet of paper I keep in my wallet of titles to read, I store my "to read" titles on Shelfari (on my blog's sidebar). I can easily give them a star rating and file the month I finish it. It helps having the site's summaries right there when I prepare this post.
Amy: Welcome! I'll have to check out your blog!
Annette: I did see your list and got some titles! :-)
Bri: Gonna' check out that Tripp and Lane book! (Aside from devotional books, I have a hard time reading multiple books at once...so I plow through them fast.)
Danielle: Mr. Linky is not a problem at all...I forgot to go back and use it after I left my comment.
Thanks everyone! I love all the feedback!
Post a Comment