As most of you know, I am a very passionate reader. I keep a detailed list of what I read each year and like to catalog and review each one in an on-line account. I think this must mean I have some serious nerdy tendencies, or perhaps that I am just a former librarian turned mom. Anyhow, at the end of the year I like to see what general themes I've been drawn towards. Out of the 38 books I completed last year, here are the highlights of those that I would strongly recommend. The items with an asterisk are non-fiction titles.
1.
My Life in France by Julia Child *
Oh Julia, after reading your book I really feel like we would have made the best of friends . . .
2.
Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger
3.
A Natural History of the Senses by Diane Ackerman *
I've read this book at least three times now. I have favorite passages highlighted. I don't think it will resonate with everyone, but I just love Ackerman's writing style.
4.
Gertrude Bell: Queen of the Desert, Shaper of Nations by Georgina Howell *
Why don't we learn about bold women explorers like this in our history classes?
5.
Catching Fire and
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
I couldn't put either of these down. I can't wait for Collins to complete her Young Adult trilogy.
6.
They Poured Fire on Us from the Sky: The true story of three lost boys from Sudan by Alephonsion Dena and Judy A. Bernstein *
7.
The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner *
Part travel writing, part psychology, lots of humor . . .
8.
The American Revolution: A History by Gordon S. Wood *
9.
The Forgotten Garden: A Novel by Kate Morton
This is the type of book I long for but rarely find. It is infused with mystery, romance, adventure, strong female characters, and fairy tales. Sometimes multigenerational novles can be confusing, but Morton's book was easy to follow. I especially recommend the audiobook format for its superb narration.
10.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
11.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
I know it's shocking, but this was my first time to read the classic. I love Austen's wit.
What are you reading? I'd love to know your recommendations!
Persy is mad in this picture because she wanted to lean dangerously out the window of the boat and mean old mommy wouldn't let her. The boat ride was really rough and each time we jumped into the air Persy would squeal, "Wheeeee!!!!"
Jared and Sade
Persy signing "dog."
We walked down the steps from the restaurant where we ate and had the beach to ourselves. Persephone was delighted by the sand and waves.
We ate scrumptiously fresh fish and conch from a beach side restaurant.
