Best Books of 2011

I tend to spend a lot of my commute reading. Which is good because I am wholly in love with books and have been ever since I first read “But Not the Hippopotamus” by Sandra Boynton. As a result, I wanted to share a list of the best books I’ve read in 2011. I want to be clear: these are not books necessarily released in 2011, they are just the ones I read this year. Because those are the only ones I can judge.

Best Books of 2011

1. Before Ever After by Samantha Sotto

“Before Ever After” is an unconventional love story. It’s not sickeningly sweet but depicts with complete accuracy the little things that make you fall in love. I loved the story and have shared the book with numerous friends.

2. The Psychopath Test by Jon Ronson

This book was a really interesting look at how psychopaths move and operate amongst us. Typically we think of psychopaths as people who are destined to slice up their family but there is so much more to it than that. For the record, after reading this book, I’m pretty sure I know two psychopaths. Only two. But it’s still creepy.

3. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (and Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling

You may know Mindy Kaling from her work playing Kelly on The Office. She also writes for and produces the show. And now she has a book (don’t you kind of hate her a little?). Kaling made me laugh repeatedly in the first ten pages of the book. I don’t think I’d ever have the energy to keep up with her but I loved the book and would buy it for @L8enough if I were getting her a gift this year.

4. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

A special shout out to @Meegsie for convincing me to read this book. I was initially intrigued by it but has heard that it was a bit descriptive. Since baby brain has rendered me unable to pay attention for long periods of time, I thought I should wait to read it. How I would have missed out if I’d taken my own advice. The book was quiet and haunting, like a melody I couldn’t catch all the notes of. I kept wanting more of this book. I was wholly enchanted from start to finish. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

5. The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

How I had never read this book before this year, I have no idea. David (who almost never reads) loves it so much he pestered me for years to read it. I finally caved and found myself transported to a complex, completely accurate portrait of life. No person is just one thing. Follett does an excellent job creating a world of three dimensional characters with intricate motivations and lives.

6. Best Kept Secret by Amy Hatvany

Alcoholism is often a taboo subject that is not well understood by the larger public. Often alcoholism is seen as a failure of will or a poor moral structure. The issues that go with addition are not nearly that simple. I’m grateful that @AmyHatvany did such a striking job capturing all the emotional, psychological, physical and social aspects that accompany addiction. The book packs an emotional punch as it examines a tough, often misunderstood topic. As of December 30, I’ll have gone a year without a drink. Which means, for those of you counting, I went dry before I was pregnant. I’m planning to stay dry after the baby is born for lots and lots of reasons. I’d love to see more people actively working to understand how addiction affects all types of people, even those you might not expect.

Books I’m Looking Forward to in 2012

1. The Ruins of Us by Keija Parssinen

Set to release on January 17, 2012 I already have pre-ordered this book. I’m so excited to read the debut novel by the lovely and talented Keija Parssinen that I can hardly stand it. Hurry, go pre-order it too so we can stay up all night discussing it.

2. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

Because: hell, yeah.


What did you read this year? Any books I should add to my 2012 list?