The Readers discussion

My favorites published this year(in no particular order):







My favorite published previously:

My five-star books read (but not necessarily published) in 2011 were:

The Sparrow
The Sparrow, which I heard Ann Kingman (and others) rave about, and I was not disappointed.

The Filter Bubble
The Filter Bubble - thought-provoking and just a little unsettling.

The Arrival
The Arrival - I read this with my mum, sitting side-by-side and turning the pages together, amazing to have that shared experience again as an adult. Incredibly moving book and wonderful artwork.

How People Lived
How People Lived - This was a gift for my six year old nephew. It's that lovely rare thing - a picture book that can be enjoyed over and over for many hours, and for years to come. And, just as much fun for the grownups as for the kids.

Galore
Galore - this was my very favourite book that I read in 2011 and probably one of my favourites of all time. Loved loved loved this.

my favorites published this year:

Yeah, I know all of these didn't come out this year, but these were the best books I read this year.

I rarely read books the first year they are released. Here are the ones that I rated 4.5 or5 stars in 2011:

I tend to read lots of military books along with fiction so many of my 5 stars reads were military so I won't mention them here but some of my favs were:

Ok, so I did say I would avoid the military books but there is one in particular that I think might appeal to many. I told my mom (who does not read military non-fic) and she really loved it. It was a 5 star read for me in 2011.

Like Joanne, I don't tend to read that much new fiction, but surprisingly enough three of the five were published this year! And I was proud of myself that I narrowed my list down to just five, it was hard!

"The Stranger's Child," by Alan Hollinghurst (this was mentioned on The Readers, and I didn't realize I had it on my TBR pile from a few months back!) I ended 2011 on a very high note! Hollinghurst is a new to me author, can't wait to read his other books! This was nearly a perfect.

"The Art of Fielding" by Chad Harbach-an incredible debut novel, and no, you don't have to like baseball to love this book! :-)

"The Sojourn" by Andrew Krivak-another WWI book, a very small novel that packs a wallop. It was fabulous, and I thought it should have won the National Book Award, although I admit, I didn't read the book that won.

"In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote-I read this around the same time of year the Clutter murders happened. Your imagination can run wild in early November-cold, bleak, dark....this has stayed with me since I closed the book.

"My Cousin Rachel" by Daphne du Maurier-I didn't think I could like something more than "Rebecca," but this comes VERY close. Simon did a fabulous job describing it on the podcast. I wish, wish, wish I could find another book similar to Rachel and Rebecca. Any suggestions? I started "Jamaica Inn" and just wasn't that into it.

I'm hoping to read The Art of Fielding this year. I keep seeing it pop up everywhere! :)

Boxing Day is my new favorite of the holidays. After all the craziness, one is free to just lay around all day reading. I've never appreciated it so much.

Here are my 5 favorites from 2011 (at least I think they were published last year):

Joanne wrote: "I rarely read books the first year they are released. Here are the ones that I rated 4.5 or5 stars in 2011:

[bookcove..."

Joanne, I'm glad to see The Bells on your list. I bought it a couple of weeks ago and I have been wanting to read it since Michael of BOTNS gave it such a glowing review!

Chris wrote: "Like Joanne, I don't tend to read that much new fiction, but surprisingly enough three of the five were published this year! And I was proud of myself that I narrowed my list down to just five, it ..."

Chris, what a great list. I have The Strangers Child in my TBR pile and you just inspired me to move it up. I already had My Cousin Rachel near the top based on Simon's recommendation. I need to hurry up and read these so we can discuss!

Jennifer wrote: "Chris wrote: "Like Joanne, I don't tend to read that much new fiction, but surprisingly enough three of the five were published this year! And I was proud of myself that I narrowed my list down to ..."

I think you'll like both of them a lot! Book discussion in April! :-))

All right you guys, I was supposed to be cleaning the bathroom and had to stop smack dab in the middle due to your podcast and rush to buy Simon's best Gillespie and I by Jane Harris. Do you think my husband will notice the half cleaned room?

Gillespie and I is listed in the giveaways!

Thanks Tasha, nice of you to let me know!

I put in it on my tbr after hearing you rave about it Simon. Looking forward to reading it. Also can't wait to hear that podcast.

I wish I could read faster!! Ok, now Gillespie and I has moved up my TBR list. I just started Restless by William Boyd based on an older blog entry of Simon (I think it was your Best Of 2007 list?)

Carol - if your husband is anything like mine he will NOT notice that the bathroom is only half cleaned so don't worry about it!!

@ simon,

i thought you might like to know margaret atwood will be reading in houston on january 23. the two of you are one in my mind. unfortunately, i can't attend as i have a six year old and a six month old. but perhaps one day.

the organization that hosts several readings in houston annually is excellent. they also have writing workshops for teachers with the cost of tuition waived.

just sharing information :)