This has been a bumpy year for me, but journeying into so many great books provided just the escape I needed. From mysteries set in unique places to scenes from a horrific future to intimate family dramas, my top ten of 2010 were, in no particular order:
Room by Emma Donoghue – This story of a mother’s courage to raise her child lovingly under horrible conditions is especially powerful due to the exceptional voice of Jack, her young son.
The Passage by Justin Cronin – Not usually my cup of tea, I found this book to be a thrilling 600 page turner about a government created virus and one lone girl who may have the power to save mankind.
The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer – I’m a fan of war fiction and this epic novel of a Hungarian-Jewish architecture student who travels to pre-WWII Paris on scholarship and his experiences upon being forced to return home is beautifully written and emotionally resonant.
The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman – This funny and poignant first novel is a look at an English language newspaper in Rome and its odd group of writers and readers who are seeking both success and human connections.
Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny – I’m a little late to this series, but so glad I found it! Perfect for winter reading, this mystery is set in snowy Quebec where Inspector Gamache is recuperating when he finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation. A great mystery, a perfect setting, descriptions of food & drink, local history and politics – what else do you need?
Where the God of Love Hangs Out by Amy Bloom – This set of short stories about the complications and joy of family, love, relationships and life, had me enthralled from beginning to end.
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Klay by Michael Chabon – This is not a new release, but my brother recommended it and I couldn’t put it down. It’s chock full of ideas from Jewish folktales to the story of American comic books with magic, art, war and love thrown in. I wish I’d find another like it.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee – I re-read this for a book club and can’t believe what an amazing book this is.
Freedom by Jonathan Franzen – Franzen’s take on modern America and its preoccupation with freedom as seen through the eyes of one family.
Going Bovine by Libba Bray – This is a great, but weird, young adult title, about a young man with mad cow disease and the travels that he makes from his hospital bed encountering angels, dwarves and fire devils. It is so true and so funny and so sad.
OK, that about wraps it up. Happy reading!
~ Dori
Read it or Weep 