As I mentioned, I’ve been doing a lot of reading. I noticed near the end of 2011 that I had read a lot already, so I figured if I pushed it, I could read 100 books before the end of the year. I managed to read 103 books, which was fun and definitely made a dent in my guilt-inspiring to-read shelves. These were some of the stand-outs for 2011.

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro.  This book was astoundingly good.  I’m a fan of Ishiguro’s work, and this might just be his best book.  It’s beautiful and sad and hard to read but I found it impossible to put down.  I wish I could read it again for the first time.  I’m very glad I read it before watching the film version.  I did find the film beautiful and haunting, but it seemed more like an homage to the novel than a stand-alone piece.  I won’t say anything about the plot because I think it should remain pristine and unspoiled for anyone who hasn’t read it.

People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. I used to always say that I was not a fan of historical fiction because it was was generally poorly researched and plot driven but not beautiful. I think I’ll change my tune, because that’s like the way I qualify my love for Country music. I love good country musicians, like Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash and Hank Williams and Gillian Welch. I hate over-produced, soulless crap. And I love good historical fiction, like this. Brooks’ research is impeccable, and her language is beautiful. The book follows a fictionalized history of the Sarajevo Haggadah. The opening protagonist is a book nerd’s book nerd, and it just gets better from there.

The Girl with Glass Feet by Ali Shaw. Oh, what a first novel. I haven’t written a novel yet, but if I do, and if I manage to write something a with even a modicum of the sensitivity and magic and beauty encapsulated in this strange little magical-realistic fantasy, I’ll die a happy woman. Again, no spoilers. Just fawning.

Reamde by Neal Stephenson. I’m a big Stephenson fan, but I was starting to worry that his success had made him into one of those authors who won’t consent to editing. When I heard Reamde was more like one of his earlier books, I was excited. When I actually picked up a copy, I was delighted. It’s long, but it’s fast-paced and interesting and nerdy and smart. I reviewed it on BooksForEars. Such a good book.

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