As you know, my memory is like a wide-holed sieve. Things just do not stay in there. Okay, that's not true. Random facts and trivia stay in there. I can tell you all sorts of really boring information about capitals of the world and the order of the presidents and every winner of America's Next Top Model. But I can't tell you what books I've read this year.
Or, rather, I wouldn't be able to if I didn't keep a list. After I finish a book I jot down the title, the author, when I finished it, and a brief synopsis with commentary so that at the end of the year when someone asks, as my Dad did last night, "So what was the best book you read this year," I can flip through it and say, "Oh, Such and Such was awesome." Except that I didn't have my notebook with me last night and so I fumbled a bit and said, "Well, that book that I just finished like 15 minutes ago was great." Because that's as far back as my memory for books goes. Even if I loved the book. Ugh, it's tough being 80.
But I just finished going through the notebook and doing my year-end review and now I can say that the best book I read last year was Unbroken. Can you believe that? A non-fiction book? I am as shocked as you are. But the story was incredible (he killed a shark with his bare hands, after surviving a plane crash and being adrift at sea for weeks!!) and was told impeccably. That kind of combo makes my heart swoon. My runner-up was The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. This is not surprising in the least because everyone knows that I love a book about a smart girl solving a mystery.
What was the best thing you read last year?
5 comments:
Fiction: Days of Blood and Starlight, Laini Taylor (a sequel)
Non-fiction: Cheaper By the Dozen
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I agree! Unbroken was my favorite this year too. Then I reread These is My Words. I love that book.
I reread Twilight, so that's mine. Just kidding. I like your idea of jotting down what you've read. I need to read Unbroken for sure. It's on my long list. I really enjoyed "What Alice Forgot." If I'm going for straight up entertainment value, I'm going to say "The Passage". Couldn't put it down. But it's been a pretty shallow year for reading for me. I can't wait to see what other people say here so I can make a reading list for myself.
I take pride in being the person who recommended both Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, and Graceling. I give where I receive o spirit guide!
I started Atlas Shrugged last year but finished it this year, so I'm going to count it for both. I reread the Dan Browns, Lemony Snickets, Georgia Nicholsons and Stephanie Plums last year as well. I read Dracula for the first time, Revolutionary Road which was quite interesting, and like you I've forgotten what all else. I think finishing The Pickwick Papers goes on my list of achievements, even though it was occasionally ponderous, it was also delightful.
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