Books of 2010

Happy new year! I thought I would start the year off on a bright note by showing a picture of my amaryllis that finally came into spectacular bloom a few days ago. It was slow to start, but now it's making up for it with three flowers and another couple on the way. Next year it'll be amaryllis all the way and no more paperwhites!

Before I say a complete goodbye to 2010, I compiled a few of my favourite reads I enjoyed over the past year (though many aren't new titles). In no particular order, they are...

One Day by David Nicholls

Probably my favourite read of the year, hands down. This book takes place during a single day from each year for two decades in the lives of two people who meet at their university graduation in 1988. Over the next 20 years, Dex, the spoiled and unfocused party boy, and Em, the brainy Yorkshire lass, deal with life, loss and love until finally realizing they can’t be apart. The writing here is addictive, and you can feel the upcoming movie sprouting from the pages.

Loving Frank by Nancy Horan

An interesting fictionalized story of the real-life relationship between architect Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Borthwick. More than just a tale of adultery, most of the focus is on Mamah, who has to balance her position as an early feminist with her decision to leave her marriage and children to be with Wright. In doing so, she not only deals with society’s scrutiny, but also Wright’s wild and uneven artistic sensibilities. Don’t ruin the novel by Googling the history of this couple before you read. The ending will be worth the wait.

Juliet Naked by Nick Hornby

Nick Hornby is one of my favourite authors. This book isn’t his best work, but it’s still an enjoyable read about a once-famous rock star, the sychophantic fan who idolizes him, and the English woman who ties them all together.

The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak

Death narrates this World War II-era story of a young girl living in Germany who steals books, even though she can’t read, as a way to bond with her foster father and compensate for the loss of her brother. The narrative here is unique and the story is heartbreaking and satisfying in a way that’s more mature than its intended teen audience would lead you to believe.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon

This story is narrated by a 15-year-old autistic boy who does math problems in his head, eats only certain colours of food and screams when he is touched. When he’s falsely accused of killing a neighbour’s dog, the boy decides to track down the killer, and in doing so explores his parents failed marriage and grows up. It’s an at times funny and touching story from the author of A Spot of Bother.

Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok

The story of a young Chinese girl who immigrates to Brooklyn with her mother, only to excel in school while fighting poverty at home. She and her mother work for next to nothing in a garment factory, and sleep without heat in a condemned apartment building. While a bit formulaic at times, it’s still a worthwhile coming of age tale told from a unique perspective.

Small Wars by Sadie Jones

The Outcast was one of my favourite books of 2009, so I was eager to read the follow-up from the same author. This story takes place in 1956 Cyprus when a young British army major is dispatched to the island with his wife and baby daughters in tow. Both Hal and Clara fight separate battles and experience life-changing violence. Not as strong a story as Jones’ debut, but still a worthwhile read.

The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon by David Grann

This isn't the sort of book I would normally pick up, but after reading a raving review on another blog, I decided to give it a try. I'm glad I did, because this is a really riveting read about the real-life disappearence of British explorer Percy Fawcett ans his quest for a lost city in the Amazon. Think Indiana Jones adventure, combined with the articulate narrative of a New Yorker journalist.