Thanks to Linda over at it all started with paint (a cute little blog I just started following...this could be an addiction!), I'm taking a quick moment to review the books I read in 2011. I don't know if this is a great idea, considering I can count the number of books (not counting textbooks) I read this past year on one hand. Yes, I said ONE hand. How embarrassing!! My little cheeks are red because I'm outing myself, but my goals in 2012 are much loftier. That counts, right? Anyhoo, I digress. The books I did read this year were killer, and I'm please that I made such great choices although they were few and far between.
Without further adieu, here are the books that caught my eye in 2011:
Wall of Fame by Jonathan Freedman
I LOVED this little book of delicious nerdcore! If you're not a teacher or interested in education, it may bore you to tears. I found this little beauty by accident at our local thrift store, and I couldn't put it down. The book chronicles the life of the AVID program, a program designed to take those children who were previously written off, yet bright, and help them prepare for college. It was such a beautiful story of hope, and it almost made me want to be a teacher. Key word: almost. Then I remembered teen attitudes and the fact that I would have to work so early in the morning and I nixed that plan real fast. Lightning quick, I tell you. If you love a good read and education, I would recommend it.
Life's Lessons Learned by Dallin H.Oaks
What a beauty this one was. Such a beacon of hope during a time in my life when I really, really needed it. There are so many amazing stories and lessons in this easy read. So easy, in fact, that I read it in one evening. It is one of those gems where it is so well written that you don't have a headache after reading it, yet it's so profound that you don't know what hit you. I don't like super churchy books. They most often make me want to pull my eyebrows out. Don't get me wrong, I love the gospel. I love reading my Scriptures. But I just don't do well with doctrinal books outside of the Scriptures. I think I liked this one so much because Elder Oaks has a similar writing style to that of President Gordon B. Hinckley, one of my personal favorites. Good read if you're looking for something uplifting but not heavy.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
I must say, I resisted this one for a long time. Long heralded as the best of the best, I was a little hesitant because of what I'd heard about the plot. Death? Kids out to kill each other? No thanks, amigo. I finally picked it up at my mom's. I was desperate for something to read, and this looked best amidst the other choices of spy novels that my dad loves so much. I must admit, I took way too long to read it. Well written, fast paced, and chock full of political commentary (without being overbearing) on the status quo, it was well worth my time. I haven't yet made it to the others in the trilogy, and am not sure I will see the movie, but the book was great!
My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok
This is an old favorite that I have to revisit every year. I just love it! I love the imagery, I love the confrontation, I love how dynamic the character relationships are. Read it.
That's it, folks! I told you, one hand. I've got an incredibly long wish list for 2012, so I'll make it happen. Cross your fingers for me. And, if you're truly my friend, keep asking me if I'm reading!! I need the reminders!
