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My Book List: Keepers and Stinkers of 2010

I’m a total bookworm. Love to read. Though I don’t read quite as much as I used to thanks to blogging, I still managed to read 54 books last year.  I admit that I read to be entertained. You don’t find many classics or “quality literature” in my to-be-read piles.  And I try to delete books off my husband’s Kindle before he takes it to work with him in case someone were to look on it- lest he be embarrassed by some of the titles.

I enjoy a good romance, mystery, even a little supernatural(as long as it’s not too scary- yes, I’m a chicken), and I still read YA lit. If your taste is like mine, check out my list of keepers and stinkers:

KEEPERS

Hunger Games Series: Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. This series goes on my top favs of all time list. I fought reading these books for quite a while because everybody told me that they were good and I’d love them. Usually, when “everyone” is raving about a book, I end up being majorly letdown. Maybe it’s all the hype that sets me up for the  letdown. I don’t know. But, in this case, the books lived up to their hype. If you have not read them yet, put all three on your must-reads list.

Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin: Books told from two different points of view often annoy me. But, in this one, it was needed.  A story of marriage, love, friendship, and motherhood. I remember tearing up a lot at this one.

Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky: The daughter of the principal of the local high school gets pregnant. It comes out that two of her friends are pregnant, also. A pregnancy pact.  There are some great underlying themes here: friendship, family, and especially what makes a good/bad mother.

Didn’t I Feed You – Yesterday by Laura Bennett: This book was HILARIOUS. And it’s not just making my favs because it was written by Project Runway’s Laura Bennett, whom I got to email with as I was writing my review. You can check out that review HERE.

*I also read a few total trash/smut books this year because I found them as free Kindle books. But, I’m not going to add those here. You can check out my goodreads list, though, and figure it out. And yes, I have eaten my words about not wanting an ereader.

STINKERS:

Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanvich: I used to be a huge fan of the Stephanie Plum books. Because they are such fun. But, after this many, the storylines are getting old. Stephanie needs a new job. And freaking pick one already: Joe or Ranger. I vote Joe. Because I want Ranger.

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown: I actually didn’t think this one was horrible- until towards the end and then it dragged on for me. Bore me with the end and I will only remember the book as boring. Also, I get disturbed by people who read Brown’s FICTION books as if they are non-fiction. FICTION, people, FICTION.

That Summer by Sarah Dessin: I’ve heard lots of good things about this YA author, but this book was just sort of blah for me.

KEEPER/STINKER
I really don’t know what to do with these two books, so they go here. I LOVED Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie which was the sequel to Lament: The Faerie Queen’s Deception…which I thought was kind of eh.  Both are by Maggie Stiefvater. I did also read Shiver and Linger by her this year and while they are quite good, I need to wait for the third/final book to come out in 2011 before deciding if they really belong on my keepers list.

I had a longer list of books that I read in 2009, so you can check out my list of Keepers and Stinkers for 2009 if you want more suggestions.  I’m also on Goodreads: be my friend on there if you are, too. My widget is in my sidebar.

For 2011, I’m sticking with the goal of reading 52 books. Do you have any suggestions for me? Keepers or stinkers welcome!

Comments

  1. I'm just about done with Mockingjay. I couldn't put the first two down, and for some reason this one is dragging for me. But I do love these too. Such a weird and interesting read!

  2. I've never actually considered keeping trck of what I actually read each year. That might be interesting. Do you just use a widget to keep track or do you keep some sort other document?

  3. The Hunger Games keep popping up on everyone's reading lists. I had never heard of them before but may have to check them out now!

  4. The Hunger Games are my all time favorite series, so so good, I've been making everyone I know read them and not one person has come out disappointed.

  5. I discovered the Stephanie Plum series recently so I was able to read them all last year. they are really entertaining but it is probably time for Stephanie to get a different job and choose Joe or Ranger. I want Ranger too.

  6. Really? Janet Evanovich's book made your stinkers list?? I still think they are entertaining.

    I can't wait for the movie!!

  7. Hunger Games topped my list of faves this year as well. The Help was probably my favorite though. Such an amazing book.

    But you already know what I like & think since we're on GoodReads together.

  8. I'm half way through Mockingjay myself. I love this series, primarily because I've actually been able to talk Husband into reading it too. The genres we enjoy rarely overlap, so it's nice to have a few reads in common.

    Thanks for the list … I'm going to check a few of these out!

  9. I CANNOT say enough good things about The Hunger Games. Amazing.

    I'll have to check out these others as well.

    Well, not the stinkers.

  10. This is great, Shell! I'm always on the look-out for new books to read – I am a book worm as well!

    Have you read any of the Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella? They're such a hoot! A fun/fluffy read at it's best!

    ~h

  12. I don't know how you keep track of everything you read. I did read a good many books but keeping up with them all is another story.

    Darcia Helle's The Cutting Edge was pretty good

    Joyce and Jim Lavene's Renaissance Faire series is pretty good, and their new one (can't remember the title offhand)

    I just finished Revenge for Old Times' Sake by Kris Neri (about to post a review on my blog for that) and it was funny and pretty good

    Since I follow a 6th grade teacher and do virtual classroom visits, I get recommendations all the time – sometimes I'll read them and like them and sometimes I won't read them. Fablehaven I read but it kind of goes on my keeper/stinker list – lol – to me it kind of dragged and was kin of passive but it was also a fun read – explorting fairies and other creatures.

    I just read one in the shopaholic series (I think it was by Sophie Kinsella) but don't remember whether I liked it or not.

    As you can see I tend to lean more towards the mystery side of reading as well as some YA and tween books.

    My daughter likes Sarah Dessin but her reading is like a month or longer on a book and so I don't take many recommendations from her.

    Good luck finding new books to read this year – E 🙂

    —————-
    Elysabeth Eldering
    Author of the Junior Geography Detective Squad, 50-state, mystery, trivia series

    Where will the adventure take you next?

    http://jgdsseries.blogspot.com
    http://jgdsseries.weebly.com

  13. Hunger Games! Hunger Games! Hunger Games! I kid you not, I read the first book the day after Christmas in it's entirety. I just couldn't put it down. Now I'm pacing myself, plus I've been spending a massive amount of time online. I think I'll pick up #2 tonight (about halfway through). Never has a book made me gasp out loud so many times, and literally put it down for a minute so I could compose myself.

    And yeah, Stephanie's getting a little old for me, too. I think I stopped reading at 13. There's only so much I can take of someone who's just so irresistable to two perfectly hot men. Like, seriously. Can someone please find her uninspiring, just once? And make me feel a little better about myself? 😉

    I'm also currently reading "Full Dark, No Stars" by Stephen King. It's short stories. They're really good.

  14. Obviously I'm a book lover here, too. 🙂 Great way to look at the list. Keepers and Stinkers. Perfect!

  15. I need to learn to fitting reading into my life once again. I have no clue how to pick books anymore, it's been soooooo long.

  16. I will have to check out the hunger games. I really enjoy kristen hannah books..she is a great story teller!

  17. no reccomendations at this point, but I did want to just send you a big *hug* for yesterday's post. I feel violated just reading it. Your reasons are the same as mine, the reason my blog is set up the way it is.

    *hug*
    You have an internet friend in me, miss 🙂

  18. The Hunger Games series is on my to read list…once I get done with my other series!

    I have read 2 books for a review and they pushed my series to the side. I think I will be saying no to reviewing books…so time consuming and it takes away from what I want to read. Now I need to write up a review one of the most recent I read.

  19. I think I have to give in to the "Hunger Games" series. I appreciate these suggestions- I feel strongly that if I love your blog (which I do) then we probably have similar book tastes!!

  20. Wow, I too would like to know how you keep track of the books you read… That would be interesting. I'm a total book worm myself too, and just re-read your 2009 suggestions as well.

    I HATED the Twilight series. People kept telling me that I just HAD to read them, and they were just horrible. But hey, Stephenie Meyer's is laughing all the way to the bank and could care less what I think : ) I LOVE the Harry Potter series, and am always re-reading those when all else fails me (currently I'm re-reading the Deathly Hallows).

    I'm a big fan of Nora Roberts for the complete fluff. I have to take breaks from her though, because her style is very formulaic. I do love her trilogies though, her Circle Trilogy {involving Vampires} is my favorite by far.

    I read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and HIGHLY recommend it! I had my 7th grader read this one, it's one everyone should read!

    I really like Any Bitter Thing by Monica Wood. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield & The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards are all amazing books to check out as well! : ) I'll have to check out yours!

  21. i just sent you a friend request…one i have to disagree on is Hunger Games. it just didn't do it for me. that didn't stop me from reading it cover to cover in one night, but i was sort of left with a bad taste in my mouth and i can't quite put my finger on why.

  22. I really liked the first and second Hunger Games book, but the third was a bit disappointing.

  23. I read the Lost Symbol, too. I thought there were definitely some boring parts.

    And, I say the exact same thing about his books. They are FICTION! Stop thinking it's controversy and move on. Enjoy it as a novel.

  24. 52 is my goal too! I won't hit it, but I'm aiming for it. Didn't read any of your stinkers, but did read a few of your keepers. The other keepers I'll add to my goodreads list. Off to friend you now!

  25. I enjoyed Not My Daughter and Heart of the Matter as well, although that one was a little tough for me to get through. I reviewed it as a guest post for Andrea over at Good Girl Gone Redneck!

    Not reading as much lately either… between blogging and working full time, there just isn't time! 🙁

  26. I think I'm in agreement with a bunch of peeps on your blog – loved the first two Hunger Games but the third was … okay. Just read a great KEEPER by Heather Muzik – Celia's Journey. Loved it!!! I started out reading it for a review and loved it so much that I bought copies to give as gifts!

    I'll post again – after I have had time to check my kindle for the ones that I haven't deleted off – they were the stinkers!

  28. Loved "Not My Daughter." What a good choice for a keeper.

    The Laura Bennett book was one of the best "mom books" if you can appreciate cursing, drinking, and primadonna behavior…she's awesome.

    One Wednesday a month, I do a Whatcha Reading Wednesday…since you're so dedicated now, you should link up one time!

  30. I heard that Dan Brown one wasn't so hot. I have the Hunger Games series but haven't read them yet…eventually.

    I've been reading a lot lately, both on the Nook and off.

  31. Did you ever read my review of Laura Bennet's book? Where I rip her a new one for her ridiculous comments on peanut allergy, and she answers? It was actually a Q&A. She was very gracious about it and told me she loved the review!

  32. I'll be sure to check this stinker list before I read another book. I don't have time for stinkers!

  33. I also love to read. And I read a lot of books you did.

    I just finished Not My Daughter. It was entertaining, but frightening to think that Natalie might think that getting pregnant is cool at 17.

    You should read Goodnight, Beautiful by Dorothy Koomson. It'll make you cry, but it's a wonderful read.

  35. I'm such a bookworm too! I'm totally finding you on Goodreads because none of my friends will do it! Consequently I have like 3! Getting Not My Daughter on kindle right now. Do you like nonfiction at all? I'm obsessed with "The Girls From Ames" and telling everyone who will listen to read it!

    Katie

  36. I've heard so much about The Hunger Games. I will have to read that one…or that series. I read The Help last year and really enjoyed that one. I love reading, too, but don't do it enough! I'm reading The Devil in the White City right now. I like most of it. Sometimes too dry (when it talks about architecture) and sometimes too scary! Ahh!!

  37. I loved Heart of the Matter! I dig Emily Giffin's books! Def. needed the diff points of view! I have been into the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo lately!

  38. Thanks for you list. I know you love to read, and I'm always wondering what's good. I have to admit, that I'm a HUGE Stephanie Plum fan. You're criticism is spot on. This series should have ended a long time ago. But it won't because we all go crazy, reading the latest. We love those wacky characters too much!

    The movie should have been made 10 years ago when Sandra Bullock would have been perfect for the role. (actually, she could still pull it off!).

  39. I'm a huge bookworm as well. But I prefer Sci-fis, history, fictional books in historic settings, and the "classics". I love learning, it just seems there are so many amazing things to learn about in our short time here and I want to take it all in. I even discuss the subjects of my personal books with my children, who both loooove having Mama read to them (my older daughter is also starting to learn to read and write as well and loves it)!

  40. thanks for the list Shell.
    While I love my chick lit stuff, I have heard so much about the HUNGER GAMES series I might have to get it for my Nook (yep I broke down too)

    this year, I read Jen Lancaster for the first time and laughed my ass literally OFF. And because she's a fellow blogger, Mel's , over at Stirrup Queens, novel just came out on Amazon.."LIFE FROM SCRATCH" it was a GREAT read. Simply Delish!!!!

  41. LOVED the Hunger Games series! Who'd a thunk it? I never would have found them on my own and thought I'd like them but my cousin introduced me and I finished all three in like a week!

  42. Totally stealing your Keeper List.
    Emily Giffin is good at the "both sides" of the story books. They usually irritate me too…but she makes em work. Unexpected, really, instead of very obvious opposite opinions, you know?

  43. I too am a book worm. If there is a book that both my husband and I want to read I get to read it forst because I read so much faster. It's a great idea that you make a good and bad list for all of your followers, I might have to steal your idea. I have not read any on your list but I think I am going to check out The Hunger Game series!

  45. My top reads this year…The Help is one of my all time favorites. Along with Sarah's Key…AMAZING and yet disturbing. I also liked the hunger Games book one. Never read two. And I got through the first girl with a dragon tattoo and loved that. I read others but those were the ones that really stuck out. I of course love all of Jodi Picoults books too..probably misspelled her name.

  46. so glad you did this list I got a Nook for xmas and have been on the lookout for some good reads.

    I went and checked out your 2009 list and like the sound of Between, Georgia and found it at my library online and checked it out earlier today, I didn't have much time today but got the first few chapters read and am really liking it.

  47. Sheesh I miss reading. I haven't had the chance to buy a book since before I was pregnant.

  48. I totally agree with you on Lost Symbol! Dan Brown's starting to lose me a bit.

    I'm slightly obsessed with Pat Conroy right now after reading South of Broad last fall. I started Prince of Tides yesterday and haven't been able to stop reading. Might have a new fave author.

  49. ok so I had to come back and tell you I LOVE Between, Georgia I checked it out from the library yesterday on my Nook got into it last night and read the rest of it today! I couldn't put it down:) it was so good thanks for the great recommendation

  51. I am an avid reader so I have a ton of suggestions! The Glass Castle, Madras on Rainy Days, A Fine Balance, the Sophie Kinsella series Shopaholic, and anything by Jhumpa Lahiri.

    I really liked Not My Daughter…the rest are on my list of books to check out(well the keepers anyway)!

  52. I didn't like Sizzling Sixteen either and it made me kind of sad. The story line is getting stale. I agree she needs to make her pick (Joe) and have her get married. I think she would still be able to get into trouble and have fun.

    You would probably like the Overlander series too if you liked the Hunger Games. Same author and similar styling.

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  54. I totally LOVED Not My Daughter too!! I can’t remember how much I liked Heart of the Matter (although I kept reading her books, so I must have at least liked it some) and I enjoy Sarah Dessen, but haven’t read that particular book. Part of her charm for me is because she’s a Wisconsin author and reading “local” authors is fun.

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