As the New Year dawns and we take stock over the year that was, it is fun to look at favorite book lists. Just for fun, I thought it would be interesting to see what others enjoyed reading this past year. I asked the library staff and members of the Library and Foundation Boards to provide their favorite books for the year. I hope you enjoy reading about them as much as I did. You may find some here that you want to read as well/
“Same Kind of Different as Me” by Ron Hall and Denver Moore – First published in 2005 –The most moving book I have ever read—an inspirational yet heart-breaking story of faith, love, grace and humility. (John M.)
“The 19th Wife” by David Ebershoff is historical fiction. It is about Brigham Young’s wife (the supposedly 19th one) Ann Eliza, being expelled from the church and embarking on a crusade to end polygamy in the U.S. Intertwined with fictional narrative is a story involving murder in a polygamist family in present day Utah. It is a great book that not only imparts a valuable lesson on religion but tells a compelling tale that makes us question the power of faith and what we believe and why. (Deb P.)
One of my favorite series is the Goldy Schulz books by Colorado author Diane Mott Davidson. Her most recent book is “Fatally Flaky”, published in 2009. All of her books include recipes to try out. (Teresa C.)
“The Hour I First Believed” by Wally Lamb is about life changes following the Columbine school tragedy. The book is fictional and somewhat of a sequel but stands on its own. “The Roads to Quoz” by William Least Heat Moon is non-fiction. His prose is almost poetry and his knowledge of our country is amazing. “The Girl Who Played with Fire” by Stieg Larrson--Solander is back and as quirky as ever. Read “The Girl With the Dragon Tato” first, because this is a direct sequel. The final book, a translation from Swedish by the deceased author, will be available in the US this summer. I can't wait. (Dave D.)
I read Mitch Albom's “Have a Little Faith”. It was a quick read, but one I really enjoyed. The story follows two men - each pastors of congregations, but under extremely different circumstances. The book gives numerous examples of how a person's faith can make a difference in the lives of many. At this time of year this book speaks to the phrase, "It's not the things you do at Christmas time, but the Christmas things you do all year through." (Peggy O.)
The best thing I read this year is “The Speed of Dark” by Elizabeth Moon. Her background includes degrees in history and biology and three years in the Marine Corps. Most of her books are military scifi, but “The Speed of Dark”, set in the near future, is told from the viewpoint of an autistic computer programmer. Moon’s autistic son apparently is the inspiration for the book. She won the Nebula award for this novel. (Judy O.)
I downloaded “The Whiskey Rebels” by David Liss from Overdrive. It is set in and around Philadelphia and New York City after the Revolutionary War. Liss uses real people and events to create a great work of historical fiction. My favorite mystery series is by Julia Spencer-Fleming, starting with her first title “In the Bleak Midwinter”. This series features Rev. Clare Fergusson, a female Episcopal priest, and Russ Van Alstyne, the police chief of Miller's Kill, New York. I am drawn in completely by the vivid characters, setting, plot and have followed each story line, catching up on what is happening in Miller's Kill. I can hardly wait for the last book of this series to be published in April.
“Frontier Madam: The Life of Dell Burke, Lady of Lusk” by June Wilson Read was my favorite non-fiction of 2009. The Brown Bag Book Club had a great time visiting the dilapidated Yellow Hotel in Lusk, WY where Dell ran her business in the early 1900's. (Jana K.)
Wow! That was a hard decision. “The Christmas List” by Paul Richard Evans is a book that reminded me of the true spirit of Christmas—the unconditional love and the peace that comes from forgiveness. (Barb G.)
I hope you have enjoyed this glimpse at what others have enjoyed reading this past year. Here are three of my favorites for the year. “Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortenson tells about his amazing effort to build schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan. “Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer is a wonderful book about the love of books and the joy literature can bring to life. Finally, I would recommend any book by Wyoming’s Craig Johnson. He is a talented writer, and his use of humor makes his books special treats. Happy New Year! (Bev)
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