Anne's Favorites of 2011

Anne’s Favorites of 2011

2011 felt like a slacker reading year for me. But after reviewing my list of reviews of the past year, I’m happy to report that my top five are books that made such an impact on me that I have recommended them over and over to fellow readers. In fact, all of the following titles (in absolutely no particular order) are now on my list of Favorite Books of All Time.

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly was my entrance into the Young Adult genre (after other failed attempts of Twilight and Harry Potter). Ms. Donnelly’s vivid and realistic picture of life during the French Revolution helped me sort out some facts while transporting me to another era. (my review)

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot is the unbelievable story behind the HeLa cells which became some of the most important tools in medicine. I couldn’t put this one down. (my review)

Girls on the Edge by Dr. Leonard Sax gives us some disturbing insight into what issues currently face young girls of today. Although I didn’t review this one, I was mesmorised by Dr. Sax’s extensive research on the problems for girls: from mean girl issues to Facebook to environmental chemicals that could be detrimental to their growth. As the mother of a daughter, I read it in a couple of hours. Technology is new to most of us parents, Dr. Sax reminds us that we’re the parents, and just because it’s new doesn’t make it ok all of the time.

Unbroken by Laura Hildebrand is the unforgettable story of Louis Zamperini, Olympic Athlete turned extraordinary POW survivor. He is an inspiration for us all! (my review)

Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes is fiction, but may as well be non-fiction. I can only imagine that Mr. Marlantes, having served in the Vietnam War, came extremely close to experiencing the horrors described in this story. A book about war that I never thought I would have picked up and am so glad I did. (my review)