I know, I know – the Best Books of the Year lists are supposed to wait until December, exploding all over the Internet in the last weeks of the Christmas-shopping frenzy. Of course, that’s months away now. But as y’all know, I read a lot. And I’ve discovered some gems this year.
Not all these books were published in 2011 (though some were), but they’re all books I’ve read since January. Here they are:
Alice Bliss, Laura Harrington
Possibly the best book I’ve read this year. Harrington writes so beautifully and sensitively – I fell in love with Alice and my heart broke for her as she and her family learned to adjust to her dad’s deployment in Iraq. And the supporting cast of characters, including Henry, the boy next door, is wonderful.
The Penderwicks and sequels, Jeanne Birdsall
I’ve gushed about the Penderwicks before – and yes, I know they’re young adult books – but I love young adult books. And what’s not to love about four sisters who are always cooking up new mischief? They’re clever, funny and kind, and they love each other fiercely. Bonus: The stories are set in Massachusetts.
The Weird Sisters, Eleanor Brown
Sisterhood, Shakespeare and quirky family dynamics. Again, what’s not to love? Brown’s writing is gorgeous, and the unique struggles of each sister as they all come to grips with adulthood – pitch-perfect.
The Book Thief, Markus Zusak
This is a Holocaust story, it’s true – but it’s also the story of a young girl simply trying to live through a fraught and confusing time, without her parents or anyone she knows. I avoided picking it up for a while because I thought it would be grisly (it’s narrated by Death), but instead it’s simply powerful. And heartbreaking. And so, so good. Read it if you haven’t already.
The entire Maisie Dobbs series, Jacqueline Winspear
Technically I discovered Maisie in December – but I spent the first four months of 2011 reading the eight installments (so far) of Maisie’s adventures. I can’t get enough of this quick-witted, kind, poised but vulnerable lady detective and her experiences in 1920s and 1930s London. I’ve learned so much about World War I and its aftereffects in England, and spent time with some fascinating characters.
What’s the best book – or books – you’ve read so far this year?
cakes, tea and dreams 
As always, thanks for sharing your recommendations! I’ve just put Alice Bliss on hold at my library. : )
Lots here I haven’t heard of…time to add to my summer reading list!
XO
Lenore
Thanks for the new suggestions.
I read The Weird Sisters, and loved it.
Thank you!
Alice Bliss is sitting on my bedside table – I’ll move it up in the pile!
The most outstanding book and one I keep thinking and talking about was Still Alice by Lisa Genova, a novel about early-onset Alzheimer from the patient’s point of view. I think I mentioned it in last month’s comments.
I just came home from the library where I managed to grab The Book Thief. You made me really curious.
[…] down) of Laura Harrington’s beautiful debut novel, Alice Bliss. Then I listed it among the best books I’ve read so far this year. (Not because anyone asked me to; just because I loved it.) Then I got to meet the author and have […]
[…] Bliss. Laura Harrington. After a glowing recommendation from Katie Leigh, I had this on my ever-growing list of books to read. Then I found it available on the library […]
[…] Weird Sisters, Eleanor Brown I read this last year and loved it, so I happily picked it up again for book club. The titular sisters – Rosalind, […]