I read 19 books in 2010! I did a post in January and had a goal of reading 12 books and then I included a thirteenth book “to grow on” just in case I finished all 12 of the books on my list.
I got a little sidetracked with my list and didn’t stick to my schedule, so there are a few books on my list that I didn’t get to. I am still proud that I spent so much time reading and hope to do it again this year!
I’m not going to do a full written review of each book, but I’ll let you know if I liked the book by doing a rating system of 1-5 asterisks. I’m not a book snob by any means. To me, books are good if they keep me turning the page. And books are great if I can’t stop thinking about them after I finish reading.
In 2009, The Help and Same Kind Of Different As Me were those books that made me think for weeks after finishing. I didn’t find anything that did that for me in 2010, I’m sorry to say.
I’m going to post my 2011 reading list in a couple of days, so if you have any suggestions for me let me know! And don’t forget to be my friend on Goodreads, so we can share book reviews!
The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins – ***** (5)
The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay: I’m giving (5)***** to all three books because I don’t think you can read one without reading the entire series. And it’s a great series!
Commencement by J. Courtney Sullivan- ** (2)
I really wasn’t a fan of this book. It wasn’t what I expected and I think I had high hopes for this one that shouldn’t have been so high.
3 Books of The Bride Quartet by Nora Roberts- **** (4)
In 2009 I read Vision in White, which is the first book in the series and I enjoyed it. So this year I read Savor the Moment, Bed of Roses, and Happy Ever After and liked them all. The series is about four friends who run a wedding planning business and each book focuses on a different character’s love story. Cheesy? Yes! Totally fun? Yes!
Swimsuit by James Patterson- **** (4)
Just a scandalous, suspenseful, James Patterson book. I thought this one was good and even a little scary! I read it this summer and it was a great summer read.
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah- ***** (5)
I absolutely loved this book. I couldn’t put it down. It made me laugh and cry and I recommended it to everyone I saw. Such a great girly book about friendship.
Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah- *** (3)
I had a really hard time getting into this book. There were points in the book when I actually wanted to stop reading, but I finished and it was a touching story.
Nanny Returns by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus- **** (4)
I liked this book so much. I loved The Nanny Diaries and loved getting to revisit the characters from the original story. I liked reading about New York City and I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed The Nanny Diaries.
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen- ***** (5)
Water for Elephants was my favorite book that I read in 2010. It was so interesting and so well-written. I am not sure why it took me so long to read it, but I’m glad I did. It’s a wonderful story.
So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore- **** (4)
I wrote a lengthy review on this book right before we went to the Beth Moore conference in Atlanta. This was a book that I definitely needed to read and I’m so happy that I did. I think about this book and the way God spoke through Beth every day when I’m telling myself not to torture myself over something.
Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin- ***** (5)
I read every one of Emily Giffin’s books in 2010. They were all very different, but Something Borrowed was by far my favorite. All of her books have a broken (or almost broken) relationship at the core of the story and that makes me a little sad to read over and over again. But I wanted to see what all the Emily Giffin hype was about.
Something Blue by Emily Giffin- **** (4)
I liked this book so much more than I thought I would. The main character is the character that you dislike the most from Something Borrowed. But this book shows a completely different side to her and it’s a very touching story about redemption.
Baby Proof by Emily Giffin- ** (2)
It pains me to say that this is my least favorite of Emily Giffin’s books. Maybe because I can’t really relate to the characters, but I think it’s mostly because Emily Giffin’s character development is lacking so much depth and the characters and their problems seemed so shallow to me.
Love the One You’re With by Emily Giffin- *** (3)
Okay, I didn’t love this one very much either. I kept wanting to say, “snap out of it, you idiot! Your life is perfect!”
Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin – **** (4)
I’m torn. I couldn’t put this book down, but I wanted to so many times because the story made me so sick! This book focuses on infidelity and Giffin is trying to get us to see all of the sides from all of the players in an affair: the wife, the husband, and the other woman. But I had a really hard time stopping myself from shouting at the other woman. I wasn’t even that angry with the husband, but I couldn’t deal with the mistress or see “her side” of the story as anything but horrible. But I have to give this book a good rating because it evoked so much emotion in me!
The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes by Diane Chamberlain- ***** (5)
I loved this book. There were definitely a couple of times that I wanted to slap CeeCee, but I couldn’t put this book down even though I had to– it was the inaugural book in our blogger book club and the reading schedule forced me to stay with the schedule. I was a definite fan!
Great post! The only book I read in common with you this year was “Love the One You’re With” by Emily Giffin. I also had a hard time getting into it. Love how you wanted to slap her, I understand why! I am adding “Water for Elephants” to my list. Thanks for the little reviews, they’re definitely my kind of easy-to-read and short-and-sweet reviews. 🙂
Loved your list! I just saw a trailer for Water for Elephants at the movies the other night. I had no idea it was being made into a movie, but I’m excited to go see it.
I might add the Nora Roberts books to my “to read” list…I’m always looking for cheesy, light, girly reads.
My top picks that I would recommend for 2011 (even though I’ve probably shared all of these before!): American Wife, The Middle Place, The Glass Castle, The Art of Racing in the Rain, and of course I have to say Harry Potter…if you liked The Hunger Games, I think you’d love HP!
Nearly every one of these books, I’ve read or is on my to-read list!
I loved Something Borrowed and Something Blue but couldn’t even finish Baby Proof. Also, The Secret Life of Ceecee Wilkes was one of my all time favorite books!!
Oh, and also, i added some of the others to my to-read list!
Cannot wait to read some of these. A lot are on my “to read” list. Just bought ‘The Help’, how am I just now hearing about this book?! Weird!
Anyway, Thanks for your reviews on these.
Have you tried to get into “South of Broad” yet? I attempted to read it while at Kiawah this summer and couldn’t stick with it…I’m hoping to pick it up again sometime this winter. I loved the “Something Borrowed/Blue” series from Emily Giffin but felt let down with “Baby Proof” and “Love the One you’re With”, I’m really hesitant to read “Heart of the Matter”. Jennifer Weiner’s girlie books are the best! I’ll have to add Nora Roberts to my list!
Emily- I had South of Broad on my 2010 list, but never started it. It’s already on my 2011 list, so hopefully I’ll start it… and finish it! 🙂
Great post – I love how you rated each book! I couldn’t agree more about The Hunger Games Triology, The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes and Water for Elephants – I loved them! I was also disappointed by Commencement. I enjoyed about 2/3 of the book but it took such a strange turn towards the end.
I also kept track of the books I read this year and found it was fun to look back at the end of the year and recall all the books I’d read. I’m going to try to do the same next year. If you’re interested, here’s my post about the books I read this year. http://www.forthelove-mb.blogspot.com/
Happy reading in 2011!
It looks like we like the same types of books, based on your list. I found a few I need to read!
I would suggest The Heretic’s Daughter (author is from Dallas, GREAT story that is historically based) and The Pilot’s Wife (just a nice girly read).
A lot of these were on my reading list too! I totally agree about Firefly Lane – it made me laugh & cry too! I have really liked all of Emily Giffin’s books – some more than others, but I thought they were all good. I loved Water for Elephants. Just from reading the back I didn’t have high hopes for it but it ended up being such a great book! I downloaded The Help to my Nook a few days ago and I can’t wait to start reading it. Thanks for the reviews! I am adding a few of these to my “wish list” right now!
I’m scrolling down your book list – with my MyAgenda (yes you turned me on to these too!) planner laying open beside me on the “Books” page in the back where I’ve written down all the books I want to read. I’ve got Swimsuit, Hunger Games (all three), Firefly Lane, and Water for Elephants all written down! SO glad you posted this to assure me they’re good reads! AND I got “Something Borrowed” for Christmas – even though I’ve read ALL of Emily Giffin’s, I wanted to re-read this before the movie comes out!
Thanks for the reviews!
Love hearing your thoughts on these books! I listen to books on my commute into work and am always looking for something new and provoking.
I liked Heart of the Matter but read it on my kindle and got to the end and wondered if they forgot a chapter ;). It was just so abrupt.
One of the more interesting (and disturbing) books I read this year was Columbine.
Can’t wait to see what you read in 2011!
We have a lot of the same reading interests! I feel the same exact way about Emily Giffin, LOVED her at first…but now I get so annoyed reading her. I feel like it is all the same thing now, I hate how many books are about broken relationships, cheating, etc. It makes me sad to think about. Do you ever read any Jodi Piccoult books? They are extremely thought provoking…some I love and some are just okay. I just finished House Rules by her and I thought it was amazing. All of her books are pretty educational and are based on “touchy” issues.
You should add Chasing Fireflies by Charles Martin to your list for next year! It is amazing! one of the best books that I read this year (including The Help and The Glass Castle).
I loved The Help! I could not put it down. Another favorite this year was The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes. I am adding Firefly Lane and Water for Elephants to my list for 2011.
From your list, I’ve read The Hunger Games series, the Bridal Quartet, Something Borrowed, and Something Blue. I agree with your ratings on all of them! Such fun reads!
Love your list… I read the majority of the books you listed. Felt the same way about CeeCee Wilkes and loved the first 2 Emily Giffin. I would recommend the Dragon Tattoo Series for 2011. I read them all and thoroughly enjoyed each one (the first is a bit hard to get into, but is worth it).
Kilbi- I own The Girl WIth the Dragon Tattoo series but just haven’t started yet! It’s at the top of my list for 2011! 🙂
I am reading the first in The Hunger Games amd I can’t put it down!
So glad to see these posted b/c I am eagerly awaiting the CeeCee Wilkes book, Same Kind of Different as Me and Firefly Lane.
As far as recommendations, I loved The Glass Castle if you haven’t read it (it’s a memoir but impossible to put down), Into Thin Air (sounds boring, about a summit to Everest, but soooo good), Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and American Wife (probably my least fave of these).
I so love to read and have read all the books on your list except for Water for Elephants and Firefly Lane. I’m adding them to my list. I’ve got about 20 books in my nightstand placed in order and all ready for 2011. I’m not sure that I have a favorite author but I have to read everything that James Patterson and Nora Roberts writes! Everything! And I have read all of Emily Giffin. Do you read Sophie Kinsella? I love her Shopaholic series and anxiously wait for the next book to come out.
Diane Chamberlain and Kristin Hannah are two of my favorite authors! I really liked Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah and Before the Storm by Diane Chamberlain (the sequel Secrets She Left Behind). Joshilyn Jackson is another great author.
I love your list, and just did a similar post! It seems we have a very similar taste in books.
Have you thought about reading the Stieg Larsson trilogy (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, etc.) in 2011? I’ve read the first two and enjoyed them both, although the first one took me a LONG time to get into. Can’t wait to see you 2011 list!
I love your list, and just did a similar post! It seems we have a very similar taste in books.
Have you thought about reading the Stieg Larsson trilogy (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, etc.) in 2011? I’ve read the first two and enjoyed them both, although the first one took me a LONG time to get into. Can’t wait to see your 2011 list!
Hi there! Are you interested in selling any of these now that you’ve read them? I would love to read some!!
I loved all the Emily Giffin books!! My favorite was also Something Borrowed and my least favorite was Baby Proof. I really liked Heart of the Matter. I wasn’t that angry at the other woman. I am not sure why. I was mad a the husband. Do you think she left the door open to continue the other woman’s story? I also read The Help this year and loved it. I am definitely going to read Firefly Lane based on your review. It pushed me over the edge as it has been on my to read list!! One of my favorite books The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I don’t if you have read it but I highly recommend it. I also really like The Wednesday Sisters. Looking forward to seeing your 2011 list!!
You have inspired me to set my own reading goal for next year!!! 🙂 Thank you for the fun reviews and recommendations!
I have read all of the books on your list and could not agree with you more about you comments and reviews! One I read last year that I loved was Saving Ceecee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman. It takes place in Savannah, Georgia and is filled with such great imagery and characters. Loved, loved, loved it!
Hi Erin!
What a great list! I have read some of the books that you read this year, Firefly Lane is an incredible book and left me in tears at the end! Also, I am now recently addicted to GoodReads and have spent hours reading reviews, I would love to be your friend and read your reviews but I’m not quite sure how to add/find you. Love this list so much!
Thanks!
Mackenzie
Just found you blog and wanted to leave a little note letting you know I was here.
I am going to have to get the Beth Moore book, I have heard nothing but good things about it.
I just added half of these to my reading list for next year. Now I just need to make the time to actually sit down and read again. 😉
Great list! I loved Hunger Games and Water for Elephants. Now I’ve got some new books for my 2011 list – thanks!!
Erin, I would love to be your friend on GoodReads. Can you give me a username or something so that I can search for you there? If you’d prefer, you can email it to me. Thanks.
I loved your list. I just started Same kind of different as me this weekend. I am anxious for the book club to start again Any ideas on future plans?
Thanks for the post! Water for Elephants is a book I’ve been interested in reading and after hearing your positive review, I might have to get a hold of it soon. Also interested to know if the blog book club will be starting back up this year? I know you’ve got a lot going on, but I did enjoy participating and would love to see it again – even just a low key one.
Great list! I also was very disappointed by Commencement but loved The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes. I am a huge Emily Giffin fan but Heart of the Matter was definitely my least favorite of her books. Still, I agree with you in that it evoked so many emotions so I think it was still a worthwhile read. But it was definitely a difficult book to read.
Water for Elephants is now at the top of my 2011 reading list. After seeing the trailer for the movie I cannot wait to devour the book!
I am just about to finish the Hunger Games series. The first one was SO GOOD, but I am struggling to finish the last one. Only 70 pages left!
Great job on reading this year! I set myself up on a challenge to read 10,000 pages before 2011. I am about 800 pages short, but I think I did pretty well (and I started in February!).
I loved this post – it definitely gave me some new reading material! I’m in the middle of The Confession by John Grisham right now. It’s not usually something I would pick up, but I can’t put it down! I haven’t finished it yet, but from what I’ve read, I recommend it!
Thanks for posting! I love book reviews from REAL people, rather than professional critics! Happy Reading in 2011 (if you have time!)
I just finished Catching Fire this morning – what a cliffhanger! I almost jumped on my Kindle immediately to download Mockingjay, but I’m trying to hold off until I finish the library books I have checked out 🙂
From your list, I also read Water for Elephants and Firefly Lane – I loved them both! I recommend Water for Elephants to everyone.
I’ve read several of these books already, but just purchased Water for Elephants and Firefly Lane today! Thanks for the review. I also referenced your blog on my blog today. Happy New Year from Huntsville, AL. Also pumped about the idea of setting a reading goal. I love to read and do it often, but have never thought to set a goal on how many or what kind of books I want to read in 2011. Pumped about that idea too! Thanks.
I’ve also read all of the Emily Giffin books and share your opinion on them–Heart of the matter was VERY difficult to read (I think since I got married reading books about infidelity/divorce/etc make me too deeply sad), but well written, and I didn’t love Baby Proof. Something Borrowed and Something Blue are great though! Off to check out the rest of these!
Thanks for this post. I feel overwhelmed when I go into a book store because I’m not sure which direction to go first. I think I’ll jot down some of your favorites and go from there. I’m reading Bringing Up Girls by Dr. James Dobson right now. Finding time to read is the hard part for me so I’ll need a book next that is easy and quick.
I have read three of the books on your list. James Patterson always has interesting books and are a good and quick read. The other two were the Kristen Hannah books. I really enjoyed both in their own distinctly different ways. Winter Garden was a difficult read but once I finished it, I was glad that I had stuck with it. I enjoyed your reviews.
If you haven’t, you should definately read the Stieg Larsson Trilogy. Starts with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, then The Girl Who Played with Fire, and ends with The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest.
I’ve also recently gotten into audiobooks, I download one each month on itunes. You should try it!
Thanks for the great review post! I’ve added several of these to my list for 2011. It’s nice to get some input about good reads!
Holy smokes, you read a LOT of books!! How awesome!!
Thanks for the recommendations! I also read and loved Water for Elephants this year. Two other favorites: The Help and The Time Traveler’s Wife. Right now I’m totally engrossed in The Lovely Bones and look forward to discovering many other books this year. Happy reading in 2011!
Per you recommendation here I picked up Firefly Lane over the weekend as my ‘read on my flight next weekend’ book and um, I’m halfway through it already! Um, whoops?
Looks like I’ll have to find something else to read on the plane this weekend.
Thanks for reviewing these books–I’m always on the hunt for good books!