Most years I’ve ended my annual Christmas letter with a list of the best books I read during the year. This year I’ve got too many adorable grandchildren antics to describe, so I ran out of room.
But I’ve got room here. If you’re still looking for some book ideas as Christmas gifts, 2011, here are a few of my favorites read in the last twelve months. (Photo on the left is of author Liz Johnson’s Christmas “tree”).
Inspirational
Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber. I loved this memoir of Weber’s first year as a scholarship student in English Literature at Oxford. Spinning her title off C. S. Lewis’ Surprised by Joy for excellent effect, her beautiful prose tells the story of a lost love, a found love, and a future love for glorious satisfaction. A terrific choice for book-loving Christians who love C.S. Lewis, Oxford, literature, memoirs and testimonies.
Biographical
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand. Awe-inspiring, horrific, engrossing, absorbing and rich, this story of Olympic athlete Louis Zamperini‘s experiences during World War II is a masterpiece. It was the best book I read this year and had me on the edge of whatever seat I could take fast enough to read a few pages. All the readers I know devoured it and talked about it with undisguised pleasure. Truly an amazing tale of derring-do, near misses and extraordinary courage.
Fiction
The Paris Wife by Paula McLain. I wrote my college thesis on Ernest Hemingway, focusing on his A Moveable Feast, and this tour de force was a total delight. More gorgeous writing and insight into the difficulties of living with genius, told through the point of view of the first Mrs. Hemingway: Hadley. I hated to see the book end, even as I knew the sadness to come.
Non-Fiction
Empire of the Summer Moon by S. C. Gwynne. I only picked this one up because it had been on the best-seller list for so long but quickly became absorbed by the tragic tale of Native Americans. I had no idea the Commanches were considered the finest calvary in the history of the world until I read this book. Beautifully written, horrifying in detail, enormously important and insightful.
Mystery
The Beekeeper’s Apprentice by Laurie R. King. Recommended by a friend, this book has been around a long time but I’d never heard of it. I’ve never read Sherlock Holmes, so I didn’t catch all the clever references, but it was enjoyable for this novice. Good mysteries, strong characters, absorbing read.
Spiritual/Insightful/Memoir/Terrific
The Pastor by Eugene Peterson. I love Peterson’s beautiful writing and this memoir was so full of wisdom and thoughtful words, I actually underlined sections (I never underline, even the Bible). Telling the story of his spiritual walk through youthful missionary jaunts with his mother in Montana, through his years in the pastorate in Maryland and now full circle back to retirement in Montana, this book has plenty of spiritual meat to keep anyone busy.
Beloved Reread
Waiting for Snow in Havana by Carlos Eire. I’ve written about this book in the past, along with the sequel published this year, Learning to Die in Miami, but I reread this old favorite while on a mission trip to Nicaragua. It was as delightful in 2011 as it was the first time I read it. Full of rich language and stories told with a Latin flair, I laughed aloud time and again and was surprised to discover how I had taken his outrageous stories and expanded them to fit my own imagination. Terrific.
I’m always on the look out for a good, no, a great book. What did you like this year?
Michelle, your website is lovely. You have used such a peaceful shade of blue. The books all sound like perfect picks.
I was able to find a copy of your book at our local Sam’s Warehouse today. The two bookstores I looked at that were sold out were Lifeway Stores.
I believe I still have your e-mail so I may send you another request for a signed bookplate for this new copy I bought today—if you don’t mind.
Christmas Blessings,
Janice 2Bizy
Not sure how I missed this but you KNOW I love a list of books. 🙂 Interestingly, I haven’t read any of the featured books (tho I have read and loved Sherlock Holmes, Surprised by Joy, The Message, and everything by Hemingway). I have been repeatedly intrigued by The Paris Wife, so now I’ll pick it up. And Gerry will love Empire of the Summer Moon. Thank you! I love personal recommendations.