My Book Report for 2011

As I've mentioned before, one of my resolutions for 2011 was to read non-parenting books. I began the year by only reading books that Josh recommended to me, approaching this goal as if it were a non-negotiable task.

Mid-year, I found myself wandering from Josh's recommendations and following those of others. As a result, 2011 has been a year of books recommended by Josh and friends. For a woman who hasn't read a fiction book in almost four years, I am proud that I made it through 12 books. Here is my list, with the name of the person who made the recommendation in parentheses:

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Mark Haddon, (Josh)
The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger, (Josh)
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, HGTG Book 1, Douglas Adams, (Josh)
The Restaurant at the End of the Universe, HGTG Book 2, Douglas Adams, (Josh)
Life, the Universe and Everything, HGTG Book 3, Douglas Adams, (Josh)
The Braindead Megaphone, George Saunders, (Rachel)
How It Ended, Jay McInerney, (Amy)
Thank you for Smoking,  Christopher Buckley, (Josh)

Brave New World, Aldous Huxley, (Josh)
Stardust, Neil Gaiman, (Josh)
Watership Down, Richard Adams, (Grandma Rose)*
Vroom with a View, Peter Moore, (Anne M.)

 *When I was in high school, my grandmother, Rose, gave her copy of Watership  Down to me. She claimed it was her favorite book of all time and urged me to read it. It wasn't until this past summer, 10 years after her death, that I picked it up. I really enjoyed it, and I know she would have made her happy to know that I finally read it.

As you can tell from my list, the books I read varied in genre and style. Even though The Catcher in the Rye and Brave New World are considered well-read classics, I hadn't read either one, and if Josh hadn't suggested them, I don't know when I would have picked them up.

So, I am sure you are wondering which book was my favorite. Or at least, what would I recommend from my list.

I can't believe I am going to write this, but I loved Stardust by Neil Gaiman. I don't think I have read a fantasy book since Liz Smith made me read The Sword of Shannara in 8th grade (which, by the way, I don't recommend, unless you are seeking to be tortured for about three weeks, and yes, I feel the same way about Lord of the Rings. Sorry, Manny.)

But, I handed over the reins to Josh, and he picked out Stardust for me. I think it is best described as a grown-up fairy tale: A young man promises his love that he will fetch a fallen star for her and his quest for the star results in adventure with a tender ending. If you loved The Princess Bride, you will love Stardust. It's that sort of book.  If you haven't already read it, I recommend it. :)