Once again, I found it surprisingly easy to pick the best books of 2010. Some titles just stay with you and leave a deep impression upon you. These are the books that ended up on my bookshelf, which I hope to someday again read and enjoy, and think that everyone else should read as well.
Fiction
Come Sunday by Isla Morley—a beautifully-written tale of a mother’s loss and journey to healing through the memories of her childhood. Why I liked it: Morley has a gift for words; this writer excels at metaphor and description.
Chasing Lilacs by Carla Stewart—a page-turning coming-of-age story set in Texas, where a young girl struggles with her mother’s mental illness. Why I liked it: the narrator’s story and her desire to simply be loved by her mom pulls at something that all of us want.
Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry—a boy who seems “different” from other boys grows up to realize his dream of starting a radio station and playing the Gospel music that he loves for those around him. Why I liked it: the plot surprised me in many ways. I also liked the perspective of the guardian angel and his narration interspersed with the main character’s story.
Delivery by Betty Jane Hegerat—a young mom struggles to make the right decision for her newborn daughter. Why I liked it: Hegerat shows that there is no easy answer, no matter how we all try to come up with one. This was a grittily real tale of a difficult decision.
City of Tranquil Light by Bo Caldwell—the story of a missionary couple in China in the early 1900s. Why I liked it: Caldwell makes China come alive; I felt like I was there, or could easily picture it. I also liked both main characters and the play between narrative and journal entries.
Children’s Books
This Little Prayer of Mine by Anthony DeStefano—a delightful rhyming prayer for children.
Nonfiction
Love and War by John and Stasi Eldredge—seriously, the BEST marriage book I have read yet; just as good as Captivating and Wild at Heart and a must-read for any married couple.
What was the best book that you read in 2010?
3 Comments
Carla – I think I’ve heard of The Glass Castle but haven’t read it. I’ll have to look it up!
Writer Mom – Still Alice sounds like a delightful story as well. My husband’s grandmother suffered from Alzheimer’s so I’ve heard a little of what it’s like.
I loved Still Alice by Lisa Genova. A very moving and beautiful story of early onset Alzheimers told from the perspective of a person struggling with the disease.
Oh my. Thank you so much for choosing Chasing Lilacs. I like the way you did your list by telling why you liked the book. I’m honored, dear friend.
Best book of 2010 for me? The Glass Castle. Not a new book, but my first time to read it. There is just something about persevering through a fractured childhood that grips me.