BEST READS OF 2011

My following favorites (received an "excellent" or "absolutely outstanding" rating) are listed in the order in which they were read and all except two* were published in 2011.

1. *The Human Bobby (Rotter) ~ Fiction

2. Turn of Mind (LaPlante) ~ Mystery

3. Between Shades of Gray (Sepetys) ~ YA Historical Fiction

4. Guilt By Association (Clark) ~ Mystery

5. The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes (Sakey) ~ Suspense

6. Breaking Silence (Castillo) ~ Thriller

7. *Triptych (Slaughter) ~ Thriller

8. Little Princes (Grennan) ~ Memoir

9. The Homecoming of Samuel Lake (Wingfield) ~ Fiction

10. Children of the Street (Quartey) ~ Mystery

11. The Stranger You Seek (Williams) ~ Thriller
   

December Reads

100.  Trading Christmas (Macomber) ~ 3/5

The Wife's Tale (Lansens) ~ DNF

Leave (Fallon) ~ 4/5

You Survived the War, Now Survive the Homecoming (Fallon) ~ 3/5

Gold Star (Fallon) ~ 3.75/5

101.  You Know When the Men Are Gone (Fallon) ~ 3.75/5

A Jury of Her Peers (Glaspell) ~ 3.5/5

102.  The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt (Preston) ~ 3.75/5

103.  The Coffin Dancer (Deaver) ~ 4/5

104.  The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Robison) ~ 3/5

A Field of Darkness (Read) ~ DNF

105.  Dead Until Dark (Harris) ~ 2.25/5

Wild Mustard (Muller) ~ 3.5/5

106.  Slipping into Darkness (Blauner) ~ 3.75/5

In My Parent's Bedroom (Akpan) ~ 3.5/5

What Language is That? (Akpan) ~ 3/5

A Very Holly Christmas (Roberts) ~ 2.5/5

Light Drizzle (Konrath) ~ 4/5

A Newbie's Guide to Thrillerfest (Konrath) ~ 3/5

One Night Only (Konrath) ~ 3/5

Millie's Fling (Mansell) ~ DNF

    

Short Story (not counted)

Bold titles made Best Reads of 2011 list

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FINAL 2011

MONTHLY  -  YEARLY STATS:

TOTAL:  7 - 106

Audiobooks:   5 - 69

Best Reads:   0 - 11

Books:   2 - 21

DNF:   3 - 10

eBooks:   0 - 16

New-to-Me Authors:   7 - 75

Off My Shelf:   2 - 31

Published in 2011:   3 - 41

Short Stories:   11 - 52

YA:   0 - 14

Ratings

Monthly - Yearly Stats:

5.00 =   0 - 3

4.75 =   0 - 0

4.50 =   0 - 8

4.25 =   0 - 5

4.00 =   1 - 20

3.75 =   3 - 14

3.50 =   0 - 22

3.25 =   0 - 7

 3.00 =   2 - 14

2.75 =   0 - 2

2.50 =   0 - 2

2.25 =   1 - 4

2.00 =   0 - 5

1.75 =   0 - 0

1.50 =   0 - 0

1.25 =   0 - 0

1.00 =   0 - 0

__________

average =   3.36  -  3.55 

MILLIE'S FLING

Author:  Jill Mansell

Genre:  Chick Lit, Standalone

Published:  2009

Personal Rating:  DNF #10

Format:  eBook

I've been reading this a chapter at a time and really trying to give it a chance (completed 36%!), but it just wasn't working for me (works for others, though - 4.5/167 reviews on Amazon).  After some internal prodding to get with it and finish it, I just couldn't give any more of my time to it, so I gave up.  I now have peace.  Whew!  (Why is it so hard to give up on books sometimes?)  In fairness to Mansell, I am not a connoisseur of chick-lit.

ONE NIGHT ONLY (3 of 65)

Author: J. A. Konrath

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: 65 Proof:
An Omnibus Collection, 2011

Personal Rating: 3/5 (just okay)

Format: eBook

(ss) Yearly Count: 52

Again, straight from the Funny Stuff section comes this story about a man who is obsessed with watching the basketball playoffs and ends up suffering for it.

After making a vocal sound of disgust, I decided that I really didn't like this story. However, I liked the fact that I was surprised - maybe shocked would be a more fitting adjective.

A NEWBIE'S GUIDE TO THRILLERFEST (2 of 65)

Author: J. A. Konrath

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: 65 Proof:
An Omnibus Collection, 2011

Personal Rating: 3/5 (just okay)

Format: eBook

(ss) Yearly Count: 51

This was another story from the Funny Stuff section. Like the title states, it's a guide to the Thrillerfest conference.

This was just okay, but I'm guessing that Konrath really enjoyed writing it. It actually could have been a cathartic experience for him.

LIGHT DRIZZLE (1 of 65)

Author: J. A. Konrath

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: 65 Proof:
An Omnibus Collection, 2011

Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)

Format: eBook

(ss) Yearly Count: 50

This collection is composed of 65 stories written and published in a variety of magazines and anthologies. It is divided into four categories: Jack and Friends (characters from his Jack Daniels series), Crime Stories, Horror Stories and Funny Stuff.

Light Drizzle is from the Funny Stuff category, and it really was just ridiculousness. I don't usually like that kind of humor, but needed to keep reading to complete my 50th short story for the year (need to meet my goal of 52). And, lo and behold, the ending made me smile big! It was actually funny and worth the read. :)

A VERY HOLLY CHRISTMAS

Author: Sheila Roberts

Genre: Short Story

Published:  2011

Personal Rating: 2.5/5 (eh)

Format: eBook

(ss) Yearly Count: 49

A year later, we find ourselves back in Holly (On Strike for Christmas) for a very short visit.

Ummm, there wasn't much to this short story, and I feel like there was a great plotline opportunity missed.

WHAT LANGUAGE IS THAT? (3 of 5)

Author: Uwem Akpan

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: Say You're One of Them, 2008

Personal Rating: 3/5 (just okay)
Format:  Audiobook

(ss) Yearly Count: 48

Religious differences cause the parents of two girlfriends to deny them their friendship.

This was okay. It was a simple story, but not simple in its meaning.

IN MY PARENT'S BEDROOM (2 of 5)

Author: Uwem Akpan

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: Say You're One of Them, 2008

Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)
Format:  Audiobook

(ss) Yearly Count: 47

A nine-year-old is in the middle of a war zone in her own home.

Told from a nine-year-old's point-of-view makes this story a bit perplexing, which is what I imagine it would feel like in real life, along with fear and heartbreak.

SLIPPING INTO DARKNESS

Author: Peter Blauner

Genre: Mystery, Standalone

Published: 2006

Personal Rating: 3.75/5 (good +)

Format: Audiobook

Yearly Count: 106

After 20 years of incarceration, a prisoner is released on a technicality. Meanwhile, the detective who originally put him there does everything in his power to make sure the evidence sticks this time and the guy stays behind bars.

I'm surprised this detective character hasn't inspired the author to produced a series. I found him and his circumstances (losing his eyesight) to be very intriguing. The deterioration would compromise and add an interesting angle to his profession. Most of the book was very good, but there were occasions when it got a little slow, thus a just under the 4 rating.

WILD MUSTARD (2 of 26)

Author: Marcia Muller, 1984

(Edited by Elizabeth George)

Genre:  Short Story Collection

Published: A Moment on the Edge, 2004

Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)

Format: Book

(ss) Yearly Count: 46

For over a year, a couple observe an older woman picking weeds on a hill during their weekly visit to their favorite restaurant. One week the older woman doesn't show up, so curiosity prompts the female observer to seek her out.

I liked the writing of this short story, but I was disappointed when the plot fizzled. It was still a good read, though.

DEAD UNTIL DARK

Author: Charlaine Harris

Genre: Paranormal, Series

Published: 2001

Persoanl Rating: 2.25/5 (not enjoyable +)

Format: Audiobook

Yearly Count: 105

Human, yet with the "disability" to read minds, Sookie Stackhouse meets the love of her life. While his name is simple, Bill leads nothing like a simple life, because Bill is a vampire.

I experienced many thoughts throughout this book, most were negative, but I continued to try and enjoy the book for its "take-you-away" value. That mindset helped me maintain interest, but I certainly wasn't riveted and shook my head much of the time.  Even though I knew this most likely wasn't going to be for me, I'm so glad I gave it a try.  My curiosity has now been put to rest.  Good night and good riddance to this series.

A FIELD OF DARKNESS

Author: Cornelia Read

Genre: Fiction, Series #1

Published:  2006

Personal Rating: DNF #9

Format:  Audiobook

After listening to almost 90 minutes of this book, I decided to turn it off and be done.  Simply - it wasn't keeping my attention. There wasn't any character or plot line that intrigued me.  I have moved on. 

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER

Author: Barbara Robison

Genre: Children's Fiction, Standalone

Published:  1972

Personal Rating: 3/5 (just okay)

Format: Audiobook

Yearly Count: 104

The yearly Christmas Pageant is turned upside down when the neighborhood's misfit family join in on the activities.  This is donned as a "beloved classic."

I suppose I can understand why children would enjoy this story, but for me there was probably more that I didn't like than did. And, I don't think the narrator was a good choice at all.  So, overall, it was an odd little book (very peculiar family), but had a good message.  I am glad that I finally took the time to find out what it was about, though.

THE COFFIN DANCER

Author: Jeffery Deaver

Genre:  Suspense,
Lincoln Rhyme Series #2

Published:  1998

Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)

Format: Audiobook

Yearly Count:  103


When three witnesses of a federal crime are the target for disposal (with one success), quadriplegic, forensic specialist Lincoln Rhyme and assistant, detective Amelia Saks are called in to catch the killer before there are no witnesses left for the trial that begins in 48 hours.

I like Rhyme.  Being that he's a quadriplegic, he uses the latest technology to help him navigate a computer and relies on others to be his hands and feet.  Amelia understands him and trusts him when he guides her through difficult scenarios out in the field.  I liked their connection and the forensic focus used to solve the case.  The suspense was gradually built and kept me interested throughout.

THE SCRAPBOOK OF FRANKIE PRATT

Author: Caroline Preston

Genre:  Fiction GN, Standalone

Published: 2011

Personal Rating: 3.75/5 (good +)

Format: Book

Yearly Count: 102

A scrapbook was given to Frankie from her mother as a high school graduation gift in 1920.  She, then, finds her father's old Corona typewriter in the cellar and vows to type one page a day.  She immediately begins to fill the book with typical scrapbook memorabilia and ends in the year 1928.

I wasn't wowed by this scrapbook (graphic novel), but I enjoyed the experience and would read another.  It was a great way to learn about the 20s.

A JURY OF HER PEERS (1 of 26)

Author: Susan Glaspell, 1917

(Edited by Elizabeth George)

Genre:  Short Story Collection

Published: A Moment on the Edge, 2004

Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)

Format: Book

(ss) Yearly Count: 45

A husband has been murdered. The men seeking out evidence aren't having much luck, while the women stumble upon some interesting items.

This was simple, but good. I was not fond of the actual writing style (written in 1917!), but overall smirked at the message within the mystery.

YOU KNOW WHEN THE MEN ARE GONE

Author:  Siobhan Fallon

Genre:  Short Story Collection

Published:  2011

Personal Rating:  3.75/5 (good +)

Format:  Book

Yearly Count:  101


This was a good short story collection regarding the lives of those who in one way or another serve our country.  It was a peek into the relationships of families that are torn away from each other for the sake of others.  The stories were definitely more negative than encouraging, but they gave good insight into what hardships are placed on those that dedicate themselves to the armed services.


You Know When All the Men Are Gone


Camp Liberty


Remission


Inside the Break


The Last Stand


Leave


You Survived the War, Now Survive the Homecoming


Gold Star

GOLD STAR (8 of 8)

Author:  Siobhan Fallon

Genre:  Short Story Collection

Published:  2011

Personal Rating:  3.75/5 (good +)

Format:  Book

(ss) Yearly Count:  44


A widow meets with the man whose life was saved by her husband.

I could feel the heaviness of deep sadness in this story. It had a few touching moments.