Apparently, asking folks what was the best book they read in 2006 is not the right way to find out what books are being read locally. We had 16 votes (for 16 different books) for our survey, and many more noncommittal verbal responses like, “I couldn’t possibly pick just one.” While this wasn’t a test, asking this question seemed to provoke a similar anxiety. Here’s the responses; maybe folks can find a recommendation here:
Julie and Julia : 365 days, 524 recipes, 1 tiny apartment kitchen : how one girl risked her marriage, her job and her sanity to master the art of living by Julie Powell
I loved this book — it was funny, it was irreverent, it included some wonderful turns of phrase, and described one of the greatest husbands I have ever come across in any book fiction or non-fiction. The image of the crazy bean lady on a NYC street practicing her omlette flipping technique will stay with me for a while.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
It made me think about what is important in life and it made me cry.
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
Fast read, comfort read.
Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond
I like anthropology.
The Life and Times of the Thuderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson
About my hometown!
Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris
Book club selection.
Empire Falls by Richard Russo
The most well written book I’ve ever read. Perfect!
Eat Pray Love by Elisabeth Gilbert
Blind Courage by Bill Irwin
Inspirational, unbelievable
Year 1000 by Robert Lacey and Danny Danzinger
Fascinating story.
Marley and Me by John Grogan
Wide appeal–even to non-animal owners. Joy, tears in equal parts. Good writing, too.
Standing in the Rainbow by Fannie Flagg
Liked all the other books Fannie Flagg wrote. I figured I’d like this one, which I did.
One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus
Conviction by Richard North Patterson
Dark Torte by Diane Mott Davidson
Funny, suspense, location.
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
(5 year old reviewer)