Favorite Books Read in 2011

Maybe I'm an oddity but I love reading about what others are reading, especially the end-of-the-year book lists. I couldn't keep my list to ten favorites this year.  Maybe because I read more books than usual, maybe because I had too many books that in one way or the other were unforgettable. This year's list is an eclectic mix of books dealing with everything from gardening to grief.

From looking at this list, I don't read much fiction. Most of the fiction I read is in the juvenile category. I should compile a whole separate list of all the family read alouds we enjoyed this year. We have especially enjoyed our study of medieval history through great books. We also enjoyed learning the history of our area and state and I need to add more books to my PA history blog.

If I try to comment about each book, I fear I'll repeat myself and say "This is a great book. You must read it!" Every book listed here was beneficial in some way to my life in what I learned, in how I grew, or how it made me think. I can't say I agree with everything in every book but in some way I valued the time spent reading it. I'm going to list the books in random order, without comment, and share the link if I've already reviewed it on this blog.

I've been asked how I choose books to read. Sometimes, at the beginning of the year, I make a list of books I want to read. I rarely follow the list. Typically I read whatever strikes me - a book suggested by a friend, picked up at a book sale, or spotted at the library. Maybe I'm studying a particular topic to share with others or just choose a book that has gathered dust on my shelf for years.



One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voscamp
review



Large Family Logistics by Kim Brenneman 
review



Lasgana Gardening by Patricia Lanza
review



Adam and His Kin by Ruth Beechick 



The 12-Month Gardener by Jeff Ashton
review



In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan
review

Light My Candle by Stephanie Leinbach
review

The Johnstown Flood by David McCullough
review




Safely Home by Randy Alcorn
review



Lies Women Believe by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
review



Every Woman's Battle by Shannon Ethridge



Keeping a Nature Journal by Clare Walker Leslie

Hints on Child Training by H. Clay Trumbull



The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands by Dr. Laura Schlessinger



Before You Meet Prince Charming by Sarah Mally



These Strange Ashes by Elisabeth Elliot  
review



Power of the Powerless by Christopher De Vinck
review



The Long Road Home by Pablo Yoder

The Secret of the Strength by Peter Hoover



A Higher Call by Harold Bell Wright



Life is a Gift by Jenny Miller
review

I'd love to hear about the books you have enjoyed this year. Maybe your suggestion will make it to my 2012 list!

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