Diane's top ten books of 2009

I aimed to read 100 books this year. I totally failed, "only" racking up 86, but that still left a lot to choose from when whittling it down to ten. So I narrowed it down to the best books I read that were published this year. (For the purists among you, some of these were first published last year in hardback, this year in paperback; others were published in 09 for the first time.)

American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld

An epic novel (based on the life of Laura Bush) which aims to answer the question "what do you do when the man you love has completely different political views than you do... then becomes President?" Intriguing, compelling, and yes, important.

The Family Man by Elinor Lipman

A welcome return from a favourite of mine, The Family Man is definitely one of her best. Easy to read and full of Lipman's trademark Austen-esque wit.

Speed Shrinking by Susan Shapiro

First (but not the last) novel from the American memoirist. Not much happens but all it's well-written, funny and charming.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Simply my favourite book of the year. Read it!

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Shaffer and Annie Burrows

Everyone I know who has read this book loves it. It's accessible, charming and educational. Read this, too.

A Little Bit Wicked by Kristin Chenoweth

Sweet, interesting and entertaining memoir by the charming actress and singer (featuring more than a bit of goss about her relationship with Aaron Sorkin). A fast, fun read.

A Gate at the Stairs by Lorrie Moore

The first new book by Moore in over a decade deals with adoption, Afghanistan and doomed relationships (of all different types). Maybe Moore tries too hard to squeeze in the deep topics and doesn't quite tie it all together, but her deft wit never goes astray despite this being a pretty bleak story.

Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby

Four words: Return to form. Finally. (Review coming soon.)

Shoot the Damn Dog: A Memoir of Depression by Sally Brampton

I wouldn't normally recommend a book about depression to a general readership but this is different. With heartbreaking honesty, Brampton explains what severe depression feels like and gives hope to fellow sufferers (in a realistic yet optimistic way). She also emphasises that anti-depressants make some people (including the author) feel worse rather than better, for which I was personally very grateful.

Official Book Club Selection: A Memoir According to Kathy Griffin by Kathy Griffin

If you're not a fan of loud American redheads who swear a lot, this might not be the book for you... but comedian and My Life on the D List star Griffin does more than an extended comedy routine in this cleverly-named memoir. She covers her early years as a struggling actor, her brother's drug addiction (and his other serious issues), the suicide of her good friend and her father's death as well as dishing on some famous names (Andre Agassi: apparently not so fun.) A fun and satisfying read, and the book club questions at the back are priceless.

Take a look at Keris's list for comparison. Which were your fave reads of 2009?

Comments

[Debs]

Oooh I'm pleased to hear about the Hornby's return to form, Diane - my hands hovered over this the other day and when I thought of 'A Long Way Down' I moved along. Another to add to the list then, thanks.

[diane]

Oh, yes, it's so much better than his last 2 books Debs - he's narrowed his scope back to immature men and music, and his writing's all the better for it :)