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!
