 | Vicky's BEST READS in 2010
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 | Freedom by Jonathan Franzen
My favorite novel of 2010 is this one, easily. Franzen storytelling skills are extraordinary and his ability to create full-blown characters is something to behold. I read this large volume in just a few days and was sad to see it done. The storyline follows three major characters through more than 20 years after meeting in college. I feel as though I know and really like these people. |
 | Super Sad True Love Story by Gary Shteyngart
So, are we really headed for a future where the U.S. has become a third world country, where illiteracy abounds, where we're judged to be either Low-Net-Worth (LNW) or High-Net-Worth (HNW) and where the most incredible means are employed to stave off death? Or, are we there?
Shteyngart's vision is extraordinary and he manages to create a funny, sweet but sad world. His prose can be lovely. I found myself going back to reread portions to enjoy the word play. Shteyngart has been given multiple awards after publication of each of his three novels for good reason. Super Sad True Love Story is an entertaining, totally satisfying novel. Read this book! |
 | The Cookbook Collector by Allegra Goodman
My take on The Cookbook Collector. Is Allegra Goodman a modern-day Jane Austen? Many of the reasons I love Austen's novels apply to The Cookbook Collector: it is a completely charming, romantic story with astute revelations into its characters relationships. The novel creates a world, not quite as isolated as Austen's, but a distinct world where I was happy to be. The storyline revolves around two very different sisters...one works at an antiquarian bookstore and takes on the very challenging job of cataloging a valuable cookbook collection. The other more responsible sister makes a fortune in Silicone Valley. Their competing philosophies of life create the novel's conflict. The Cookbook Collector was a lovely, satisfying read, as, indeed, all of Jane's novels are. |
 | Labor Day by Joyce Maynard
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 | The Man from Beijing by Henning Mankell
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 | The Ghosts of Belfast – Stuart Neville
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 | Finding Nouf – Zoe Ferraris
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 | The Blood-Dimmed Tide – Rennie Airth
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