Read In 2009 || Will Read In 2010

MY FAVORITE READS FROM 2009:

Overall favorite: 
Jesus Land by Julia Scheeres

This book did exactly what a 'favorite' book should do - I laughed, cried, gasped, and fell in love with the characters. This deeply striking and honest memoir deals largely with two topics that we'd rather look passed: racism and religioun ... and it does it in the midwest in the 1980s. A book I suggest you immediately put on your own 'to read in 2010' list.

 
Favorite tug-your-emotions book:
The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom

I realize that I'm a little behind on this one. Most of you have already tucked this fantastic, quick read under your belt. I finally dug into it this summer and I spent a few solid summer afternoons pouring over Eddie's life and his wanderings through 'heaven.' It was a beautiful portrayal of love and cyclicality of life that we all (or at least myself) often overlook.

Favorite memoir:
Naked by David Sedaris

I realize it might be off to devote a category to memoirs, but I will sing praises for memoirs all day long - a genre of books that demands more attention! Now as for this Sedaris book, its another where you'll laugh, gasp, and have your heartbroken between its covers, but it will be worth the emotional ride. In this book, Sedaris regales us with tales of his unusual upbringing and life thusfar. Another must read.

Favorite brain candy:
The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs

Calling all ladies ... and especially anyone of you who are knitters. This quick, but lovable read is a light-hearted book about a woman, her daughter, and her knitting shop. If you love books that give you a great glimpse into the hearts of its many characters, you're sure to love this one. And what is there not to live about a little heart-warming romance woven throughout (pun intended, haha).

Favorite chew-it-over book:
Total Church by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis


This book made me contemplate church outside of four walls. What does it mean to be a church when the building is not there? Community, Evangelism, the Gospel, Discipleship, and Missions are only a few of the topics it deals with. I read this book with a small group and highly recommend it for both personal and group reading. Start reading and immediately start thinking on this one.





TO READ IN 2010:

• Hotel On The Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
• The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
  
• Forgotten God by Francis Chan
• The Road by Cormac McCarthy
  
• 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper
• The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Have you read any of these? Planning to add any of my recommendations to your 2010 reading list? Let me know!