Here are the books I enjoyed the most this year. This list is of books I read, not only published in 2011.
First and foremost – this is THE best book I’ve read this year. From some reason it didn’t get much attention in the US.
We, The Drowned by Carsten Jensen
“We, The Drowned” (Website) byCarsten Jensenis aspellbinding, award winning(Danske Banks Litteraturpris)fictionalbook which spans 100 years in the lives of the inhabitants of the small Danish coastal townMarstal. Jensen’s debut novel is already hailed as aninstant classicand rightfully so.
Non-Fiction:
Auschwitz by Dr. Miklós Nyiszli
Auschwitz: A Doctor’s Eyewitness Accountby Dr. Miklós Nyiszli is anon-fiction memoirof a Jewish Hungarian medical doctor who performed “research” on other Jews with the evil Dr. Josef Mengele aka “Angel of Death”. This is not an easy book to read, but an important one.
Elizabeth and Hazel by David Margolick
Elizabeth and Hazel: Two Women of Little Rockby David Margolick is anon fictionbook about two ladies who were made famous by the press. The booklooks history square in the eyeand doesn’t flinch.
Gated Grief by Leila Levinson
“Gated Grief: The Daughter of a GI Concentration Camp Liberator Discovers a Legacy of Trauma” by Leila Levinson who started the charity Veteran’s Children (website|Facebook|Twitter) is anon-fictionbook about the author’s five year research to understand herfather’s traumafromliberatinga concentration camp in World War II. The book is filled with graphic pictures which will stay with you for a long time.
Hero: The Life and Legend of Lawrence of Arabia by Michael Korda
“Hero: The Life and Legend of Lawrence of Arabia” by Michael Korda is abiographyof Englishman Thomas Edward (T.E.) Lawrence better known by his nickname. The biography follows Lawrence from his birth to his early death.
The Jersey Sting By Ted Sherman and Josh Margolin
“The Jersey Sting: A True Story of Corrupt Pols, Money-Laundering Rabbis, Black Market Kidneys, and the Informant Who Brought It All Down” By Ted Sherman and Josh Margolin (website|Twitter|Facebook) is thetrue storyof the events leading up to the arrest of 44 people in New Jersey. These 44 werecorrupt local politicians,Rabbis,money launderersand, strangest of all, ablack market kidney dealer.
Lost in Shangri-La by Mitchell Zuckoff
“Lost in Shangri-La” by Mitchell Zuckoff (website) is anon-fictionbook about aplane crashin Dutch New Guinea during World War II. This book isnarrative historyat its best.
The Lost City of Z by David Grann
“The Lost City of Z” by David Grann (website) is anon-fictionaccount of the author’s trip to Brazilfollowing the footstepsof previous explorers. The book is part character study, part history, part archaeological and part adventure story.
Moonwalking with Einstein by Joshua Foer
“Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything” by Joshua Foer is amemoirof the author’s attempted to win theU.S. memory championship. Along the way Mr. Foer attempts toexplain some tricks, techniques and the science aroundmemory.
Turn Right at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams
“Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time” by Mark Adams is anon-fictionbook in which the author follows the footsteps of Hiram Bingham III.
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
“Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand (Website|Facebook) is the amazingnon-fictionstory of Loius Zamperini (Website|Wikipedia) an Americanathlete,World War IIAir Corp bombardier whosurviveda crash and interment in aJapanese POWcamp.
Fiction:
1Q84 by Haruki Murakami
1Q84by Haruki Murakami is afictionalnovel which takes place betweentwo worlds. The book was originally written inJapaneseand became a best seller almost immediately.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
20,000 Leagues Under the Seaby Jules Verne is a classicscience fictionnovel published in 1870. The book’s original titleVingt mille lieues sous les mers, the literal translation would be “Seas” which might imply theseven seas.
The Attack by Yasmina Khadra
The Attackby Yasmina Khadra is afictionalbook set inIsraeland theWest Bank. Yasmina Khadra is the nom de plume of Mohammed Moulessehoul, a former Algerian military officer.
The Confessor by Daniel Silva
“The Confessor” by Daniel Silva (website) is thethird installmentin thefictionaladventures of thereluctant Israeli agentGabriel Allon.
The Emperor of Lies by Steve Sem-Sandberg
The Emperor of Liesby Steve Sem-Sandberg is anaward winning historicalfiction book. The book was translated fromSwedishand tells about real life, as well as fictional characters.
The Fifth Servant by Kenneth Wishnia
“The Fifth Servant” by Kenneth Wishnia (Website) is afictional mysteryset in 1592 at Jewish Ghetto in the city ofPrague. The book is rich with Jewish culture and the tensions between Jews and Christians.
Field Gray by Philip Kerr
“Field Gray” by Philip Kerr (website) is afictionalnovel taking place alternatively between the 1931 and mid 1954, mostly in Berlin. The book is 7th novel starring Bernie Gunther (fan website).
A Fierce Radiance by Lauren Belfer
“A Fierce Radiance” by Lauren Belfer (website) is ahistorical fictionbook about the search forpenicillin. The push came during World War II when the need for this miracle drug became as important as any weapon.
The Final Storm: A Novel of World War II by Jeff Shaara
“The Final Storm: A Novel of the War in the Pacific” by Jeff Shaara (website) is ahistorical fictionnovel which focuses on America’swar in the Pacificinstead of Europe. Mr. Shaara points out that he didn’t intend to write this book but got many letters for fans and WWII veterans who fought there.
Good for us!
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Yes, I’ve read a magic book.Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrellby Susanna Clarke is a fictional book about magicians set in 1800s England.
Lionheart by Sharon Kay Penman
“Lionheart” by Sharon Kay Penman is ahistorical fictionbook about Richard I and the Third crusade. This is a well researched book which is fascinating and exciting.
The Lotus Eaters by Tatjana Soli
“The Lotus Eaters” by Tatjana Soli (Website) is afictionalbook about theVietnam War. Helen Adams is acombat photographer, a woman “in a young man’s profession” is drawn to Vietnam after the loss of her brother in combat.
Ordinary Thunderstorms by William Boyd
“Ordinary Thunderstorms” by William Boyd (website) is afictionalbook withmany themes. The book takes place inLondonand follows a man whose life turned upside down.
The Profession by Steven Pressfield
“The Profession” by Steven Pressfield (website|Facebook) is a fictional book about the projectfutureof America. The story is told from the perspective of a solider on the ground.
so much for that by Lionel Shriver
“so much for that” by Lionel Shriver is afictionalbook aboutserious matters. The book deals with thefrustrationand the unfairness of dealing with theUS healthcare industry.
The Street Sweeper by Elliot Perlman
The Street SweeperbyAustralian historianElliot Perlman is afictionalbook which deals with the American struggle forcivil rightsand theHolocaust. The book beautifully ties together the idea that we are all human and touch each other’s lives.
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
“Treasure Island” byRobert Louis Stevensonis an 1883fictionaladventurous and classicpirate story. The book follows Jim Hawkins, a young man, who hasfound a treasure mapand with the help of friends hires a crew to find the treasure. But the crew has their own plans.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
“A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” by Betty Smith is ahistorical fictionbook set in … Brooklyn. The book was published in 1943 and became aninstant best sellerdespite criticism on its content
Uncle Misha’s Partisans by Yuri Suhl
“Uncle Misha’s Partisans” by Yuri Suhl is afictionalbook following the adventures of aUkrainianboy duringWorld War II. The book is meant for young adults (YA) and should be read as such.
Winter in Wartime by Jan Terlouw
Winter in Wartimeby Jan Terlouw is afictionalbook set inWorld War II. The book is aDutch classicoriginally calledOorlogswinter.
So tell me, what are your favorite books you’ve read in 2011? Also, why are you reading lame blog posts on Christmas instead of being with your family?
Zohar – Man of la Book
BOOK BLOGGERS – Do you have a “Best Of 2011” List? If so link up below:
5 Comments
I loved Lost In Shangri-La, one of my favorite books this year.
I’m really surprised that people had a problem with A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Maybe it was just too realistic.
I just finished We, The Drowned. Absolutely epic book, wonderfully written, poignant, unsentimental. Brilliant.
Wow, what a list!!
Happy New Year to you and your family Zohar!
I have Elizabeth and Hazel on my list if books to read soon. I’m glad you enjoyed it!