Books of 2011

What was the best new (to you) author you discovered this year?
Elizabeth Gaskell - North & South - definitely not a new author, but new to me & very much enjoyed!

What was your favorite new (to you) series?
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Best parenting book?
The Mother in Me: Real-World Reflections on Growing Into Motherhood by Kathryn Lynard Soper

Book that made you laugh out loud?
Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World by Eric Weiner

Book that totally changed your perspective on something?
Another Place at the Table by Kathy Harrison - gave me a lot of insight into the lives of foster parents (frank, uncomfortable, and heart-breaking at times)

Best homeschool(ing) book?
Deconstructing Penguins: Parents, Kids, and the Bond of Reading by Lawrence & Nancy Goldstone - not specific to homeschool, but a fun & interesting read

Book that made you want to make some changes in your own life?
A Heart Like His: Making Space for God’s Love in Your Life by Virginia H. Pearce - this book is from an LDS perspective (I’m LDS) - and has made me want to keep my heart soft toward others

Book you have recommended to the most people this year?
The Blue Castle by L. M. Montgomery

Best childrens/young adult book of the year?
When My Name Was Keoko by Linda Sue Park - wonderful book!

Book you've been meaning to read for years and finally got to?
The Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens - though I have to admit, I “read” this one on audio

Read aloud that the family enjoyed the most?
The Story of Rolf & the Viking Bow by Allen French - fabulous!

Best cookbook/knitting/gardening/or other household how-to?
The Food Nanny Rescues Dinner: Easy Meals for Ever Day of the Week by Liz Edmunds

Best non-fiction?
Nothing To Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick - so good!
I also really enjoyed How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had it Coming by Mike Brown

Best religion/theology/doctrine/philosophy?
Sophie’s World: A Novel About the History of Philosophy by Jostein Gaarder - a big investment, but I learned a lot and I’m glad I read it.

All-around best story of the year?
Enchantment by Orson Scott Card - some adult situations and language, so be forewarned, but I LOVED it