2010 Year in Review

Well, my illness lasted a lot longer than I had expected, I think I lost about a month there. But thankfully I'm heading into 2011 healthy and feeling good! So now it is time to look back at my year in reading!

At the beginning of the year I set a few challenges for myself (I didn't know about all the challenges that exist in the book blogger world then!) I did pretty well on them, and probably would have completed most if I hadn't been sick. Let's see how I did.

1. Read 100 Books

I read 99! Seriously, 99. So close! If I hadn't been sick, I would have hit 100. Oh well, something to aim for in 2011.

2. A-Z Reading Challenge

This one wasn't completed. I missed E, K, Q, U, V, Z. Again if I hadn't been sick I would have made an effort to finish this one, but I probably wouldn't have completed it.

3. Read 20 Canadian Books

Hurray, I finished one! I read 23 books, and had a great time. I found some great Canadian authors and I definitely have a love of Canadian literature now.

4. Read 3 Classics and 5 books from the BBC Big Read

Ok, so these ones didn't happen. I read one from each and it was the same book. There are tons of books that I want to read from those lists, but it just didn't happen because so many other new books had my attention. I'll definitely have to make more of an effort to check out older books.

And now for my top reads of 2010!

Room by Emma Donoghue

For me this book lived up to all of the hype surrounding it. It is a great book that takes a subject we seem to hear too much about in the media and gives it a new perspective. You immediately are drawn to the characters and you can't put the book down because you need to know what is going to happen next.

Flaws and All by Shana Burton

I'm a big fan of Urban Christian fiction and this was the best for me this year. It's a powerful novel that follows five women through one year and tackles serious issues such as domestic abuse and adultery. You instantly connect with the characters and will be moved by their faith.

The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood

This book sucked me right in and I couldn't put it down. I thought it was an excellent commentary on the future of our planet and what we are doing to it. There were so many amazing elements to the story and it will have you taking a long hard look at our world.

The Long Song by Andrea Levy

A story of slavery in Jamaica, this book goes beyond the typical slave-master and slave story. What I liked most about the book was the authentic Jamaican voice that it was written in, which really brings the story to life.

Same Kind of Different As Me by Denver Moore and Ron Hall

This book moved me. An amazing true story about a homeless man and a high-end art dealer who form an extraordinary friendship. This book will inspire you and challenge you.

I hope you all had a wonderful 2010. Come back tomorrow as I look ahead at 2011 and share what reading challenges I am participating in and what books I am looking forward to!