favorite books of 2011

I am a writer of chick-lit novels, but I am also an avid reader. In years past, I probably read about a book a month. In 2011, however, I think I averaged closer to a book a week thanks to receiving a Kindle for my birthday in December, 2010. Reading on a Kindle is just so easy!  While I am not a professional book reviewer, I do post reviews on Amazon and Goodreads for all the books I read. As a writer, I know how important these reviews are and I like to give back to my fellow authors by posting positive, yet honest reviews. Anyway, I post a weekly blog on my website and thought I’d dedicate my last blog post of the year to those books I enjoyed the most in 2011.

As a disclaimer, I thoroughly enjoyed way more books than those included on this list. While reading the following books, however, I found myself turning on my Kindle at every available opportunity to find out what happened next: for example, in line for the ATM, riding the elevator to my office and even waiting for the light to change to cross the street! Although I devoured these books like a pint of Ben & Jerrys, I half dreaded reaching the final page. These books had me hooked from the first paragraph and never lost my attention throughout 300 or so pages. And finally, while reading these books, I forgot they were fiction and immersed myself completely in the lives of the characters.

Without further ado, I have listed below my favorite books of 2011:

Skipping a Beat – Sarah Pekkanen. This book tore at my heart strings like no other.

Rita Hayworth’s Shoes – Francine La Sala. This book was like a chick-lit fairytale. I loved it.

Stay: A Novel – Allie Larkin. I couldn’t believe this was Allie’s debut novel. It had the polish of a much more seasoned author.

Pinch Me – Adena Halpern. Halpern consistently makes the preposterous read completely true and she does it with heart and humor.

Save as Draft – Cavanaugh Lee. I think this was my absolute favorite. Who knew a story written entirely in emails and texts could be so poignant?

Already Home – Susan Mallery. Mallery is such a gifted storyteller, I briefly questioned my continued pursuit of a writing career. Quite humbling indeed.

Twenty-eight and a Half wishes – Densise Grover Swank. This fast-paced, gripping mystery/chicklit novel made my 6.5 hour flight from NYC to Seattle significantly less painful than it could have been.

It’s a Waverly Life – Maria Murnane. Classic chick-lit. Even better than the prequel, Perfect on Paper.

Unscripted – Natalie Aaron and Marla Schwartz. This book had everything I love in a chick-lit book; a relatable protagonist, a charming yet egnimatic love interest and side stories focusing on career and friendship.

And there you have them – my favorite books of 2011. I can’t wait to see what 2012 brings to my Kindle!

Do you agree with my choices? Do you have any to add to my list?

13 Comments

  1. Tracie on December 27, 2011 at 12:37 pm

    Well, I feel like a complete loser because I have read NONE of the books on your list, Meredith. My reading tastes are all over the place. I like to mix paranormal, light mystery, YA, and historical romance in with my Chick Lit. I will definitely be adding several of the books on your list to my new Kindle Fire library. Yours and Natalie’s books are already there, btw.

    If I had to make a list of the best books I read in 2011, it would have to include:

    First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones and it’s even better sequel Second Grave on the Left

    The Mischief of the Mistletoe by Lauren Willig

    All of the Parasol Protectorate books (Soulless, Changeless, Blameless, Heartless) by Gail Carriger

    Ruby Red by Kerstin Geir (Amazing!)

    An Accomplished Woman by Jude Morgan

    Countess Below Stairs by Eva Ibbotson

    • Meredith on December 27, 2011 at 12:42 pm

      If you’re a loser for not reading my books, then I am equally a loser for not reading any of the books on your list! Honestly, there are so many great books from which to choose. As a reader, I love that. As a writer, so much competition!!

  2. Michelle on December 27, 2011 at 1:54 pm

    I have taken notes on some good book reccomendations.

    I have a couple to add:
    Whispers from the Heart by Heather Hummel

    Phone Kitten by Marika Christian

    • Meredith on December 27, 2011 at 3:21 pm

      Thanks Michelle! I’ve heard of, but haven’t read either of those – will add them to my long TBR pile!

  3. Natalie on December 28, 2011 at 7:14 pm

    Awww just went to check out your latest post and found this! Thank you, Meredith! I’m so flattered/happy/thrilled to have made your list!
    (can I use more explanation points?)!

    • Meredith on December 29, 2011 at 8:47 am

      Natalie – I sincerely really enjoyed Unscripted!

  4. Amy on December 28, 2011 at 10:09 pm

    Great list! I loved STAY, SKIPPING A BEAT, and PINCH ME! I have to read the rest

    • Meredith on December 29, 2011 at 8:47 am

      If anyone can read all of the books on the list, it’s you Amy! I’m sure you have many, many to add. Hoping my 2nd book gets released soon and makes it onto someone’s list next year!

  5. Allie on January 2, 2012 at 1:01 pm

    Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled that STAY was one of your favorites!

    • Meredith on January 2, 2012 at 1:14 pm

      You’re welcome, Allie – I anxiously await your 2nd novel!

  6. Writing Goals for 2012 on January 6, 2012 at 1:02 am

    […] member Meredith Schorr and Lisa Steinke from Chick Lit is Not Dead blogged about their favorite books. Thanks to both of […]

    • Cavanaugh Lee on January 6, 2012 at 1:22 pm

      I am honored that SAVE AS DRAFT was your favorite!!!! Thank you so much for reading.

      xoxoxx

      Cav

      • Meredith on January 6, 2012 at 4:54 pm

        I LOVED “Save as Draft”!! Please, please, please hurry up with a sequel!

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