I read a lot, and I love discussing books. Until recently, I thought I would be the perfect candidate for a book club. Wrong. One of my 2009 self-discoveries was that I am, in fact, a book club delinquent. I joined a book club in January and attended about half of the monthly meetings; of the meetings I did attend, I had read the entire book about half of the time. Turns out, I feel smothered by the book club framework. I don't like being forced to read books that don't particularly interest me, and I am very picky. As someone who has low-grade anxiety attacks upon entering Barnes & Noble and realizing that I only have one measly lifetime to read all the books I want to, there's no sense in wasting time on uninspiring books. I still love getting book recommendations, but I guess I am more of a lone wolf where the club comes in. Here are a few of the best books I read this year (none were book club selections):
A Fine Balance (Mistry) - Historical fiction from 1970s India during Indira Gandhi's state of emergency. Tells the tale of two villagers who train as tailors and move to the city to try and improve their lives. Very intense and moving--basic plot is that the little guy can't get a break. Probably one of the best books I've ever read.
I Was Told There'd Be Cake (Crosley) - A series of humorous essays by a 20-something woman living in New York City. I took this on my honeymoon and it was perfect travel reading because you can pick it up whenever you have a moment and get a good chuckle.
White Tiger (Adiga) - Another work of Indian fiction, set in modern-day India. A compelling story of a driver who kills his master that touches upon many of the tensions in Indian society--old vs. new, rural vs. urban, rich vs. poor, east vs. west. Reminded me of Wright's
Native Son because you really do sympathize with the protagonist, despite being fully aware of his heinous crime.
The Elegance of the Hedgehog (Barbery) - Originally published in French, this is one of the most unusual books I've ever read. It is a philosophical social satire that plays on the reader's sense of what people "should" be. Definitely got me thinking.
Under the Banner of Heaven (Krakauer) - Non-fiction account of radical breakaway Mormon sects in the American West. Also provides a lot of background on mainstream Mormon faith. Excellent writing and chilling subject matter.
