Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Armchair BEA: Books, Personally Picks - Best Of 2011 (...so far)

A few books I've read this year really stand out  in my mind for innovative stories, exciting prose, emotional grip, and/or intriguing subject matter
 ... so without further ado.... *envelope ripping*.....


Favorites for intense, excellent, and outstandingly written short stories-






Favorites: for beautifully written, compelling, and transporting novels-





Favorites: for enlightening and engaging non-fiction-



I could go on at great length and with great enthusiasm about any one of them.... except I've already done it. If you'd like more information, reviews are listed by title over there <--- on the left, a little ways down.

What are your thoughts? What were your favorite reads so far this year, and why?  Welcome your comments & links below.
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17 comments :

  1. TeddyreeMay 24, 2011 at 6:57 AM

    Ooh I'm off to check out Tiger Hills and A Pigeon & A Boy. I do love beautifully written novels that transport you. Thanks for sharing!

    You can check out my faves here

    http://teddyree-theeclecticreader.blogspot.com/2011/05/armchair-bea-giveaway-best-of-2011-so.html

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  2. Alison Can ReadMay 24, 2011 at 7:45 AM

    Great choices! A Pigeon and a Boy has a beautiful cover.

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  3. Marie CloutierMay 24, 2011 at 7:49 AM

    I have Pigeon and a Boy in my TBR- time to dig it out :-) Thanks for the great list. Love your blog- nice to meet you via Armchair BEA!

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  4. Laurel-Rain SnowMay 24, 2011 at 8:30 AM

    These all look intriguing...I'm going to have to check them out!

    Here's MY ARMCHAIR POST

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  5. Becky NapoleonMay 24, 2011 at 9:15 AM

    GASP. I have not read any of these! I must start a solid TBR list from Armchair BEA! Thanks so much for sharing and breaking them down into categories. :)

    All the best,
    Becky

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  6. Angela @ Reading AngelsMay 24, 2011 at 9:23 AM

    These are all new to me.
    My Best of 2011 List

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  7. bookspersonallyMay 24, 2011 at 10:19 AM

    Thanks everyone for visiting/sharing your reads, been checking them all out - excellent recommendations! Marie, I thought it was soooo beautiful, would love to hear what you think if you read it. Teddyree,likewise for Tiger Hills.

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  8. JennaMay 24, 2011 at 10:54 AM

    I've heard so many great things about Volt! Can't wait to pick it up. It's rare to find really well-written and compelling short story collections. Too often there are only a few standout stories, and the rest just feel like filler.

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  9. ChrisbookaramaMay 24, 2011 at 11:57 AM

    I haven't read any of those. I'll have to check them out.

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  10. Lenasledgeblog.comMay 24, 2011 at 12:18 PM

    Great selections. I want to read "How They Were Found" and The Warmth of Other Suns". I will be adding to my Goodreads list of books to read. Thanks.

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  11. bookspersonallyMay 24, 2011 at 12:19 PM

    Jenna, I am sure you will enjoy Volt, love to hear what you think. Chris, just checking out your post, looks like some great reads!

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  12. bookspersonallyMay 24, 2011 at 12:21 PM

    Lena, both excellent books, would love to hear what you think if you read them!

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  13. BexMay 24, 2011 at 2:13 PM

    I'm ashamed to say I'm new to all of these! Might take a look at them though. :)

    Rebecca @ kindle fever

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  14. The Window Seat ReaderMay 24, 2011 at 5:31 PM

    I have The Warmth of Other Suns on my tbr list. Good to see that you enjoyed it!

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  15. AllisonMay 25, 2011 at 1:24 AM

    I love how you categorized your choices by the qualities that attracted you to them- they all sound fabulous! Tiger Hills especially looks like something I'd enjoy. Thanks for sharing!

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  16. Meytal RadzinskiMay 25, 2011 at 10:22 AM

    Ah, A Pigeon and a Boy is great - one of my favorites from last year. Definitely beautifully written - Shalev is a wonderful writer.

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  17. bookspersonallyMay 25, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    Thanks for your kind comment, Allison, hope you enjoy Tiger Hills! Biblibio,have you read any of his others that you would recommend? Pussreboots, how very interesting, will check it out. Windowseatreader, I'm sure you will enjoy it! Bex, I enjoyed checking out your list as well - so many books out there.

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Thanks for visiting - thoughts welcome.

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