The Book Chick's Best Books of 2008

I've had the priviledge of reading many great books this year. Some of these books made me think, some made me cry, some made me reflect on my own life. These books were so well-written that they sucked me in completely until the very last page. I also read some books that were not-so-great, but you have to read a mix to appreciate the good ones!

I haven't been able to read as much lately as I normally do, due to the planning and wrapping and purchasing associated with the Christmas season, so I decided to put together my 'Best Of" list. Keep in mind that this list is only a compilation of my own opinion, and in no way, shape, or form will suit everyone else's tastes, but what follows is a list of the books that I enjoyed the most this year, books that have continued to stand out in my mind long after I've read the last page. They are also in no particular order, because they are so different that it would be difficult to determine which one was "better" than another.

1. "Certain Girls" Jennifer Weiner
"Certain Girls" is the sequel to Jennifer Weiner's book "Good In Bed". This one made me laugh, it made me cry, and it made me think. A pleasure to read!

2. "This Charming Man" Marian Keyes
Marian Keyes has long been a favourite author of mine, and I was thrilled to discover that she came out with a new book this year. Written in her unique voice, from four different points of view, this book has joined my list of favourites.

3. "Belong to Me" Marisa de los Santos
"Belong to Me" is a sequel to de los Santos' book "Love Walked In". Great story, well-written, I couldn't put it down!

4. "P.S. I Love You" Cecilia Ahearn
This book didn't come out this year, but I finally had a chance to read it. This book made me cry,and cry, and cry and I came out of it with a deeper appreciation for my husband and all that he does for me.

5. "Town House" Tish Cohen
This is another book that didn't come out this year, but that I finally had the pleasure to read. Well-written and captivating, I was happy to be introduced to this author.

6. "Bringing Home the Birkin" Michael Tonello
This book was a fun, fast read, all about the world of buying and selling "Birkins", a much-coveted purse made by Hermes. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

7. "The Kite Runner" Khaled Hosseini
Fascinating and poignant, this one made it into my list of favourites early this year, although it actually didn't come out in 2008.

8. "The Book of Negroes" Lawrence Hill
A fascinating book, and now an award winner. This was a look into the history of slavery and a must-read.

9. "gods behaving badly" Marie Phillips
This was a fun look into what it would be like if ancient Greek gods lived among us. I laughed the whole way through.

10. "The Hour I First Believed" Wally Lamb
I haven't finished this one yet, but I'm captivated, and I'm sure that it will become one of my new favourites. Lamb's way of writing about the tough stuff is second to none.

Well, there you are! Harper-Collins has compiled a list of "best of" lists on their corporate blog here. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!