There is a reason you’ll probably never see a book rated one star on my list… I look up almost every book I read on goodreads before I decide whether it will get more of my attention. If something doesn’t have at least three stars on goodreads, I won’t waste my time. Keep in mind, just like goodreads, my stars don’t come in half sizes.
It was ok.
I liked it.
I REALLY liked it.
Hauntingly well done.
1. Running With Scissors by Augusten Burroughs
If you enjoy memoirs, Augusten Burroughs is an always entertaining contemporary pillar of this genre. Running With Scissors is his fascinating account of the complex family dynamic that coloured his childhood.
2. Room by Emma Donoghue
I didn’t love this book as much as most people who read it, but it wasnt completely without merit.
3. House Rules by Rachel Sontag
Though I cannot agree with the claim “House Rules will stand beside Running With Scissors and The Glass Castle as a memoir that cracks open the shell of a desperately dysfunctional family with impressive grace and humour,” I still gave it three stars. I felt, at times, that the author was a whining, spoiled brat with a grudge. Celebrated authors Augusten Burroughs and Jeanette Walls were both able to portray their stories with grace and humour. Sontag reeks of immaturity, bitterness and blame.
4. Butterbox Babies by Bette L. Cahill
I love just about anything historical, but that Butterbox Babies exposes some very disturbing and unflattering Canadiana, made it even more intriguing.
5. Write Your Memoir: The Soul Work of Telling Your Story by Dr. Allan G. Hunter
6. Bottle Rocket Hearts by Zoe Whittall
Well written, clean and polished. The vivid, honest characters are a testament to Zoe Whittall’s genuine talent. She made writing a first novel look easy.
7. Chastened: The Unexpected Story of My Year Without Sex by Hephzibah Anderson
The premise was promising, but with the exception of maybe one or two thought provoking sentences, this book was lacking in almost every way.
8. Inter Alia by David Seymour
A first collection of poetry by one of Canada’s talented young poets.
9. Rush Home Road by Lori Lansens
10. Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass
If you’re planning on writing a novel any time soon, this is a must-read.
11. How to Find the Work You Love by Laurence G. Boldt
12. The Game of Life and How to Play It by Florence Scovel Shinn
This was an indulgence of my curiosity. Considered a pioneer in the genre of “self-help” books, it was written in 1925.
13. Many Lives, Many Masters by Brian Weiss
Intersting food for thought.
14. Worlds of Childhood: The Art and Craft of Writing for Children by William Zinsser
15. The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
This was definitely one of my favourite books of the year. I don’t underestimate the amount of research and effort required to rebuild real-life characters and create believable dialogue. The Paris Wife is a captivating work of historical fiction told in the voice of Hadley, Ernest Hemingway’s first wife, as she recounts their years together.
16. A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway
After reading The Paris Wife, I was inspired to re-read this memoir by Hemingway. I may have enjoyed it even more second time around.
17. Ignore Everybody: and 39 Other Keys to Creativity by Hugh McLeod
This was a quick, inspiring read for any creative types looking to maintain momentum. Check out Hugh’s website for more fun: http://www.gapingvoid.com/
18. The Memory Palace by Mira Bartok
This was a good read, though I did struggle with my judgments. I was slightly perplexed that the author and her sister could abandon their mother. Maybe I was just jealous because I feel more bound to my family ties. Her freedom and disconnection from her family did sound lonely though.
19. Live Through This: A Mothers Memoir of Runaway Daughters and Reclaimed Love by Debra Gwartney
20. Crush It!: Why Now Is the Time to Cash In on Your Passion by Gary Vaynerchuk
Im not sure how many nonfiction books (or any for that matter) this author has read, but I felt his hot air and arrogance overshadowed his efforts. There were a few useful tidbits, but he certainly did not reinvent the wheel.
21. Bossypants by Tina Fey
Love. Tina. Fey. I had a healthy curiosity about her, and this book satisfied. There were some pleasant surprises and I respect her even more. She comes across as sharp-witted and disarmingly honest. I also enjoyed reading about how the scar on her face has shaped her life and personality.
22. Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Aspergers by John Elder Robinson
Another first time author, although Robinson shares pedigree and talent with his brother, Augusten Burroughs. This was a compelling, entertaining and educational read.
23. Notes to Myself: My Struggle to Become a Person by Hugh Prather
I highly doubt this book would ever meet a publisher these days, but I got the impression it was sort of a marker of the times when it was published back in 1970.
24. A Spy in the House of Love by Anais Nin
This book may not be considered overly risque on todays standards, but when you take into consideration it was published in 1954, it reads a little more daring; a classy and dirty classic read.
25. Blue Nights by Joan Didion
I like Joan Didion, even though sometimes she sounds very pretentious. I think (hope) the pretentiousness is unintentional. With only the occassional cringe and eyeroll on my part, ultimately, I was fond of this book.
26. Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
Full of cliches, albeit refurbished in an intelligent and charming way, I very much enjoyed the first two thirds of this book. Unfortunately, it slightly missed the mark. However, I do commend this first time novelist for the vibrant imagery and clever prose.
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I have been a big fan of Mary Jaksch for quite some time—as an avid follower of her blog 
