Books!
These are books and authors I’ve enjoyed most this year—these aren’t necessarily in any order, nor are the books all 2006 release dates:

Scott Westerfeld’s entire collection but favorites that stand out are PEEPS and it’s sequel, and the Midnighters Trilogy. All of his are worth reading for adults of any age!

Laurie Notaro got me through several plane trips this year and my grandfather’s funeral festivities (he loved to laugh so it’s all good; he would have chuckled with me) —there is a certain chronology to her books but you don’t have to read them in order. My particular favorite was I LOVE EVERYBODY AND OTHER ATROCIOUS LIES although .AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A FAT BRIDE is a close second.

GARLIC AND SAPPHIRES by Ruth Reichl

GILEAD by Marianne Robinson

FINAL GIFTS is a collection done by two hospice nurses. I recommend for anyone who is facing death of a loved one or as a tool for grief after the death. It’s a beautiful and comforting.

Colette Peters’ cake cookbooks are amazing---and work as advertised! Try CAKES TO DREAM ON for a sensual vacation—reading these is like taking a trip to Candyland for grownups!

SO B. IT  by Sarah Meeks is a beautiful, well written story about a girl trying to find out her identity.

THE QUEEN OF EVERYTHING by Deb Caletti

THE GIRLS by Lori Lannsen is a novel about conjoined twins. What this author does so well is keep the feel and voice of each girl unique and her own woman. It’s a wonderful book, beautifully done.

Canon Gate Press has launched a fabulous new look at mythology and invites the best world authors to update and reinterpret classic myths. The series starts with Karen Armstrong’s A SHORT HISTORY OF MYTH which is insightful and easy to read. Margaret Atwood’s PENELOPIAD is beautiful done and Jeanette Winterson’s WEIGHT is a must read. I look forward to continuing to read this series in 2007.