2008 Bookshelf in Review

Now that we're well into 2009, it's time to "clear" the bookshelf and start afresh! Although I've already commented on several of the books I read during the past year, I thought I'd just give a quick review and my thoughts on all of them:

• Vienna Prelude, Prague Counterpoint, Munich Signature, Jerusalem Interlude, Danzing Passage, Warsaw Requiem, London Refrain, Paris Encore, and Dunkirk Crescendo by Bodie and Brock Thoene: I think I have a slight obsession with these books. They're really good, and I've commented on them before here and here. The last three books in the series weren't as great as the others, but still enjoyable.

• The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery: This is the same author who wrote the "Anne of Green Gables" series. This book is a fun, quick read. It's about a young woman who dares to take risks in order to find happiness in her life, and eventually ends up unexpectedly falling in love.
  

• Out of the Silent Planet and Perelandra by C.S. Lewis: These are the first two in Lewis' Space Trilogy. I started the third book, but just couldn't get into it. These two books were kind of tough to read. They're science fiction, which I find hard to read. Once I got into them though, they were pretty good.

• Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See: Apart from the Thoene books I've mentioned above, I think this was my favorite book of 2008. It's a coming-of-age story about two young girls in rural China at the turn of the century. Woven throughout the story is the cultural practice of foot binding - how it's done, what it means for the girls it's done to, and for their future spouses and in-laws. The writing is great, the character development is great. It was a good read.

• Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett: I've already given my thoughts on this book here. (I have to admit I think of this book and its characters every time I play "Settlers". Weird.)
  

• Good to Great by Jim Collins: This was a book I read for more work than for pleasure, but it was still a good read. It's about how corporations (or non-profits) move from being just "good" to "great" (hence, the title). I thought it was good, because it really made me realize the importance of leadership and having the right people working in the right capacities to make a change on your organization, community, etc.

• Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell: Truth be told, I'm having a hard time reaching back and remembering exactly what this book was about. It was early 2008 when I read it - a whole year ago! I remember liking it, and Rob Bell's style of writing is always engaging, thought-provoking, and easy to read.

• These Three Remain by Pamela Aidan: Started it in late 2007, finished in early 2008. Loved it, and wrote more about it here.

Goodness - 17 books! I think maybe I had too much spare time on my hands in 2008...