I don't think it's the number of books you read; it's the amount of enjoyment that comes (or not!) from delving into a novel or a book of nonfiction. Some people want to reach their goal of 50 books each year. I didn't set a goal - never do - but I spent many good hours with novels and nonfiction this year, 43 in all. Here are a few of the books that I enjoyed most in 2013. If you care to see my entire list, go to www.goodreads.com.
Someone by Alice McDermott
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer
Transatlantic by Colum McCann
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
The Whereabouts of Eneas McNulty by Sebastian Barry
Appointment in Samarra by John O'Hara
Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham
Beyond the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
Benediction by Kent Haruf
Fools of Fortune by William Trevor
I Curse the River of Time by Per Petterson
And the Mountains Echoed by Khalid Hosseini
Strapless, John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X by Deborah Davis
So Long, See You Tomorrow by William Maxwell
Here are a few that failed to meet expectations:
Sweet Tooth by Ian McEwen
The Comfort of Strangers by Ian McEwen
The Woman Upstairs by Claire Messud
The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling
