While 2009 may not have been the best year for books (or bookstores, libraries, and publishers), there were still a few standouts. I've selected the 10 best (in no particular order) adult books published in 2009. Note: I read a number of great books in 2009 like Olive Kitteridge and Say You're One of Them, but they were published in 2008. This was a great year for short stories as evident by the three collections that made my list.
1. A Gate at the Stairs by Lorrie Moore: Moore's first novel in 11 years is a coming-of-age story that blends racism, terrorism, and family tragedy with her trademark humor and wit.
2. Forgetting English by Midge Raymond: A beautiful collection of short stories that reads like a travel diary.
3. Amen, Amen, Amen: A Memoir of a Girl Who Couldn't Stop Praying (Among Other Things) by Abby Sher: Probably the funniest memoir about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Anorexia ever written.
4. The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver: Kingsolver returns with a bang with her first novel in nine years.
5. True Compass by Edward Kennedy: His moving memoir about his family, politics, and tragedy was published just weeks after his death.
6. SuperFreaknomics by Steven D Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner: Levitt and Dubner are back with an ever better look at the economics of everyday life.
7. Love Stories in This Town by Amanda Eyre Ward: Ward's short stories center around complex and strong-willed women.
8. Don't Cry by Mary Gaitskill: Gaitskill is known for pushing boundaries in her short stories. This collection is quite possibly her best yet.
9. End of Overeating: Taking Control Over the Insatiable American Appetite by David Kessler: While the book is a little dry and technical at times, Kessler explains how biology is responsible for how we respond to the combination of fat, salt, and sugar.
10. Half Broke Horse: A True-Life Novel by Jeanette Walls: This brilliant novel is based on her no nonsense and hardworking grandmother
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Sound off: What did I miss? What would you include? What were the best books of 2009?
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