Seattle Book Examiner's 10 best books of 2008

December 20, 5:25 PMSeattle Books ExaminerDanielle Dreger-Babbitt

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I might not have the same authority as the New York Times to list the "100 Notable Books of 2008" or come up with the "10 Best Illustrated Children's Books of 2008," but I can offer you the "Seattle Examiner's 10 Best Books of 2008."  I've read close to 200 books this year, though most of them I'd rather forget.  I did find a find a few ones worthy for my best books list.

Many of these titles may look familiar.  With the exception of a few titles, most of these have found their way onto one of my three gift guides.  So it's a given that any of these would make a great gift or stocking stuffer. 

Seattle Book Examiner's 10 Best Books of 2008

1.  American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld

This title was on the New York Time's "100 Notable Books of 2008" and one of my favorite books of the year.  It's a great read for anyone looking for a strong female character or a great political drama.

2.  Any Given Day by Dennis Lehane

I love Dennis Lehane's mysteries (especially the ones with Patrick and Angie).  Even though this book is still set in Boston, it actually is a historical mystery involving baseball and the Boston Police Strike.

3.  The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kant

I'm not usually a fan of historical fiction, but this one about the Salem witch trials captivated me.  It wasn't like many of the author fictional accounts of the trials that I've read.  The author has close ties to the material:  she's actually a decendant of Sarah Carrier, the young narrator of the story.

4.  I Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley

I've been on a big essay kick this year.  I really liked this.  Crosley is like a comedic cross between Sarah Vowell and Laurie Notaro:  pretty smart but still gets herself into sticky situations.

5.  Things I've Learned From Women Who've Dumped Me by Ben Karlin (editor)

This project is by the former senior editor of The Onion so you know before even cracking the spine it's going to be funny.  It's full of essays of relationships gone wrong by Andy Ritcher, Stephen Colbert, and Dan Savage.  You will laugh so hard you just might pee your pants.

6.  London Eye by Sibhan Dowd

This is a great mystery for preteens, 'tweens, and middle grade readers.  It's gotten some buzz and could quite win some big awards this January at the American Library Association Conference in Denver.  I especially liked the relationship between Ted and his older sister as it developed as they searched for their missing cousin.

7.  Jerk California by Jonathan Friesen

I couldn't leave young adult novels off my list, especially this awesome title about a high school cross country runner with Tourettes who takes off on a road trip to learn more about his dead father.

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8.  Drunkard:  A Hard Drinking Life by Neil Steinberg

This is a great memoir by a Chicago Sun-Times about his descent into alcoholism and his journey back.  It's a pretty quick read and Steinberg has a great sense of humor.

9.  Tweak:  Growing Up on Methamphetamines by Nic Sheff

This was also one of the best memoirs I read all year.  Nic Sheff has a very engaging voice as he recounts his personal struggle with drugs and alcohol.  It should be paired with Beautiul Boy:  A Father's Journey Through His Son's Addiction by David Sheff (Nic's dad).

10.  How to Cook Everything (Completely Revised 10th Anniversary Edition):  2,000 Simple Recipes for Great Food by Mark Bittman

I love Mark Bittman.  His recipes are pretty easy (and tasty!) even if there aren't photos.  I actually prefer this to many of the food celeb cookbooks that hog the shelves at bookstores.