Best Book I've Read this Year: Day One in a 30 Day Book Meme

Last week I posted about a 30 Day Book Meme. There are 30 days of questions, and I'll try to answer one a week, if not more often.

Day One: The Best Book You Read Last Year

That's so hard! I have a list of my favorite books on the sidebar, but I haven't updated them in awhile. This past year has been a stellar reading year! Not only did I read some wonderful bestsellers, I found some excellent gems in smaller books.

My five star reviews for 2011 (in random order):

1. Max and Menna, Shauna Kelley
2. Valhalla, Jennifer Willis
3. Art of Racing in the Rain, Garth Stein
4. Turning Point, Melissa Luznicky Garrett
5. Come Back to Me, Melissa Foster
6. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Rebecca Skloot
7. Emeralds Never Fade, Stephen Maitland-Lewis
8. Call Me When You Land, Michael Schiavone

I loved each of these books for different reasons and they span genres. I look forward to reading more books in 2012 and adding to my 5-star list.

What is your top favorite 2011 book?

Call Me When You Land, Michael Schiavone (5 stars): Just Released Today!

I reviewed this wonderful novel for Rebeccas Reads back in July. Today is the official release date and it's finally available to the public.

You can read my complete review here. An excerpt (as used on Michael Schiavone's website):

"Schiavone spins a heartbreaking tale of alcohol, drugs and self-destruction. What this author does so well is build a framework, revealing pieces of the characters’ backgrounds in digestible amounts. Just when I thought I knew a character, the author dug deeper. There was rarely a wasted word, and that’s the highest compliment I can give as a reader. Beautifully written and well-edited, the author reels you in with methodical care. There is no time to come up for air, and you don’t want to. It’s gripping and real, but there’s hope. Lesser characters would have been crushed by their circumstances, but Schiavone gives his an impressive strength to endure. I highly recommend adding this book to your must-read list. I only wish I could borrow Schiavone’s mastery of language long enough to compel you to read Call Me When You Land."

Don't just take my word for it. The New York Journal of Books says:

“The subject matter of Call Me When You Land might seem dark and depressing, but it’s not. It’s funny and human and real. The author writes his characters so well that he makes you want to reach out and shake some sense into them as they struggle with day-to-day crap. Michael Schiavone’s novel will cause you to wince and laugh and—if you have a beating heart—actually shed a tear here and there as you follow this bumpy family drama.”

This novel is for anyone who wants real characters who face obstacles with bravery but falter along the way. They are real, and they give us hope.

A must-read, 5 stars.

You can find the book at Amazon, or visit the author's website highlighted above. Enjoy, and as always, please share any new books (particularly indie or small press) you've heard about or read lately.

Call Me When You Land, Michael Schiavone (5 stars)

A great book, and I reserve 5 stars for truly exceptional pieces.

I've highlighted this book on my Depression Cookies blog twice: Friday Feature: Favorite Thing I Read This Week and Why 7/22/11 and Reading and Writing Go Hand in Hand.

A quick recap of my 7/22/11 post:

Call Me When You Land is a heartbreaking look into a family overcome by addicition. Katie loves her son, fifteen-year-old C.J., but she stuggles against poor choices, bad breaks, and self-destruction.

Reading this book was a lesson in character development. Shiavone exposed the characters in a slow-motion build, like watching an X-ray slowly come into focus. My heart was heavy, but I had hope and a strong desire to see this mom and child make it. The book is scheduled for a November 2011 release, please check it out.

My full review can be found at Rebecca's Reads.

Note: this book is at times gritty. If you are looking for light or breezy, this isn't the book for you. It's a no-nonsense book about addiction and its devastating effects on a family. For another great book with a similar theme, check out Shauna Kelley's Max and Menna (you can also read my take here).

If you've read this or any book I've reviewed, please leave a comment. I'd love to hear what you think.