10 Books to Check Out

While wandering the streets in Winchester, England earlier this fall I looked down a little alley and saw this sign. Used book stores are like a siren's song to me. I must go in! I picked up a few things from the 50 pence table to use in crafting, but also snagged an interesting-looking biography of Winnie-the-Pooh illustrator, E.H. Shepard; the book is called 'Drawn From Memory'.

In homage to used book stores and the season that inspires cuddling up on the couch with a book and a blanket, I thought I'd share some of the books I've enjoyed so far this year.

1. Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas - hands down one of my favorite books this year both for the readability of the author's style and for the title's play on John Le Carre's spy novel. Metaxas' biography of Bonhoeffer was fascinating and a must-read for anybody remotely interested in Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Definitely going on my 'favorite books ever' list. (*bonus* I was able to meet the author recently and he told me the German translation actually cleaned up a few things.)
2. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver - well written, provocative topics, good discussion material, features a few ranty sections (typical Kingsolver), but insightful.
3. The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga - well written, an interesting look into a corner of modern Indian life; while I've heard you can't believe all India is like this book, it's certainly said to be true of some areas. Worth a read.
4. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night by Mark Haddon - Well written, unusual plot, looking forward to reading more by this author!
5. The Seamstress by Frances de Pontes Peebles - not to be confused with another book with the same title, this book was a true epic and gave a readable insight into the Spanish Civil War and Spain's morph into WWII via a seamstress turned fashion designer. Not literary fiction, but a good, long, light read.
6. The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht - Nicely done -very well written for a debut novel, interesting angle into modern Balkan history (makes me want to visit!), unique plot, good October reading!
7. The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton - light -but long- reading, almost predictable, but not quite! Good story to while away the hours.
8. War Brides by Helen Bryan - another long, but light read. Some good twists and creative characters. 
9.  Drawn From Memory by E.H. Shepard - short, delightful childhood memories of Winnie-the-Pooh and Wind in the Willows illustrator growing up in Victorian era England. It reads very much like a blog with its short chapters and sweet illustrations. Highly recommend.
10. The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes - ok, so this book was very well written, very, but the story themes weren't as appealing to me; however, I'm definitely looking forward to reading some of his other material!

What about you? Read any good books lately? Any on your 'to read' list? Share some titles in the comments, maybe we can all find something to add to our reading/Christmas wish lists!