Of the books that I read this past year, here are those that I’d recommend, in no particular order. Reviews of each appear elsewhere on this blog.
The Devil in the White City, Erik Larson (2003)
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Betty Smith (1943)
A Series of Unfortunate Events, Books 1-10, Lemony Snicket (1999-2003)
The Dive From Clausen’s Pier, Ann Packer (2002)
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, Dave Eggers (2000)
Tortilla Flat, John Steinbeck (1935)
Abraham Lincoln (Penguin Lives series), Thomas Keneally (2003)
A Prayer for the Dying, Stewart O’Nan (1999) *** My absolute favorite of 2003.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, J.K. Rowling (2003)
All American Girl, Meg Cabot (2002)
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, Michael Chabon (2000)
The Complete Maus, Art Spiegelman (1986-1991)
Down the River, Edward Abbey (1982)
The Speed Queen, Stewart O’Nan (1997)
2 Things @ Once 