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Best Books 2011

What was the County of Los Angeles Public Library reading this year? Here are some suggestions from our staff of the best books we read. Some are newcomers, some are classics, but all are great!

Fiction

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Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

This is a well-written story of life in the future North America. Each year the 12 districts of Panem send a boy and girl to fight to the death - the whole nation watches these events on television. I would definitely recommend this book.

Genre: Sci Fi

recommended by jeffrey at Bell Gardens Library

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Mice by Gordon Reece

I enjoyed this taut psychological thriller about a mother and daughter pushed too far. Shelley and her mom have retreated from the world to escape violence. When a junkie shatters their sanctuary, what will they be capable of to preserve their peace?

Genre: Thriller & Suspense

recommended by Alida at Bell Library

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Dearly Departed by Lia Habel

Zombie Romance! Love conquers all, even through death. The year is 2195 and the world has been though many changes. Nora Dearly has just met the most ideal man in her life. The only problem is that he's dead!

Genre: Thriller & Suspense

recommended by Joanna at Duarte Library

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Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld

Non-stop steampunk action! In an alternate WWI, Deryn, an officer on a British airship, risks everything to help her friend Alek, the secret heir to the Austrian empire. Together they try to foil a plot to enlist the Ottoman Empire in the war.

Genre: Steampunk

recommended by Karen at Hawaiian Gardens Library

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Sorta Like a Rock Star by Matthew Quick

Despite being semi-homeless and a self-defined “freak,” Amber always wants to inspire hope in others. But when her life is changed forever by a tragedy, Amber tries to regain a sense of meaning. A beautiful, inspiring, quirky story.

Genre: General Fiction

recommended by Karen at Hawaiian Gardens Library

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A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Conor has been having nightmares ever since his mother was diagnosed with cancer. One evening, a monster appears and wants to know about Conor's nightmare. This gorgeously-illustrated book is one you will remember and will probably make you cry.

Genre: Mystery

recommended by Katherine at Hermosa Beach Library

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My Most Excellent Year: A Novel of Love, Mary Poppins, & Fenway Park by Steve Kluger

Told from the alternating points of view of three friends growing up in Boston, this book is hilarious and hopeful. It is the story of an important year full of first loves, big dreams, making the impossible possible, and of course, baseball.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

recommended by Katharine at Malibu Library

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The Last Thing I Remember  by Andrew Klavan

The story begins with Charlie West strapped to a chair, he's covered in blood and bruises. Everything aches and a strange voice outside the door just ordered his death. This four-book series is fast-paced and great for reluctant readers.

Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense

recommended by Catherine at Temple City Library

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Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green & David Levithan

Two very different teens meet, discover they share the same name, and soon find their lives becoming intertwined. Brought to life by two alternating voices in a superb audiobook, this story is lively, hilarious, and sneakily heart-touching too.

Genre: Sci Fi

recommended by Kristi at West Covina Library

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Winesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson

Discovering these stories was a real treat. Sherwood Anderson's perceptive portrayal of Winesburg's moody denizens sets the scene for young George Willard's coming-of-age. Winesburg, Ohio endures as a classic of American literature for good reason.

Genre: General Fiction

recommended by Oleg at West Hollywood Library

Looking for more lists? Try these!

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