Favorite Reads of 2010

So, we are wrapping up 2010! I read 68 books, which means I fail. :( My original goal was 100, then I cut it down to 75... so either way, BOO HOO! I still blame school.

Aside from that small letdown, I read some really great books this year. Here's my list of favorites. Please note, not all of these books were published in 2010, they're just the best ones I read in 2010. Links go to my review. They are in no set order, except for chronologically when I read them this year, starting from the earliest.

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles- Everyone raved about this book, and I was not disappointed. The romance was sizzling, and the characters were realistic, full of heart, and easy to love.

Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You by Peter Cameron - This book took me by surprise. I read it for a class at school, and devoured it in just one day. Then I got to meet the author and he was just as wonderful as this book, about an introverted and strange young man, James.

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman - Such a sweet and touching story about a young girl growing up in the South after losing her mother. I was instantly charmed by young CeeCee's wise nature, inquisitiveness, and quiet humor. Oh, and her book love. :) Aaaand, I absolutely adore Beth. After reading the book, I was able to connect with her a bit online, and she is just as amazing as her book.

Siren by Tricia Rayburn - This book was totally out of the norm for me, but I loved reading about the magical world of Sirens.

If You Lived Here, You'd Be Home Now by Claire LaZebnik - This book was a total WOW for me. I continually rushed home to continue reading this story of a dysfunctional family, a unique mother, and a very needy child. I loved it.

This One is Mine by Maria Semple - Talk about unique! While the storyline of adultery and unhappiness may ring familiar, the characters do NOT. They are one of a kind. Truly. I was speechless and couldn't quite figure out how to put my feelings into words about this book. I emailed the author AS SOON as I finished though, because I had so many questions about the ending. She was really awesome and helped me understand. :)

Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel - A fascinating new take on the vampire genre, I became entranced by this story of a vampire girl turning human. Bring on the sequel!

After by Amy Efaw - This book was chilling, disturbing, but so, SO important. I could not put it down, or stop thinking about this story of a "dumpster baby," which was a fictionalized account of a teenage mother killing her newborn, and the after effects when she is in a juvenile facility.

Up From the Blue by Susan Henderson - This story of a highly dysfunctional family and a daughter trying to cope with a crazy and absent mother really captured me. Tillie's voice was spot-on, both sad and hilarious. My feelings were on a roller coaster ride the whole time I was reading.

Promise Me by Richard Paul Evans - This short Christmas themed book really blew me away. Since reading it, I have been on a Richard Paul Evans book reading spree. This story combines magical elements, with heartbreakingly real truths about life.

So there you have it, the best of the best that I read this year. It just so happened to be 10 too. I hope you'll check some of these books out if you haven't yet!