Top 100 Best-Sellers of 2008

The USA Today published the top selling books of 2008. To see the full list click here. But I wanted to talk about a few of them.

1. Twilight - Stephenie Meyer
2. New Moon - Stephenie Meyer
3. Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer
4. Eclipse - Stephenie Meyer
14. The Host - Stephenie Meyer

Now if you know me at all, you know that I loved all of these books. But I am so happy for Stephenie Meyer and the success of her books. I never thought I would like to read books about vampires, werewolves, or aliens. But I do!

11. Eat, Pray, Love - Elizabeth Gilbert

My roommate Alina gave this book to me for my birthday last year. I really did love this book. It isn't a story, but more a collection of essays or episodes. The writing is beautiful and I felt a real connection to what the author had to say.

13. The Audacity of Hope - President Barack Obama
20. Dreams From My Father - President Barack Obama

Now, you would think that since I am such a supporter of our new President, that I would have read these books, but I admit I haven't. Although I do have Dreams From My Father reserved at the library and should get it soon. I am more interested in that book than The Audacity of Hope because President Obama wrote it before any presidential aspirations. I have read excerpts from The Audacity of Hope and was impressed not only by his writing style but the message. I'm sure I'll be posing soon.

21. Diary of a Whimpy Kid - Jeff Kinney

I just ordered this book for my classroom!

24. The Friday Night Knitting Club - Kate Jacobs

The Riverton Library has a table every month of books that they recommend. I forget what it is called, but you can then cast your own vote on the book you read. Well, I have almost picked up this book like 5 times and always set it back down. I think I'll actually take it home the next time.

27. The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini

I have heard so much about this book. But my roommate Alina read it and she said it was a very upsetting book. I just don't think I can read it. The story seems too heartbreaking to me.

36. The Other Boleyn Girl - Philippa Gregory

I loved this book! But I must warn anyone who wants to read it that there is sex involved. To me it was a story of power and in 1575 England what kind of power did women really have? Not much except the promise of children. Women were forced to do things that they might not have wanted to, but they did them anyways. I am so glad we don't live in a time like that. The book is mostly fiction with a little bit of historical fact, but I enjoyed seeing another side of the story of King Henry VIII.

40. Atonement - Ian McEwan

The book is just as disjointed as the movie, but you see so much more. The writing style is simplistic and very modern. I liked it.

43. The Secret Life of Bees - Sue Monk Kidd

I bought this book in the summer and have yet to read it. But I really do plan on reading it before I see the movie.

46. Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 4: The Battle of the Labyrinth - Rick Riordan
70. Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1: The Lightning Thief - Rick Riordan

This is part of a series of books for kids about 12 years old. I actually teach the first book in my classroom. I may be 27, but I love the book. I also got my roommate Mandy to read the series, which she liked, and she is also going to teach the first book. If you like mythology at all, these are high adventure books based in mythology where the main character is the son of Poseidon. But they take place in modern times and places. Great fun!

50. The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho

Really? I know that people loved this book, but I just couldn't get into it, sorry.

52. To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
95. The Catcher in the Rye - J.D. Salinger

I am so glad that classics like these are still being sold today! (Even though I hate The Catcher in the Rye.)

55. The Memory Keeper's Daughter - Kim Edwards

Mandy has tried to get me to read this, but I didn't. Maybe I should give it a shot.

79. High Noon - Nora Roberts

Okay, so I admit it. This is the only Nora Roberts book I have ever read. I read it during Christmas at my mother's house since all my books were stolen, along with my suitcase. I really liked it. The main character is a negotiator for suicides and hostage situations. Very exciting. But it is a "romance" and so you know what that means.

85. Wicked - Gregory Maquire

Okay, I started to read this, but stopped. Why would I stop you ask? Isn't Wicked the musical so popular? Yes, but it certainly doesn't have much to do with the book. I stopped reading the book right when the characters go to a club and start having sex with animals. Yup, book shut and thrown away. Don't read it!

87. Oh, the Places You'll Go! - Dr. Seuss
89. Green Eggs and Ham - Dr. Seuss

You have to love Dr. Seuss! I think he will be on the top selling list for a long time.