Wheels of Addis

I’ve decided to compile a list of my favourite books of the year. As I was cycling today (out past Putney, along the Thames, through Barnes, Mortlake and Sheen - see atmospheric image of Putney Bridge above), I had a good opportunity to mull over my list. What would make the grade? And what, quite frankly, wouldn’t cut the mustard?

So, in no particular order…

Sweetness in the Belly, by Camilla Gibb

A gorgeous book, which revealed a lot to me about Ethiopia at the end of Haile Selassie’s reign - and in particular about life in Harar. Also partly set in London in the early 80s, I was completely convinced until about half way through reading that this was an autobiography. Instead, this is a thoroughly researched and compelling work of fiction. I was almost convinced to become a Sufi by the time I finished reading, but not quite. Thoroughly recommended nonetheless.

What is the What: The Autobiography of Valentino Achak Deng, by Dave Eggers

An amazing, amazing true story about one of Sudan’s “lost boys”. I really did cry when I read it. Every time I think about it - and I do, often - I want to read it all over again. The sad thing is that when Valentino Achak Deng finally makes it to America, having survived the worst of the worst in the Sudan, life really doesn’t get all that much better for him in the land of the “free”. The good news is he has now set up an fantastic foundation, which aims to empower war-affected Sudanese populations.

Shantaram, by Gregory David Roberts

OK, OK, I know everyone read this one this year, but really… it is good fun! A white-knuckle, rip-roaring adventure. I couldn’t put it down.

I enjoyed the parts where he lived in the slums the best. And the bear - oh, the bear! I wasn’t too keen on the whole war section, but I can understand why it was there. I was genuinely very sad when I reached the last page and had to finish this book.

Child 44, by Tom Rob Smith

This is a bit of a naughty addition to my list because I actually read it last year. I really loved this book though and it completely fulfilled my need for a spine-tingling thriller. I was gripped from page one and, I’ll admit it now, completely terrified throughout. I had to read it from behind my pillow in case anything bad happened!

Don’t be fooled though, this is in no way a trashy supermarket read - incredibly well researched and beautifully written. Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize, no less.

The Road, by Cormac McCarthy

I hesitate to include this as, in actual fact, this was kind of a horrible book. I mean, really, truly creepy. I found it completely disturbing and totally terrifying. Having said all that, I do think it’s well written and, even though I don’t like to think back on it often, I was completely sucked into the apocalyptic world of the book at the time.

I think Cormac McCarthy is a great, great writer and certainly not to be scoffed at, so he gets a place on my list.

Les Trois Mousquetaires, Alexandre Dumas

A frivolous addition to the list, but I can’t resist it. I read this during my holiday in France (en Francais, bien sur) and I utterly loved it. I don’t think it’s lost any of its charm or its humour - despite the fact it’s a good two centuries old. It’s laugh-out-loud funny in places and full of mystery, intrigue and swash-buckling adventure.

I didn’t think I’d have an appetite for this kind of book, but now I’m hooked.

…..

There’s the list. I think I’ve covered all the highlights, but I may have left out some good ones. I know I’ve definitely left some very, very bad books out. Let me know if your 2009 reading list has any of the same titles or if you’d recommend any new ones to me. I need to start drafting my list for 2010!