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December 31, 2008

More 2008 best books

Before 2008 ends, here's one more Top 10 list from fellow blogger Jennifer Vido, who lives in Harford County and is vice-chairperson of the county library board. Jen reviews books for major publishing houses, has a monthly column called Jen's Jewels and a web site that offers monthly book give-away contests. She's also an advocate for those like herself who suffer from arthritis, and hosts an annual fundraiser to battle the disease. This year's event, on Feb. 20, features Louis Bayard, author of The Black Tower. For details, contact her at jensjewels@gmail.com. Her Top 10:

1. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

2. Sweetsmoke by David Fuller

3. The Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton

4. Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

5. Souvenir by Therese Fowler

6. Betrayal by John Lescroart

7. Beside A Burning Sea by John Shors

8. The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan

9. Dear Neighbor, Drop Dead by Saralee Rosenberg

10. The Divorce Party by Laura Dave

Posted by Dave Rosenthal at 9:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)
Categories: Marylandia

Comments

I'm a Harford Countian that loves to read Jen's Jewels each month. She's great at showcasing local authors like Laura Lippman or non-fiction authors like the late Randy Pausch. Her ability to get special tidbits out of the authors during interviews makes all the difference--they share things with her that you don't get in other interviews. We're lucky to have such a talented columnist here in Harford County. I've read most of her top ten and agree whole-heartedly.

Posted by: Denise Holcomb | December 31, 2008 11:18 AM

Hi Jen,
I haven't read any of these books but I do have "Souvenir" by Therese Fowler. I see a few titles I'll pick up when they're out in paperback. I wish I could attend the event with Louis Bayard. I started reading his book, "Mr. Timothy", during Christmas.
I suffer from arthritis! We'll have to discuss this the next time I get your newsletter. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Mel K.
Meljprincess AT aol DOT com

Posted by: Melissa Keith | December 31, 2008 11:43 AM

Thanks so much for the kind words. My website has been updated for January 2009 with lots of free books for adults and kids. Please stop by and see what made my Top 5 list for the month! Happy New Year!

Posted by: Jen Vido | December 31, 2008 1:37 PM

What fun to see Jen on Read Street. I love reading Jen's Jewels, and she never steers me wrong with her selections.

Posted by: Anna Wilson | December 31, 2008 2:01 PM

I love Jennfier Vido's column Jen's Jewels. I read it each month and have read many of the books Jennifer has suggested. Her recommended reading is right on target. Thanks Jennifer for such a delightful website.

Posted by: Jill De Marie | December 31, 2008 2:19 PM

It's always interesting to see what Jennifer is up to and what books she's enjoying.

Posted by: John | December 31, 2008 3:16 PM

I've enjoyed several of Jen's Top 10 based on her recommendations! Her Jen's Jewels site always promises a great read. It is such a thrill to have her included in Read Street. I hope to see her featured again in the future.

Posted by: Christine Morgan | December 31, 2008 5:28 PM

I got an ARC of Sweetsmoke, I guess I should move it up on my TBR list.

Posted by: Kelly | January 2, 2009 10:07 AM

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About the bloggers

While she always preferred The Hardy Boys to Nancy Drew, Nancy Knight grew up reading nearly everything she could get her hands on, including a probably unhealthy amount of R.L. Stine and Christopher Pike, with the obligatory Jane Austen thrown in. She'll still read just about anything you put in front of her, especially the funny or weird. She lives in the city with her books, cat and drum set.

Dave Rosenthal came to The Baltimore Sun as a business reporter in 1987 and now is an assistant managing editor and Sunday editor. He reads a wide range of books (but never as many as he'd like), usually alternating between non-fiction and fiction. Some all-time favorites: A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole; Wind, Sand and Stars by Antoine de Saint-Exupery; and anything by Calvin Trillin or John McPhee. He belongs to a book club with a Jewish theme.