Best and Worst Books Read in 2009

As the title suggests, this is my list of best and worst books, not necessarily published in 2009, but read in 2009. This year, especially in the latter half, I've focussed a lot on Indian writing and non-fiction. Because of that, I have missed out on the popular reads of 2009 like The Time Traveller's Wife, The Lost Symbol. But I don't mind it actually, since my non-fiction reading spree has gone on really well and I've enjoyed the books a lot. Without any further ado, here are my lists, not counting books I've re-read and enjoyed:

Best Books Read in 2009:

1. The Great Indian Novel by Shashi Tharoor 

I'm in love with the breathtaking wit, humour and ease with which the narrative flows in this political satire. Tharoor is a gifted writer and his take on the Mahabharata interwoven with the Indian freedom struggle and later political leaders is a one of its kind special, not to be missed out on.

2. Prison and Chocolate Cake by Nayantara Sahgal
It's the simplicity, personal feel and honesty of this book that captivates me. A non-fiction work by Nehru's niece Nayantara Sahgal, it is a beautiful tribute to her country, her family and the days of struggle for independence from the British. 

3. The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga

Adiga's Booker Prize winning novel is a harsh, depressing but essential reminder of how there is just so much in India that needs to be changed. The negative tone put me off the book many times, angered me, saddened me, but it made me think. And the book never left me. Now that is something only a powerful book can do.

4. The Eyre Affair, The Well of Lost Plots, Something Rotten, First Among Sequels ( Thursday Next Series ) by Jasper Fforde

These books are tough to review, because they are just so very creative, so fascinating and unexplainable to someone who hasn't read them. Fforde is easily one of the best authors I've read this year. 


5. Kashmir: Behind The Vale by M.J.Akbar

This is a beautifully written book tracing the history and political scenario of a valley that has been torn by war and conflict. M.J.Akbar's writing is perfect proof of the fact that non-fiction can be more fascinating than fiction.

6. Indian Summers: The Secret History of the End of an Empire by Alex Von Tunzelmann

If you liked Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins' Freedom at Midnight, you are going to love this book. Chronicling the last days of the British Empire in India, Von Tunzelmann's well-paced narrative, laced with a lot of gossip, makes the book a surprisingly easy read.

7. Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

I haven't read much of Picoult, but this book just haunted me with its message.  Sensitively handled, beautifully written, Nineteen Minutes is a grim, important reminder of how seemingly small mistakes have huge repercussions

8. Bridget Jones' Diary : The Edge of Reason by Helen Fielding

I adored this sequel to another brilliant, hilarious book Bridget Jones' Diary. It's not as good as the first book, but Edge of Reason will guarantee you some unforgettable laugh-out-loud moments!

9. The Zoya Factor by Anuja Chauhan

Cricket is a nation-wide obsession and Chauhan uses it so well in this hilarious, well-written book. If Indian chick-lit was more like this, I'd certainly be reading more of it!

Worst Books Read in 2009:   ( In no particular order )


1. Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Don't, don't, just don't. Days of my life spent reading this are days that I can't get back.

2. The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards

So very over-rated. This book stays with me in the worst way possible. In the sense, every time I see this book in a bookstore, I hurry and move away from it.

3. The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus

This book bored me a lot. I hated the book as much as I loved the movie!

4. One Fifth Avenue by Candace Bushnell

Another book that makes me wonder why I ever picked it up in first place. 


5. The Associate by John Grisham

Re-hashed, self-admittedly, from his earlier book The Firm, this book stopped me from reading anything John Grisham for the rest of the year.