Mumsnet Talk

With just 35 days left of the year, I've been reflecting over the books I've read in 2011. The discovery of C.J. Sansom and Kate Atkinson made 2011 for me. I'm saving Dark Fire for my flight to the UK next month. I also enjoyed Room, Shanghai Girls, Crimson China and The Long Song.

What was your book of 2011?

Hmm I think probably a toss up between Room by Emma Donoghue and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

Room definitely and also Sister by Rosumund Lipton and The Hand that first Held Mine Maggie O'Farrell

Oh, 'Left Early, Took my Dog' by Kate Atkinson the best. 'The Room' a close contender, but biggest let down was 'The Slap". I did make it to the end, but really didn't like the book at all.

What should I be reading this year? I've just started re reading Birdsong by Sebastian Faulkes cos I'm out of inspiration!

I really enjoyed "Before go to Sleep" by S.J.Watson - couldn't put it down!!!

Think I have 2 favourites and both are set in India but both are very different. They are Tiger Hills by Sarita Mandanna and The White Tiger by by Aravind Adiga.

The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes - brilliant!

So difficult choosing just one but I loved a real cheapy on Kindle, Dawn on the River by Elli Fitz. I cried at the romance/relationship that seemed lost. and I adored the way Daniela interacts with her young son.

I also loved the 'Hand that First Held Mine' & Sister. 'One Day' is fab & so is 'The Understudy' I need to know what I should read next. Think I nlmg

Oops meant to say, might try 'The Room'.

Gemsie, definitely read Room and join in the live session with Emma Donoghue on Wed 15 Feb. I've just been reading tonight's author chat and it was a great discussion.

My book of the year was Bel Canto by Ann Patchett. Saw her talking at Hay-on-Wye and liked her so much I bought three of her books. All excellent

Gemsie, sorry - ignore me, I am a year too late! Bugger, disappointed now