The Updated “Grand Prize” Best Reads of 2006 (with reader comments)
As requested, I have added reader’s comments to the Grand Prize shortlist (those books recommended by multiple readers) of LitMinds’ Best Reads of 2006. There has been one addition, a nonfiction book, The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan.
Arthur and George by Julian Barnes (Fiction)
“I read this over the summer when I was in Oxford and it was an interesting take on Arthur Conan Doyle, whom I've never really given a second thought. Great use of different perspectives of characters.”
Freddy and Fredericka by Mark Helprin (Fiction)
“Hysterical as in laugh out loud, and any book that can get you to do that is worth kudos in my book. Very funny story and so well written.”
Life of Pi by Yann Martel (Fiction)
“This book covers topics and details you often don’t consider, like the dynamics of a zoo or survival on a boat stranded in the ocean. At the same time, Life of Pi raises major issues around morality, philosophy, and religion in new and unexpected ways.”
The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan (Nonfiction)
“Pollan traces the origins of four meals, explaining how the food was produced and how each method of production has different social and environmental consequences. He also eats each meal himself, and the book is full of funny anecdotes about his family's food experiences. I loved it!”
"Whether you like his journalistic style of writing or not, it will definitely make you think about how you eat and your next trip to the grocery..."
Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld (Fiction)
“A fictionalized and believable look into life at a very elite prep school and an adolescent girl’s intriguing mind and behaviors. I devoured the novel in three days”
The Night Watch by Sarah Waters (Fiction)
“I love Sarah Waters and her stories, and she does amazing things in her stories with passage of time and flashbacks, and the women who are the leading characters are wonderful, strong women with real weaknesses.”