The Best Book I've Read This Year:
I'll have to go with what looks like the majority here: Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell
I started reading it because it has become a classic and I wanted to read at least one classic this year. I really had no interest in reading about the US Civil War, but I decided to give it a try anyway. WOW, was I pleasantly surprised! What a wonderful book and brilliant characters. I especially loved Rhett.
My Favorite Book Of The Year:
Again, discovered this new series by accident, wanting at the time to read a mystery without gore and violence. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie and The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley. (I know he now has a new one out and cannot wait to read it). These books feature an 11 year old girl detective who is smart, funny and vulnerable. Though the mysteries are plain vanilla really, the characters and the tone of the books are "lovely" - that is the only way I can describe them. If ever you are in a mood for a lovely little series, I highly recommend it,
My Worst Book Of The Year:
Two come to mind: The Religion by Tim Willocks and The Man from Beijing by Henning Mankell. Absolutely waste of time and redeeming factors. Unfortunately, I am one of those readers who will finish a book even though it is terrible. In a way, I guess this compulsive disorder really wants to give credit to the author for spending so much time researching and writing a book. So I keep reading in hope. Oh well.