The Best Books of 2010

It will come as no surprise that different organizations ranked books differently last year. In fact, it is hard to state that any particular books were "best" since it is only fair to compare books in the same genre. Comparing a travel book with a work of fiction makes little sense. The goals of each piece of literature are different.

In order to establish some sort of semi-accurate list, it is necessary to at least look at several sources, and find the common elements. So, which of the books that came out in 2010 came up consistently on "best" lists? You can find them listed below.

Non Fiction

These three books appeared time and time again on a variety of lists.

1. Cleopatra: A Life
Written by Stacy Schiff

Cited over and over as a seminal work of art and literature, this book sought to present Cleopatra in a new way. After 2000 years Schiff strove to remove the myths surrounding the queen and present her in a more accurate light.

2. The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer
Written by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Does cancer need to be seen with a human face? That question isn't answered in this book, but the way that the story of cancer is traced, in biographical form, the focus upon clinical experiences and the ongoing battle creates a deep and personal impression.

3. The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration
Written by Isabel Wilkerson

Focusing upon the experiences of three African Americans who moved from the South to the North between 1915 and 1970, Wilkerson shows just how critical this migration was to the development of the whole country.

Fiction

The sub-categories that fall beneath the fiction label are nearly as extensive as the imagination. Overall, these books were the most often cited as top finishers for 2010.

1. Room
Written by Emma Donoghue

A 5 year old boy is locked within the confines of a small room with his mother who is regularly visited at night by Old Nick, their captor. Even in this environment Jack's mother attempts to create as beautiful and normal a life as possible for him. Creating both feelings of wonder and disease, the story draws in its readers in a most remarkable manner.

2. A Visit from the Goon Squad
Written by Jennifer Egan

With a wide variety of characters ranging over 40 years in time, this book somehow manages to create a unified whole. The Goon Squad is time and it plays a central role in the book's pace and message. Try to keep up with the ride!

3. Freedom
Written by Jonathan Franzen

An involving story about a Midwestern family and the way modern life pulls us apart and keeps us together. Franzen explores the high price of personal liberties and how they affect more than just the individual.

Children's Books

It is very important to remember the kids when looking for new and exceptional books. After all, if we want children to grow up readers, they have to be started young. Here are three books any child will love.

1. Children Make Terrible Pets
Peter Brown

Ever wonder what would happen if a bear brought home a child and wanted to keep it as a pet? Turns out, it may not be the best idea after all.

2. A Sick Day for Amos McGee
Philip C. Stead and Erin E. Stead

Amos is a zookeeper who has a remarkable bond with his animal charges. When Amos comes down with a cold, the animals drop by to help him out. Keep your eyes open for delightful little drawings scattered throughout the pictures in the book.

3. A Pig Parade is a Terrible Idea
Michael Ian Black and Kevin Hawkes

Seems pigs really don't care for uniforms, military music or floats - unless they contain root beer. With wonderful illustrations and a touch of the absurd, this book will keep you and your child in stitches.

So those are the books that were consistently cited as being the top books for 2010. Hopefully 2011 will be another great year.