Top Five Books of 2011

I read a lot this year. Like, 54 books a lot. 

I didn't start my current job until about two months into the year, so I had plenty of free time to dedicate to reading, which basically turned into a rekindling of my torrid love affair with the written word. Books...gah, you know?

Here are my five favorite books/series that I read this year:

1

The Harry Potter Series

Be still my heart. I revisited this greatness and finally read the last three books in the series. I'm now slowly indulging myself in the movies. Nerd alert: I braided a Gryffindor friendship bracelet for my best friend for Christmas (p.s.- she loved it!) 

Harry Potter, you are the best thing in this life.

2

Matched by Ally Condie

This is my favorite dystopian book that I've read to date. It has everything that I love about a dystopian novel. If you like YA and, especially if you like dystopia, give this book a go.

3

Ape House by Sara Gruen

This one was actually a little tough for me to read, because I love animals so, so much, but I really feel like I learned a lot about bonobos from this book. Sara Gruen is a wonderful writer, and I like this book even better than Water for Elephants.

4

The Huger Games Series

I love YA, I love dystopia: you had to have known that this was coming. The Hunger Games rocked my world. I cannot wait for the movie to come out next year. A lady at work is reading the first book right now, and it's all I can do to contain my excitement for her. 

5

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich

I have to admit that I was super hesitant to start this series. I don't want to offend, but I always kind of pegged Janet Evanovich as a writer of middle-aged woman fiction. Now, it's not that I don't love me some middle-aged women cos obviously I do (who doesn't? ;), but I don't typically enjoy middle-aged woman fiction. BUT, this book was so exciting! I love Stephanie Plumb! I want to be her when I grow up. I can't wait to see the movie next year and, before you ask, no, I don't agree with the casting of Katherine Heigl, either.

What did you love this year? What should I read next year?