It's that time of year again -- the time when literary pundits start weighing in on their favorite reads of the past twelve months. From The New York Times to The Washington Post, NPR to Salon.com, the lists of "Best Books of 2008" are starting to appear, and they are remarkable in their diversity -- everything from novels such as The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery to A Person of Interest by Susan Choi, to nonfiction titles such as Nothing to Be Frightened Of by Julian Barnes and Sarah Vowell's The Wordy Shipmates.

In fact, very few books appear on more than one list. Toni Morrison's A Mercy and the late Roberto Bolano's 2666 are exceptions in the fiction category, and Dexter Filkins' The Forever War and Jane Mayer's The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How the War on Terror Turned Into a War on American Ideals in nonfiction.

As one might expect, NPR goes beyond the mere "fiction" and "nonfiction" categories and offers extensive lists in niche categories such as "Best Gift Books;" "Top Five Crime and Mystery Novels;" "Best Foreign Fiction;" and "Best Books for a Transformative New Year."

You can find the lists from each of the above sources by going to the Coffee Break section of our web site and clicking on the "Newspapers" heading.

So, what made me shout "I love this book!" this year? Two books get the nod, and although neither one has (so far) appeared on any official list, I'm proud to stand firmly behind my choices. For simple, life-affirming stories that honor the tenacity of the human -- and animal -- spirit, acknowledge the rewards of compassion, and celebrate the joys of friendship, you can't beat these two selections. And in today's unsettled times, what more could you ask of a book?

First comes Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron. This is the story of one tiny kitten rescued by Myron from the drop-box of the Spencer (Iowa) Public Library, of which Myron was director. More than an accumulation of "and then the cat..." cute anecdotes, Dewey also chronicles the author's personal triumph over tragedies such as the end of her marriage, going on welfare, and being diagnosed with breast cancer. The unwavering commitment between human and animal also inspired the town to overcome the devastation being wrought by a lengthy economic downturn.

And, if diamonds are a girl's best friend, then $37,000 worth of them should make for an extremely rewarding relationship. The hefty five-figure price tag on a stunning diamond necklace in the window of her local jewelry store wasn't about to stop Jonell McLain from finding a way to buy the piece. Approaching twelve other women -- some of them her best friends, others mere acquaintances, and still others complete strangers -- McLain sold each woman a $1,000 "time share" in "Jewelia." The Necklace: Thirteen Women and the Experiment that Transformed Their Lives by Cheryl Jarvis is a sweet, funny, and often poignant morality tale about the discovery of what truly is important in life.

"Read@SCPL" would love to know what made your personal best list this year. Feel free to add a comment below!
CH

Ghost Train to the Eastern Star: On the Tracks of the Great Railway Bazaar Paul Theroux

For Paul Theroux fans, his latest train odyssey does not disappoint as he retraces an earlier journey ( The Great Ghost Train to the Eastern Star is filled with rich portrayals of people and their homelands; as usual he shares his political and historical insights with the reader. Even if you do not agree with him, Theroux is always entertaining and enlightening. The difference between Ghost Train and his earlier works is the author's compassion, even gentleness, compared to the cynicism of his earlier days. He seems a bit more forgiving of human foibles, but lest you think the old Theroux has completely disappeared, take heart, the old skepticism and sense of humor are still apparent!

MC

Acedia & Me: A Marriage, Monks, and a Writer's Life Kathleen Norris

If you are in the mood for a book that makes you think about your life and where it is going or has taken you, then try Norris's (The Cloister Walk and Amazing Grace) latest memoir in which she explores the ancient term "acedia," a condition long recognized by early monastics as a profound weariness of soul, the "noonday demon." Her personal stories, including her own battle withacedia and the long, painful illness of her husband, are especially moving and expressed in beautiful prose. Replete with quotations from earlier Christian thinkers and interesting etymological narratives, this captivating, thoughtful work offers spiritual hope for the "social acedia" experienced by many in today's world.

MC

A Little History of the World E. H. Gombrich

This was, I think, written for the author's children, so it is just the right level for me. I tried to read a chapter a day (some of them are really short!), but I didn't end up getting all the way through. Very readable and would appeal to someone who wanted an easily accessible history lesson.

JS

Lopsided: How Having Breast Cancer Can Really Be Distracting. A Memoir Meredith Norton

The memoir from a 30-something new mom about her battle with breast cancer. Irreverent, sassy, funny, alarming, distressing,hopeful. The author sounds like someone you'd love to hang out with, though don't be surprised when things go awry. Her story isn't exactly inspirational in terms of the cancer struggle, but you do sense the author's courage in the face of odds and going on with her life.
JS