The Help by Kathryn Stockett. This wasn't at all what I expected, I actually thought it was supposed to be humorous! It was, however, very good. A poignant mix of stories that blended together to give you an idea of life for blacks in Mississippi during the 60s.

1984 by George Orwell. For as long as I can remember I have been hearing about "Big Brother" and the "Thought Police". I picked this book up in the library, and it occurred to me that although I knew the story well, I had never read the actual book! It was actually so much more complex and deep than I expected. Very good.

Austenland by Shannon Hale. I was looking for an Austen fix and came across this book. The idea is so cute, Jane Austen addict takes a vacation to a retreat in England where you dress the period and follow regency rules. The romance was so disappointing. I got the feeling that the author knew how she wanted to end it, and was just trying to "connect the dots" to get there.

What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew: From Fox Hunting to Whist-The Facts of Daily Life in Nineteenth-Century England by Daniel Pool. Loved this book! The only problem was it covered 100 years, and of course things change so much over a century. Just imagine how different 1900 and 2000 were. The author was good about clarifying what part of the century, though.

Fang by James Patterson. I know, I know! Every time I read one of these Maximum Ride books, I swear them off forever but then a new one comes out and I can't help myself. I have to say, this one wasn't half bad! Much better than the last several ones.