Best Reads of 2010

Five best books I read this year in no particular order:

Everything Matters- Ron Currie Jr.
This book took over my life for a few days.  I was at the lake this summer, and the rest of my family couldn't figure out why I wouldn't leave the bedroom.  It's so good, it hurts to read because it makes me face my own limitations as a writer.

Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter- Tom Franklin
I loved Poachers, Smonk, and Hell at the Breech, but Franklin's latest may be his best.  Small town Southern gothic murder mystery wrapped in a dual past-present narrative.  Did I mention the flawless writing?

Tunneling to the Center of the Earth- Kevin Wilson
Read this: http://www.greensbororeview.org/fall-2005/birds-in-the-house.html
Most of the stories are that good.  Nuff said.  If you want more, I have a more in depth analysis here.

We're in Trouble- Christopher Coake
Read my thoughts here.  A stunning collection.  Can't wait for this guy to write a novel.

Looking for Alaska-John Green
Much like Everything Matters, this book held me under its spell for a few days.  I talked about it so much with my wife that she read it and even tried to get her book club to read it (no go; most of them had already read it and didn't like it).

Seek these out if you haven't already.

Looking For Alaska

I just finished John Green's Looking for Alaska and all I can say is go read this book right now.  It's always a double edged sword for me when I read a book like this.  On the one hand, I loved it to death.  On the other hand, I am almost sick with jealousy (which can quickly turn to despair) because Green is so damned good.

Highly recommended.