52 books in 52 weeks

11. Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood

I originally read this book in 2004 and this time around, I was teaching it. It was a little awkward at first because I forgot how much sex there was - not much by bodice-ripper standards, but a bit more than enough by required reading standards. My students handled it quite well and, judging by class discussion and their essays, enjoyed it as much as I did.

12. The Best American Short Stories 2007

I don't always see eye to eye with Stephen King, but I can say one thing: we definitely have the same taste in short stories. I think this is one of the strongest BASS collections in years.