Historical fiction is defined as fiction that is based on historical events or people. Although some facts may be true, most of the story is fictionalized. Our patrons at the library really enjoy this genre with The Kitchen House, The Help and The Paris Wife some of our most requested titles. NPR has come up with their list of the Top Historical Fiction of 2011 with a few of our favorite authors, Geraldine Brooks and Alice Hoffman on the list.

It's nice to see first-time author, Paula McLain of The Paris Wife honored. If you've read her debut novel, The Paris Wife, make sure you see Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris to get a visual of the Paris scene of the 20's.

It's time for all the best books lists to come out. Here's a round-up:
Publisher's Weekly Best Books of 2011 - picture book list
Bankstreet Best Books of the Year - extensive list broken down by age, going to 14 years and up.
Washington Post Best Children's Books - includes picture books, nonfiction and fiction
New York Times Notable Children's Books - includes picture books, middle grade and young adult.
Parents.com 20 Best Children's Books - nominated by librarians, teachers and literacy experts and voted on by parents and kids.

And a few of my favorites:
Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell for the animal lover in your life.
I Want my Hat Back by Jon Klassen for a kid with a dark sense of humor.
Grandpa Green by Lane Smith great as a gift to or from a Grandpa.
Press Here by Herve Tullet for the rambunctious toddler who usually can't sit for a whole book.
Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick told in words and pictures this book will inspire a visit to the Museum of Natural History and the Panorama at the Queens Museum of Art.

Mr Norrell summons a fairy--"the gentleman with thistle-down hair"--who strikes a bargain with Mr Norrell to restore Emma to life: half of her life will be spent with the fairy.

If your book group is anything like mine, each member gets a chance to pick a book for discussion and that can be nerve-wracking. NPR has a list of their top 5 book club picks of 2011 to help you make an informed choice, and, if they hate the book, you can always blame them.

For all the mystery/suspense aficionados out there, NY Times columnist Marilyn Stasio, the "Crime Columnist" for the Book Review, has issued her Notable Crime Books of 2011 recommendations. If you're looking for a Favorite New Sleuth, Favorite Cozy, Favorite Suspense Novel or just her selection of Favorite Book of the year, this list has some interesting choices. I know I'll refer to it when choosing books for my Monday Mysteries book discussion in 2012.