As usual, I read a lot of books this year (especially while flying) and I am going to share some of the best ones published in late 2010 or 2011.

Gregg Hurwitz has written eleven thrillers, the latest being You’re Next. The main character, who was raised in foster care, is a happily settled family man until parts of his past (which he doesn’t even remember) come back. He must battle everyone to keep his family safe. While it sounds like a standard thriller storyline, Hurwitz weaves an original story filled with unique characters.

I am a big fan of Lisa Lutz and her series of Spellman books. She ventured away from the Spellman family for Heads You Lose, a quirky mystery written with David Hayward. The authors write alternating chapters, including random footnotes, suggestions and barbs, all adding to more fun for the reader.

Sheryl Steines’ debut novel, The Day of First Sun, is not a typical mystery novel. It is a supernatural murder mystery or, as Steines states, “the magical murder of a non-magical princess.” This book has suspense, magic, romance, twists and turns and questions of reality. I can’t wait for her next book.

In Jenniffer Weigel’s first book, Stay Tuned, she relates the struggle of finding her path in life during and after her father’s death. Her second book, I’m Spiritual Dammit, continues her spiritual journey. Weigel writes part memoir and part self-help, full of humor, poignancy and introspection, but without preaching.

My last recommendation is No Ordinary Joes: The Extraordinary True Story of Four Submariners in World War II by Larry Colton. It is a story of four men who survived the sinking of the USS Grenadier, only to become prisoners of war for three years. It is a story of survival, strength and love. Colton is the founder of Wordstock (a literary art and education organization) and Community of Writers (a teacher support program). He has written three other books and was a major league pitcher.

I am always on the lookout for new authors and good books. Hopefully, I will find plenty of good reading in 2012, and I will report back in a year or so.

— John Wroblewski, distribution specialist