December was a bit bonkers for all of us in our competition. Travel, moving, family, illness, holiday - it was too much to get books and write-ups done. Since both Leslie & Noah were tied, we decided to do an epic, winner-take-all, choose-the-ultimate-best-book lightning round for all the glory.

The Thunder Dome

City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert

City of Girls share’s Vivian’s unique love story. Kicked out of college at age 19 in the 1940s, Vivian’s wealthy parents sent their wayward daughter to live with her aunt in New York City. Aunt Peg owned a decrepit, but charming theater, where Vivian experienced everything a young woman could in the Big Apple surrounded by theater folk. When she makes a mistake on the public stage, the world as she knows it unravels. Her lowest point becomes a springboard to the life she’s always wanted to live and the freedom she’s always craved. Telling her story in her late-80s, Vivian recounts her life with enthusiasm, philosophy, and heart.

5/5 Stars

Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing

Endurance is the story of Ernest Shackleton’s quest to cross Antarctica via land. Shackleton and his men began their journey in 1914, and by 1915, they found themselves trapped and crushed in the ice. Many people know this story because it’s a rare story of true heroism and leadership. Endurance is narrative non-fiction (my favorite kind of non-fiction), and it’s told thrillingly, even if you know the outcome.

5/5 Stars

And the Award Goes To….

LESLIE!! While both books were outstanding and the best books either person submitted all year, City of Girls has my heart.

Here’s a recap of point totals:

January: Noah | February: Tie | March: Leslie

April: Leslie | May: Leslie | June: Noah

July: Noah | August: Leslie | September: Noah

October: Noah | November: Leslie

TIE BREAKER DECISION: Leslie