It’s the last day of the year, and you know what that means … nostalgia and looking back.What were your favorite books of the year? (Books that were new to you in 2009, if not necessarily published this year.)
If you've read this blog for very long you know that I am pretty stingy when it comes to giving a book a 5 star rating. I rarely keep or reread books, and to me a 5 means that I loved a book enough that I can't bear to part with it right away. So, not all of my favorites may be 5's, but here are some of my favorite books this year.
-What I Thought I Knew by Alice Eve Cohen (review)-Thirteen Reasons Why
by Jay Asher (review), audio-The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
by Mary Ann Shaffer (review), audio-The World in Half by Cristina Henriquez (review)
-Impulse by Ellen Hopkins (review)
-Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross (review)
-Outliers: The Story of Success
by Malcolm Gladwell (review), audioOne thing I always find interesting when I look back over my reviews is how my feelings towards a book may change. As I was browsing through my 4-5 star books for this list I came across a few books that I was surprised were rated as high as they were. Obviously, some books are more impressive right after you finish them than months down the road.
I was also surprised how many audio books made this list. It goes to show that a well done audio production can have amazing staying power with me. For example, I can still hear the voices and accents of many of the characters in Guernsey, nearly a year after I listened to it!
What are your favorites for the year?
13 comments:
Guernsey made my list too. That audio was just unforgettable! I would have to go back to check for sure, but I think of my top reads this year, about half were audios. If done well, they stick in your mind like no hard book can. I also found myself nodding when you said that your opinion of books change over time. When I go back and look at my ratings, I often think I was on some sort of happy drug. With me, I tend to keep experiencing better literature, so what I thought was wonderful a year ago has since been topped by other, better books.
Guernsey and Thirteen Reasons is on my TBR 2010 list.
Here are mine
http://teawithmarce.blogspot.com/2009/12/countdown-of-my-favourites.html
Melissa, I wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your blog. Haven't commented yet, or I don't think I have, but anyway, it is great.
The Guernsey audio was really well done. All those voices. Amazing. Amazing book.
Hope you have a lovely New Year! Take care.
I think Rebecca by DuMaurier was one of my favorites. I have Thirteen Reasons on my bookshelves to read and Guernsey too! I guess I missed two really great reads in 2009 but I'll enjoy them in 2010. I haven't had good luck with audio in the past but keep telling myself to give it another try!
I liked Guernesy too, but it did not make my list. I've got 13 Reasons on my stack.
Thinking that I should challenge myself to listening to one audio book. I confess....have never heard one. Don't know if I would enjoy listening instead of holding a book in hand. Always thought that someone reading to me would put me to sleep as it did my boys when I used to read to them. My favorite is posted at http://cmashlovestoread.blogspot.com
Great stingy list! Most of the other lists I've seen have been HUGE!
Happy New Year!
A few of these are on my list to read in the new year, so I know I have a few good ones waiting for me!! I also think it's funny how I may like a book a lot more right after I've read it and then change my mind on it's rating a few months down the road.
A very impressive list, Melissa. I haven't read any of the books you mention, but two are in my TBR collection waiting their turn.
I hope you have a wonderful New Year.
My all time favorite was The Help. I just couldn't put it down.I want to read Guernsey and after reading your post and Sandy's comment, I'll make sure to get the audio. Thanks for blogging. I really enjoy reading your reviews and thoughts. Happy New Year!
I was about to get rid of The World in Half, but now I think I'll keep it and read it after all!
Great picks! I LOVED Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society too! Happy New Year!
I totally agree about Guernsey! I try to be picky about 5 star books, too, but I read more than I expected last year.
--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
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