It has been cold here all week and even though it threatens to snow I am finding it really difficult to believe that the Winter Solstice is a week away. My first full year of blogging has been quite a wonderful experience and I am looking forward to the next one.
I am beginning to see year-end wrap-ups and top ten book lists but, after reading over 150 books this year, there is no way I can choose just 10 books as favorites. I’ve decided to create several lists, covering the different types of books I read and reviewed during 2009.
I am starting out with Graphic Novels. I read many this year, some I loved, some I didn’t. Some of my favorites?
Laika by Nick Abadzis
Aya and Aya of Yop City by Marguerite Abouet
Slow Storm by Danica Novgorodoff
Britten and Brulightly by Hannah Berry
Stitches by David Small
Then there are the Young Adult books. I find this category deceptive. Often these book should be read by adults, if only to remind them what it’s like to be an adolescent. Interestingly, several of my favorites fall under the “fantasy” genre.
Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Annals of the Western Shore by Ursula Le Guin
Monkey Beach by Eden Robinson
Sometimes we’re always real same-same by Mattox Roesch
Now I plan on visiting my favorite blogs and scanning any “best of” or “top book” posts. I’m sure there are books I have failed to add to my ever-growing TBR list.
To find out more about the Sunday Salon go here.
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Gavin,
I agree, some YA really should be read by adults. We need to be reminded. I do hope though young adults read them now and revisit them as adults. I don’t re-read enough but I am always appreciative of how my perspective and perception changes with time.
True, perspectives and perceptions change. What I really enjoy is sitting in on a 7th grade book discussion and hearing students talk about what they are reading!
I think I’m going to have to split into multiple top-10 lists, too.
Yup, just too many good books..
Great lists, Gavin! I also loved Britten and Brulightly and Stitches. In YA, did you get a chance to read Shiver or Marcelo in the Real World? I read your top four here and enjoyed all but need to check out that fifth choice.
I look forward to your other lists. Happy reading!
Thanks! I have Shiver and Marcelo in the Real World on hold at the library but there are many people in front of me for both books!
I too think YA books get a bad rap by being labeled YA. I wonder how that problem could be solved.
I think reading and reviewing YA titles is a great way to spread the word.
Gavin, you’re one of the bloggers (if not THE blogger) whose taste is closest to mine. Many of those are on my list as well, or were the year I read them!
Nymeth – That is scary, and thrilling, I am in awe of your abilities as a reviewer and instigator of great discussions. So glad you and Chris are doing the Graphic Novel Challenge!
I can understand how narrowing down a top ten list would be difficult, especially when you’ve read so many great books.
I love reading the favorites lists this time of year. I get plenty of ideas of books to read in the future an can reminisce about some of my old favorites too. :-)
Stitches is on my wish list and hopefully I will get a chance to read it one day. That and The Graveyard Book. I don’t really read enough graphic novels or YA books to have any sort of favorite list involving them, I’m afraid. I hope to change that in regards to graphic novels this next year. I don’t really separate YA out from the other books I read, in part because I think the YA term can be misleading. For example, I never would have thought of or classified Roesch book as YA.
I haven’t yet given much thought to my favorites list of the year. I’m one of those people who has to do that at the last minute since the last book I read of the year might be the “it” book.
Have a great week!
I was surprised at how many graphic novels and YA books I read in 2009. The Graveyard Book is one of my very favorites from this year.
I’m curious to see what your favorites are!
I enjoyed Britten and Brulightly. I want to reread it before posting my thoughts. I just bought Stitches and cannot wait to read it. The Graveyard Book is another one I want to reread. Tender Morsels have been sitting on my shelves since Nymeth’s great review. I really need to pick it up soon.
I want to re-read The Graveyard Book, in fact I am asking Santa for it..I didn’t mention pictuire books but I have to thank you for reviewing The Black Book of Colors, it was another favorite from a great year.
I’ll be doing my Best/Worst of 2009 list shortly. Fortunately the “Worst” part will be pretty short! I read so many great books this year.
I can’t wait to see what your “Bests” are!
Most of my fave YA books are fantasy as well. :) I can never pick just ten either-I always have to do several lists! I should start working on that soon. :)
Yes, hurry! I want to see what your favorite books from the last year are. I’m sure there are many I will add to my TBR list.
I did my top 10 list (coming soon) but it was really hard. I did my 10 favorite, but then of course I had to list my honorable mentions! To avoid the guilt, you see! ha! I have Stitches on my list of Graphic Novels to read if anyone comes up with a challenge for them!
Ha! The link to that graphic novel challenge you keep asking about is in an email I sent you this afternoon! Now you have no excuse:) Start with Stitches…
It’s horrible. I am so picky about my books and reading that my top 10 list is virtually impossible to complete. I’ve been putting it off. It may be a top 5 list instead.
I have read so many good reviews of The Graveyard Book. I really want to read that one!
The Graveyard Book is wonderful.