It’s been hard to put this year’s list together because some of the best books I read either way in the beginning of the year or almost at the end. For a while there I even had quite a few DNFs. This year I mainly read in the Fiction and Mystery category but books from two other categories deserve a special mention. And, here they are:
Fiction
Broken Glass Park by Alina Bronsky
Summer by Edith Wharton
The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters
Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier
The Unit by Ninni Holmqvist
Mystery
The Mapping of Love and Death by Jacqueline Winspear
Quieter Than Sleep by Joanne Dobson
A Place of Execution by Val McDermid
YA
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Graphic Novel
Tales from Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan
I got very behind on my reviews this year which is why you don’t see many links so my intention for next year is to have a review for each book, even if it’s a mini one.
Tomorrow it’s my year in review post!
Ah, I read 3 Sarah Water books this year and I selected Fingersmith to be one of my top 12. I do enjoy The Little Stranger a lot as well so it was a tough call.
I see Sarah Waters’ name in most ‘Best of” list. Her books are simply fantastic isn’t it? I look forward to reading Fingersmith and The Littler Stranger next year!
Thank you for sharing your favorites with us Iliana. I hope you have a wonderful new year!
Matt – I’m slowly working my way through her books. Two more to go and hopefully Fingersmith next year!
Melody – She’s fabulous isn’t she? I need to read Fingersmith too so we’ll have to compare notes when we finally do 🙂
Kathleen – Thank you! Hope you read lots of great books too and watch some wonderful movies for your movie project as well 🙂
I finished the 2nd book in the Hunger Games series. The local libraries have NO copies of the 3rd books, except an electronic audio version. I might “borrow” it while I clean my closet.
I’ve read a couple of books on your fiction list and agree they were wonderful, and the others are books I want to read–particularly now that you liked them so well! Maisie Dobs is always great and I really need to read Joanne Dobson! Looks like a really great reading year!
I out Tales from Outer Suburbia on my TBR list after you read it and now it’s made your favorites list, I have to try to remember to read it!
LOVED The Little Stranger, but then again, I love everything she does. I wish she would write just a wee bit faster.
Isabel – I haven’t read the third book yet either and who knows when I’ll be able to get a copy from the library. That’s one popular book!
Danielle – I really liked the Joanne Dobson book and while it was a cozy I thought it had that nice mix of seriousness and cozy together. Sometimes cozies can be a bit “silly” (saying this even though I do enjoy a cozy now and then!).
Stefanie – I wish I owned that book. The illustrations are so beautiful and really make you think of other worlds. I don’t often re-read books but that’s one I wouldn’t mind reading again. I find I like to re-read graphic novels so I can pay attention to different stuff the second time around you know.
Sandy – Totally agree! I still have two more of her books to read and I’m saving them sort of!
I agree with everyone else who reveres Sarah Waters – I adore her! Glad to see you liked The Little Stranger.
The Little Stranger is on my list as well! I really should read Summer, The Unit and Remarkable Creatures, because I think I’d love them too. Also, my boyfriend got Tales of Outer Suburbia for Christmas – I’m so going to borrow it.
Loved your list Iliana….added a few to my never ending TBR lists.
I’m not sure about Sarah Waters yet, I need to read more of her. I did love The Hunger Games though! And The Unit is on my ‘soon’ list, you made it sound really good!
I’ve only read one book you list here: The Hunger Games. I enjoyed that one quite a bit. I definitely want to get around to read Val McDermid one of these days and Sarah Waters. I had planned to read Fingersmith this year but never managed to. I look forward to your year in review post! Have a Happy New Year, Iliana!
I haven’t read any Winters yet though I do own Fingersmith. I love Tales of Outer Suburbia too. Happy New Year!
I have The Hunger Games in my wish list. I do want to read Sarah Waters also.
Yay! I loved both The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters and Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier! Such great books. I’m pretty sure I’ll reread The Little Stranger this year, it’s just too good not to!
The Unit was really powerful, wasn’t it? I didn’t expect to be moved so much by that book. Hope you have a great reading year in 2011.