I’ve been seeing these posts everywhere, so it’s my turn! My list was extremely difficult to compose. I thought to do a best of each genre for a while, but in short, it was too hard! Instead I have multiple genres included here. So, the 10 new to me books I loved most in 2008, in no particular order:
- The Well of Ascension, Brandon Sanderson
- Ptolemy’s Gate, Jonathan Stroud
- Kushiel’s Mercy, Jacqueline Carey
- The Hours, Michael Cunningham
- Nefertiti and The Heretic Queen, both by Michelle Moran
- When We Were Romans, Matthew Kneale
- The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
- The Hero and the Crown, Robin McKinley
- Bel Canto, Ann Patchett (to be reviewed in January)
And only one non-fiction book got the 5-star rating. That was John Adams by David McCullough. This was definitely the best pop history work I read all year and I think it deserves a read for anyone who is interested in American history.
This list has informed me that my best reading months were the summer ones and that despite my flow of ARCs, I really enjoy the books I choose for myself the most. It was hard to narrow down these 11 out of 184, but I think that shows I’ve had a great reading year. See my post on the sidebar for everything I’ve read in 2008.
Finally, Happy New Year! I can’t wait to start keeping track of books for 2009. Starting a new list is exciting and intimidating at the same time. Who knows what the new year will bring?
It sounds like you had a great reading year, Meghan. Nefertiti made my top ten list too. There are a few others on your list I’m looking forward to reading at some point in the future.
Have a Happy New Year!
This looks like a really good list. I know that I will be bookmarking lots of best of lists for future reference. Happy New Year and happy reading in 2009.
I have only read one of your favorite books from last year – Bel Canto – and I agree that it was really good. Have a Happy New Year! I’m hoping to get a chance to look back at 2008 on Friday – when I’m home and my kids are at day care (how luxurious is that???)
Great reading list. I too like picking my own books, which is why I don’t do ARCs.
Happy New Year, happy studies, happy reading!
I have both Nefertiti and The Heretic Queen sitting in my TBR pile. I’ve got to make time to read them. Happy New Year!
Looks like a great list. Happy New Year and I hope 2009 gives you as much (if not more!) great reads!
I read a few of the books on your top list too – and I agree with your choices. Happy New Year!
I’m not doing a “year in review”, but I’m enjoying reading everyone else’s lists!
I have a few of your favorites in my wish list, *Guernsey* and *When We Were Romans*.
I’m right with you on *Bel Canto* and *John Adams*, wonderful books, both of them.
Wanted to drop in and wish you a Happy New Year! I meant to this on the first, but the book challenges have me stretched too thin. I was thinking it would ease up over the next few days, but now I don’t know. I signed up for a mess load of them!
Anyway, wanted to wish you the best in 2009!