The Nation, by Terry Pratchett
I love Terry Pratchett. He is laugh-out-loud funny, and at the same time thoughtful and fascinating. If you haven't listened to The Wee Free Men on audio book, I highly recommend it. The book itself is worth reading as well, of course, but the audio book is just extra delightful. The Nation isn't as uproarious as some of Pratchatt's fare, but it's wonderful in its own way. Also it makes another fine audio book.
When You Reach Me, by Rebecca Stead
Everyone is talking about this book this year, and with reason. I felt like I lived it. A sweet, quiet story in many ways, it's perfectly crafted. Not strictly realism, not really science fiction, it's just a good old fashioned story.
Keturah and Lord Death, by Martine Leavitt
I was fascinated by this book and how Martine was able to maintain the tone of "tale" all the way through. Not easy to do successfully. While it feels like a traditional tale, it was an untraditional novel, spare and lovely, with a story that keeps you guessing.
Catching Fire, by Suzanne Collins
If you read Hunger Games, I'm sure you've already read Catching Fire, because how could you resist? So really this recommendation is for those who haven't discovered these books yet. Definitely start with Hunger Games. Great for reluctant readers and passionate readers alike. Note that these books are violent, but I don't think they're gratuitous.
Lips Touch, by Laini Taylor
I read this book in ARC so I still haven't seen the illustrations that accompany it, but I understand they add very well to the stories. This book is three novellas, each featuring a kiss as an instrument of power--either of triumph or destruction. Laini is a wordsmith and a story crafter, and her sentences are as compelling as her stories. I was very happy to see this honored as a National Book Award Finalist. Some mature content, but I'd feel comfortable giving this to anyone 13 and up, I think.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
It's made the book club rounds, and with good reason. I was expecting a happy, sweet story, and though there was plenty of happy and sweet, there was also a much darker story underneath. Oh, how I despise war. I though the epistolary format was perfect here, and I left this book feeling as if all the characters were my friends. This will be a wonderful gifting book. Though written for adults, older teens will likely enjoy this as well.
The Way He Lived, by Emily Wing Smith
Emily is one of the Utah writer crew that I've gotten to know, and with pleasure. Her first book takes the voices of six different teenagers, each who knew a boy who died while at scout camp, ostensibly of dehydration. It's a delicious study in voice and character.
The Canon: A Whirligig Tour of the Beautiful Basics of Science, by Natalie Angier
This non-fiction book takes us through the major studies of science in a light-hearted, often humorous, but always informative manner. I struggled through the physics chapter and eventually skipped a large part of it, but came away from the rest all the more fascinated with this amazing world. A great book for those of us who wish we could retake those science classes in high school that just didn't seem relevant at the time.
The funniest comic I've ever read. This might just be for fans of comics, because so much of the humor comes from turning comics conventions upside down. Meant for adults.
How Do You Wokka Wokka? by Elizabeth Bluemle and Randy Cecil
I love this picture book read aloud. The text and pictures are inventive and fun.
Bye Bye Baby, by Richard Morris and Larry Day
My favorite picture book about a toddler's life disrupted by the birth of a younger sibling. My kids request it often.
Robot Dreams, by Sara Varon
This mostly-wordless graphic novel has been a favorite of both the 2 and 5-year old. It can be read by children much older, and adults will get things out of it that the kids don't. My mother read it and thought it sad. My children think it's funny. My five-year-old says, "I like the Robot Dreams. My favorite part is when they have ice cream."
See my author interviews for more reccs. What were some of your favorite reads this year?
I love Terry Pratchett. He is laugh-out-loud funny, and at the same time thoughtful and fascinating. If you haven't listened to The Wee Free Men on audio book, I highly recommend it. The book itself is worth reading as well, of course, but the audio book is just extra delightful. The Nation isn't as uproarious as some of Pratchatt's fare, but it's wonderful in its own way. Also it makes another fine audio book.
When You Reach Me, by Rebecca Stead
Everyone is talking about this book this year, and with reason. I felt like I lived it. A sweet, quiet story in many ways, it's perfectly crafted. Not strictly realism, not really science fiction, it's just a good old fashioned story.
Keturah and Lord Death, by Martine Leavitt
I was fascinated by this book and how Martine was able to maintain the tone of "tale" all the way through. Not easy to do successfully. While it feels like a traditional tale, it was an untraditional novel, spare and lovely, with a story that keeps you guessing.
Catching Fire, by Suzanne Collins
If you read Hunger Games, I'm sure you've already read Catching Fire, because how could you resist? So really this recommendation is for those who haven't discovered these books yet. Definitely start with Hunger Games. Great for reluctant readers and passionate readers alike. Note that these books are violent, but I don't think they're gratuitous.
Lips Touch, by Laini Taylor
I read this book in ARC so I still haven't seen the illustrations that accompany it, but I understand they add very well to the stories. This book is three novellas, each featuring a kiss as an instrument of power--either of triumph or destruction. Laini is a wordsmith and a story crafter, and her sentences are as compelling as her stories. I was very happy to see this honored as a National Book Award Finalist. Some mature content, but I'd feel comfortable giving this to anyone 13 and up, I think.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
It's made the book club rounds, and with good reason. I was expecting a happy, sweet story, and though there was plenty of happy and sweet, there was also a much darker story underneath. Oh, how I despise war. I though the epistolary format was perfect here, and I left this book feeling as if all the characters were my friends. This will be a wonderful gifting book. Though written for adults, older teens will likely enjoy this as well.
The Way He Lived, by Emily Wing Smith
Emily is one of the Utah writer crew that I've gotten to know, and with pleasure. Her first book takes the voices of six different teenagers, each who knew a boy who died while at scout camp, ostensibly of dehydration. It's a delicious study in voice and character.
The Canon: A Whirligig Tour of the Beautiful Basics of Science, by Natalie Angier
This non-fiction book takes us through the major studies of science in a light-hearted, often humorous, but always informative manner. I struggled through the physics chapter and eventually skipped a large part of it, but came away from the rest all the more fascinated with this amazing world. A great book for those of us who wish we could retake those science classes in high school that just didn't seem relevant at the time.
A Company of Swans, Eva Ibbotson
My first Ibbotson, and I enjoyed it. I think these weren't originally written for young adults (maybe I'm wrong?) but they're being repackaged YA. I recall one part being slightly mature, so be warned, but overall very accessible to YA and up.
Next Wave, by Warren Ellis and Stuart ImmonenThe funniest comic I've ever read. This might just be for fans of comics, because so much of the humor comes from turning comics conventions upside down. Meant for adults.
How Do You Wokka Wokka? by Elizabeth Bluemle and Randy Cecil
I love this picture book read aloud. The text and pictures are inventive and fun.
Bye Bye Baby, by Richard Morris and Larry Day
My favorite picture book about a toddler's life disrupted by the birth of a younger sibling. My kids request it often.
Robot Dreams, by Sara Varon
This mostly-wordless graphic novel has been a favorite of both the 2 and 5-year old. It can be read by children much older, and adults will get things out of it that the kids don't. My mother read it and thought it sad. My children think it's funny. My five-year-old says, "I like the Robot Dreams. My favorite part is when they have ice cream."
See my author interviews for more reccs. What were some of your favorite reads this year?
What about The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams? I've read some of the others on this list, and I honestly think it's better than them.
Posted by: Marisa | December 06, 2009 at 02:55 PM
I really liked Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George. I don't think it was published this year, but it's the first time I've read it.... I also enjoyed Malcolm Gladwell's books. Another new favorite of mine is The Legend of Thunderfoot by Bill Wallace. It was a cute little book for a younger audience.
Posted by: Alyssa | December 06, 2009 at 04:47 PM
Excellent reccomends. Thanks, Shannon!
Posted by: L.T. Elliot | December 06, 2009 at 05:31 PM
Other than yours, :), way to many to list. I've read so many this year.
Thanks for the post!!!
Posted by: Je Reve | December 06, 2009 at 07:01 PM
I loved 'When You Reach Me'. After reading so many good things about it I found it to be nothing like I expected. But when I closed the last page I flipped over the cover and started reading it all over again.
Maureen. www.thepizzagang.com
Posted by: Maureen Hume | December 06, 2009 at 09:19 PM
The illustrations in Lips Touch really are gorgeous and add so much to the experience of reading it! That may be my very favorite 2009 book. But the Guernsey Society is way up there for me, too. I had no idea what to expect either, but I loved it.
Posted by: Nikki | December 06, 2009 at 09:38 PM
Hi Shannon! Thanks so much for adding Lips Touch to this wonderful list!!! Re: Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society -- I worked with the author at a Bay Area bookstore during college. The book had been out a while before I made the connection and I was so, so sad to learn she had passed away before the book came out. It's so wonderful (read it for the second time last month), and so was she.
I'm so curious about When You Reach Me. Will have to finally read it!
Posted by: Laini Taylor | December 06, 2009 at 10:23 PM
Ibbotson is one of my faves. She said she wanted to write romances for "the thinking woman" or something like that. :-) I love her books for younger readers, too.
Lips Touch was my favorite of the year.
This is a great list! I'm definitely making note of the ones I haven't read.
Posted by: andalucy | December 07, 2009 at 06:04 AM
I loved Marcelo in the Real World.
Posted by: mb | December 07, 2009 at 06:16 AM
My FAVORITE book of the year: The Actor and the Housewife. It was seriously the cutest/funniest book I've ever read. No matter how many times I re-read it, I always laugh.
Posted by: Teresa | December 07, 2009 at 07:39 AM
Besides yours...
The Queen's Thief series by Meghan Whalen Turner. She creates a whole new world of Gods. And I can't help but love the main character, Eugenides.
Persephone by Sara M Eden. This is a great Jane Austinish book. I would say the man in the story rivels Mr.Darcy and all brooding men.
Catching Fire-
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
Many others that I loved. I just love to read.
P.S- I loved A Company of Swans. It is probably my favorite of Ibbotsons. Thanks for the list I look forward to reading some of them.
Posted by: Tanja | December 07, 2009 at 08:33 AM
I have read a few of these, but not most! My TBR list is now bursting!
Thanks for the list!
Posted by: Stacey | December 07, 2009 at 10:26 AM
Oh yes, my list includes:
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (Team GALE!)
Shiver by Maggie Steifvater
The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry
Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George
Need by Carrie Jones
and of course your Actor and the Housewife!
Posted by: Stacey | December 07, 2009 at 10:30 AM
I just finished The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams - awesome book!
Catching Fire is one of my favorites of the year, I have been lending it to all of my family and friends.
I need to get my hands on Lips Touch by Laini Taylor. I have heard a lot of good things about it.
Other good reads: Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco Stork
Front and Center (last book in Dairy Queen series)
by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Fire by Kristin Cashore
Posted by: Melissa | December 07, 2009 at 11:04 AM
I would highly recommend reading the Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold before seeing the movie. I read the book years ago and have thought of it many times since. Very touching and beautifully written.
Posted by: Shannon Morris | December 07, 2009 at 12:11 PM
My husband asked for something to read so I handed him "the Actor & the Housewife" I told him it was funny and he'd laugh.
It's caught his attention because now he reads it every night and makes comments like:
"Becky is so witty..."
"this book is really funny..."
"only a Mormon Mom would do something like that.."
"Becky reminds me of your aunt only smarter"
Posted by: Danylle | December 07, 2009 at 12:44 PM
I love Robot Dreams!
I'm reading Fire by Kristin Cashore right now and it's magnificent. Have you read any of hers? Pretty sure you'd like them.
Posted by: Miss Erin | December 07, 2009 at 12:48 PM
I love the way that Eva Ibbotson seems able to infuse even her non-fantastical books with an air of magic, mystery and romance (in the old fashioned sense of the word as well as the modern.) It's as though fairy dust were hanging in the air, although nothing that would classify the book as fantasy actually happens.
I, too was a little surprised to see some of her books in the teen section-- some of the things that happen in a couple of them would have made me uncomfortable when I was a teenager. It's probably the same old the-protagonist-is-a-teenager conundrum. But anyway, "A Countess Below Stairs" wouldn't have made me uncomfortable at all, and I think that's one of my very favorites. I also adore "Journey to the River Sea," and "The Dragonfly Pool" was my favorite new book for 2008. I think it is practically perfect in every way.
Posted by: Meredith B. | December 07, 2009 at 01:53 PM
Thanks for the list! Here are my favorites of the year:
The Everafter War by Michael Buckley-- part of The Sisters Grimmm series, you really have to read the other six books before this one.
Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier-- I think it came out last year.
Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes-- 'course this is an old classic but I just read for the first this year and loved it:)
River Secrets by guess who! I was a little wary of Dasha at first but now I love her:D
Posted by: Caroline | December 07, 2009 at 03:06 PM
A Company of Swans is probably Ibbotson's most genre-riffic novel, and I found some elements of it to be kind of cheesy for that reason. I second the motion on A Countess Below Stairs, however -- it's one of my all-time favorites, especially to read out loud.
Posted by: Brooke | December 07, 2009 at 03:15 PM
Hi Shannon! I've been following your blog for a while now but this is the first time I've felt compelled to post.
One of the best books I read this year was Book of a Thousand Days. :o) I actually listened to the audiobook and I was so impressed with the audio presentation. The story was wonderful and the actors who read it brought the book to life more than any audiobook I've listened to this year.
Other books I read this year that I loved:
Columbine by Dave Cullen
Finn by Jon Clinch
My Life in France by Julia Child
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Farwell My Subaru by Doug Fine
Hope Was Here by Joan Bauer
Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
French Milk by Lucy Knisley
Paper Towns by John Green
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Th1rteen R3asons Why by Jay Asher
Evolution, Me, and Other Freaks of Nature by Robin Brande
Posted by: Beth S. | December 07, 2009 at 07:01 PM
Nation and Catching Fire were both really great. I've read some of Eva Ibbotson's other books (was very taken with The Dragonfly Pool), so I'll have to check out A Company of Swans. However, my personal favorite book of the year was The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness. Sci-fi, but more focused on people and how they interact with and treat each other. I was blown away. I also enjoyed The Sigh of Haruhi Suzumiya, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, and Nancy Farmer's Trolls trilogy. Also, there was this one book called Forest Born which was excellent.
Posted by: Dracobolt | December 08, 2009 at 01:01 PM
I just finished reading Fire and it was amazing. I liked it even better than its predecessor, Graceling. I love how Fire grows throughout the novel, and Brigan is adorable. There are some mature themes, though, so I'd only recommend it for ages 15/16 and up.
Forest Born was one of my favorites too. I loved all your imagery dealing with trees and roots and growing. And Rin is an amazing girl.
For older teens and adults who are fans of the fairy-tale/fantasy genre, which I'm sure the ones on here are, since they obviously love you, I would recommend Heart's Blood by Juliet Marillier (the author of Wildwood Dancing). It too is mature, but only in a couple of parts. It was outstanding; I think I liked it better than both Wildwood Dancing and its sequel, Cybele's Secret.
Now I'm definitely going to have to check out Persephone and A Company of Swans. You should do this "best book of the year" thing every year, Shannon.
Posted by: Frogster | December 08, 2009 at 03:49 PM
I loved A Company of Swans too, though it was a little, shall we say, interesting toward the end. I'm glad I didn't read it as a teen or I don't think I would have appreciated it. I also really enjoyed Rosanne Parry's Heart of a Shepherd, which is realistic middle grade.
Oh, and Guernsey was quite possibly the best book I've ever read...period.
Posted by: Emilie | December 09, 2009 at 05:41 PM
Great list! Very helpful. I have Catching Fire sitting on my bookshelf right now but I've been way too busy to even think about picking up book for about two weeks. I read The Hunger Games a while ago so I guess I've kind of forgotten how amazing it was and how much I desperately want to read Catching Fire. Thanks for reminding me!
Anyway, this year some of my favorites were:
Forest Born (of course!)
The Sweet Far Thing, by Libba Bray ( In the Gemma Doyle Trilogy which begins with A Great and Terrible Beauty)
The Outsiders, by S.E. Hinton, which I read for the first time this year and loved to death.
Hero's Song, by Edith Pattou, which was written several years ago. She also wrote East, which is a more popular book, but this one was awesome as well
The Last Olympian, by Rick Riordan- this whole series, beginning with The Lightning Thief, are great books
The Stravaganza Trilogy, beginning with City of Masks, by Mary Hoffman. My favorite was the second one, City of Stars.
Soul Eater, by Michelle Paver. Despite the depressing title, this is one of my fave books ever. It's the third book in the series that begins with Wolf Brother, but this one is my personal favorite
The Underneath, by Kathi Appelt. Amazing book, enough said.
Bloody Jack, by L.A. Meyer. One of the best all-around books ever! It's a little disturbing at times, but I personally don't believe in putting age restrictions on books, so go ahead and read it if you're twelve or thirty and just know that the creepy parts do come to an end.
Posted by: Libbi | December 10, 2009 at 04:40 PM
Oh gosh Catching Fire Catching Fire Cathcing Fire!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Totally favorite of the year. Others that I liked too
-North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley
-Front and Center by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
So many but those are what come to mind. Lots of great ones up there too!:D
Posted by: Cara | December 10, 2009 at 07:40 PM
Well, this isn't FROM this year, but I read it this year and it was awesome: These Is My Words by Nancy E. Turner.
Posted by: Lia | December 10, 2009 at 09:50 PM
My favorite books were The Last Olympian, The Giver, and They Loved to Laugh.
Posted by: Jessica | December 11, 2009 at 05:19 AM
Oh, The Giver! i love that too!
Posted by: Caroline | December 11, 2009 at 10:55 AM
Must. Go. Shopping.
Posted by: Laura Z M | December 12, 2009 at 02:24 PM
I loved reading the comments and seeing all the comments for the books i've read!
And Brokke I was going to reccomend Countess Below Stairs as well! so i'm going to double reccomend it! I also saw Wildwood Dancing which i though was amazing as well!
Posted by: Mindy | December 12, 2009 at 03:52 PM
Forest Born, of course.
The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams
The Mysterious Benedict Society series by Trenton Lee Stewart
Percy Jackson and the Olympians series
Maze Runner by James Dashner (anyone who loves the Hunger Games books will love this)
and as a "just for fun" book, Meg Cabot's new series, Airhead.
Posted by: Cheryl | December 13, 2009 at 06:50 AM
Hey! If you're interested in crafts, recipies, and more, check out out Blogspot at-
Lovelytimesofficial.blogspot.com
We're huge fans Shannon!
-The Lovely Times Crew
Posted by: Lovelytimesofficial.blogspot.com | December 14, 2009 at 02:18 PM
Thanks for the recommendations, Shannon! Considering I've read Nation, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, A Company of Swans and Hunger Games/Catching Fire and loved them all, seems like I should probably take up your other suggestions- I haven't bought a book in a few months because I just can't find anything I want to read...
You should read A Countess Below Stairs and Journey to the River Sea, they're Ibbotson's best, in my opinion- though all her "adult" ones (ie. not Journey to the River Sea and Star of Kazan) are basically the same story repackaged over and over. Ah well. They're still awesome!
Posted by: Miriam | December 16, 2009 at 11:25 AM
Loved these suggestions! I liked Tanglewreck, Found by Margerat Peterson Haddix, and Shakespeare
Posted by: Rinna-girl | December 19, 2009 at 08:14 AM
Loved Hunger Games - I have Catching Fire - I still haven't read it cause I know once I start I won't stop and so I need a free weekend or at least a free 24 hours so I won't have to put the book down!
Posted by: Jennifer | December 24, 2009 at 05:09 PM
Loved Keturah and Lord Death! My DD13, who dislikes reading, also LOVED this book.
Thanks to everyone for all the great suggestions! My TBR has grown.
Posted by: Taffy | January 04, 2010 at 09:10 AM
I love the book list that has cumulated here. Quite a few of my favourite books are here, and I was about to mention the Giver, but it's already here! Two other wonderful books are A Handful of Time and Awake and Dreaming by Kit Pearson. Both are young adult novels, but are enjoyable reads about growing-up, and families. Both are from the child's (ages 10 and 12) point of view but many delicate nuances bring the novels to life. They bring elements of fantasy into the real world. Overall, great, short, reads.
Posted by: Lo | March 15, 2010 at 06:29 PM