The end of the year always seems to bring about my need to finish projects and update all my lists so that I can get a fresh start in the New Year. It is silly in some respects, I suppose. The year's end and beginning are more symbolic than anything. The fiscal year for my agency begins and ends in July. I was born in September, so technically, shouldn't my year begin and end then? And yet, I find myself eagerly anticipating the end of one year and the start of another as per the Gregorian calendar. It's so much more fun when we celebrate together, don't you think? More meaningful somehow.
Two thousand nine has been a challenging year, and I wish I could say I was looking forward to two thousand ten, but, well, let's not go there. Positive thoughts. On the reading front, at least, I predict good things for us all: many top notch books, interesting discussions, the strengthening of friendships and connections, and, of course, the making of new friends. I am ever so grateful to all of you who visit my blog and read my ramblings. I truly value the friendships I have made in the blogging community.
This past year was a bumpy one reading wise. My reading numbers are considerably lower than they have been in years. No, I wasn't watching more television. And regardless of what my husband says, it isn't Big Money's fault either. Things came up. Life happened. Reading took a backseat at times. Despite that, I read quite a few really good books. While last year, not one book I read had that "wow" factor, this year four did and nine came awfully close. Personally, I think that's pretty darn good.
This year I committed to read for a literacy based charity organization. Jodie declared it The Year of Readers. Many readers joined in the effort. I committed to donating $1 for every book I read and the same for every challenge completed. I obviously had hoped to have a better year when I signed up for this event. I stated up front that I was not going to be actively seeking out sponsorship--it's not something I am comfortable with, and so my donation will probably seem very small compared to what others are able to contribute. Still, every little bit helps!
I made the (unspoken) decision when I signed up for the project that I would donate at minimum a $100 to the Book Wish Foundation, regardless of how much I fell short. And that's exactly what I plan to do. I wish I could do more, but right now, unfortunately, that just isn't possible.
Before I get to my list of favorite books read this year, I thought I would begin with a few other fun facts.
Two thousand nine has been a challenging year, and I wish I could say I was looking forward to two thousand ten, but, well, let's not go there. Positive thoughts. On the reading front, at least, I predict good things for us all: many top notch books, interesting discussions, the strengthening of friendships and connections, and, of course, the making of new friends. I am ever so grateful to all of you who visit my blog and read my ramblings. I truly value the friendships I have made in the blogging community.
This past year was a bumpy one reading wise. My reading numbers are considerably lower than they have been in years. No, I wasn't watching more television. And regardless of what my husband says, it isn't Big Money's fault either. Things came up. Life happened. Reading took a backseat at times. Despite that, I read quite a few really good books. While last year, not one book I read had that "wow" factor, this year four did and nine came awfully close. Personally, I think that's pretty darn good.
This year I committed to read for a literacy based charity organization. Jodie declared it The Year of Readers. Many readers joined in the effort. I committed to donating $1 for every book I read and the same for every challenge completed. I obviously had hoped to have a better year when I signed up for this event. I stated up front that I was not going to be actively seeking out sponsorship--it's not something I am comfortable with, and so my donation will probably seem very small compared to what others are able to contribute. Still, every little bit helps!
I made the (unspoken) decision when I signed up for the project that I would donate at minimum a $100 to the Book Wish Foundation, regardless of how much I fell short. And that's exactly what I plan to do. I wish I could do more, but right now, unfortunately, that just isn't possible.
Before I get to my list of favorite books read this year, I thought I would begin with a few other fun facts.
Longest Book Read ~ Guests of the Ayatollah by Mark Bowden
Shortest Book Read ~ A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Best New Series ~ The Tattoo Shop Mystery Series by Karen E. Olson
Best Nonfiction Book ~ Mark Bowden's Guests of the Ayatollah
Best Fantasy Novel ~ Starfinder by John Marco
Sobfest Book of the Year ~ Tie: Lisa Genova's Still Alice and Markus Zusak's The Book Thief
Most Disappointing Book ~ Broad Street by Christine Weiser
Worst Mother of the Year ~ Mary from Push by Sapphire
Book that Made Me Smile ~ Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
Most Mentally Disturbed Narrator ~ Eleanor Rushing by Patty Friedmann
Scariest Book of the Year ~ Still Alice by Lisa Genova
2009 Reading Trends ~
Total Books Read ~ 60
Total Authors Read ~ 54 (books written by multiple authors are only counted as one author)
Graphic Novels Read ~ 2
Short Story Collections or Anthologies ~ 4
Short Stories Read (not counting short stories read in collections) ~ 2
Total New To Me Authors Read ~ 44
Books Read by Genre ~
29 Fiction
18 Crime/Suspense/Thrillers/Mysteries
9 Fantasy
5 Nonfiction
1 Science Fiction
31 Female Authors
22 Male Authors
1 Mixed Gender
Books Read by Authors' Gender ~
37 Females
22 Males
1 Mixed Gender
Books Read by Rating ~
4 Outstanding/5 Stars
9 Very Good +/4.5 Stars
20 Very Good/4 Stars
18 Good +/3.5 Stars
6 Good/3 Stars
2 Fair +/2.5 Stars
0 Fair/2 Stars
0 Poor/1 Star
Total Books I was Unable to Read to Completion ~ 1 (Vampire Diaries: The Awakening by L.J. Smith - I was so put off by Elena's character that, try as I might, I could not get into the book.)
Book Size ~
7 Pint Size Books (200 pgs and Under)
42 Intermediate Books (201-350 pgs)
7 Substantial Books (351-500 pgs)
4 Doorstop Books (501+ pgs)
Books Read by Type ~
19 Hardback Books
33 Trade Paperback Books
8 Mass Paperback Books
Books Read by Year of Publication ~
54 in the 2000's (32 books published in 2009; 1 book set to be published in 2010)
3 in the 1990's
1 in the 1980's
2 in the 1800's
Books Read by Narrative Voice ~
24 1st Person
24 3rd Person
6 Both
6 Nonspecific Voice
Reading Challenges Participated in ~ 16
Reading Challenges Completed ~ 7
Reading Challenges Carrying Over Into New Year ~ 1
Best reading months ~ December & August (7 books)
Worst reading month ~ February (2 books)
2009 Blog Posts ~ 238 (including this one)
Shortest Book Read ~ A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Best New Series ~ The Tattoo Shop Mystery Series by Karen E. Olson
Best Nonfiction Book ~ Mark Bowden's Guests of the Ayatollah
Best Fantasy Novel ~ Starfinder by John Marco
Sobfest Book of the Year ~ Tie: Lisa Genova's Still Alice and Markus Zusak's The Book Thief
Most Disappointing Book ~ Broad Street by Christine Weiser
Worst Mother of the Year ~ Mary from Push by Sapphire
Book that Made Me Smile ~ Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
Most Mentally Disturbed Narrator ~ Eleanor Rushing by Patty Friedmann
Scariest Book of the Year ~ Still Alice by Lisa Genova
2009 Reading Trends ~
Total Books Read ~ 60
Total Authors Read ~ 54 (books written by multiple authors are only counted as one author)
Graphic Novels Read ~ 2
Short Story Collections or Anthologies ~ 4
Short Stories Read (not counting short stories read in collections) ~ 2
Total New To Me Authors Read ~ 44
Books Read by Genre ~
29 Fiction
18 Crime/Suspense/Thrillers/Mysteries
9 Fantasy
5 Nonfiction
1 Science Fiction
31 Female Authors
22 Male Authors
1 Mixed Gender
Books Read by Authors' Gender ~
37 Females
22 Males
1 Mixed Gender
Books Read by Rating ~
4 Outstanding/5 Stars
9 Very Good +/4.5 Stars
20 Very Good/4 Stars
18 Good +/3.5 Stars
6 Good/3 Stars
2 Fair +/2.5 Stars
0 Fair/2 Stars
0 Poor/1 Star
Total Books I was Unable to Read to Completion ~ 1 (Vampire Diaries: The Awakening by L.J. Smith - I was so put off by Elena's character that, try as I might, I could not get into the book.)
Book Size ~
7 Pint Size Books (200 pgs and Under)
42 Intermediate Books (201-350 pgs)
7 Substantial Books (351-500 pgs)
4 Doorstop Books (501+ pgs)
Books Read by Type ~
19 Hardback Books
33 Trade Paperback Books
8 Mass Paperback Books
Books Read by Year of Publication ~
54 in the 2000's (32 books published in 2009; 1 book set to be published in 2010)
3 in the 1990's
1 in the 1980's
2 in the 1800's
Books Read by Narrative Voice ~
24 1st Person
24 3rd Person
6 Both
6 Nonspecific Voice
Reading Challenges Participated in ~ 16
Reading Challenges Completed ~ 7
Reading Challenges Carrying Over Into New Year ~ 1
Best reading months ~ December & August (7 books)
Worst reading month ~ February (2 books)
2009 Blog Posts ~ 238 (including this one)
Top Five Movies Seen This Year ~
- District 9 (2009)
- Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
- Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2009)
- The Orphanage (El Orfanato) (2007)
- Star Trek (2009)
One of my favorite crime fiction blogger's, Kerrie of Mysteries In Paradise, is collecting readers' top ten favorite crime fiction lists this year (up until January 7th--so there's still time to get your lists into her!), and I could not resist joining in again. I took a few liberties, and, while some of these books may not fall under the "crime fiction" label officially, they do enough for my purposes. They all involve solving some sort of crime, after all. Without further ado:
Top Ten Favorite Crime Fiction Books for 2009 (in no specific order) ~
The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
Zoo Station by David Downing
In the Woods by Tana French
The Secret Keeper by Paul Harris
A World I Never Made by James LePore
The Missing Ink by Karen E. Olson
The Last Dickens by Matthew Pearl
No One You Know by Michelle Richmond
Prime Time by Hank Phillippi Ryan
Shades of Grey by Clea Simon
As I mentioned earlier, I read a lot of good books this year. I was introduced to many new authors via their books and re-visited authors I've enjoyed before. It is never easy coming up with a top ten list. At least not for me. Because I rate the books I read, it's a little easier, I suppose, but it doesn't take the pressure off completely. I still have to put them in some semblance of order--and that's the hardest part of all. Each of the ten books that made the final cut are books that touched me in some way. The writing is beautiful and the characters are the kind that get under my skin and find their way into my heart. These books are the reason I read. If you want to know more about any of the books that made my list and the specific reasons I love them so, please check out my reviews.
Top Ten Favorite Books Read in 2009 (listed in reverse order) ~10. In the Woods by Tana French
9. Precious by Sandra Novack
8. The Brightest Moon of the Century by Christopher Meeks
7. Haunting Bombay by Shilpa Agarwal
6. The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
5. Who By Fire by Diana Spechler
4. Sweeping Up Glass by Carolyn Wall
3. No One You Know by Michelle Richmond
2. Push by Sapphire
1. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
There will be no reading goals or resolutions this year. At least none that are set in stone or written down. Well, except for the two reading challenges I have already committed to. I have an idea of the many directions I want to go, but only time will tell which of those directions I will be traveling. I hope you will join me for another year of reading and sharing bookish thoughts.
Have a Safe and Happy New Year and Happy Reading!
Wow, it looks like 2009 was a great year for you! I hope 2010 is just as good and better.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing another year with us, Wendy, and I do hope 2010 is better than you expect it to be.
ReplyDeletecjh
What a comprehensive, excellent post! I love year-end stats and you certainly have a lot of them. Sounds like it was a great reading year for you. Wishing you a happy 2010!
ReplyDeleteWendy, thanks so much for sharing with all of us. Your blog has been a real highlight in my reading. IN THE WOODS was on my top reads list for this year as well.
ReplyDeleteI hope that you will have a lovely New Year! I also hope that this next year will be good to you. Big hugs! I'm taking my life in a different direction for 2010 and I will be coming back to blogging some. Stop by and see me sometime if you get a chance. Take care.
Wow! The Book Thief sliding in under the wire! I bet you are glad you crammed that one in in order to finish your challenge! There is so much information in this post, I don't even know what to react to, but most importantly want to commend you on your donation to a good cause. You've such a big heart! Here is to a new and improved and successful 2010!
ReplyDeleteGreat wrap-up Wendy. Love the lists and the stats, I'll be back I'm sure later to look in more detail at your book titles.
ReplyDeleteLove that The Book Thief was your favorite! Sorry I had to be so harsh with you to get you to read it, but now you understand why:)
Sending best wishes for a wonderful 2010, where you and Anjin can read all you want, and watch movies, and good health.
That was very interesting to read. Thanks for sharing. Hope you have a wonderful New Year!
ReplyDeleteWow! Amazing. And what a wonderful new year's treat for me. Thank you so much --not only for your kind words and support, but for your intelligent and thoughtful contributions to the world of reading and writing. You really make a difference.
ReplyDeleteYou (and your blog) are treasures...
Have the happiest of new years!
I loved this post! I love all the stats you kept on the reading (whether it was hardback, trade paper or mass paper never even occurred to me). I love the titles you gave to the page length of the book :) You have definitely given me food for thought of how to keep better reading records for next year.
ReplyDeleteI agree that there are many new "starts" to the year. For me, I always consider a New Year to be a new academic year -- which starts in august and ends in May. BUT...there is something very nostalgic about reflecting on the past - and setting goals for future on December 31.
I hope that 2010 is a better year than you anticipate. I am glad that I found your blog this year, and I look forward to reading your posts in the months ahead.
I like the sobfest category...even though the books are sad, it made me smile. And I sobbed through The Book Thief, too, so it's definitely in the right category!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
You do such a good job of putting together your stats. I'm not that motivated - lol.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful that you share your thoughts with us on your blog and I'm thankful to have formed a friendship with you over this past year. I truly look forward to more in the New Year.
I hope that 2010 is going to bring you health & happiness in your personal life and that you are going to have a great reading year. Happy New Year Wendy!
Ha! Aren't you glad you made time to read The Book Thief before the end of the year?!
ReplyDeleteI do hope that 2010 is a wonderful year for you. I'm proud to be a reader of your blog and look forward to more great posts in the coming year. ;)
I have to say - as an accountant - that I'm very impressed with the comprehensiveness of your number-crunching! And I love your many award categories. (Since I'm somewhat responsible for your reading Still Alice this year, I'm pleased to see it on your list in two places, although they're certainly not the more "fun" categories!)
ReplyDeleteSeveral of the books in your year-end top 10 are already either on my wish list or in TBR Purgatory (I read two of them before you did :-)) - as always, your recommendations count a lot with me.
I wish you all the best in books AND life in 2010, Wendy - I'll look forward to seeing you at UCLA in April for the Festival of Books!
Great list! I have seen The Book Thief on many of the "best of" lists, and I'm thinking I need to read it a.s.a.p.!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your list and your thoughts and disappointments about 2009. I hope that 2010 is better, at least in terms of reading, if not other aspects, for you.
ReplyDeleteHave a great holiday!
I keep seeing The Book Thief everywhere. I guess that's my next Kindle download!
ReplyDeleteI love these Year in Review post, and enjoyed reading yours. Your blog is one of the highlights on my blog list.
ReplyDeleteI think it's there's a lot to be said for not setting goals and making resolutions, but rather, to being open to follow our life's journey to whereever it may take us. If we're too focused on goals and resolutions, we might miss some wonderful opportunities, just because they don't fit into what we thought we should accomplish.
Have a very Happy New Year, Wendy! I look forward to my visits to your blog in the coming year.
I'm not sure I belong on any list with Wilkie Collins, but thank you Wendy, it's a high compliment. And thank you for reading and reviewing 'A World I Never Made.' First novels, especially ones from a small publisher, have a hard time getting noticed. Your noticing meant a lot to me. Jim LePore
ReplyDeleteI'm so honored that my "Shades of Grey" was one of your ten favorites!! Love so many of these other books, too...
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! Look for your copy of "Grey Matters" (Dulcie and Mr. Grey's second outing) to come in the mail in January!
All best,
Clea
I love all of your different categories and how you broke everything apart! I also second a lot of your resolutions, or lack of them. Have a fantastic New Years and here's to much more great books!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry life got in the way of your fun, but it happens to all of us at times. I've only read one of your books, but have 2 others in my TBR pile. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI love to read lists like yours, especially since I have the same condition of fabulavore, and also live with 2 affectionate cats.
ReplyDeleteYou list The Book Thief and now I must go to the bookstore and buy it, I have considered buying it for quite a while. Our younger son gave my dh and I each a book gift card for Christmas, he knows what we love.
And you list Hotel on the corner of bitter and sweet, new to me, and I will check it out.
Terra
many thanks for your Crime Fiction Reads. I've added them to my growing list. All will be revealed in a succession of posts in about a week.
ReplyDeleteHopefully 2010 will be a better year all around--reading-wise, too! I'm noting your crime novels--I have been eying Zoo Station and am happy to see someone recommend it! Glad to see Wilkie Collins on your list as well! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThat's quite a summary you have here! I am sorry to hear that 2009 wasn't the best but against all odds I hope that 2010 will be so much better for you.
ReplyDeleteAnd BTW, I love the Most Mentally Disturbed narrator category. it's hilarious.
Happy New Year Wendy!
Happy New Year Wendy! While you might not have read as many books as you would have liked, you certainly brought me many hours of reading pleasure as I read your posts! Hope you have a great 2010!
ReplyDeleteNice numbers! Way to go! I love these year end lists.
ReplyDeleteNikki - I do hope I'll be able to read more this next year--at least up to my usual standards. But I do hope that I'll read just as many, if not more, great books. :-)
ReplyDeleteCJ - I'm looking forward to seeing what 2010 has in store for us.
Laura - I enjoy compiling the year end stats. It's always interesting to compare my numbers to previous years. I hope you have a happy New Year as well.
Kay - Thank you so much, Kay! What a nice thing to say. In the Woods was so good. I look forward to reading The Likeness (hopefully this year!)
I hope you have a great New Year as well. I am so glad to hear you are coming back to blogging. Even if it's just now and then, it's always good to hear from you. :-)
Sandy - That worked out well, didn't it? My husband gave me the raised eyebrow look when he saw I'd picked The Book Thief as my number one book. Since it's so fresh in my mind, he wondered if it had an extra edge. I thought long and hard about it though and think I was able to rule that out.
I probably could have broken this up into a couple of posts. I didn't expect it to be so long. LOL
Elizabeth (Raidergirl) - Thank you! Haha! Sometimes I need a big push to finally get around to reading something. :-)
I hope you have a wonderful New Year too.
Karen (Scobberlotcher) - I hope you have a great New Year too, Karen!
Hank - I've really taken to your series and look forward to reading more in the future. Thank you for giving us Charlie McNally!
Molly - I wonder what I'll do when I read one of those big mass market paperbacks. Do I differentiate that size from the regular mass market paperback? LOL Sometimes I get too involved with the details.
I'd forgotten about the academic year, but you're right. That's a year the majority of people go by no doubt.
I hope you have a great year too, Molly. I'm looking forward to another year of blogging with you.
Jill (Softdrink) - I'm such a cry baby when it comes to books that I could probably list many more in that category. I tried to aim for the ones that made me cry the most. :-) Happy New Year to you too!
ReplyDeleteDar - Thanks! I was up late last night putting all the stats together. I was going to do bar graphs and the like but I was just too tired.
I am so glad to count you as a friend, Dar. I can't thank you enough for your kindness, support and encouragement.
Here's hoping for a good 2010!
Heather - I am glad I read The Book Thief this year. I almost didn't because I wasn't sure I'd finish it in time. As it was, I finished it in two days. Not bad. :-)
Thank you for your kind words. I really enjoy your blog as well. You are always reading such interesting books.
Florinda - Haha! I'm glad you are impressed. ;-) Still Alice was such a good book. I noticed the bookstore has mass market paperback copies now. I still haven't gotten a copy for my mother or mother-in-law. This might be the way to go since it'll be less expensive. I'm determined to give them a chance to read the book. I'm not sure I want to part with my own copy, but that's an option too.
Thank you for the well wishes--I hope you have a great New Year as well.
Kay (Infinite Shelf) - From the number of comments I got on my review post, I can tell it's quite popular. I have a friend who hated the book and couldn't even finish it. She's one of two people I know who didn't like it.
Serena - Thank you, Serena. I am going to do what I can to make 2010 a good year even though I know it'll be rough going. I'm determined to keep a positive attitude.
Sheri - I hope you do get a chance to read it, Sheri.
Ingrid - I enjoy reading the year end wrap up posts too.
I tend to be a very goal oriented person and so I think taking it easy this year will do me good. And this way there is no guilt when I get distracted. :-)
I hope you have a happy New Year too!
Jim - Wilkie Collins is a hard one to beat, but you definitely are an author to be reckoned with in your own right. I look forward to your next book. I'll definitely be buying a copy.
Now those are stats! I need to start keeping track of more stuff, but I'm lucky to do what little I do do. Liked your top movie list, but have to admit that neither Jason nor I liked District 9. My friends keep trying to explain it to me like I didn't understand, but it just wasn't for me, I guess. The others I liked :)
ReplyDeleteI like how you saved your longest and shortest books for the end of the year.
I hope 2010 brings you much happiness!!!!!
Clea - I really connected with Dulcie. Thank you for introducing us! I can't wait to visit with Mr. Grey again. :-)
ReplyDeleteKristie - Thank you. Some of the categories were kind of spur of the moment. :-) I can't wait to see what you read this next year, Kristie! I hope you have a great New Years too.
Kathy - Yes, life is full of ups and downs for everyone. Right now I'd just settle for good health. The fun is secondary. I hope you have a happy New Year too.
Terra - Cats are such wonderful companions, aren't they? My dog's pretty special too. :-)
I love getting gift cards to bookstores. Enjoy spending yours!
Kerrie - Thank you for collecting the lists again this year! I look forward to seeing the final outcome. I have a feeling I'll be adding quite a few new titles to my wish list.
Danielle - If you get the chance, definitely do read Zoo Station. I'm eager to get my hands on the next in the series. I hope you have a happy New Year too.
Lilly - I got a bit carried away with the summary. LOL
I hope you have a great New Year, Lilly.
Kathleen - Happy New Year to you too! And thank you for your kind words. :-) I appreciate all the support you've given me. I am a big fan of your blog and look forward to reading your thoughts in 2010.
Suey - Thanks, Suey!
Stacy - I don't do anything half way. LOL
District 9 is one of those movies that doesn't have wide appeal like many of the others do.
Funny you should mention my saving the longest and shortest books for the end of the year. My husband pointed out last night that I read them back to back. He thought that was funny. :-) I hope you have a wonderful 2010 too!
Happy New Year, Wendy! I am hoping for both of us - and all of my friends - that 2010 will be as great in all areas as 2009 was in books. :)
ReplyDeleteOMG, you are so ambitious and creative with your lists! I totally enjoyed reading this post. It must be satisfying to analyze your reading in this way. Maybe I'll try it!
ReplyDeleteI love visiting your blog as I always take something away from it with me to apply to my own reading and, well, life!
I can't tell you how many times I've picked up The Book Thief then put it down, again. I've read the first few pages but it seemed very weird. After reading your review, though, that's going to change!
Happy New Year! I wish you personal peace and interesting reading!
It sounds as though I should read Push and then watch Precious. It is great to find a recommendation for my books - to - movies challenge. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAwesome post Wendy. I am so glad you loved The Book Thief. I have Push in my TBR pile. I hope 2010 turns out much better than you expect. Take care.
ReplyDeleteTerrific year Wendy. Several of your 2009 favorites are on my 2010 list so now I am really anxious to read them.
ReplyDeleteHope 2010 is a great year for you and yours.
This is a fantastic post! I am in awe of how you broke down the books you read in 2009 into so many categories! I'm not sure I can be that organized but I think it's really cool to be able to look back and see the new authors you read, how many hardcover v. paper back books you read, your favorite crime fiction, favorite overall etc!
ReplyDeleteI have added several of your favorite books to my tbr and hope to get to them some time in my life time!
I'm sorry that 2009 was somewhat of a tough year for you, Wendy. I can relate. Some years are just better than others I guess.
I am wishing you a very Happy New Year and all of my Best Wishes and Positive Thoughts for a better 2010! (I know you expressed in this post that 2010 isn't looking great, but I am keeping my fingers crossed for you that it turns around!)
I can honestly say that meeting you & getting to know you has been a highlight of 2009 for me. I hope to continue getting to know you in 2010.
Enjoy your day!
~ Amy
xoxo
The Book Thief is indeed a wonderful book. And so is The Woman in White! And I must read Tana French soon. Happy reading in 2010, Wendy!
ReplyDeleteCarrie - Same to you, Carrie!
ReplyDeleteLinda - I do enjoy looking over my reading stats and seeing if any patterns are developing.
I was the same way with the Book Thief and it took me awhile before I finally pulled it off its place on my shelf to read it. Now I'm wondering why I waited so long.
I hope you have a happy New Year too, Linda.
Jackie & Kristy - Thank you! I hope you will like Push. It packs quite an emotional punch.
Diane - Thanks! I hope you have a great New Year and read many wonderful books. :-)
Amy - I'm so glad to have gotten to know you this year. Your e-mails are a bright spot in my day.
I've stolen many of the categories from other bloggers over the years. I should probably narrow them down, but I find so many of them interesting.
I hope you have a great New Year too, Amy.
Nymeth - I do hope you'll enjoy Tana French when you get around to reading her!
I'm sorry 09 was a bit challenging for you and hopefully reading was a comfort to you at times!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you still were able to read some wonderful books (I love how you broke down even the size of the books!) and I just hope this year is much better for you personally and reading-wise :)
The Book Thief was my no. 3 in 2009. And I completely agree with you about its sobfest status! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Greetings,
Tiina
Your list is awesome Wendy!!! I loved reading your quirky winners of like "worst mother." Very clever and fun to read!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year and Happy Reading to you too!!
Still Alice was my #1 Fiction in 2009! Would be in top 3 of all books I read last year too. I can't wait till her next book. I used to read a lot more crime fiction (murder/mystery/thriller) but this past couple of years I'd read a lot more non-fiction instead, including non-fiction books on forensic topics.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you managed to squeeze The Book Thief in this year! Clearly, it made an impression :-) Even if you're not looking forward to 2010, I hope it exceeds your expectations in a good way.
ReplyDeleteI love reading such detailed stats. I think you had a wonderful year, and wish you all the best in 2010.
ReplyDelete--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
Iliana - I'm still standing so that's a good thing. :-)
ReplyDeleteTiina - I cried and cried! It was so good. I hope you have a happy New Year too.
Staci - Thanks! I had fun coming up with it. Some of those categories were completely random. I hope you have a happy New Year too.
Christa - Still Alice was such a good book. I'm glad I read it. I really need to try and read more nonfiction. I have quite a few on my TBR shelves.
Aarti - It really did! I am glad I was talked into reading it. I hope 2010 will turn out better than I expect too.
Anna - Thank you, Anna. I wish the same for you.
You've a great reading year last year, Wendy! Here's wishing this year will be even better for all of us!
ReplyDeleteMelody - Thank you, Melody. I wish you a great New Year as well!
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping 2010 is a fabulous year for you! I love your stats.
ReplyDeleteLove your top list of favorites! Glad you got some good ones read in 2009.
ReplyDeleteBeth & Jen - Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI love your "worst mother" category! And I should make it a book goal to read The Book Thief this year. Everyone loves it, don't they?
ReplyDeleteI hope that you have a great reading year in 2010!
Great analysis of 2009! I've had No One You Know on my to-read list for a while, and I think I ought to get to it soon. Happy reading in 2010!
ReplyDeleteWendy...It truly amazes me how detailed you are about your stats and reading habits. You are incredible. I can only dream to be this organized. I am so glad you liked Sweeping Up Glass..as I did as well. I also purchased Guests of the Ayatollah because of your recent review. I have The Book Thief and plan to read that soon. Great recap and great year of reading and wonderful posts. Thanks and Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteKristen M. - Almost everyone seems to love The Book Thief. :-) One of my friends hated it with a passion. Hopefully you'll like it when you read it. I do think it's worth giving a chance at least.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a great reading year too!
Alison - Thank you! I love Michelle Richmond's writing. I need to try and read Year of the Fog this year. I hear it's even better than No One You Know. Happy reading to you too!
Wisteria - Thanks, Donna! I only give off the illusion that I'm organized. I'm really not. LOL I hope you will like Guests of Ayatollah. Bowden is one of my favorite nonfiction writers. And enjoy The Book Thief. It's a bit different, but well worth reading. I hope you have a happy New Year too.
Wendy: I read Year of the Fog at the end of 2008. I really liked it, and I posted a few thoughts here. I hope you'll like it too.
ReplyDeleteTerrific wrap up! I love that you have a "most disturbed narrator". I broke mine down a lot of ways as well and am hoping to get it posted tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI've got to get around to reading In The Woods.
Alison - Thanks for the link, Alison!
ReplyDeleteLisa (BLL) - Thank you! I'll definitely look for your wrap up post when I get the chance. I look forward to reading yours!
Great wrap up Wendy! It's very interesting to read all your different takes one the books, all the differetn categories you're able to come up with. I read The Woman in White also, after a certain stalker convinced me :). I thought it was wonderful. I haven't read the other books on your lists though. I really plan to look them up though! Hope you have a much better 2010 than you hope.
ReplyDeleteI just love how you do your breakdown of reading. ~sigh~
ReplyDeleteThe Book Thief is one of my favorites too! Nice to see it there on the list.
Helena - Thank you, Helena. It was fun coming up with the categories. Some of them change every year depending on the books, I admit. :-)
ReplyDeleteTara - The Book Thief was such a good book!