For me, it was an exploding year of reading! To my knowledge, it's the very best I've ever done. But perhaps it's because I actually kept track. I've really been enjoying Goodreads for that reason. Anyway, here are some stats (thanks for the idea Lula) of my reading for '09~
Overall count: 49.5 (hehehe, I'm saying the .5 to be funny but technically I did read half of the book at the end of the year but I'll finish it in 2010 and fully count it then.)
Non-fiction:7
Romances:8
Classics:6
Adult Fiction:11
Young Adult:13
Poetry:1
Graphic novels:3
Female authors:26
Male authors:17
Really disliked:4
Top 10 Favorites, in no particular order:
1. The Silenced by James DeVita: This was a very powerful read for me. It is a dystopian novel set in futuristic time but is based on an actual experience of Sophie Scholl who was an activist against Hitler in WWII. Through the eyes of this story, I felt powerfully what it must mean to be courageous. I really felt I took something from this book that will last within me for a long while. It has only grown as now I've read more and researched a bit about Sophie.
2. The Uglies Series by Scott Westerfeld: These are magnificently written books that are also dystopian. They are true page turner's. It caused me wonder about the meaning of words like ugly and pretty. Yet, I feel the very heart of these books are the intimate elements of friendship.
3. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer: This book is told through letters only which caused me to realize the power and the old art of letter-writing. It feels like getting to know or reconnect with old friends again. Heartwarming!
4. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: Another page turner! This book is also dystopian and isn't actually very pleasant yet I couldn't put it down. I truly felt for this created world and these characters. There is a lot to think or talk about with this book.
5. The Nature of Jade by Deb Calletti: This book will make you fall in love with elephants! Plus. many elements of this story have lasted with me. It was realistic yet vivid, hauntingly subdued and still hopeful.
6. The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck: Fall into the simple life again through the eyes of a Chinese farmer and his family. As Wang-Lung experiences his life, it is poignantly clear even in what you feel through these words that there will be periods of good, challenging and miserable. I realized that perhaps in the beginning stages of our lives we have so much more than we realize. Take nothing for granted in this story and also get to know the character of the earth.
7. Emma by Jane Austen: How I love Emma and her grand intentions! She is so charming, affectionate and satiating. I find it hard to resist this idealistic classic!
8. Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott: Reading this was simply horrifying for me yet is a tale that remains quite eye-opening and will not be easily forgotten.
9. The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci: In this graphic novel, the artwork is amazing along with the writing. A lot different and a better experience than I ever expected in reading a graphic novel. In the end, it left me wanting more.
10. The Jungle by Upton Sinclair: Another horrifying, unforgettable book but in a completely different way. In his definite classic, Sinclair has proven the power in the written word. I've been really into books about this time period lately. This book made be thankful that we have an F.D.A. today even if it still may be problematic.
*Remember for more comprehensive reviews on the books I've read this year, please read my book review's on 5-squared.
Image credit: mandj98 - Creative Commons
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