Posted by JC at
It's already February, but since I had a request to see my favorite books that I read from last year, here is the list. It looks like I read about 65 books last year and this year I am on pace to read over 100 as I have already read 25. This list only contains books that I completed in 2009.
#10
Quick Synopsis: Details the search for the great Dracula.
What I thought: This book had lots of interesting historical details about Dracula and his life. Lots of action throughout. The one negative of this book is the length. It was just a little too long.
#9
Quick Synopsis: Just before their sixteenth birthdays, when they will will be transformed into beauties whose only job is to have a great time, Tally's best friend runs away and Tally must find her and turn her in, or never become pretty at all.
What I thought: One of the many young adult books that I have quite enjoyed. This book forced me to think about what is really important in life while at the same time being fun.
#8
Quick Synopsis: Harriet Vanger, a scion of one of Sweden's wealthiest families disappeared over forty years ago. All these years later, her aged uncle continues to seek the truth. He hires Mikael Blomkvist, a crusading journalist recently trapped by a libel conviction, to investigate. He is aided by the pierced and tattooed punk prodigy Lisbeth Salander.
What I thought: This book was a surprisingly fun read and there were action and mystery on nearly every page.
#7
Quick Synopsis: A Train to Potevka will take you on an incredible winter's journey across Great Mother Russia along the 6,000-mile Trans-Siberian Railway. This fascinating story about an American intelligence agent from a small town in the Rockies, is a tale of failed espionage, escape, and second chances.
What I thought: This book probably got a higher rating from me since I served my mission in Russia, but I love how intimate the details are of the country. I gave a full review back in April when I read it.
#6
Quick Synopsis: Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is shocked to find proof that the legendary secret society, the Illuminati is alive, well, and murderously active. Brilliant physicist Leonardo Vetra has been murdered, his eyes plucked out, and the society's ancient symbol branded upon his chest.
What I thought: By far my favorite Dan Brown book. The religious mysteries along with quick action put this book on my top 10.
#5
Quick Synopsis: Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusakâs groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she canât resistâbooks.
What I thought: Loved how this book was set during Nazi Germany. Engaging on every page and an easy read.
#4
Quick Synopsis: It is a tale of two generations of characters brought jarringly together by the tragic sweep of war, where personal lives, the struggle to survive, raise a family, find happiness, are inextricable from the history playing out around them.
What I thought: This book is disturbing and beautiful at the same time. Set in Afghanistan, lots of interesting history is presented as well as details of the culture.
#3
Quick Synopsis: The unforgettable, heartbreaking story of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy and the son of his fatherâs servant, The Kite Runner is a beautifully crafted novel set in a country in the process of being destroyed. It is about the power of reading, the price of betrayal, and the possibility of redemption. And it is also about the power of fathers over sons -- their love, their sacrifices, their lies.
What I thought: This book tears you. I loved and hated the main character but was emotionally involved. An amazing look at the bonds of friendship.
WARNING: THE FOLLOWING TWO BOOKS ARE IN A SERIES THAT IS NOT YET COMPLETE. IF YOU START IT, YOU WILL HAVE TO WAIT TO FINISH IT. THE 3RD BOOK IS SCHEDULED TO COME OUT IN AUGUST OR SO OF THIS YEAR. YOU'VE BEEN WARNED.
#2
Quick Synopsis: In a future North America, where the rulers of Panem maintain control through an annual televised survival competition pitting young people from each of the twelve districts against one another, sixteen-year-old Katniss's skills are put to the test when she voluntarily takes her younger sister's place.
What I thought: The top 2 books on my list could go back and forth. They are also the only 2 books on my list that I am planning to reread in 2010. This book is an incredible tale of love, devotion, and death. FYI: this book has the highest rating I have ever seen on Goodreads.
#1
Quick Synopsis: Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.
What I thought: Just when I thought that I wouldn't like any book better than the Hunger Games, I read this book. Suzanne Collins doesn't lose any steam in her second book of the series here.
Comments
Bradwich said...
An excellent list. Can't wait for that last Hunger Games book!
Teresa said...
I really like this list, thank you! I don't read as much as I would like to and I will usually only invest in a book after it's been recommended to me a few times. I think I'm going to put a trip to the library to check out Hunger Games on my to-do list now.