As I look back at the books I read in 2009, I’m lost in a swirl of emotions—mostly good, but some less so. There were many books I loved, but only a few made the top of my “books I’m glad I read†list. (I tried to narrow it down to five, but it just wasn’t working for me.)
Revisiting Childhood
- Island of the Blue Dolphin by Scott O’Dell: This was a book I read as a child and has great sentimental value to me. Reading it again was like traveling back in time.
- The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle: The movie was something I loved and learning that there was a book left me breathless. I only wish I could have continued the journey. (review)
- Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes: All I will say about this is I cried again.
- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis: Ah, the memories. This book was the inspiration for my magical closet under the stairs which would transport me to my own little world.
Books I Should Have Read Sooner, But Didn’t
- Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen: It’s amazing how much presumption can cloud one’s judgment. This book made me want to fall in love. (book notes)
- Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte: Where to begin? This book was a wild ride. Especially when you consider that everyone was bat**** crazy. Corrupted love spanning generations…what could be better? (teaser, sunday sketch)
- The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan: This book was pure unadulterated fun to read. Somehow everything just clicked—the emotions, the adventure, the humor.
Books That Stayed With Me
- The Man Who Loved Books Too Much by Allison Hoover Bartlett: The lengths to which someone would go for love of a good book. Read more like a novelized memoir of Hoover discovering the world of book antiquities rather than the memoir of a man who loved books too much.
- The Miles Between by Mary Pearson: A book must connect with me on a deep level to draw tears. This book did just that…and it made me cackle in the same breath. A sweet fairytale that deals with a tough subject. (sunday sketch)
There’s still quite a few books that I’ve yet to review, but would like to. That will probably take up most of the early weeks. And although I’m a little sad to see 2009 go, I look forward to discovering some wonderful titles in 2010.
# She wrote on January 1, 2010 at 11:02 pm:
I cried for Flowers for Algernon, too.
Also, Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe… what! I love the series more and more the more I read it. I recently picked up the nice leatherboundy compilation of the Narnia series from B&N. It was only $20– I couldn’t resist.
Great list!
.-= She´s last blog ..Year End Wrap Up! ! ! =-.
# Connor Cochran wrote on January 4, 2010 at 7:59 am:
Actually, you *can* continue the journey you started with THE LAST UNICORN. Peter wrote a sequel/coda novelette called “Two Hearts” that won the Hugoand Nebula Awards a few years ago, and this year he is publishing three new Schmendrick stories (all set before THE LAST UNICORN) through Conlan Press.
# Audrey/brizmus wrote on January 10, 2010 at 7:00 pm:
The Last Unicorn! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
# Teaser Tuesdays: The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan - Today, I Read… wrote on January 19, 2010 at 2:50 pm:
[...] the first book in the series, The Lighting Thief, and enjoyed it very much. In fact, it made my 9 books I’m glad I read in 2009 list. For the longest, I’ve been meaning to pick up the second book and continue [...]
# Ann-Kat wrote on January 19, 2010 at 5:15 pm:
@she: good to know i’m not the only one who cried for that book. i was scared to re-read it because i knew i’d end up crying all over again. lol and narnia for $20…niiiiice. i think i paid about $25 for my boxed set; not too shabby if i do say so myself.
@connor: i’ve already picked up a copy of the line between which contains two hearts, but i’m excited to hear about the upcoming work. *squee* like a schoolgirl! ^_^
@audrey: i know, right?!?
# 2010 In Review: The 9 Books I’m Glad I Read This Year wrote on December 31, 2010 at 3:50 pm:
[...] year I selected 9 books I was glad I read and decided to make it an annual feature. This year is was difficult to select only 9, so I ended [...]