Book and Reading Report 2010
With one year finished and the new one just beginning, it's time to look back over my reading for 2010. It breaks down like this:
76 books read, broken down into the following categories:
(Though I have to say that trying to figure out which category some books fall into is tough, especially with paranormal and fantasy. I can't say that I have a strict dividing line on that, just more of a gut feeling. I tried to imagine what I would call it if recommending the book to someone, but those two categories in particular are a bit fluid.)
Fantasy: 22
YA Fantasy: 23
YA Science Fiction: 13
Paranormal: 5
YA Paranormal: 5
Short Fantasy Collections: 3
Nonfiction: 2
YA (non-genre): 2
Science Fiction: 1
Of those, re-reads account for 24 books.
Which compares to 2009 like this:
90 books read
YA Fantasy: 31
Fantasy: 14
Nonfiction: 13
YA Science Fiction: 7
Science Fiction: 6
YA Paranormal: 6
YA (non-genre): 5
YA Short Fantasy Collections: 3
Paranormal: 3
Short Fantasy Collections: 2
Re-Reads: 20
So, down a bit in total number of books read. Not quite sure why, except that this has been a rockier year than some. Some serious family medical issues, job stress, etc. So maybe I came home at night and did a little more of what many Americans do: sat down in front of the TV instead of reading. Not sure exactly.
In terms of categories, fantasy and YA fantasy lead the way, as I would have expected. It's interesting to me that nonfiction, which was third in 2009, was also non-existent in 2010. Also, YA science fiction got a bump up, while regular science fiction went down to almost nothing.
So, those are the numbers. But what books that I read this year did I like best? (I'm only going to list books that were new to me here, rather than favorite re-reads.)
Shalador's Lady by Anne Bishop. A continuation in her Black Jewels world, which I love. And a new main character who is great, even if my husband does kind of want to marry her. Older, darker fantasy.
Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore. Dolamore did a great job with the tone of this book, which is set in Victorian England-like world. Throw in magical and clockwork men, and you have a winner.
Ash by Malinda Lo. At the very top of the list. I loved this retelling of “Cinderella”, which reminded me of Robin McKinley's Beauty. Can't wait for Huntress, which is set in the same world, to come out.
Naamah's Curse by Jacqueline Carey. The middle volume of Carey's latest trilogy. I love how she manages to get her characters all over the world, experiencing all sorts of world cultures twisted into a fantasy setting. Also more adult fantasy.
Incarceron by Catherine Fisher. I loved Fisher's blending of technology and old-world feel as she went between the prison setting of Incarceron and the outside world. Can't wait to read the sequel that is just now out!
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. Though it seems like the final Hunger Games book divided some people, I came down firmly on the “this was an awesome, harrowing book, and the only way to end the series” end of the spectrum. Was really pleased with it.
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. I actually liked this new series better than the Mortal Instruments, with its Victorian England setting.
Pegasus by Robin McKinley. One of McKinley's best recent books for me, which is saying a lot, seeing as she hasn't written a book I don't like.
Plain Kate by Erin Bow. Really liked this debut novel, which has a quiet feel than many, and a very original world.
Soulless by Gail Carriger. I was a bit behind the times with this Victorian paranormal series, seeing as the third book is already out, but I really got sucked in. It's funny, sexy, historical, steampunky, suspenseful—just about everything.
So those were my favorite new reads this last year. I'm always looking for more books, though, so what were yours?
