I went through my Good Reads list yesterday, examining all of the titles I read in 2010. Most of them were YA fiction with a couple of adult fiction, picture book, and middle grade titles mixed in. It was really hard choosing my ten favorite from the 122 books I read last year. Most of these books were 2009-10 releases but some of them were older or “classics” that I’d never read or read as a kid but didn’t remember, like Newbery winner Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry (Loved it! And, Yes, It does make you cry! I try to get in at least one “classic” every year, in 2009 it was To Kill a Mockingbird (loved it too!)).
There were so many that I really enjoyed and would recommend in a heartbeat, way more than ten. So, I had to come up with a way to narrow my list. Not being a re-reader, I decided to look over my list and choose only titles that I liked so much that I might be compelled to re-read because I liked them that much and would want to learn something new in another reading of the text. So here goes! In alphabetical order by author:
- Brown, Jennifer. The Hate List: a contemporary story straight out of today’s headlines about a girl affected by a school shooting
- Carter, Ally. Heist Society: Just a very fun read! Mysteries, teen jewel thieves, travel, and intrigue. Very enjoyable!
- Collins, Suzanne. Mockingjay: A fitting end to the Hunger Games series. I’m planning to listen to it on audio if not read it again. May even read the series again. No neat tidy packages of happy endings here. Dystopia at its best!
- Condie, Ally. Matched: This was the last book I finished in 2010. I loved it. It felt sort of like the world of The Giver but written from a 21st century perspective. The author’s creation of her society and characters was well thought out and the plot grabbed me. I could hardly put this one down! Can’t wait to read the sequel, Crossed (set for release November 2011).
- Donnelly, Jennifer. Revolution: Nice blend of the contemporary with historical fiction. I’m sure I could learn a lot more about music, the French Revolution, and all the characters with another reading of this book. It was intriguing! A good pick for older teens and adults who like YA.
- Frost, Helen. Crossing Stones: A charming historical fiction verse novel. Loved the shape poems. Loved the characters. One of the few novels for teens that focuses on families during the World War I era.
- MacLean, Sarah. The Season: Fascinating period fiction. Reminded me a lot of the Luxe series but set in England. I loved the story and the romance. I need to own a copy of this one!
- O’Brien, Caragh M.: Birthmarked: Dystopia once again! Loved this book. The premise is shocking. The characters are interesting. Can’t wait until the next installment in the series comes out (Prized, Fall 2011). I also loved the cover art.
- Omololu, C. J. Dirty Little Secrets: a contemporary journey into a teens life with a hoarding mother. The detail was fascinating. The girl’s final decisions, unbelievable.
- Williams-Garcia, Rita. One Crazy Summer: The best middle grade historical fiction I’ve read in a while. I love this book! The characters are well written. I love the tension in the story and the historical backdrop. This would definitely be my Newbery pick! (Winner will be announced January 10, 2011! Fingers crossed!)
What were your 2010 favorites?
El Reads 