Yes, it is that time of year again. Time for me to spend hours and hours…
- Gazing on my long list of books read in 2011
- Placing said list in various spreadsheets, organizing and re-organizing
- Deciding which ones I like the most
- Changing my mind about which ones I liked the most
- And oh yeah, writing up reviews!
This is not one of those “Best Books Actually Published in 2011” lists, however. You see, I spend much of my life beholden to the syllabus. It is difficult to squeeze in a significant number of new releases while keeping up with the old coursework. Also, I am poor and cannot buy books, and BPL is notoriously bad about purchasing children’s/YA new releases in a timely fashion (You hear that, BPL?? Hire a youth librarian or two already!!) I do what I can, but this is entirely based on the set of books that I have read during the year. Actually it’s more like a “fiscal year” of reading. Dec 1 to Dec 1. This is getting boring. Moving on.
My editorial process for selecting my top 10 goes a little like this:
“Book! I finished you, but I loooooove you and want to squeeeeeeze you and maybe sleep with you under my pillow tonight!”
The rest of the topical lists are books that are awesome, but were ultimately eclipsed by all that loving and squeezing.
The fun will begin later tonight, and continue until Christmas Eve! Which is startlingly close to today! Like, 2 weeks! Oh my gosh! I have no money left to buy Christmas presents! Let’s not get distracted!
Sunday, December 11th – Best Middle Grade Reads
Monday, December 12th – Best Young Adult Reads
Tuesday, December 13th – Best Adult Books
Wednesday, December 14th – Best Re-reads (they still count for something!)
Thursday, December 15th through Friday, December 23rd – Top 10 Best Reads!
10. Annie On My Mind by Nancy Garden
9. And the Pursuit of Happiness by Maira Kalman
8. Out Of My Mind by Sharon Draper
7. Hush by Eishes Chayil
6. Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
5. The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer
4. Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White
3. Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley
2. Made For You And Me by Caitlin Shetterly
1. Born to Run by Christopher McDougall
Yay books! Get excited! And at this time, you may place bets as to what percentage of this years mentions are of the sci-fi/fantasy genre. The answer MAY SURPRISE YOU!