Each year's end brings a special highlight for book lovers: selecting our favorite read of the year. In this blog, I'm taking a look back at my top books from 2012 to 2022. It's a diverse collection that reflects a variety of influences, including the era and context of each book's release, my evolving interests, and the different stages of my life. A shoutout to GoodReads and The StoryGraph for helping me track these reads. Join me as I revisit each 'Book of the Year,' sharing insights and memories that made these titles stand out.
2012: "Hounded (The Iron Druid Chronicles #1) by Kevin Hearne
This book has a permanent spot on my favorites list! Even after 11 years, I find myself enthusiastically recommending it, and yes, I've re-read it just to confirm it's still as fantastic as I remember. It's a resounding yes each time. The cherry on top? A talking Irish Wolfhound. Pure epicness. Trust me, you’ll want to dive into this adventure."
2013: "Divergent (Divergent #1) by Veronica Roth
Who wasn’t riding the 'Divergent' wave back then, right? Amidst the 'The Hunger Games' frenzy, this dystopian world emerged and absolutely captured our imaginations. And let’s not even get started on the hype when the movies hit the screens – especially the buzz around the actor playing Tobias! What really drew me in was the intricate world-building, the gripping concept, and the storytelling. While my feelings about the final book in the saga are mixed, 'Divergent' was undeniably a standout for Book of the Year. Revisiting it in 2023, I may not have felt the same intense love, but it still evoked a flood of fond memories. This definitely a book that was read at right time, right place.
2014: "Boneshaker" by Cherie Priest
After diving into big-name books like 'Divergent' and 'The Hunger Games,' I stumbled into the fascinating world of Steampunk, and let me tell you, it completely captivated me! While my fascination has since shifted more towards the aesthetic than the literature, 'Boneshaker' remains a standout favorite. Set in a steampunk version of Seattle, complete with steam-powered machinery and zombies (yes, zombies!), this book might sound bizarre, but it's absolutely fantastic. I gave it a re-read in 2021 and it effortlessly maintained its 5-star status in my book. And guess what I discovered while prepping for this blog? They released a dramatized version of the audiobook in 2020! You can bet I'm going to dive into that!"
2015: "Some Girls Bite (Chiagcoland Vampires #1) by Chloe Neil
You might not have guessed it from my previous Books of the Year, but post-2009, I was deep into vampire novels – think 'Twilight,' 'Sookie Stackhouse,' and 'Anita Blake.' To those who know me, my love for vampire fiction is no secret. The 'Chicagoland Vampires' series, along with 'Anita Blake,' marked my foray into more mature vampire tales. 'Some Girls Bite' particularly stood out for me because of its laugh-out-loud pop culture references. I haven't re-read it yet, so I'm curious to see how well those references have aged – and if the book still holds its charm."
2016: "Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices #1) by Cassandra Clare
Riding the wave of excitement from 'The Mortal Instruments' series, I found myself utterly enchanted by the Shadowhunter universe. Every book by Cassandra Clare was an adventure I eagerly plunged into, always hungry for more of her captivating storytelling. To be honest, the specifics of 'Lady Midnight' might be a bit fuzzy in my memory now, but I distinctly remember the joy it brought me.
2017: "Red Queen (Red Queen #1)" by Victoria Aveyard
This book, and the entire series, hold a special place in my heart. However, during a recent re-read of 'Red Queen,' I found myself adjusting my rating from an enthusiastic 5 stars down to 3. Back when it was first released, 'Red Queen' rode the crest of the dystopian wave that was dominating the literary scene. Its initial allure was undeniable, but revisiting it now, my feelings have become a bit more nuanced.
2018: "All the Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven
This feels like one of those books that hit me just at the right time. I was completely absorbed in it back then. The movie adaptation only added to my fondness, partly due to the actors who brought the main characters to life. While I haven’t gone back for a re-read and probably won’t, it's not for lack of love for the story. There's a bit of apprehension that it might stir up some not-so-pleasant memories from my past. I prefer to keep it as a cherished memory, safely tucked away in my heart
2019: "Scythe (Arc of a Scythe #1) by Neal Shusterman
Ever read a book and find yourself thinking, 'Wow, I wish I could experience this for the first time all over again'? That's exactly how I feel about the entire 'Arc of Scythe' series. I've revisited these books at least once, and they absolutely stand the test of time. But oh, to have the chance to read them again with fresh eyes! That initial thrill, the unfolding of the story – I truly wish I could recapture that first-time reading magic
2020: "A Gentleman in Moscow" by Amor Towels
I first picked up this book on my grandmother's recommendation, stepping outside my usual reading preferences (at the time) – and what a delightful surprise it was! Against all expectations, I found myself instantly enchanted. You'd think the story might be dull for all intents and purposes, but it's the sheer brilliance of the writing that breathes life into it. The narrative is crafted so beautifully that it captivates from start to finish. Having already revisited it once, I'm eagerly looking forward to another re-read!
2021: "The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires" by Grady Hendrix
This is a book I'll likely only brave once, given its intense horror and gore, but wow, was it worth it! I'm a huge fan of vampire stories, and this one brought a refreshingly unique twist that really resonated with me. It's one of those books that divides opinion – you either adore it or can't stand it. As for me? I absolutely loved it! It's a standout in its genre, and despite its intensity, it's a reading experience I won't forget.
2022: "Finding Me" by Viola Davis
2022 marked a milestone in my reading journey: my first-ever nonfiction Book of the Year! I chose the audiobook version, narrated by the incredible Viola Davis herself – an obvious choice, really. The way she shared her story was nothing short of mesmerizing. Her narration added an extra layer of depth and emotion, making the experience profoundly beautiful. It's a standout choice that has certainly broadened my literary tastes.
It's been quite the ride with my book selections over the years, and my reading tastes have definitely evolved. Thanks for taking a look back at my top picks with me. Now, I'm curious: what do you think will be my '2023 Book of the Year'? Any bets?
Keep on reading!
Bobbi
Comments