I apologize in advance for the length of this post. I get excited when reviewing a year of reading.
This time of year, the last week of the old year and the first week of the new, are among my favorites for both blogging and blog reading. Why? Because it is ‘Best Of…” time! I love reading lists of people’s reading accomplishments for the year, their favorites, their least favorites, etc. I also thoroughly enjoy preparing my own year-end roundup posts. I used this post all year to track my reading and I have been tinkering with it for the past few weeks, just having fun reviewing my reads for the year. I have resisted the urge to go off reading a bunch of other blogger’s best-of’s until I posted my own, partially because I love waiting for the last few days of December to do so and partially because as a part of my post I am keeping a list, at the end of this entry, of all the other fellow blogger’s lists for you to peruse. So I’ll tell you now, if you don’t see your list in this post, leave me a comment and link and I’ll add it right away!
Before we begin, here are my own personal rules that I changed at the start of this reading year: Any book counts as a read. It doesn’t matter if it is an art book (which quite frankly I spend almost as much time with as some novels), a children’s book, a graphic novel, etc. I don’t keep track of my individual issue comic reading or count that. If I listen to an audiobook I count it, although for the sake of this post I listed those separately. Now that we’ve established that, here are the books I’ve read in 2007. They are mostly in the order I read them although a few were things I recalled later and added them when I thought of them. Following the list are some stats, best of’s, etc.
Read on:
The List: Completed Books in 2007 (Highlighted books link to my review of said book)
1. R/Evolutions: The Art of Jon Foster ~Arnie & Cathy Fenner
2. The Rest Falls Away ~Colleen Gleason
3. The Android’s Dream ~John Scalzi
4. Live and Let Die ~Ian Fleming
5. Spectrum 13 ~Arnie & Cathy Fenner
6. A Wrinkle in Time ~Madeleine L’Engle
7. The Stars My Destination ~Alfred Bester
8. The Stars, Like Dust ~Isaac Asimov
9. Mass: The Art of John Harris ~
10. Moonraker ~Ian Fleming
11. Diamonds Are Forever ~Ian Fleming
12. Time Pieces ~Ian Whates, ed.
13. The Lost Thing ~Shaun Tan
14. The Red Tree ~Shaun Tan
15. Origins: The Art of John Jude Palencar ~Cathy and Arnie Fenner
16. Science Fiction: The Best of the Year 2006 ~Rich Horton, ed.
17. The Sagan Diary ~John Scalzi
18. You’re Not Fooling Anyone ~John Scalzi
19. Fafhred and the Gray Mouser ~Howard Chaykin/Mike Mignola
20. Lankhmar Book 1: Swords and Deviltry ~Fritz Leiber
21. Widdershins ~Charles de Lint
22. The Children of Hurin ~J.R.R. Tolkien
23. The Last Colony ~John Scalzi
24. The Demon and the City ~Liz Williams
25. Labyrinth ~A.C.H. Smith
26. Rises the Night ~Colleen Gleason
27. Season of the Witch ~Natasha Mostert
28. Interworld ~Neil Gaiman and Michael Reaves
29. The Game~Diana Wynne Jones
30. A Good Year ~Peter Mayle
31. Freaks ~Annette Curtis Klause
32. Lint ~Steve Aylett
33. KOP ~Warren Hammond
34. Pride and Prejudice ~Jane Austen
35. Baltimore, or the Steadfast Tin Soldier and the Vampire ~Mike Mignola/Christopher Golden
36. Blood and Chocolate ~Annette Curtis Klause
37. From Russia With Love ~Ian Fleming
38. The Road to Middle-earth ~Tom Shippey
39. Complete Peanuts 1959 to 1960 ~Charles Schulz
40. Mary Modern ~Camille DeAngelis
41. Spectrum Vol. 1, Arnie and Cathy Fenner, ed.
42. Spectrum Vol. 14, Arnie and Cathy Fenner, ed.
42. Doctor No ~Ian Fleming
43. Super Spy ~Matt Kindt
44. Mouseguard: Fall 1152 ~David Petersen
45. The Toff and the Deep Blue Sea ~John Creasey
46. Ender’s Game ~Orson Scott Card
47. The Book of Dead Days ~Marcus Sedgwick
48. Lankhmar Book 2: Swords Against Death ~Fritz Leiber
49. The Brief History of the Dead ~Kevin Brockmeier
50. Spectrum Volume 3 ~Cathy and Arnie Fenner
51. The Incredible Book Eating Boy ~Oliver Jeffers
52. A War of Gifts ~Orson Scott Card
53. Process Recess 2 ~James Jean
54. Rough Work: Frank Frazetta ~Cathy and Arnie Fenner
55. Bone Volume One: Out from Boneville ~Jeff Smith
56. Bone Volume Two: The Great Cow Race ~Jeff Smith
57. Bone Volume Three: Eyes of the Storm ~Jeff Smith
58. Bone Volume Four: The Dragonslayer ~Jeff Smith
59. Spectrum Volume 2 ~Cathy and Arnie Fenner
In addition I listened to the following unabridged audio books which I also count as reads:
1. Fragile Things by Neil Gaiman, twice
2. Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman
3. Stardust by Neil Gaiman
4. Mirrormask by Neil Gaiman
The Breakdown
Book classification is never an exact science, so forgive me if I don’t categorize with great accuracy.
I read (some of these overlap):
Fantasy: 8
Science fiction: 16
Gothic/Horror: 7
Other (mostly what I would classify as adventure novels, Bond, Toff, etc.): 8
Children’s/YA books: 11
Graphic novel/comic strips books: 8
Art books: 8
Non fiction books: 2
Short Story collections: 2
I certainly read many other short stories, including several from H.P. Lovecraft, Jack Vance, parts of the Wizards anthology, but I didn’t finish any of those complete collections.
Books purchased this year: 89 (As near as I can tell this is fairly accurate and includes paperback books bought at used bookstores and online for my McGinnis covers collection, etc. These are not all ‘new’ books).
Read out of these: 36 (that is pretty good for me!)
Multiple books by same author (excludes audio books and graphic novels):
Art Books edited by Cathy and Arnie Fenner: 8
Ian Fleming: 5
John Scalzi: 4
Orson Scott Card: 2
Colleen Gleason: 2
Annette Curtis Klause: 2
Fritz Leiber: 2
Best Ofs:
Wow, this is really hard.
In no particular order, highlights of the year were:
*The Androids Dream and The Last Colony by John Scalzi
Beginning with last year’s debut novel, Old Man’s War, John Scalzi has singlehandedly stoked the fire of my science fiction passion and reminded me just why this is my favorite genre of literature. John Scalzi’s trilogy, continuing with The Ghost Brigades and ending with The Last Colony, has given me faith in this next generation of writers and their ability to publish contemporary science fiction with the flavor of the classics. The Android’s Dream proved to me that fun, caper-style science fiction is alive and well. These books, like the Stainless Steel Rat series, will prove to be old friends as the years go on.
*The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester
This book had long been on my radar, primarily due to the fact that I actually thought it was an entirely different book. Late last year I began seeing praise for this late 1950’s novel on sites of authors ranging from Neil Gaiman to Garth Nix. The more I delved into it, the more I wanted to read this book. It did not disappoint. It certainly deserves its accolades and quite frankly I consider this book one of the unsung classics as it certainly should be in the collective conscious and not just among science fiction fans. The upcoming movie jumper appears to owe at least some of its inspiration to this novel. I described this book as The Count of Monte Cristo in space and there is certainly a lot of truth to that, but it is so much more.
*Widdershins by Charles de Lint
My first experience with de Lint came during this year’s Once Upon a Time Challenge and what an experience it was! de Lint is a first rate author whose command of mythology and storytelling certainly rivals my favorite authors…and now he is on that list. The best praise I can give de Lint is that I am thrilled that he has so many other works out there for me to get my hands on.
*Freaks by Annette Curtis Klause
I was drawn in by the James Jean cover, I was held captive by Klause’s incredible young adult tale of family and connection and the cost of alienation. This is easily the best young adult book I have read in a long time and I will certainly be re-reading this one. Although I enjoyed Blood and Chocolate I found the story somewhat inferior after being blown away by this story. Perhaps that is because the protagonist is a young male and I certainly identified with his longing for true love.
*Baltimore, Or the Steadfast Tin Soldier and the Vampire by Mike Mignola/Christopher Golden
It is a testament to their collaboration and writing skills that Mignola and Golden created a book that in so many ways felt like a book written when the gothic novel was at its zenith. This is a book that I devoured and, for me, is an instant gothic classic and should be a staple on R.I.P. reading lists for years to come. This story contains all that is good about atmospheric, old-timey horror. Do not wait until the next R.I.P. Challenge. Buy this book.
*Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
Thanks to a generous Christmas gift from Chris, I chose to immediately pick this book up and get back into it after having it for over a year. Wow….WOW!!! I certainly can see why Orson Scott Card has such a strong fan following. I was transported to Ender’s universe and when the book’s climax came along I was Ender, experiencing just what he experienced as things were revealed to him. And the revelation in the denoument was so powerful that it had me in tears. I simply did not expect this kind of reaction to Ender’s Game and now I am a believer. I am reading, and loving, Speaker for the Dead right now and will be finished before year’s end which is why it is included on my list of completed books. It may be presumptious to say that it will be a favorite of 2007 as well, but all signs point that way right now. (Update: I’m 40 pages from being done and it is now 2008, so Speaker for the Dead will be my first book completed in 2008!)
*Mary Modern by Camille DeAngelis
There is nothing more satisfying than picking up a book because its cover stands out in the crowd, gets under your skin, and entices you to purchase said book and then discovering that the story lives up to and exceeds the expectations promised by the cover. Mary Modern was certainly my Thirteenth Tale of 2007. Its gothic sensibility and melancholy air wrapped itself around me and made it impossible for me to put down until it was finished. At once tragic and hopeful, this science fiction/gothic drama/romance/ is one I cannot recommend enough.
*The Brief History of the Dead by Kevin Brockmeier
It is something when you have negative things to say about the ending of a book and yet you cannot stop thinking about it and mulling over the many things you loved about the story. The Brief History of the Dead is one of the first books I have ever really enjoyed and yet felt reluctant to recommend. For someone comfortable with his belief system regarding life after death, I certainly didn’t get anything profound out of the concept of this book. What I did get was a writing style that I really enjoyed, characters who I became strongly attached to even though they were only marginally developed, as fit the story, and a story that intrigued me on many levels. My reluctance in recommending this book is tempered somewhat by the fact that it is a very short book. I’ll err on the side of the argument that encourages having experiences and will tell you that yes, you should read this.
*Spectrum 13, Spectrum 14, R/Evolutions: The Art of John Foster, Origins: The Art of John Jude Palencar. Edited by Cathy and Arnie Fenner, published by Underwood Books
The Fenners and Underwood Books craft the very highest quality of art books published today. Over the past 2 years the quality of their books has reached new heights. It is safe to say that any art book edited by the Fenners and published by Underwood Books is a must-buy.
Surprises of 2007:
*The Rest Falls Away and Rises the Night by Colleen Gleason
I had established a blog relationship with Colleen Gleason before reading her books and there was certainly no guarantee that I would enjoy them. I am not a romance reader and despite the horror/fantasy/historical elements of these books, they are romance books, with some of the expected trappings of romance books. I was so thankful that these books turned out to be such enjoyable reads. I wanted to like them so badly because Colleen is such a nice person. Turns out she’s more than a nice person. She is a good writer as well and one who has gotten better with each successive novel. I will be reviewing Colleen’s newest book, The Bleeding Dusk, early in 2008 prior to its public release. I have been given copies of each of these books for review. It says something about my experience with these tales that I still went out the first week and bought copies of them from the bookstore. Read them!
*Season of the Witch by Natasha Mostert
I was given this book for review by the publisher and was not excited after reading the quotes on the cover. I had the impression that this was going to be some sort of erotic threesome thriller. Something I wasn’t in the mood to read. What I found was a book that was misrepresented by its cover quotes and one that was incredibly written, suspenseful, and well worth multiple reads. I gave two copies of this book away as they were provided to me for free. I have since been on the lookout for a copy for myself because I want to own this book. I hope to interview Ms. Mostert when the novel comes out in paperback in March. She had agreed to it for the R.I.P. Challenge but my schedule got in the way. I will be encouraging you to pick up this book at that time. It is good!!!
*Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels
I was pleasantly surprised with my experience reading Casino Royale last year and with each successive Bond book I have become more and more impressed with Fleming’s writing talent. These relatively short books are packed with such great storytelling that I will be disappointed when I reach the end of Fleming’s tales. All I have to do is think about James Bond and the urge to pick up the next book and start reading it comes upon me. They are that good.
*The Children of Hurin by J.R.R. Tolkien
It is always a surprise when a dead author publishes a book, but nothing could have surprised me more than to have a new Tolkien book hit the bookshelves this year. Christopher Tolkien made few changes to his father’s many manuscripts detailing this story and yet his efforts have given us a classic tale from the master of high fantasy. This is a tragic tale, but one well worth reading. It was so great to experience new material from Middle-earth and to be able to do so in a book illustrated with Alan Lee’s remarkable artwork made it an even more remarkable.
Like I said, it is really difficult for me to pick favorites. I was mesmerized by Tom Shippey’s book, The Road to Middle-earth, I was treated to so many fantastic art books, I discovered a new fantasy author in Fritz Leiber. 2007 was certainly one of the best reading years I have had as an adult.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of 2007 was that, not counting the audio books, I had no rereads this year. Rereading books is second nature to me and it came as such a shock when I was looking back over my list to not see a Stainless Steel Rat book, a Han Solo book, a Neil Gaiman book. It must be a testament to the fact that in 2007 I had, and still have, a to-be-read pile full of intriguing books. I cannot imagine going another year without revisiting old friends, but it certainly was odd to have that happen this year.
Disappointments:
My only real reading disappointments were The Game by Diana Wynne Jones and Interworld by Neil Gaiman and Michael Reaves and The Stars Like Dust by Isaac Asimov. I discussed why in their respective reviews. They weren’t horrible, they were just less than they could have been.
Other than that I am only disappointed by the fact that I didn’t do reviews on everything I read. I hope to be more consistent with that in 2008.
As I mentioned earlier, I enjoy reading the year-in-review book posts of others, I thought I would keep a list going here for you to enjoy the posts of other bloggers as well (clicking on the link will take you directly to said blogger’s year end review):
1. Neth Space
2. Stuff as Dreams
3. High and Hidden Place (links to each book in Heather’s End of Reading Year Countdown):
—Number 10
—Number 9
—Number 8
—Number 7
—Number 6
–more to come
4. Stephanie’s Confessions of a Book-a-holic
5. Between the Covers
6. Book Chase
7. Book Haven
8. Bookgirl’s Nightstand
9. Of Books and Bikes
10. Only Books all the Time
11. Semicolon
12. The Book of My Numberless Dreams
13. Dark Orpheus
14. The Public, The Private, and Everything in Between
15. This Delicious Solitude
16. Writing and Living
17. Deslily
18. Dolce Bellezza
19. Becky’s Book Reviews
20. Cynical Optimism
21. Rhinoa’s Ramblings
22. Homie Bear
23. Nymeth
24. David’s:
—Year’s Best Comic Book Reads: Monthlies
—Science Fiction Reads
—Fantasy Reads
—Pulp/Men’s Adventure Reads
—Comic Book Reads: Collected Editions
—Horror Reads
25. CdnReader
26. A Work in Progress: Top Ten
—A Work in Progress: End of Year Stats
27. Debi (Nothing of Importance)
28. Melanie (Indextrious Reader)
29. Joe Sherry: Best Nine Reads of 2007
—Top Nine Book Published in 2007
—Nine Author Discoveries in 2007
30. Justine Larbalestier
31. Wrong Questions: Best Short Stories of 2007
—Best Books of the Year
32. Kailana
33. OF Blog of the Fallen: Year in Review
—Best of 2007: YA titles
—Best of 2007: Anthologies and Short Story Collections
34. Bookgasm: The 5 Best Science Fiction stories of 2007
35. A Variety of Words: Top Ten Reads of 2007
36. Pat’s Fantasy Hotlist
37. Fantasy Book Critic
38. John–Sci Fi Signal
39. Colleen Gleason
40. Sheila
41. Kailana’s fantasy review Part One
—Kailana’s fantasy review Part Two
42. Ian Sales
As this is already way past being too long, I will post more about future reading goals in my New Year’s Day post along with reading challenge updates, etc.
Don’t forget to read the review of The Incredible Book Eating Boy for your chance at winning your very own copy.
And if you missed it, information about The Sci~Fi Experience is here.
What a fabulous post! These really are so much fun to read, aren’t they?!! I’ve been planning on doing one myself, but wanted to finish up American Gods first (because unless the last 50 pages disappoint, this will undoubtedly be my favorite read of the year). And how cool that you included links to everyone else’s posts…lots of fun reading ahead!
I’ll add yours Debi once you get it up. And I think it is safe to say that American Gods will be your favorite read of the year. And once you are done you will have read a book that has received two of science fiction and fantasy’s most prestigious awards: The Hugo and The Nebula, among many other awards.
I love reading best-of posts too. I just posted mine as a matter of fact.
http://blbooks.blogspot.com/2007/12/2007-rewinding-to-find-best.html
After reading your wonderful year end post i’ve decided i need to write more, and better, on my own blog. It is great to read such glowing reviews. BTW, i also read ender’s game this year and it ended up in my top 6 as well.
Thanks Becky, I have added your link to the body of my post.
I’ve done the same with yours Melanie, and thank you for the very nice compliment! 🙂
What a fantastic post. I certainly didn’t think it was too long, I enjoyed every minute of reading it. I love adding to my list of “to be bought” list, although I am hoping to utilize the library more this year. My problem, I believe, is when I read a great review of a book I want to own it, not borrow it. Anyway, your post was great and I’m all ready to add a number of them to my list of books to read in 2008.
Thanks Pat. I hope you’re enjoying your time off. I certainly am enjoying mine!!!
I am wanting to be better about at least making an effort to go to the library this coming year, especially for more John Creasey Toff reads. I have the owner disease as well. I’ve already seen a dozen books in the bookstore that I want to buy with my gift cards. However I am currently pacing myself and at least am going to try to be patient and buy books slowly. Any bets on just how long that will last? 😉
I have Modern Mary on my wish list.. but that will be a while..
I love reading everyone’s favorites.. so many people and so many different choices as to what strikes them as memorable and worthy! With that in mind it makes me wonder how publishers can turn new authors away when there is such a variety of readers. ah well..
I shall return to read more as you add them to your list!! You are so good, you make things so easy for everyone!!
I never wrote about books that I disliked.. hmmm.. there were 2 or 3 books I couldn’t get into and didn’t count them as reads since I stopped reading them and of all I did read my least favorites were short story books, even though I did like “some” of the short stories.
Mine will be up in a couple days. I am reading a book right now that I want to see if it makes my top books or not. I was trying to make 200 books, but the book I am reading right now is 800 pages. So, I think I will end the year with 195… oh, well! I will just try harder next year. Some of the books on your list I have ordered and will be reading next year, but surprisingly we have very few books in common! Liking Colleen Gleason was a surprise for me too. And, sadly, I had a LOT of bad reads this year, but I think the good reads balanced them out. I am already looking forward to 2008 and all the great books it brings with it!
I totally agree, Deslily. There is such an amazing variety out there. And it really is all about what strikes someone’s fancy at the time. Certainly there are many wonderful books that a majority of us would read and all agree wholeheartedly that they are indeed terrific, but there are just as many that a handful of us will love while others will loathe them. It is the way of reading.
It makes it easier for me too Deslily. I added all these and then went back and read them all after I posted mine. It was fun reading a bunch of these in a row and I look forward to reading even more best of posts.
Kailana: I look forward to your post. You are an amazing reader to get through so many books. Sorry you had so many bad reads, that is one thing I am certainly glad that I don’t often come across.
It doesn’t surprise me that we don’t have alot of books in common although I certainly think we have very common book interests. I may be wrong, but you seem to be better about reading books as they come out and keep up with them while a lot of my year was taken up with tangents, most especially with the Bond books. I always read alot of books that are not current, especially when I get on science fiction and gothic tangents. There are so many ‘classic’ sci fi reads that I haven’t gotten to that trying to keep up with current stuff is never my strong suit. I have certainly enjoyed your reviews on Twisted Kingdom and there are several books on there that I would like to get to sometime.
There is just never enough time. And for me every time I get in a mood to say, read Star Trek books, I often as not want to go back and pull out ones I already own and read long ago and loved as I do want to try one of the new ones. I’m probably just odd that way. Although since I had no rereads this year it is possible that my reading habits are changing. I doubt it, more likely just a fluke, but we’ll see.
What a great post, Carl! I like how you broke everything down. I’ve yet to post my own list and will probably be doing that on Monday.
I went through the 110 or so books I read this year and came up with my best 7.
I’ll be looking forward to it, LF.
I’ve added your Homie Bear, thanks!
Sweet – top of the list (thanks).
I love the picture at the top of the post – good stuff that (of course it makes me want to steal the idea).
If I get around to it, I’ll link up our sci-fi challenge as well. I’m not much for reading challenges (just too many books on The Stack and I tend to go with whatever I fancy at the moment), but I’m sure I’ll be reading some sci-fi over the next two months.
Thanks Neth, steal away!!! That’s how I get some of my best ideas. 😉
I bought Widdershins based on your review but haven’t read it yet. Is there another challenge planned for this spring?
Yes, there will be another Once Upon a Time Challenge beginning March 21st!!!
I just read your response; how about three weeks – max! I have the same resolution, plus my every year resolution, which is to stop cursing so much.
I personally plan on a number of rereads this year!.. sheesh, the reason I keep them is so that I can visit them again and again!!!
That’s pretty optimistic Pat. 😉 And do you know how tempting it is to answer your stop cursing resolution with the response, “Stop cursing? Fuck that!” 😉
Deslily: I do as well, I have quite a few novels I would love to reread this coming year. How I’m going to fit them in with all the other ‘new for me’ books that I want to read is another thing entirely.
I love reading everyone’s lists too! Yours is great, Carl. I want to read all those books now. I think 2008 will be the year in which what happened to you (and Rhinoa and Chris and Eva) concerning Charles de Lint) will happen to me.
I’ve just put my list up too. It was really hard to do! I feel lucky that I read so many great books in 2007.
Well, it is a joke. I say that every year and I fail every year. Something always happens that a “fuck” seems the most appropriate response.
You know, I am going to count the amount of books I read this year that were published this year. You sort of made me curious on that front. It’s hard to keep up with books, for every one you read there are about 5 waiting in the wings. It is a losing battle. I have the Ian Fleming books, maybe I will read some of them next year. I always forget I have them. I have too many books, frankly. I really must try and work on the TBR pile and try and ignore some of the new books this year. 🙂 I look forward to all your reviews in the new year, although I am sure my TBR pile will not be as thrilled. hehe.
I know Pat, indeed I know!
Kailana, I’ll be interested to see if my theory is accurate or not. Looking back at my list for this year I think I only read 25 out of 60 books that were published in 2007. That is only 42% being new books. Last year it was 15 out of 55! 28%. I think somewhere in between the two is pretty indicative of where my reading usually is. I’m looking forward to seeing where you fall with this. I would tend to bet than any number of the books you read this year will someday end up on my completed reading pile. I just don’t read at your rate. So again, I think our interests are very similar even if I am not reading the same things at the same time as you.
On your list of books read in 2007 I’ve read 7 similar books in 2007, started but not finished 2 books, and have read 7 in previous years.
Nymeth, I’ve added your list. I hope you do read a Charles de Lint book next year. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Well, I’ve copied down 6 titles from your list and may come back for more. They accompany 9 other titles from various blogs tonight. What is one to do?
JenClair: Pray for a long life and an endless bank account. 🙂
Great list. I also love reading Best of the Year lists as well. They always give me great ideas for books to pick up for the next year! I think you actually read more than you have listed above. What about 13 o’clock or the other books we picked up out at the Great Mall this summer. Plus how about this year’s Flight GN? I just think 60, honestly, seems low. How about To Kill a Mockingbird? Didn’t you read that this year before Mary’s birthday? I can’t wait to hear what you read this year!
69 out of 195. That is good and bad. It means that about 120 books came off my TBR pile. It means that I brought in over 69 books this year, though. The good thing is of those 69, I only actually bought 11 of them. I still need to decrease my buying, but that is a common thing. I just get lots of gift cards and credit at the second hand store. 🙂
Just because you counted, I thought I might add that I have read 12 of the books that you read this year.
Nice blog… will be reading you on a regular basis 🙂
Got my best of lists posted on http://thebreathingcorpse.blogspot.com/
Cheers – David
Wow. Your year-end post certainly put mine to shame!! One of these days I’ll have to work up the “stats” on my reading, because I had such a mish-mash of genres read this year.
For the record, Charles de Lint is the author that single-handedly started me on a quest for fantasy genre. I am one of those people that read a lot from an early age, but never once tried fantasy (which really surprises me. I haven’t read any of the classics like Tolkien or Lewis. But I picked up the Little Country by de LInt and completely fell in love!! I STILL need to read Widdershins though, and really hope to in 2008.
Baltimore is another book I’m anxious to get my hands on. (and I feel honored that I have a copy of Mary Modern to read too!)
Great post!! Looking forward to reading more reviews in the coming year. One of the best things about this past year as a new blogger is “meeting” new people and I am certainly glad I stumbled over here!!
I’ve really got to buy some of those Scalzi books. I’m a huge fan of his blog and I’ve read a lot of bloggers who had a similar reaction to you about his books a la “restoking” the SF love.
Awesome list Carl! You did some incredible reading this year and I look forward to reading almost everyone on your list! Literally! Every single one of those has been added to my wishlist over the past year as you’ve posted reviews, lol. In fact, when I started blogging, The Android’s Dream was the first book that I added to my wishlist due to reading a review and it’s still there…I should rememdy that soon…
Love the Christmas tree book pic at the beginning of the post by the way 😉
Wow I wish I was this organized! I’ll have to do better next year.
David: Wow, you made me have to do some work to add your lists! 🙂 I look forward to reading them all now.
Stephanie: I look forward to your review of Mary Modern, even if you end up not enjoying it like I did. Glad you stumbled over here as well. That is a very cool story about De Lint. I think it is safe to say that you will love Widdershins when you get a chance to read it.
Imani: Yes, do pick up Scalzi’s books, they are so much fun.
Chris: I do the same thing, Chris. My wishlists just get bigger and bigger because of reading these things. You’ll be happy to know that I picked up a brand new copy of Rendezvous with Rama at Half Price Books today to read during the Sci Fi Experience. I also snagged Connie Willis’ book, The Doomsday Book as I am really wanting to read more award winners this year. The nice thing about Android’s Dream is that it is currently a stand alone book. I think a sequel is in the works, but even with one this story will still stand alone nicely.
Ladytink: It is all a facade, I’m really not that organized. 😉
Jeff: To Kill a Mockingbird was in 2006, but props to you for remembering that I read it for Mary’s birthday. And I do believe I did read 13 o’clock this year. I didn’t read the new Flight graphic novel, not even one story. It is on my list to read for the graphic novels challenge of Dewey’s.
Great post, Carl. And not to worry about length. I think mine’s even longer! Got a measuring tape handy? 😛 http://betweenplace.wordpress.com/2007/12/30/a-year-of-books-2007-in-review/
you’ve had a real fun year of reading!
i must say, i’m very interested in reading this scalzi guy! and i’m really glad you liked orson scott card. you’ve reminded me that i have to get around to reading more of his…!
stars my destination is a book thats also been on my radar for some time and the fact that you like it so much only makes me want to read it more.
you and chris have really sparked my interest in de lint! while i haven’t gotten as far as buying myself a copy yet – i have bought a copy of one of his books for a friend!
HAPPY NEW YEAR’S EVE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND MARY!!!! I hope it’s the best year yet!
I also love this time of year for all the ‘Best Of’ posts – thanks for rounding them up this way! I’ve just posted my own round-up list as well.
http://indextrious.blogspot.com/2007/12/2007-year-end-reading-retrospective.html
I have my list up now!
http://myreadingbooks.blogspot.com/2007/12/best-of-2007.html
Great year in review! It was a good reading year. Happy New Year!
Me for the…um.. fourth or fifth time *cough* I managed to squeeze in one more book for 2007. The Blue Girl by Charles de Lint. I read him a few years ago, and I chose a bad book, it was a DNF at that, but I always planned to try him again, and I do have another book started by him… I can’t remember why I never finished it. Anyways, I can’t remember if you have read this one, but if you haven’t, it is really a good read! I will have to try and read more de Lint in 2008, but I just have so many authors that I read… it’s hard to squeeze everything in! Anyways, see you next year! Happy New Year! (By the way, I am going to do a top ten fantasy/sci-fi reads of 2007 in the morning. It is my favourite genre, so it deserves it’s own post.)
Great, I look forward to that post, Kailana!!! Glad to hear that The Blue Girl is a good one as it is one that I definitely want to read.
What a wonderful post! I’ve thought of doing some sort of running list during the year to make it easier, but I never do. Was Blood and Chocolate made into a movie? I just added one by that name to my Netflix queue. And I’d like to read The Brief History of the Dead as well, I have it on my TBR pile somewhere. I thought it sounded interesting. Thanks for the list of links, too!
Wow, this is a great post! I’m taking note of some of your favorites as I’ll have to refer to them for the Once Upon a Time challenge 🙂
One book I really would like to read soon is Mary Modern. I got that one from the library but had to return it unread – you know how that goes.
Wishing you a great reading year in 2008!
Mary Modern is a good one, Iliana. At least you know your library has a copy for when you want to try again.
Yes Danielle, Blood and Chocolate was made into a movie, but it doesn’t resemble the book much at all. Having seen the film first I actually liked it much better than the book. I’m sure those who read the book feel completely the opposite way. And believe me, when I say they are different I am talking polar opposites here.
I’m not sure what planet you’ve been living on if you think Bester’s The Stars My Destination is an “unsung classic”. Speak to any sf fan, and they’ll sing its praises. It’s also number 5 in Gollancz’s SF Masterworks series, so it’s picked up a whole new audience in the last few years.
Btw, here’s my best of for 2007:
http://justhastobeplausible.blogspot.com/2007/12/year-in-question-2007.html
That is the problem, Ian, SF geeks no doubt have heard of The Stars, My Destination, but outside of the geek community no one has heard of Alfred Bester. Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, Robert Heinlein, Philip K. Dick: yes. Alfred Bester: no way. And in my circle of friends who all consider themselves sci fi fans (but don’t wear Spock ears to bed at night), we’ve all just ‘discovered’ Bester within the last year. It has won no major awards that I know of, certainly not the major science fiction awards. So, yep, ‘unsung classic’ is about right.
Thanks for the link to your list. I have added it to the growing list of year in review posts. These are so much fun to read and I’ve gotten so many great ideas of books to add to a pile that is overwhelming already!!!
Perhaps the situation is different on your side of the Atlantic – even though Bester was a US author 🙂
Glad you enjoyed the best of year list.And thanks for the link.
Maybe. 😉 But, we are singing his praises now!
No problem. In fact, I sent a link to your other site, the one focused on real space, to a blog friend who is a big fan of the same kind of stuff. Looks like a great site.
Do keep trying with Diana Wynne Jones. Some of her other books are excellent. 🙂
I’m stalking some books I want to read right now, actually. It’s not a year end post, but there’s probably a post in that somewhere.
I will RB, I’ve heard so many good things about her that I will definitely read more.
Great idea for a year-end review! I was just going to post my top favorites for the year…
I’ve definitely read more this year than any other. Ever.
Superb post! And I love the picture of the Book Christmas tree. 🙂 You have such a wonderful imagination, Carl.
I’m hoping to get my Best Of 2007 posted later this evening. I’ll let ya know when it’s up.
Carl, you sure make a case for Ian Fleming! MUST READ!!!! I also am intrigued by Colleen Gleason’s work.
Thanks for your post.
LK, I can’t believe how blown away I’ve been by Fleming’s Bond books. They have become must reads in my opinion and I agree that people should check them out as they are nothing like the films that bear their name.