Holly’s list(s) prompted my own interest in this half-year look back at favorite books, characters, and covers. (I’m becoming quite the fan of lists. More and more lately I find myself scrawling out one list or another. Ah, memory! There was a day when you were sharp. Good times.)
“Faves of 2011 (so far)” originates from Nomes of Inkcrush. The only rule: books that make the cut must have been read this year.
I’ll be covering the first topic – “the books” – in this post, and will follow up with the other two – “the characters (& the covers)” and “the scenes & the random” – later this week or perhaps next. Here we go.
The Books:
1. Most powerful book: Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma
This book wrecked me. Literally. I turned to menial domestic tasks to cope, to try to stop thinking about it; I couldn’t listen to the singer whose song is playing in the background during a key scene for weeks after; and, finally, I physically had to move the book from my line of sight. Powerful? Yes, I’d say so.
2. Best ache-y, heart-breaking, tear-jerker read: See above
3. Delicious rainy day comfort read: The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley
I wasn’t even finished with this one when I realized it was going to become a favorite comfort read. The story is so absorbing, so romantically sweeping and sigh-worthy; it gives me a happy boost just thinking about it.
Runner-up: House of Silence by Linda Gillard
4. The beautiful prose award & 5. Most atmospheric and vivid setting & 6. Most original and imaginative: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne Valente
I am convinced there is magic in this book. Real, potent magic, because I’m still under its spell. To say that Valente is a talented writer is a gross understatement of her imagination and skill.
7. I-had-no-idea-I-would-love this-so award: Shane by Jack Schaefer
Shane was a wonderful surprise. Had someone told me, years before picking this book up, that I would love a western, well…I wouldn’t have believed them. But then, this one did have built-in Chelle appeal in the form of strong men with an even stronger bond.
8. Most haunting story: Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma
9. Series that I’m loving: the October Daye series by Seanan McGuire
It was love at first page. I read the first four books in the series in four days; what more proof do you need? Amazing characters (Tybalt!), fantastic world-building (Tybalt!), and a million other things mark this series as one that should not be missed (Tybalt!).
On-going love: Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews, In Death series by J.D. Robb, Kitty Katt series by Gini Koch
10. Most memorable voice award: Chess Putnam from Stacia Kane’s Downside Ghosts series
Urban fantasy heroines with traumatic pasts and messed up lives are a dime a dozen, but Chess has them all beat. Her drug addiction, her need for that next fix, gave her voice a unique tone of…desperation. And that on top of the traumatic past and otherwise messed up life.
11. Would make the best movie: The Floating Islands by Rachel Neumeier
I’d love to see it as a live action movie, but I would be equally thrilled to see what Hayao Miyazaki would do with it (and not just because he already has floating islands nailed down).
Runner-up: House of Silence by Linda Gillard
Wow, great list! The only thing I can say to this post is….. (Tybalt!)…lol
And really that’s all that needs to be said.
Hahaha, I am loving your comments on October Daye (Tybalt!). Did I mention I got to meet Seanan McGuire at BEA? I was like.. internally squeeing, but quite composed outside. I’ve been nagged by other bloggers to read FEED and DEADLINE (which she was signing). So I have to do that soon.
I have THE GIRL WHO CIRCUMNAVIGATE FAIRYLAND on my TBR. I actually haven’t seen a bad review of this yet. I hope I like it as much as everyone else does. Very promising.
Oh, you’re good. I’d probably be all “Eee! You created Tybalt!!!”
I just bought FEED a few weeks ago; maybe we should motivate each other to read it!
I hope you love THE GIRL WHO. It’s a special one, I think.
I’m with you on the movie, Chelle! Want to hear my casting?… Emma Thompson as Viv and her husband Greg Wise as Marek. (Yum.) Emily Blunt would be my ideal Gwen and maybe James McAvoy as Alfie? And of course Dame Maggie Smith as Rae. Thanks for listing HOUSE OF SILENCE in your Fave Reads of 2011 (so far.)
))
Jame McAvoy would make many, many people happy. I had to look up Greg Wise, but I can definitely see him taking up that role. Oh, and Emily Blunt would make a great Gwen. HOUSE OF SILENCE (and Marek) made the second part of my list (which will be posted tomorrow), and I can honestly say that it was my pleasure to include it/him.
I’ve only read two of the books on the list, FORBIDDEN (which will be on mine as well when I get around to making my list) and CIRCUMNAVIGATED (which I still have to review!)…
I found you through @chachictweets. Your name caught my attn. first. I’m a huge mythology lover.
That portrait was amazing. Did you do your header, too? I think it’s one of the most gorgeous blog banners I’ve ever seen. It’s PERFECT!!
*new follower*
I could only dream of having such artistic talent! But, alas, I’m not capable of that kind of gorgeous, so I commissioned it from an artist who is. I quite love it. Thanks for your kind words!
I’m really looking forward to reading The Girl Who Circumnavigated. Like Janice, all of the reviews that I’ve seen have been very positive. And I’m glad I directed a new follower to your blog.
Sorry for the lateness of this reply! I’m kind of a hit and run blogger these days. Thanks again for the nudge in my direction.
I loved/adored/cherished every moment of reading THE GIRL WHO CIRCUMNAVIGATED; I hope you like it even half as much (’cause that would still be a whole lot).
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