Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Reading Year in Review 2010


 I did not meet all of my goals for the year, but I’m happy with the variety and quality of the books I read – sixty-five in all.

Over half of my favorite books this year were written for young audiences. The Wednesday Wars, The Mouse and His Child, Magic by the Lake and the Narnia Chronicles were all lovely. Beowulf, retold for children by Serraillier, was an unexpected delight.

Biggest surprise: Canticle for Leibowitz. I certainly didn’t expect to find so much theology in a sci-fi novel.

Loveliest writing: Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury

Most influential: Jesus Calling by Sarah Young – Next to the Bible, this was the most comforting and convicting book of the year. It’s a daily devotional book for people who are going through especially hard times.

Best non-fiction: London, 1945 by Maureen Waller

Most interesting new author: D. E. Stevenson

I want to say “Thank you!” and “Merry Christmas” to my blog friends. I love it when you share your thoughts on books I’m reading. It adds a whole new dimension to an already wonderful experience!

6 comments:

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

I have already written down a couple of your books to check out. :)

D. E. Stevenson was new to me last year, a surprisingly great author. I still like Goudge better but Stevenson is a close second of my "new to me" British authors.

My daughter e-mailed me today to tell me my eight year old granddaughter is reading I Saw Three Ships and calling it Elisabeth's "first Goudge". :)

the Ink Slinger said...

Uh, sixty books in a year is not bad... by any stretch of the imagination. :)

Several of the books you mentioned intrigue me; especially Canticle for Leibowitz (I have somewhat of a penchant for good, thought-provoking sci-fi).

My Mom received a copy of Jesus Calling recently, and so far she's very impressed with it...

Thanks for sharing your year in review!

Beth said...

I always enjoy your reviews and I am always adding to my TBR list from your recommendations. Thanks for reviewing Magic by the Lake. I read aloud Half-Magic and Magic by the Lake (though I think Half-Magic was our favorite)and my 11 yr old daughter has continued reading the series (just finished the 4th book) on her own and keeps bringing them to me to read.

Sherry said...

I'm going to be re-reading Canticle for Leibowitz this year for a book club I joined. And I plan to read something else by D.E. Stevenson, but I haven't decided what. Suggestions?

hopeinbrazil said...

Sherry, I'm sorry I can't recommend any D.E. Stevenson titles. I've only read one of her books, but have accumulated several others to take back with me to Brazil (where I definitely won't be able to find them!) Are they available on Kindle?

Amy @ Hope Is the Word said...

It looks like a year of fine reading! I haven't read any of your juvenile picks except for Narnia. I'll be on the lookout for some of these!