spoke too soon, and the pile(s) o' books
You know how the other day I posted the words now that things have quieted down around here? I should have known better. Maluch.
So for those of you who have sent me books to sign and/or are waiting for me to send you something, I will get to the post office today. I promise. I'll also be going to Village Books to sign books, as I hear some of you have been busy ordering from them directly. For which many thanks.
Now about the Pile o' Books. I made an effort to include books across genres and so the pile grew and grew and then split itself in two. I'm going to run one contest with two winners.
Before I give you the specifics of how to get your mitts on the books, a couple comments.
My goal was to be eclectic. These are all books I really love, keepers every one of them. There's one historical novel about the second world war in Italy (A Thread of Grace); there's the science fiction novel that won me over to the genre (The Chrysalis); then you've got Stephen King's second (and in my opinion, best) book of short stories, which includes "The Mist" and "The Reach" among others. Lynn Viehl's Stardoc is the first in a very satisfying series with a focus on the sci-fi medical; and just as entertaining but absolutely down to earth is Jenny Crusie's Welcome to Temptation which I would call possibly the best contemporary romance out there. Wrongful Death is one of those excellent, worthwhile books that deserved a huge readership and just didn't get one, for whatever combination of reasons. I keep giving copies away in the hope that it will still rise up and conquer the world of readers. The Magician's Assistant has a few things in common with The Time Traveler's Wife but only in terms of theme. The characters in these two books were so strongly written that I still think about them, as I think about old friends I haven't seen in a while.
So here's what to do: Leave a comment to this post and tell me what's the best novel you read in 2006 that came out in 2006.
Let me repeat that: a novel published for the first time in the year 2006.
That is, no old favorites or classics, okay? And my books aren't eligible for mention. Just give me the title, the author, and one sentence on why you liked the book, along with your first name and a valid email address. EDITED TO ADD: One sentence minimum. If you are so moved (and I am looking at you, Rachel), you can certainly provide a whole review.
I'll let this contest run for a week or so, and I'll give you a day's warning before I end it. Then I'll draw two names, and I'll work out some interesting way to divvy up the pile.
Rules:
1. One entry (comment) per person.
2. Only novels that appeared in print for the first time in 2006.
Others will be deleted.
Edited to add: Examples of books that did not come out in 2006: A Breath of Snow and Ashes; Flowers from the Storm; Gone with the Wind.
3. Not my novels.
4. If you've won a pile o' books in the past, please feel free to tell us about your favorite book of the year -- but you won't be eligible to win this time. Everybody else can enter, even those who have won an ARC or a signed copy.
5. All decisions of the judge (me) will be final.
So get to it. Looking forward to hearing about your favorite novels.
And here are the covers of the books in the pile (not including my books or the non-bookish good things):
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This is actually a pretty hard decision. I narrowed it down to two and then sat here for fifteen minutes, deliberating. Finally I decided to go with the one I'd read longer ago, since it has proven 'staying power'. (The runner-up was Water for Elephants, very highly recommended).
(review mostly copied from my blog. I hope that's OK.)
Digging to America (Anne Tyler)
* This is an intriguing, fresh look at the way Americans and foreigners interact -- about the very nature of Americanness and foreignness in America -- as shown through the eyes of two very different families who adopt daughters from [Korea] on the same day. You can't read an Anne Tyler book without learning something about yourself and gaining new insights about people who are fictional but who you would swear could live right down the street from you. She has a way of taking people (sometimes very ordinary and sometimes so quirky you wonder at the genius that makes such unreal people so real) and putting them into odd situations whose oddities you only fully realize when you think about them later. The resulting stories are just magical, that's all I can say, and Digging To America -- from its brilliant title to its uplifting conclusion -- is no exception. Can a person win the Pulitzer twice in a lifetime? Anne Tyler ought to.
In the Company of the Courtesan by Sarah Dunant.
Intrigue, sexual politics, and the mystery of Venice supply ample setting for a fulfilling read.
"The Thirteenth Tale" by Diane Setterfield. The story itself is fantastic, and the main character, Margaret Lea, talks about her love of (or obsession with) words and books in such a way that any fellow lover of books would be drawn in and enchanted by it. (I read this book in one very long sitting.)
"Between Georgia" by Joshilyn Jackson. I really, really enjoyed this book - great plot and characters I wanted to keep reading about - and I think I was introduced to this author by your blog, so thanks!
The Sparks Fly Upward by Diana Norman. Makepeace is such a richly drawn woman, I couldn't wait to continue the story started in A Catch of Consequence. Thanks Rosina for mentioning this auhor in your blog.
"The Book of the Dead" by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
Agent Pendergast saves the day with his genius and cunning -- I love Aloysius!
"Happiness and a Pair of Blue Shoes" by Alexander McCall Smith
A delightful book that made me laugh and think.
This was hard. Most of the best novels I have read for the first time this year weren't published this year.
However, here goes...
Odd one out, by Monica McInerney. This was a perceptive look at relationships in an Australian family of mostly creative and high-achieving people, and one practical dogsbody sister. This sister is removed to Melbourne by her sympathetic brother and sent on a quest to give her space to be herself. The author managed to make all the family members realistic, not taking the comedy option and making them caricatures, and the main character an interesting, conflicted person. The relationship between the brother and sister is delightful, and the phases of his quest really sweet. Part of it included an excellent bookstore with congenial proprieters, which always piques my interest...The way in which the sister finally asserted herself was unexpected (to me), yet completely consistent with her discoveries. And some affectionate writing about the culture of Melbourne and Sydney, which I enjoyed. Nice economy of writing by the author, not too long but a lot packed into it.
The Dreamhunter by Elizabeth Knox
This author is one of my favourite authors of all time. Whilst this doesn't knock my favourite book from her off its perch, it certainly gets close. It is YA fiction, but I avidly read the best of that genre.
House of Many Gods, by Kiana Davenport
I enjoy all the books from this author, I truly get a feel of another culture, Hawaiian. Kiana writes true to her heart.
On a Highland Shore by Kathleen Givens
It's the first in a series, and I love a good continuation, takes place around 1300 in Scotland. This book is full of intrigue, violence and has a good romantic situation as well. And to top it off she is a really nice lady.
"Every Breath You Take" Special Edition includes new bonus scenes by Judith McNaught. This book has it all - murder, mystery, intrigue and a love story which will linger in your hearts long after you have finished the book.
My favourite book of aught six is To Feel Stuff by Andrea Seigel.
Its about Elodie, (a girl who lives in an infirmary at a university who keeps developing this weird series of diseases) Mark (who moves into the infirmary after his knees are broken in a freak singing accident) and the doctor writing a case study about Elodie for a medical journal. There is romance, there is an element of the supernatural and there is an interesting dynamic between the main players.
To Feel Stuff is great--its funny, its sad, its ironic; overall I enjoyed it because Seigel has a strangely charming voice.
This is really hard, because I don't get to buy new books (living in a non-English-speaking country). I did buy a few when I was in the States in March, so let's see if any have a 2006 publishing date...
Nope. The only thing I have that qualifies is "The Learning Curve" by Melissa Nathan, a chick-lit writer from the UK. It was a pretty good book, though. I like Nathan because she writes (or wrote, she passed away this year) about female characters who feel like someone you'd want to be best friends with. And the romance is sweet.
It took a little while, but in the end I am choosing The Winter Rose by Jennifer Donnelly. This is actually the sequel to The Tea Rose that came out a couple of years ago. Whilst The Tea Rose is a good read, The Winter Rose is a great read, with much better pacing, and a really cool story line. And I can't wait for the third book in the series!
The Tenth Circle, by Jodi Picoult
I am a big fan of Jodi Picoult and her latest novel about a teenage girl who gets date raped is very good. The most interesting thing about it is the story of Dante and his nine circles of hell. As usual with Picoult, the novel deals with relationships. It's a great read!
Hard to pick one, so I decided to go with my something I typically wouldn't read, but am now glad I did. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I never read memoirs and I am not a spiritual person, but I loved her passion and growth. And the cover is cool, which is what attracted my attention to the book.
All Mortal Flesh, by Julia Spencer-Fleming
This is the latest in Fleming's Clare/Russ mystery series. I loved the book overall but I was incredibly angered by the way one of the main characters behaved in this installment of the story.
So why is it still one of this year's favorites for me? I read a lot and any book that leaves me with such strong feelings is memorable and special. And I am anxiously waiting for Spencer-Fleming to finish the next book so I can see if this character straightens up!
After thinking back over the books I read this year, I would have to go with "Rebel Angels" by Libba Bray (published Feb. 2006). She actually writes for more of a young adult audience, but both of her books have been fantastic page turners for me. "Rebel Angels" is her sequel to "A Great and Terrible Beauty". They both deal with a dark, terrible mystery surrounding a girls' boarding school during the early 1900's in England. It has a wonderful fantasy/magic element to it and I was really surprised to find that I enjoyed "Rebel Angels" more than her first book because I just didn't think that was possible! Can't wait for a third one!
"Mayflower" by Nathaniel Philbrick. Because I'm a giant history geek, and I long to write non-fiction the way he does. Does non-fiction count? Most of the things I read this year weren't actually published this year - I tend to wait for the paperback!
The only books that I read that were published this year were kids books. So, I'll pick
"The Lost Colony" (Artemis Fowl, Book 5) by Eoin Colfer.
Something about being pulled into a magical world - and nevermind that it was a quick read.
John Green's An Abundance of Katherines (YA and up)
First, any book that can incorporate math into a funny book is deserving of special recognition. Colin is a former child prodigy that is trying to come to terms with being dumped by 18 different females in a row, all named Katherine. So he and his best friend go on a road trip to escape Colin's well-meaning parents' sympathy, ending up in Gutshot, Tennessee. The fully delineated secondary characters add so much to the plot and humor. It is delightful.
I chose Jenny Crusie's Anyone But You. I lost count of how many "thoughts" Nine, the heroine, had that I had had myself! I definently connected with with her character.
My choice is: Broken Flower by V.C. Andrews. While this is not an intellectual read, it does take you back to an earlier time when parental restrictions were your worst stressor.
THE MADONNAS OF LENINGRAD - (March 2006) This book was exquisitely written and the images that the writer envoked are imprinted on my heart and will likely stay with me a long time.
In 1941, as Hitler besieged and bombed Leningrad, Marina was one of hundreds of workers in the Hermitage dedicated to preserving its vast art collection from destruction. Day and night, she and her colleagues dismantle frames, move furniture, pack and ship objects. To cling to her sense of the value of life, young Marina begins to assemble a mental version of the Hermitage, committing the paintings, and their placement, to memory.
At the end of of the seige Marina takes a group of young soldiers on a tour through the dark, deserted and dirty museum describing each painting and sculpture from memory. Awsome!
Deidre Knight's Parallel Heat. An absolutely great series. (Parallel Attraction was the first and Parallel Seduction is the next.)
Okay, I think someone else said this but i don't think that there was a ban on that....i really enjoyed - if that is the word - The 13th Tale, by Diane Setterfield. It was bizarre, bizarre, bizzarre, but had this kind of haunting narrative and a twisty (lack of a better word...) plot.
Elena Santangelo's Poison to Purge Melancholy. I enjoyed the parallel mysteries, one present day and one set in 1783. This is the third in a series starting with By Blood Possessed.
The Greener Shore: A novel of the druids of Hibernia by Morgan Llywelyn. This 2006 novel is a sequel to Druids, published in 1991. I loved finding out how the main character in Druids continued on. This sequel could be read independent of the first book, since there is adequate explanation of past events where necessary. The first book, Druids, focused on the life of one man in the midst of the Roman invasion of Gaul. The Greener Shore describes the harsh reality of a fluid, poetic Gaulish society defeated by the foreign Romans, fleeing to Hibernia, creating a new home on the island we know as Ireland. For lovers of historical fiction, Llywelyn delivers the flavour of another time salted with the earthy spiritualism I associate with "druid" and "celtic" ways. The Greener Shore describes the Gauls' merge with the Gaels' lives, the protagonist's life blending more deeply with his wives' lives, and the Gaulish spiritualism blending with the Gaelic island's spirit, called Eriu. Llywelyn has written a gentle, thoughtful novel about change and the infinite sameness of life.
The Sense of Paper by taylor Holden was fantastic.
All the Numbers by Judy Merrill Larsen. Well written, empathetic and realistic characterization.
Abide with Me by Elizabeth Strout was enjoyable due to its honesty, and beautiful descriptive passages as well as the portral of the individuals.
The Surrogate by Judith Henry Wall was a story that I could not put down. It was mesmerizing and incredibly moving.
Against the Crimson Sky by James Conroyd Martin - A sequel to Push Not the River. This historical-fiction story is about Poland, love and war in early 19th century during Napoleonic wars.
Some of these books sound really good!
Todo bajo el cielo by Matilde Asensi.
Elvira, an Spanish artist living in Paris, gets the news that her husband has died in Shanghai. She goes to China and begins the search of the treasure of the First Emperor.
You didn`t say anything about the new published novels being in English, did you?
The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards told how a snap decision by a person could have unexpected consequences, with ramifications affecting many others for their entire lives.
Definitely THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak. Not only my favorite of 2006 but one of my all-time favorites!
Twelve Sharp - Evanovich
After having read a large number of books this year that were not published in 2006, the latest in Evanovich' series was a breath of fresh air. Sometimes you just have to kick back, read a "no brainer" that you can get through in one day, and one that makes you laugh out loud in public places.
I try to diversify what I read, although my favorites are still well researched historical fiction, but just for pure fun I like her books.
The Stolen Child by Keith Donohue- changelings, identity, love, fantasy, humanity, mythology - all I can say is - wow. And a first novel, too. It's different. I like that. Favorite book of the year.
Susannas Garden by Debbie Macomber
It had a bit of suspense and romance
It seemed like a interesting book
Without a doubt, "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen - a simply magical novel:
Every now and then a book comes along that is so special and deliciously told, that you cannot help but be drawn heart first into the story; you live and breathe the book until the very last page, ferociously consuming the story but at the same time passionately not wanting it to end. The enchanting debut novel “Water for Elephants” by Sara Gruen is one of these rare books.
Set in depression era America, this is the captivating story of Jacob Jankowski, a young student about to sit his final gruelling veterinary exams when his world implodes with the sudden, tragic death of his parents. While trying to outrun his misery and grief he jumps on a passing train and quickly finds himself official vet to The Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show On Earth. It is a struggling second rate travelling circus full of a colourful cast of freaks, misfits, crew, performers, animals of all shapes and sizes, an elephant with a secret and the proverbial elephant memory, a volatile and vicious animal trainer and his beautiful, fragile wife, the equestrienne Marlena whom Jacob quickly and dangerously falls in love with.
The story is told through a series of flashbacks from the now elderly and infirmed Jacob, provoked by memories of his life as he sits watching a circus big top being erected near to the rest home he is struggling to come to terms with being incarcerated in. It is a life story full of humour and warmth that runs the full array of human emotion in its retelling and is most definitely the best book I have read in 2006.
Sara Gruen spins a stunning tale of love, danger, intrigue, revenge and despair in her contemporary fiction novel Water for Elephants, richly filled with details of circus life, characters – both human and animal - your heart will ache for, humour and sincerity as well as a tender conclusion certain to bring a smile to even the most cynical of readers.
I think my best discovery of the year was Naomi Novik. Her Temeraire series is so well-crafted and such an innovative fantasy series that it reminded me of why I love the genre. The first book (the first three came out one right after the other) establishes a great world full of well-drawn characters. Even the minor ones, like Volly -one of the dragons- is reminiscent of people I have known.
The novel deals with issues of slavery, both human and draconian: if dragons have a language, can communicate, etc. why are they considered less than human? Why are peoples of other colors considered inferior?
Dragons, the Napoleonic Wars, and a world tour that includes China, Macau, the Middle East, and various European countries add up to a great and smart new series.
This is going to sound like I'm sucking up, but TIED TO THE TRACKS is one of this year's best books for me. I picked it up yesterday, and ended up reading it late into the night.
Another book is MAGIC STUDY by Maria V. Snyder. I'm sure I've read more great books, but I can't think of any right now. That happens when I'm sleep deprived. *g*
Edie -- I'm so glad you enjoyed TTTT, but I have to strike it through as the rules specifically forbid entering any books of mine. However, Magic Study can stay as long as it was published this year... I'll go check that.
And welcome to the weblog.
"Turning Heads Portraits of Grace, Inspiration, and Possibilities" by Jackson Hunsicker--am not alone, cancer and its companion chemo have no favorites, striking everywhere but are always met with courage.
Worth every penny it cost!
Hey Rosina: - my former email used to be [email protected] but my contract there is winding up as of the end of December.
My favourite book published in 2006??
1) The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield - recommended to me by Wendy at Sleuths in Toronto - wonderful independent mystery store. Loved the book - why? It is a wonderful literary mystery and a battle of wits between 2 very strong intelligent women - and it said to me what I have always suspected - that portions of biography have to be fictional to a degree and/or an interpretation/white-washing of reality. And the atmosphere in the book was great - moody and gothic.
2) Had to mention the Temeraire series by Naomi Novak - 3 paperbacks published one after another over 3 months - and recommended to me by - who knew - Stephen King in his article that he writes periodically for "Entertainment Weekly" magazine. The books are about dragons - and I love books about dragons - but the author places the dragons into the Napoleonic War - so it's historical/sci-fi/fantasy. The relationship between Laurence and his dragon Temaraire is wonderful. Both my hubby and I loved these books - and again I concur with Marian (also in Sleuths in Toronto) who states she wants her own dragon (altho they eat a lot of cows).
And Rosina - I've never won a pile o books from you and would love to get my hands on some.
Thanks
Andrea
Haven't read too many 2006 books I'll admit, but I did get to Lee Smith's On Agate Hill, which I recommend. It's the story of a Reconstruction-era orphan girl in N.C., told with Smith's beautiful cadences in letters and memorabilia as well as narrative.
I would have to say for my pick:
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (September 12, 2006)
by John Boyne
Ps:I am a sucker for Holocaust books and movies.