Comments for Weekly Geeks 2009-43: The Best of 2009

Weekly Geeks 2009-43: The Best of 2009: 11/21/09

Now, the idea is to only choose books that were published in 2009, regardless of what country you live in. If a book was released in the US in 2008, but released in your country in 2009, that's okay. I know there is still a month in a half left of 2009, but if you know there is a book coming out between now and Dec. 31st, then it's still eligible.

This year, I am also asking for something a little more specific. When you submit your novels, you must include the genre it is from as well. Last year, when I was trying to categorize everything, I had to guess on a lot of novels and I know there were some people who disagreed with my choice. If there are any contradictions in genres (say if a book was selected for two genres), then the Weekly Geek Staff will vote on where it goes (please?).

If you see a Top 10 list somewhere else, add it to the Mr. Linky, even if they aren't a part of Weekly Geeks. We're trying to gather as many lists as we can, so we can come up with a nice comprehensive list. You'll have two weeks to come up with your list before I begin compiling the voting booths. Then we'll put it to a vote. Last year, we ended up with over 1300 individual voters and I know we can make it just as big this year.

I know as I'm posting my list I'll be getting some eye rolling and some "mehs" but let me explain. I picked my ten favorites. I'm a fairly eclectic when it comes to entertainment. So yes, Dan Brown and "Richard Castle" are rubbing elbows with Neil Gaiman and Anita Shreve. Most of my recommendations I haven't had time to review yet and probably won't get to them until 2010.

My 10 Best (Favorite) Books of 2009:

1. Heat Wave by Richard Castle (mystery)
2. A Change in Latitude by Anita Shreve (fiction)
3. The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown (mystery)
4. The Sunless Countries by Karl Schroeder (science fiction)
5. Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman (fantasy)
6. Zombie Queen of Newberry High by Amanda Ashby (paranormal romance)
7. Like Twin Stars edited by Cecilia Tan (erotic science fiction short stories)
8. I'm Not Hanging Noodles on Your Ears by Jag Bhalla (non fiction)
9. Enemies & Allies by Kevin J. Anderson (science fiction) *
10. Fiction by Ara 13 (meta fiction) *

* Received for review

What about you? What are your top ten reads from books published this year?

weekly geeks

Comments (10)

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Comment #1: Saturday, November, 21, 2009 at 18:15:38

Care

Actually, I'm impressed you have The Lost Symbol on your list. I'm sure I'll get around to reading it someday but I'm in no hurry. and I'm most intrigued by the genre of erotic SciFi short stories. :)

Comment #2: Saturday, November 28, 2009 at 22:00:11

I added The Lost Symbol to my list because I'm a fan. It's the sort of mystery adventure like curling up in bed to read. Yes, the book is flawed but it entertained me.

Comment #3: Tuesday, November, 24, 2009 at 10:27:09

Kim (Sophisticated Dorkiness)

I haven't read any books on your list, but I don't think it's weird to have such different books. I think I have pretty eclectic tastes too.

I just started watching 'Castle' on tv, but I had no idea he was a real author. I feel a little silly not knowing that!

Comment #4: Saturday, November 28, 2009 at 22:06:12

Pussreboots

"Richard Castle" is as a real an author as "Ellery Queen" is. But the book is real even if the author isn't and it's a fun mystery to read on a weekend.

Comment #5: Saturday, November, 28, 2009 at 15:38:54

susan

I heard Richard Castle was actually published. You enjoyed it enough to list it? I think I might have to pick this up.

Comment #6: Saturday, November 28, 2009 at 22:17:13

Pussreboots

I put Heat Wave on my list not because it will win awards but because I'm a fan of the show and the book stands alone fine by itself. You don't have to watch the show to read the show, although I think fans of the show will go for the book more than the average mystery reader.

Comment #7: Friday, December, 4, 2009 at 21:38:27

gautami tripathy

I read Fiction and liked it. Yet to read The Lost Symbol.

Weekly Geeks: Top Books of 2009

Comment #8: Sunday, December 6, 2009 at 18:02:23

Pussreboots

I make no apologies for it; I really enjoyed The Lost Symbol. If the list could have included more years beyond this one, I probably wouldn't have put it on the list. But of the books published this year that I read, it's one of my favorites.

Comment #9: Tuesday, December, 22, 2009 at 12:32:43

Megan T.

Thanks for the fun list! I read The Lost Symbol this year as well and thought it was an exciting page-turner, and I admire your eclectic taste. So many people get stuck in the rut of one genre, but it's refreshing to break out of that sometimes.

Comment #10: Sunday, December 27, 2009 at 13:19:13

Pussreboots

The Lost Symbol seems to be the make or break book for my list. When I was younger I was stuck in a science fiction rut. I still read the genre but mixed in with other genres too.