1. Best book of 2010? Argh, this is a tough one, partially because I’ve read so many good books this year and partially because I only just got into the idea of book blogging so I don’t actually have a list of the things I read. However, the ones that stand out in my mind are The Hunger Games (the first one – don’t get me wrong, the rest were good too, but the first one is the best in my humble opinion) and Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld.
2. Worst book of 2010? No prizes for guessing here: Glenn Beck’s The Overton Window. (bleh) Admittedly, I brought it on myself, since video reviews are usually more entertaining if you have bad source material to work with. But I don’t think anyone deserves to suffer through this kind of poorly-written ego trip. It’s just…bad.
3. Most Disappointing Book of 2010? Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrik. There was some potential there, but it succumbed to the same tired old clichés that turn me off of YA paranormal romance as a whole.
4. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2010? Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Claire. I’ve seen the Mortal Instruments trilogy, but I’ve never read it, nor do I really know anything about it. I picked up Clockwork Angel on audio book for a drive to visit my parents, mostly because the cover and title made me think it would be a steampunk novel. It’s really not, but it is a good supernatural adventure with the most believable and entertaining romances that I’ve seen in a long time.
5. Book you recommended to people most in 2010? The Hunger Games. I’ve managed to convert at least one person! There’s also a couple of writing books that I’ve been recommending, including How to Write for Comics with Peter David and How NOT to Write a Novel, which is great for a nice relaxing read on the bus since it’s really funny.
6. Best series you discovered in 2010? The Hunger Games (boy, they’re getting mentioned a lot…) and The Infernal Devices trilogy. Actually, I’m half-temped to pick up the Mortal Instruments trilogy while I’m waiting for the next one to come out…
7. Favorite new authors you discovered in 2010? Cassandra Claire, Jay Asher, everybody published in The Machine of Death anthology.
8. Most hilarious read of 2010? Mogworld by Yahtzee Crowshaw. Admittedly, I already loved his humor from Zero Punctuation, but it really is a funny book, particularly if you’re familiar with the clichés and quirks of fantasy MMORPGs. Also, unintentionally, The Legend of Rah and the Muggles.
9. Most thrilling, un-put-down-able book in 2010? Thirteen Reasons Why had me clinging to it the entire time, as did Hunger Games and Scott Westerfeld’s Behemoth. If I’m allowed to count visual novels too, the one that I’m almost finished with – 9 persons, 9 hours, 9 doors – is frankly fantastic. I’m one play-through away from the true ending and I just can’t wait to see what happens.
(On a side note, when did “unputdownable” become a buzzword?)
10. Book you most anticipated in 2010? Behemoth. Unlike a lot of people, I didn’t get into Hunger Games until it was finished; but I was counting down the minutes until Behemoth was safe in my hands. I dropped everything to read that book, and I’m already counting down the minutes until I get my hands on Goliath too!
11. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2010? The Machine of Death
12. Most memorable character in 2010? Sooo many to choose from. Peeta from Hunger Games really captured my heart. Half the reason I was impatient to get through Mockingjay was because I wanted to see him again. There’s also Lilit from Behemoth, teaming up with Deryn and Alek who I already loved, and recently I’ve been getting re-introduced to Crowley and Aziraphale from Good Omens.13. Most beautifully written book in 2010? Thirteen Reasons Why
14. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2010? Let’s see…Hunger Games and Behemoth both gave me the push I needed to fall in love with world-building, which has been a focus in my writing ever sense. In terms of emotional impact…well, I’m not coming up with anything right now. Perhaps another time.
15. Book you can't believe you waited UNTIL 2010 to finally read? The Hunger Games – I’ve been staring at it for two years now, why did I not pick it up in time to enjoy the thrill of the Mockingjay opening with everyone else?!
I have finally added The Hunger Games to my own TBR list after sooo many recommendations!
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