I’m posting this later than I originally hoped, but oh well.  You’ll forgive me, won’t you internet?

I think it’s safe to say that I read more in 2009 than any year before.  It was both fulfilling and motivating to record my thoughts on books after I finished them, and so I don’t have any intention of stopping in the future.  To recap the year, though, I’d like to provide you with my top books of the year, and leverage the database to provide you with some fun stats!

This “Best books list” is obviously the best books I read in 2009, not the best published in 2009.  I am aware of the flaws of working this way, but I can’t imagine any other way of dealing with it!

In 2009 I read…

  • 33 books
  • 11298 pages
  • 1 Comedy (255)
  • 3 Fantasy (889)
  • 5 Nonfiction (1348)
  • 5 Juvenile Fiction (2015)
  • 8 Science Fiction (3061)
  • 11 Fiction (3730)

Now on to my favorite books of the year:

Favorite Audio Book:

The House of the Scorpion on Amazon.comThis is an easy category.  Of the 30+ audio books I listened to this year none came close to The House of The Scorpion.  This young-adult fiction book tells the story of a young clone who is forced to come to terms with his understanding of self as well as avoid the isolation and danger that comes with being the illegal clone of a powerful drug lord.  It is well-written, unexpectedly broad in its scope, and it handles difficult subjects with grace and maturity.  The narration is also excellent, and the numerous Spanish names and words are pronounced flawlessly, adding greatly to the immersion of the tale.

Favorite Book:

This was, easily, the best book I read all year.  Hands down, no questions asked.  I read a lot of great books, but none were as epic, as beautifully written, or as enthralling as East of Eden.  If you are dying to read even more of my thoughts on this fantastic work, check out the links below.  Beware, though, the database entry spoils the entire book!  Only check it out if you’ve already finished this wonderful book (and if you haven’t, read it as soon as possible!):

Click here for my spoiler free thoughts on East of Eden.

Click here for the full database entry on East of Eden (including spoilers).

Feel free to post your favorite books of 2009 in the comments below.