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Friday, December 31, 2010

Top 10 Reads of 2010

Looking back it is easy to see that 2010 wasn't my best reading year numbers wise. I've read 64 books this year which is down considerably compared to the past two years. I can't say I'm surprised...having 3 active youngsters keeps me pretty darn busy and it is easy to shove reading to the side at times. But I'm happy that I'm still reading and that the majority of the books I read this year I enjoyed. I don't use ratings anymore but if I would guess I would say most of the books I read were at least 3.5 stars or higher. Not bad if I do say so myself! I've always meant to do a top ten reads post but I've never taken the time to do it until now. In no order whatsoever, here are my favorite reads of 2010:




Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde- This is only the 2nd book that I've read by Fforde but I am hooked. Dystopian society that is completely color based...all I have to say is thank goodness there are more books to come in this series!

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder- This book has been all over the blogsphere and I finally read it. Thanks goodness that I finally did because I loved it and cannot wait to read the next book. This was a wonderful fantasy read that I couldn't get enough of...highly recommened!





The Mage in Black by Jaye Wells- 2nd book in a trilogy and my favorite urban fantasy read of the year. Sabina is a kick-ass heroine and I loved that this book showed a different side of her character. Green-Eyed Demon is one of my most anticipated reads of 2011 and I cannot wait!

Hunted by the Others by Jess Haines- Urban fantasy is one of my favorite genres and this debut was one of my favorites. Strong world building combined with some awesome characters made for a great read. I can't wait for the next book to come out and this is another series I am anticipating in 2011.



Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane- Absolutely best thriller I read this year. This book made me an instant fan of Lehane and I cannot wait to read more of this author. And the movie...oh I have nothing but good things to say about this book.

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell- I feel like I keep saying this but after reading this book I felt like I have to read everything that this author ever writes. Deeply engrossing novel with a hint of mystery to it...I loved everything about this book.



The House at Riverton by Kate Morton- This was the first book that I read in 2010 and it was a wonderful read! I loved the way the two stories came together and the historical feel of the novel pulled me in instantly. I have another book by this author on my shelves and am looking forward to reading it in 2011.


Arcadia Falls by Carol Goodman- This was my first read by this author but definitely not my last. The gothic feel of this novel was captivating and I found myself immersed until the last page. I can't wait to read more by her and already have another of her books checked out from the library.


Boneshaker by Cherie Priest- I heart this novel. Seriously, with zombies, air pirates, and a deadly blight gas, can you really ask for more? This book was an awesome read...I can't wait to read the next two books and now I plan to read absolutely everything that the author has written as well.

Changeless by Gail Carriger- This is my new favorite series. If I wanted to cheat then I would choose all three of the books in this series but out of the 3 this is the winner. Love, love, love these books and I can't say enough good things. In fact, I am now a huge fangirl of Gail Carriger (that is how much I love this series)!

Okay folks, all of these books are reads that I would most definitely recommend. Hopefully 2011 will be an even better reading year and we'll see if I can't up that reading number a bit. I've joined a bunch of challenges again that will hopefully keep my reading diverse and interesting. Here is to hoping that everyone else has a wonderful 2011 as well!!

11 comments:

  1. Great post, Samantha! Several of the books you mention are in my TBR pile waiting their turn. I may have to dig them out and read them sooner than later!

    I hope you have a wonderful 2011 and may you read many great books!

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  2. It looks like you had a great reading year. I think its the quality of reading, not the quantity.
    I've had the Esme Lennox in my TBR pile for ages. Glad to hear you enjoyed it. I do want to read Shutter Island as well.

    Happy New Year!
    http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/

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  3. Great post Sam! There's so many of those books I want to read!

    Happy New Year Sam and I wish you all the best in 2011!

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  4. changeless is the one series that I swear i will read this year!! I swear it!!! Great list and I think you did a wonderful job with reading!!!

    Happy 2011!

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  5. Oh yes, I remember your review for Arcadia Falls! Looks like such a good one. Also I've been wanting to read more Fforde after reading The Eyre Affair a few years ago--I love the literary bits in his writing!

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  6. Happy New Year! I think 64 books is still a heck of a lot more than most people. The important thing is you enjoy what you read!

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  7. Literary Feline- I hope you have a wonderful 2011 as well. And maybe this year you will get a chance to read a few of these :)

    Naida- You should most definitely read The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox this year. In fact, I just checked this author's newest book out from the library.

    Darlene- I wish you a happy 2011 as well!!

    Staci- I hope you do get a chance to read the Gail Carriger series this year. I CANNOT wait until Heartless comes out this summer.

    Trish- Fforde is a very talented author in my opinion and I love the literary bits that he includes as well. I plan on reading the 2nd book in the Thursday Next series at some point this year.

    Amy- 64 was definitely a good number for me this year all things considered. And I had some good reads so it all worked itself out!

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  8. House at Riverton almost made it to my favorite list but I can't wait to read more by Kate Morton!

    Hope you're reading is great in 2011!

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  9. Iliana- I can't wait to read more by her as well and I actually have her newest book on my shelf. Hope you have a great reading year as well!

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  10. Arcadia Falls made my top 15 in 2010. I really liked it & I'm hoping to try some more of the author's other books. :)

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  11. Great list! I recognize some of these titles as definitely on my tbr list! Glad to hear you liked them so much! :)

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