2009 was a great year for reading. But as always, I bought way more books than I was actually able to get through. They’re still sitting on my shelves all shiny and unbent and beautiful. I stare at them longingly, but first I must finish the amazing book I’m reading now, Slanted and Enchanted: The Evolution of Indie Culture by my friend Kaya Oakes. If you have ever attached the word “indie” or “alternative” or “punk” or “DIY” or “counterculture” to yourself or something you’ve loved, you MUST read this book to understand where it all came from.
Hopefully I’ll get to all my gorgeous books this year, but the truth is I’ll probably buy more to add to the unread piles, and the vicious cycle will continue. Book buying (and hoarding) is like an addiction, but I don’t feel too bad about it. As far as addictions go, it could be much worse, and someone needs to keep the publishing industry alive.
With no further ado, here’s my list of the best books I read in 2009. They’re in no particular order, except for the top two which are tied for the number one spot.
- The Book Thief, by Marcus Zuzak
- The Road, by Cormac McCarthy
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky
- The Adderall Diaries, by Stephen Elliott
- Wintergirls, by Laurie Halse Anderson
- To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
- King Dork, by Frank Portman
- Geek Love, by Katherine Dunn
- Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer, by Novella Carpenter
- Bridge of Sighs, by Richard Russo
What are the best books you read in 2009?
“Wintergirls” was a great book. Sad and intense. I’m a big fan of Laurie Halse Anderson.
I also remember liking “The parks of being a wallflower” when I read it … oh, 8 or 9 years ago.
The rest of your list I’m sorry to say I haven’t read.
But one of the books that I read very fast and which made a big impression on me, and has stayed with me from 2009, is “Beautiful”. So now you know.
Best wishes for a year full of inspiration!
Thanks!