One of the good things about goodreads is that it’s easy to see what I’ve read this year; this is especially useful as I forget every book I’ve read, sometimes within minutes of reading it. One friend commented on Now You See It, when I said it sounded interesting and that I’d like to read it she pointed out that I had, and recommended it, it’s about concentration and memory.
So, now to the exciting part, the prizes; obviously there’s no big cheque, sales may not leap, but I’m sure someone somewhere cares vaguely, or disagrees intensely.
The fabbook prize for fiction:
Is awarded to The Night Circus. I read this totally devourable book in one sitting (a long one I grant you) while on holiday this summer.
The story of, amongst other things a travelling circus and a competition between magicians, it is just so beautiful, everything so exquisitely described that if you haven’t already, you must read it now.
Morgenstern’s style has been compared to Isabelle Allende and Gabriel Garcia Marquez, other authors I love. I plan on rereading it this year as I’m sure there are loads of gorgeous images that I missed last time.
The fabbook prize for non-fiction:
I have read quite a few interesting non-fiction books this year, in general I seem to read more than fiction in fact, what with work, (ex-)psychology studies and just curiosity in general (or nosiness if you prefer) there’s a lot of material out there for me to get through.
I enjoy anything by Scott Thornbury, if TEFL teaching and English grammar rock you boat then this is the man to follow.
I’m not sure if How to be a Woman is considered fiction or not, but it was a smashing read whatever it is, not only snort-out-loud funny but informative and thought-provoking too. It would get the award if its genre was clearer.
So this year’s prize goes to Sisters, I’m a biography fan, my nosy curious side again, and this story of the Mitford sisters was fascinating, it’s amazing to think that one family could have been present in so many important places and moments of their time. In an age of hot-housing and mummy Olympics it’s incredible to see where the sisters ended up when you take into account their (lack of) education and upbringing.
The fabbook prize for children’ literature:
(image source)
I’m a total sucker for kidslit, and this year has been a pretty good one. The Chaos walking saga by Patrick Ness was great, I enjoyed Enders game, but the best, by far, must be the Hunger Games trilogy, ooh, I do love a dystopian society.
As I’m sure you’ve noticed, I’m including books I read over the last twelve months, notwithstanding when they were written.
I can’t wait to get started on my reading list for next year’s prizes, and as always I’m open to suggestions, in fact I’d quite like to spend a year reading only books that have been recommended by other people.