Best of 2007

I have had a very hard time with my list this year because I read a lot of really good books this year! Not very many ones I would give a perfect rating, but a lot of ones that got an almost perfect grade. I read 195 books in total, I might slip in one more before the clock strikes midnight, I am reading it right now. I will post a break down sort of post tomorrow, but for now. these are my top reads in no particular order:

1. The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray - I just finished this on the weekend, and I loved it. I really think Libba Bray is my favourite young adult author at the moment. It was sad to see the trilogy end, but I really like the mixture of fantasy and historical fiction. It's not a trilogy for everyone, but this is my J.K. Rowlings.

2. 28: Stories of AIDs in Africa by Stephanie Nolen - I thought this book was brilliant when I read it. AIDs is a big problem in the world, and I learned a lot from this book. It was told from those that live with it everyday, it was their stories and not someone elses, and it really touched me. I think everyone needs to read this book to really appreciate the diverse world that we are living in.

3. Fool's Errand and The Golden Fool by Robin Hobb - I really have found that I love Robin Hobb. Her writing style has quickly made her my favourite new fantasy author of 2007. While she has been writing for quite some time, this is the first time I have read her, and I cannot wait to read more from her next year. I will be sad to read the last book in the trilogy, though.

4. Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind - This book was another awesome fantasy novel. Goodkind was a really great author to read this year, but with the books being so long I can see it taking me quite some time to complete this series!

5. Nefertiti by Michelle Moran - One of my favourite historical fiction novels of the year. Nefertiti and her sister were very interesting characters to read about. I quite enjoyed the experience. It is also her first book, so I really look forward to what the second one, out later next year, has to offer.

6. Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs - I love Mercedes Thompson. She is quickly becoming one of my favourite fictional characters. I cannot wait until the next book comes out.

7. The Josephine B. Trilogy by Sandra Gulland - I had no plans to undertake this trilogy this year. There was just a day when I needed something different to read, and this is the book I picked up. I finished the trilogy quickly, and it was a very powerful trilogy. I am excited for her new book this year.

8. The Rest Falls Away and Rises the Night by Colleen Gleason - I am very surprised to like these books, but I do. I am not very big into romance novels, and yet, I am very excited to read the new book in the series! Gleason is a really great author.

9. Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin - I was surprised that I liked this book, but I did. I think that mysteries are not really my thing, but there was more to this book than just the mystery, so I found it really interesting. I am really excited for the sequel because I think the series has a lot of potential.

10.The Silver Rose by Susan Carroll - I also read The Huntress earlier this year, but I liked this one the best out of the two. I think that this was another surprising read, but I really liked the combination of the fantasy and historical fiction. Another author I am really excited for the next book by!

11.Never Have Your Dog Stuffed by Alan Alda - I love Alan Alda. I think the guy is hillarious, there is really no competition. I also read his other book this year, but this one was my favourite of the two.

12.The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick - I loved the combination of art and story in this book. The pictures told the story as well as the words, and they were fantastically done. It's a great book!

13.The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale - This is my favourite Hale book. I really like how she retells fairy tales. I read all of her young adult books this year except River Secrets, and with the exception of Enna Burning, I loved them all. Great book, though. I look forward to more from her.

14.Inkheart by Cornelia Funke - A book about books. Enough said! I really need to read the sequel soon. The third book will be out soon and the movie version, as well.

15. The Night Watch by Sarah Waters - I think Waters writes really well. I really need to read more from her because many consider this their least favourite by her, so I am excited to see the others by her.

16.Mister Pip by Lloyd James and Diversadero by Michael Ondaatje - My favourite of the Booker nominated books I read and my favourite of the Giller nominated books, respectively.

17.Wolf of the Plains by Conn Iggulden - I loved this book! Genghis Khan has always intrigued me, and I think Iggulden did awesome with this book. The next one will be out soon, so I am excited.

18.Peony in Love by Lisa See - Sort of a mythological book. It was different than the usual books that I read, so I found it very intriguing.

19.The Blood of Flowers by Anita Amirrezvani - Totally different historical fiction because it covers a place, Iran, that hardly ever gets great books written about it. She did a really good job with this one.

20.Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden - I am so mad it took me so long to read this book. It was very interesting and very well-written!