Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Armchair BEA Day Two: Best of 2011


It's actually giveaway day today in the Armchair BEA realm, so be sure to head over to the site to find out where all those are! I should be doing one too, but didn't figure it out and life's too crazy this week to worry about it, so instead, I'll do the alternate activity which is the “Best of 2011" where we are to "share some of your favorite books so far this year, and/or the the books being promoted at BEA that you hope will end up among your favorites for the year!"

So what I've decided is to go look at my Goodreads and see what I've given five stars to so far this year. I'm learning that I'm a little more stingy with my five stars over there, than I am with my A's over here. I don't get it, but yeah, that's how it is.

Five Star Books in 2011:

I Am The Messenger by Markus Zusak (a re-read)
84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff (a re-read)
Room by Emma Donoghue
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Skellig by David Almond
I Don't Want to Kill You by Dan Wells
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
Paranormalcy by Keirsten White
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

Now if that doesn't show some diverse likes all across the genres, I don't know what does!

What have you given five stars too so far this year?

18 comments:

  1. Dan Wells first 2 are on my list, can't wait to read this one, amazing series. I will have to check out your others.

    Glass Castle was on my list 2009.

    My post is here.

    http://teawithmarce.blogspot.com/2011/05/armchair-bea-best-of-2011-and.html

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  2. I knew you'd have The Name of the Wind on there. ;) I should really get to that one. And Paranormalcy, I still haven't picked it up.

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  3. SKELLIG is one of my friend’s favorite books. It takes a lot to excite Beverly the Other Half-Invisible Turtle, but she almost jumped out of her shell (figuratively of course, since that’s not something I would have been able to see) when she heard that David Almond has a prequel to SKELLIG coming out in October of this year. It’s called MY NAME IS MINA.

    Reading everybody’s "best of" lists today is reminding me how behind in my reading I am. I’d better get to it.

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  4. Diverse reading in there for sure. I am not as diverse as you are. Check out my blog post for my top 5 books; fantasy and historical fiction.

    I have only read one book on your list. I am interested in reading Paranormalcy, Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, I Am the Messenger (although I think I should read his other book first, but the title is not popping into my head at the moment).
    I have Room sitting on my bookshelf waiting to be read. Honestly though, I am not that excited to read it, but I will, eventually.

    hope you are having a fun and great week with all of your busyness of life.

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  5. Ibeeeg, Do you mean Markus Zusak’s THE BOOK THIEF? That’s a good book.

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  6. Oh, I seriously cannot wait to get to "If I Stay", so I'm real glad it made your list. :D Haven't heard of all, but most of those I have heard are supposed to be very good.

    My top 5 "Best Of 2011" books!

    Rebecca @ kindle fever

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  7. That is diverse! I just finished Paranormalcy and thought it was such a fun read. I'm excited for the next one. :)

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  8. Marce: I think I liked that last one the best!

    Jenny: Oh I so hope you like it when you get to it!

    Bigfoot: I'm going to have to read that one for sure.. and I also want to fit in just anything else he's written.

    Ibeeeg and Bigfoot: YES! I think Book Thief is what she meant! I can't believe she forgot! :) Yeah, that IS a good book.

    Bex: Yes, it's great. You may need some kleenxes though....

    Kathy: Me too for sure! Fun story.

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  9. Definitely need to add these to my list! Paranormalcy is already on it, but it looks like you've got some good recommendations! Thanks!

    New follower!

    -Em
    http://sashandem.blogspot.com/

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  10. You are nothing if not eclectic! And I love that. I've really got to get around to Paranormalcy. One of my faves of the year has been Ship Breaker. Seriously, get it soon :)

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  11. There are a few books on there that I have on my TBR list. Good to know you think they're 5 stars!

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  12. *Sigh* So many books that I want to read are on your list! I'm glad to hear they are good, though! :) Hope you have a great week with Armchair BEA!

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  13. I also read 84 Charing Cross Road this year! Although that didn't make it to my Best of 2011 list. I really should read Zusak, I've heard nothing but good things about him and I've had my copy of The Book Thief for ages.

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  14. I can't believe the last one is your favourite, oh my, I was leaving it for later in the year, I may not make it, lol

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  15. Em: I don't think you'll be sorry! Do it!

    Melissa: Ah thanks! :) And I have Ship Breaker!! Right here in my hands.... but reading Bruiser first. Which I am LOVING.

    Blatant: Yep they are all wonderful.

    Penelope: I know, right? These lists are all making me crazy.

    Chachic: Can I just say about Zusak... YOU REALLY SHOULD!! :)

    Marce: Nope, read it now. Seriously.

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  16. You have some fantastic books on your list. It is also a great reminder that I really need to get around to reading PARANORMALCY one of these days.

    Great list!

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  17. That's a great list of books! Some of them are my favourite books of all time. :)

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  18. I love Paranormalcy! Are you going to the Utah Book Festival next weekend? Kiersten White will be there to speak and sign books.
    Jennifer

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