T13 – My reading year 2008 – part 1
Just like I did last January for 2007, I’d like to showcase a few of the books I have read last year. And I might as well do it in the form of a T13.
I managed to read 122 books in 2008. That’s 25 less than 2007 and I can’t even say why. The fact that I spent the whole of November writing my own book might have something to do with it. Naturally, there were a few new authors I discovered, and also a few disappointments. If I haven’t miscounted there were only 9 books I didn’t bother to finish, which is quite a good ratio, considering how ruthless I am nowadays, if a book doesn’t manage to grab my attention within the first 50 – 70 pages.
This first part of my review I want to dedicate to the pleasant memories, so here you have
my favorite books of 2008:
(And even though I numbered them they are not in a particular order.)
13. Steph Swainston – No Present Like Time
This is the sequel to “The Year of Our War”, which I read last year. Very original and interesting fantasy. I can’t wait for the next installment in the series.
12. Connie Willis – Doomsday Book
Another all-time favorite author of mine. This is not my favorite book by her, but it’s still a fantastic read. Although I have to say, I am a bit disappointed in the boring cover design. Her books really deserve better.
11. Jasper Fforde – The Fourth Bear
It’s not the Thursday Next Series, but the Nursery Crime Division books at least take place in the same kind of world and are just as hilariously funny. Plus, I am always impressed with the strange and quirky ideas Fforde comes up with.
10. Octavia E. Butler – Wild Seed
I only discovered Octavia E. Butler’s books this year (“Dawn” was the first one I read) and shortly later heard that she had died. I am deeply impressed with her work and one of my goals for this year is to try to find her other books as well.
9. Walter M. Miller – A Canticle for Leibowitz
Well, dystopian fiction is still my favorite genre, and this is one of the classics. Contrary to other classics with this one I actually understand why it got that status.
With this book Neil Gaiman finally ascended into the Olymp of my all-time favorite writers. I continue to be amazed and impressed and in love with his books. The next one on my shopping list is “The Graveyard Book”, about which I have heard only good things as well.
7. Markus Zusak – The Book Thief
You know the hype there was about this book? For once it’s really justified. I normally hate books about World War II and Nazi Germany, but this one I love with all my heart. Can’t wait to get my hands on Zusak’s next book.
6. Michael Marshall Smith – One of Us
Just like Gaiman, Smith is one of my all-time favorites. The man can do no wrong in my eyes and this book again proved it. Fantastic read.
5. Scott Westerfeld – Pretties, Specials
Part 2 and 3 of the Uglies-Trilogy, which is already a quartet, if I am informed correctly. Just as good as the first part. Westerfeld made it into my “I will read everything with his name on the cover”-category.
4. Michel Faber – The Crimson Petal and the White
Now this one was a surprise, considering all the praise I had heard about it before. I was prepared for a let-down, but I couldn’t put it down again. More than 800 pages of tiny script and I read it in two sittings, because it was just that good. I am very curious to check out Faber’s other books now.
3. John Connolly – The Book of Lost Things
Another surprise. I don’t remember why I signed up for the bookring on Bookcrossing, but I am very glad I did. A fairy-tale world that sucked me in right from the start.
2. P.G. Wodehouse – Right Ho, Jeeves (and others)
Well, talk about new discoveries. I don’t know how I went this long without a book by Wodehouse falling into my hands, but I definitely missed out on something. I picked this one up, because Hugh Laurie once mentioned his love for Wodehouse’s writing. As a big Hugh Laurie fan (and a fan of his writing) I decided I had to check Wodehouse out. Well, I’d like to thank Hugh Laurie for changing my life.
1. Margaret Atwood – Oryx and Crake
Dystopian fiction by a well-respected writer. You know, not just some science fiction hack that intellectual people don’t take seriously, but a real literary writer, whatever that means. Damn good reading in any case.
Since the original Thursday Thirteen site unfortunately is out of commission, come and play along at the new and shiny T13-headquarters. I’m glad somebody took it over, otherwise I would have felt like I had to. 
I was already halfway ready to take down my T13 header collection, but since the folks at the new headquarters were nice enough to put a link to them in their sidebar, I guess I can still leave them were they are and might even make some new ones just for the hell of it.
I discovered Octavia Butler last year, too: Parable of the Sower. I just loved it.
Btw, I owe you mail. I’ve been busy with the stupid categories issue… trying to fix the things that we can do on our own. It’s slow work.
Susan Helene Gottfrieds last blog post..Thursday Thirteen: Trevor Style
The Graveyard Book” was my 3rd favorite book of 2008
And I’m VERY glad you didn’t take down your T13 headers; please do make more! I’d love maybe a Dexter one? Or Sawyer, from Lost? Or even one from “The Graveyard Book”? Oh, and a shiba inu one! Feel free to use any of my pictures of Wolf 
I like your taste in books. Happy TT!
I haven’t read an Jeeves book in ages! I should get a copy.
Alice Audreys last blog post..Thursday Thirteen: Just Why?
Interesting list of books you’ve read this past year. I love this idea for T-13 and may ‘borrow’ it for a future post.
Hugs and blessings,
storytellers last blog post..T-13++ A Little Happiness to Pass Along …
What a great booklist! I can’t wait to see the second installment.
Thornes last blog post..Thursday Thoughts
Thanks for stopping by my website, folks. I’ll be sure to check out yours, too.
What a surprise! TT is alive again!
I read 101 books in 2008 and I thought that was pretty good. You put me to shame! I haven’t read any of those except the Wodehouse, which I have read several times. I know we’ve mentioned it already, but isn’t he a brilliant writer?
I think Hugh Laurie was too old to be Bertie Wooster. He must have been 30 at least and I think Bertie was perpetually about 23.
Yes, it is.
Are you telling me you hadn’t noticed? *tsk, tsk*
And we can’t mention often enough that Wodehouse is a brilliant writer. People who haven’t read any of his books are really missing out on something good.
I have to admit, though, I am not much of a fan of the t.v. adaption of his books. I mean, I worship the ground Hugh Laurie walks on, and I know he and Stephen Fry feel the same about Wodehouse, but even so the series just didn’t click for me. I have it all on DVD, but I have watched only a few episodes so far and feel absolutely no desire to see the rest. I rather re-read the books (or buy some of the ones I am still missing).
Great list. I totally agree with Neil Gaiman, he’s currently one of my favorites.
Mercolas last blog post..Beat the Morning Blahs with Pea Protein!
Some interesting reads here, some I’ve read and some new ones I’ll have a look at.
“Book Thief” was absolutely great. I read this in 2007 and think it was my best read for that year. “Neverwhere” was also quite good – I’ve become a Gaiman groupie – Have “Stardust” on my TBR pile but saw the bloody movie so I’m wondering if it’s not going to spoil the book. Waiting for the “Graveyard Book” The rest I’ve read including most of his graphic novels (All of Sandman) Oryx & Crake also a good book.
My best reads of 2008? The Shadow of the Wind – Carlos Ruiz Zafon and Joe Hill’s – The Heart Shaped Box
Mr Baggins1s last blog post..ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL