I was thinking today about what I have read so far this year - whether anthropology, religion, or fiction. So I came up with a list of a few of my favorites, and a second list of the worst books that I have read*. Oh, and since I can't possibly remember everything I have read in a year, this list is highly biased.
Best of 2008:
Lies of Locke Lamora and the sequel Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch
-- Complex plots, sarcastic humor, awesome one liners - everything I like in a book.
Reindeer People - by Piers Vitebsky
-- Beautiful writing, and super holistically informative.
The Gift by somebody who I am not motivated to figure out right now
-- Read much like a folktale, also beautiful writing.
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
-- A tad bit disturbing, but otherwise intriguing. Also super well-written, and left me guessing about the end, though other reviewers said they immediately "knew" who the culprit was. Maybe I'm just slow :)
Worst of 2008**:
First three books that are the epitomy of really bad stereo-typical fantasy writing that should never be published. The first two also happen to be the reason why I sometimes lose faith in sequels.
Privilege of the Sword by Ellen Kushner.
--Oh god, unbelievably seriously awful. A miserable experience.
Iron Angel by Alan Campbell
-- A super huge disappointment b/c the first book is really good
The Crimson Sword by somebody (but who cares!)
-- 600 pgs of nonsense, not really sure how it got published.
The Devil's Labyrinth - by John Saul
-- racist, biased, stereotyping ridiculousness
And finally I might be vilified by this last one b/c I know that certain people (who shall remain unnamed) really love this book and this author, but I didn't at all.
Friction - by Anna Tsing
*Obviously I haven't posted anything about SF and probably won't, but everyone (I think) who reads this already knows about the conference, so I don't feel under too much pressure.
** Maybe I should add Talal Asad just for fun? ;)
