Books, Books, Books!

I read so many good books in 2009, but my favorite, hands down, was Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

I was late to the game. When it came out last year, I only had enough money to buy one book, and it was between Graceling and The Hunger Games. I chose Graceling, and I loved it (I bought Fire right when it came out in 2009). But I didn't give Hunger Games a second thought-- until Catching Fire came out in the following September.

Everyone was raving. People were offering limbs in exchange for the new book. So I purchased Hunger Games and Catching Fire in my monthly book load, then put both into my TBR pile and forgot about them. Again.

One boring evening in October, I decided to crack open the first book and take a look. The first chapter was all right, I'd read it on amazon.com before I bought it so I knew what to expect there. In the second chapter things started to get good... and by the end of the first section (you know the part, when the tributes are giving their interviews and Peeta drops that bombshell) ...just, WOW! I was totally hooked. I was seriously turning the page as fast as possible so I could read more. Seriously-- to the point that I was practically ripping out pages in my hurry. I finished the book in one sitting, at about two in the morning.

Then I immediately picked up Catching Fire and jumped right in. I finished that one, too. I don't remember what time it was, but the sun was rising. I promptly passed out. The next morning I couldn't get the books off my mind. So I read Hunger Games again. Yeah. That's how much I liked it.

I can't wait for the third book. I want it NOW and it's driving me absolutely insane! It is definitely at the very top of my list of books I'm looking forward to in 2010. And of course, there are others. Books are just... amazing. I love a good book. It's one of my favorite things in the world.

So without further stalling, I give you (in no particular order):

Kat's 10 Most Anticipated Books For 2010!

1. The third Hunger Games book, unofficially known as The Victors. The final book of the trilogy. It could go so wrong-- but I have faith in Suzanne Collins. I'm sure it will be a-ma-zing!

2. Linger by Maggie Stiefvater. Shiver was another one of my favorites in 2009. One of those few books that was so strong and emotional, I cried real actual tears at the end of it. I think that puts the number of books that have made me cry at three. Really.

3. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan. I love John Green (haven't read Levithan) and the premise sounds great. Can't wait to read this one.

4. Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce. Love the wolf concept, love the take on the fairy tale, love Jackson Pearce's hilarious blog/vlogs, and love the gorgeous cover.

5. Zombies versus Unicorns anthology edited by Justine Larbalestier and Holly Black. First, I'm totally Team Zombie. Second, a few days ago Justine gave away some of the zombie-writer initials on her blog-- LB, CC, AJ, MJ, SW, & CR. I have some guesses (which may or may not be correct) along the lines of Libba Bray, Maureen Johnson, Scott Westerfeld, Carrie Ryan. Hey, the initials fit! It could be them! And I'm certainly hoping I'm right!

Then, of course, there are some awesome 2010 debuts I'm looking forward to!

6. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White. I love her hilarious blog and the concept is right up my alley! Plus HarperTeen has some of the best covers around-- I'm really looking forward to the big reveal!

7. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver. Okay, this book isn't even out yet and already it's getting raved about everywhere in the blogosphere. I've even seen a couple bloggers list it as one of their favorite books in 2009-- and it's not even released until Spring 2010!!! (Those lucky readers got ARCs! Yes, I'm jealous.) But the concept is just so awesome. Can't wait!

8. The Rise of Renegade X by Chelsea M. Campbell. I was already sold on YA superhero story with a male protag. But then throw in that the MC wants to be a villain (like his mom) then finds out his dad is really a goody two shoes hero? Yes, please.

9. Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken. YA (non-contemporary) fantasy is one of my favorite genres, and we just don't have enough these days! This book is already getting rave reviews (Again, lucky people with ARCs). Can't wait to get a hold of this one!

10. Anna and the Boy Masterpiece by Stephanie Perkins. Another author with a blog I love to read! It's a kissing book. It has an HBM. It takes place mostly at a boarding school in Paris. There are macarons! Le sigh.

What was your favorite book in 2009?

What book are you most looking forward to in 2010?

Soon (maybe tomorrow) I'll write up a post detailing what exactly I loved about Hunger Games and what I think is going to happen in the third book!

Cheers,
Kat