The Best and Worst Books of Each Month of the Year!
This Year's Best and Worst Books: A Reader's Reflection
As I sit down to reflect on the books I read this year, I'm reminded of how much I love discussing my reading experiences with others. From the first book of the month that caught my eye to the last one that left a lasting impression, every title played its part in shaping my literary journey. And now, as I look back on the past 12 months, I'm excited to share my thoughts on what worked and what didn't.
My favorite books of the year were Coraline by Neil Gaiman, which unfortunately earns me three out of five stars due to its dark themes; The Witchy by Ariel Slamet Reese; and Kingdom of the Wicked by Carrie Maniscalco. While I enjoyed these books, I couldn't help but feel that Coraline was my least favorite. There's something about the story that just didn't click with me, perhaps due to its eerie atmosphere or the way it explored themes of identity and belonging.
On the other hand, Cemetery Boys by Aidan Thomas stands out as one of my top reads of the year. I loved how it blended elements of horror, fantasy, and coming-of-age drama to create a narrative that was both captivating and thought-provoking. The characters were well-developed and relatable, making it easy for me to become invested in their stories. Overall, Cemetery Boys is a masterclass in storytelling, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a hint of the supernatural.
In contrast, my worst book of the year was Coraline by Neil Gaiman. While I know many people have enjoyed this novel, it just didn't resonate with me on an emotional level. The story had some interesting elements, but ultimately felt disjointed and difficult to follow at times. Despite its reputation as a modern classic, I found myself struggling to connect with the protagonist or become fully engaged in the world she inhabited.
The Graveyard Book Graphic Novel Volumes One and Two by Neil Gaiman also fell under my radar this year. While I appreciated the unique take on traditional fairy tales, I didn't quite love it as much as some of Gaiman's other works. The story had an intriguing premise, but ultimately felt a bit predictable and lacking in depth. Still, fans of fantasy and adventure will likely find plenty to enjoy here.
Tragicly, my worst book for the month of October was Coraline by Neil Gaiman. I still remember how much I disliked this one, and it's hard to pinpoint exactly what didn't work for me - maybe it was the creepy atmosphere or the strange, otherworldly setting that just didn't quite click with me.
Moving on to November, things started off strong with Kingdom of the Wicked by Carrie Maniscalco. This book had everything I love in a fantasy novel: magic, romance, and adventure all mixed together in a delicious pot of intrigue. The characters were well-developed and complex, making it easy for me to become invested in their stories. Overall, Kingdom of the Wicked is a must-read for fans of fantasy and romance alike.
Punching the Air by Ibz Zoe Boy was another highlight from November's reading list. I appreciated how this book explored themes of identity, community, and social justice with sensitivity and nuance. The writing was engaging and accessible, making it easy to become fully immersed in the world the author created. While the story itself wasn't entirely new or groundbreaking, its execution was top-notch, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling narrative.
The Tea Dragon Tapestry by Katie O'Neill rounded out November's reading list with another delightful fantasy novel. The art was stunning, and the story had all the makings of a classic: magic, adventure, and romance all mixed together in a beautifully crafted package. While not everyone may appreciate the more whimsical elements of this book, fans of fantasy will likely find plenty to love here.
The Great Gatsby Graphic Novel by Illustrated and Adopted by Fred Fordham was my final read for November, and unfortunately, it left me feeling underwhelmed. Don't get me wrong - I know The Great Gatsby is a classic, but this graphic novel adaptation just didn't capture the essence of F. Scott Fitzgerald's original work for me. Perhaps that's because I've already read the book multiple times, or maybe it was simply the execution that fell short. Either way, fans of the novel may find this adaptation lacking in some key areas.
As the year draws to a close, I'm excited to share my thoughts on the books I'll be reading in December. From Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore to Well Met by Jen DeLuca, there's something for everyone on this list. And while it's too early to say which book will emerge as my favorite of the month, I'm confident that at least one (or two) of these titles will leave a lasting impression.
For now, I'll leave you with my predictions for December: it's going to be a great month for readers!