This post is part of the Class of 2011 Superlatives Blogfest, hosted by Katy Upperman, Jessica Love, Tracey Neithercott, and Alison Miller. Up today: the head of the class (or: books that came out on top in their genre).
I had way too much fun making the graphics that went with these. They appear a little small within the blog post, but you can click through to see them in their large, full-size glory.
Favorite Dystopian — DIVERGENT
I loved how this started as a utopia — five distinct factions, each poses virtues that allow for peace and unity — only to be turned on its head once Tris starts to question what it means to be selfless and brave.
Favorite Science-Fiction — ACROSS THE UNIVERSE
Sci-fi, but also dystopic, in some respects. Godspeed is such a fantastic setting it becomes a person. There is an unyielding sense of claustrophobia to this story, and through seamless world-building, the sci-fi elements are woven in perfectly.
Favorite Fantasy — THE GIRL WHO CIRCUMNAVIGATED FAIRYLAND IN A SHIP OF HER OWN MAKING
I realize this is technically MG, but it was hands-down my favorite fantasy novel of 2011, so I had to include it. A fantastic cast of characters, gorgeous prose, and a world so magical I wanted to crawl into the pages and live in the margins. This is Alice in Wonderlands meets the Wizard of Oz and it is lovely beyond words.
Favorite Contemporary — LOLA AND THE BOY NEXT DOOR
I love Stephanie Perkins almost as much as I love Lola and Cricket. This book is just fantastic; full of swoon and butterflies and the pain of first love. And the supporting cast is just as amazing as the leads. I adore this book.
Favorite Action/Adventure — BLOOD RED ROAD
Adventure novels may be my weakness, and this one is full of twists and turns and a pace that kept me reading late into the night. Add the broken dialect and loose prose to the mix, and I was a goner.
Favorite Comedy — SUPERNATURALLY
I realize this book is not actually a comedy; it’s a paranormal romance. Butbutbut…this book is just so funny. There are definitely serious stakes, but it’s Evie, the way she looks at things, reflects on events, narrates this tale. I always giggle while reading this series.
Favorite Romance — THE SCORPIO RACES
Again, this isn’t a true “romance,” per-say, but there is so much love in this book it is impossible for me to give this superlative to anyone else. New love, between a boy and a girl; family love, between siblings; trusting love, between humans and their pets. So. Much. Love.
Favorite Paranormal Romance — COLD KISS
This book was nothing like I suspected it would be, but I adored it. And it is such a heart-wrenching tale of first love, and loss, and letting go. Also: I want to hug Danny Greer.
Favorite Family Drama — INVINCIBLE SUMMER
It’s as if this superlative was create solely for this book. This book is about a messed-up family and it is gut-wrenchingly honest, packed with emotions, and heart-breakingly awesome.
Favorite Genre Bender — DAUGHTER OF SMOKE & BONE
Is it paranormal? Romance? Fantasy? I’m not really sure, and I don’t care. Everything Laini weaves into this book is so exquisitely written that I went willingly went a long for the ride without a moment’s hesitation.
Favorite Horror/Thriller — ASHES
I added this superlative because I thought it was worth mentioning how downright creepy and terrifying ASHES was. This is a post-apocalyptic world I am terrified of.
But those are just my thoughts. Are there any books that you read, published in 2011, that you think could steal one of these superlative spots?
Open book background graphic via psdGraphics
