A New Idea: Our Best Reads of 2006
As I have been compiling “Best Books of 2006” lists from several major newspaper publications, I have noticed some trends amongst the selected books that contrasts with my experiences as a reader and book buyer.
Two noticeable characteristics are that nearly every book has been hardcover and on each list, the authors are predominately male (the SF Chronicle’s list had 9 of 11 authors/editors whom are male). In contrast, most book buyers (including myself) are female and many published books, especially fiction, have been written by women. Additionally, paperback sales have been on the rise for several years, yet the best book lists have yet to adjust to this trend.
I understand there are many people in the book industry who reason that these lists represent the newly published (the majority of new books are still first published in hardcover) and the zenith of literary merit. Yet, I still wonder at the disparity between these lists and what is bought, read, and discussed by the majority of readers. When I read these lists, I want to find a book that I can buy and read or give to someone this week, not in several months time when the book arrives in paperback.
Very few of these books have yet to surprise or intrigue – many of these authors have been highlighted time and again as extraordinary writers. Where are the new, to-be-discovered authors? Where are the books written with a global and international perspective? How about books that extend beyond the traditional canon of literary achievement? Give me something that is fresh and inspiring, playful and provocative, irreverent and silly. Let us have a bit of fun with what we read. When we allow ourselves the luxury of spending time devoted to a book, why not have something to read that can be valued for its amusement as mush as its intellect?
On that note, I want to ask that you send me your personal book picks for 2006. No criteria or guidelines except for books you have read this year that have been memorable and worthy of recommending to others. If you can, share some thoughts about why you consider these books to be noteworthy. Over the next couple weeks, I will compile the recommendations and share what the collective community has created as our list of “Best Reads of 2006.” To share your book suggestions, you can post a comment on this blog or email me at carrie@litminds.org.
Two noticeable characteristics are that nearly every book has been hardcover and on each list, the authors are predominately male (the SF Chronicle’s list had 9 of 11 authors/editors whom are male). In contrast, most book buyers (including myself) are female and many published books, especially fiction, have been written by women. Additionally, paperback sales have been on the rise for several years, yet the best book lists have yet to adjust to this trend.
I understand there are many people in the book industry who reason that these lists represent the newly published (the majority of new books are still first published in hardcover) and the zenith of literary merit. Yet, I still wonder at the disparity between these lists and what is bought, read, and discussed by the majority of readers. When I read these lists, I want to find a book that I can buy and read or give to someone this week, not in several months time when the book arrives in paperback.
Very few of these books have yet to surprise or intrigue – many of these authors have been highlighted time and again as extraordinary writers. Where are the new, to-be-discovered authors? Where are the books written with a global and international perspective? How about books that extend beyond the traditional canon of literary achievement? Give me something that is fresh and inspiring, playful and provocative, irreverent and silly. Let us have a bit of fun with what we read. When we allow ourselves the luxury of spending time devoted to a book, why not have something to read that can be valued for its amusement as mush as its intellect?
On that note, I want to ask that you send me your personal book picks for 2006. No criteria or guidelines except for books you have read this year that have been memorable and worthy of recommending to others. If you can, share some thoughts about why you consider these books to be noteworthy. Over the next couple weeks, I will compile the recommendations and share what the collective community has created as our list of “Best Reads of 2006.” To share your book suggestions, you can post a comment on this blog or email me at carrie@litminds.org.
