Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about the ‘best’ books'.
There’s been some discussion on my blog this week about what should or shouldn’t make a ‘best' books’ list. What elements do you think lands a book in that ‘best’ category? Think of your top 5 best books and tune in next week to see the collated list.
What should or shouldn't make a 'best' book? I'm sure this is a question that will stump many readers anytime. And the same goes to naming your top 20 or top 5 list. That said, there are a few elements that definitely make a book stand out among the rest: plot, characterisation, writing style and of course, a simply great story that will linger in your mind for a long time; one which you would gush and rush to recommend to anyone who has (yet to) read it.
As for my top 5 best books, there are just too many on my list, thus I will only name a few titles which I read so far this year (not in any order):
~ Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters
~ Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane
~ Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols
~ The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
What about you?
Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia from The Printed Page where readers will share about the books that they received last week.
Here's what I received last week:
1) The Queen of Palmyra by Minrose Gwin (ARC)
What books came into your house last week?
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I have The Queen of Palmyra, too, and I look forward to sharing thoughts with you as we read it. It looked like a great read, didn't it?
I'm tempted to read Shutter Island, too, although I'd be far too freaked out to see the film. ;)
I haven't read any of the books on your best of list, but I really want to read Shutter Island. The Queen of Palmyra looks so good. Enjoy!
I think you captured my thoughts about what would make a "best" book, Melody. It's hard to define it, I think, because it's such a subjective choice.
I hope you enjoy your new book, Melody!
I received The Revolutionary Paul Revere.
Oh, I am sure that none of the books I read this year would make my top 5....maybe one might make the top 50..maybe.
Dolce Bellezza - Indeed the premise sounds good! I can't wait to read it!
I cannot wait to watch Shutter Island! I think it opens this week so I'll have to ask the hubs to go with me. ;)
Kathy - I hope you'll read Shutter Island soon! It's so intense!
Wendy - Indeed! Every reader has their own opinions of their best books, and I'm glad we share the same thoughts.
Pussreboots - I've not heard of that one, so I'll have to check it out. Happy reading!
Caite - LOL. I know, that's too tough!
I've read the top 2 of your list and liked them a lot. Enjoy your new books!
The only one on your list that I've read is Jenna Fox (which I loved), but I definitely want to read the others as well. I love that your best of the year thus far are so extremely varied!
The Queen of Palmyra arrived at my house as well. You received some wonderful sounding novels. Happy reading. My Monday: http://www.rundpinne.com/2010/04/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-12.html
I've yet to read your top 5 books, but they all seem like really great reads judging from your reviews of them. :)
I can't list 5, the others will get jealous. [Here's Mine].
Great list and your mailbox book looks intriguing. My Monday posts are at The Crowded Leaf.
The Queen of Palmyra looks good. I'll have to put it on my wish list(gosh that list is getting long!) Have a great week!
Choosing best books ever is so hard isn't it? I think I change my mind about my absolute favorites on a daily basis :)
Tipping the Velvet was wonderful. So far this year one of my favorites has been Still Alice by Lisa Genova. I still have to review it but it was wonderful.
I've only read one of your favourites do date, but the others are all on my list!
I need to read Shutter Island. I agree, a story that lingers in your mind and has you gushing over it is a great read :)
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
The Jenna Fox book was great. It really is hard to think about why some of my all-time faves made it into that category.
Enjoy your new book!
--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
I'm glad SHUTTER ISLAND made it to the list! :D
There are too many best books to chose from, and I'm afraid that if I listed them then their butt would sleep teehee. Congrats on the top 5 as your best books :)