10 Favorites from 2011

Out of the 95 books read in 2010, I had to choose 10 favorites. Seriously. Seriously?

It was really, really hard. Really hard. But here they be. (Re-reads are not eligible.)

1. Between Shades of Gray, by Ruta Sepetys (YA Historical Fiction)
1. Heartwrenching and convicting, I couldn't tear myself away, and I'll never forget it.
2. A Countess Below Stairs, by Eva Ibbotson (YA Historical Fiction)
1. It's laugh-out-loud funny, utterly romantic, it's a magical story I'll read forever.
3. Scumble, by Ingrid Law (MG Magical Realism)
1. The writing is vivid. The characters are real. And the story touched my heart.
4. The Knife of Never Letting Go, by Patrick Ness (YA Science Fiction/Dystopian)
1. Everything about this book is unique. And brilliant. And heart-pounding.
5. Immanuel's Veins, by Ted Dekker (Adult Paranormal) 
1. This is how vampires should be. A page-turning romance that left me breathless.
6. Go Down Together: The Untold Story of Bonnie and Clyde, by Jeff Guinn (Adult Non-Fiction) 
1. History isn't boring. I couldn't put it down, and I almost cried at the end. Worth it.
7. The Priest's Graveyard, by Ted Dekker (Adult Thriller)
1. Dekker has the thriller down, and he sure knows how to write a twist.
8. Forest Born, by Shannon Hale (YA Fantasy)
1. Eloquent prose and real-to-life characters, this fairy-tale quietly captures your heart.
9. Starcrossed, by Elizabeth C. Bunce (YA Fantasy) 
1. Masterful world-building, brilliant plotting, and a unique story. Can't wait for more!
10. Chalice, by Robin McKinley (YA Fantasy)
1. Prose like a painting and romance like mist, this is pure literary beauty.