i read 50 books this year and i’m going to share my top 10 and what i loved most about them (in no particular order)
1. writers & lovers by lily king - this book legitimately changed my life by reminding me of how desperate i am to lead a creative life. there are certain books that make you want to be a writer. this is one. featuring clean-cut, economical prose that gets straight to the point, and the point is diving into one of the most compelling characters i’ve had the honor to spend a story with. i read it twice this year because i will never be ready to part with this main character.
2. last night at the telegraph club by malinda lo - this was a reread for me and i appreciated it infinitely more the second time. the vividness of the writing strikes me as a particular triumph of this work. you can feel every emotion, see and hear every setting. that and a deeply engaging narrative make it one of those books that i continue to think about constantly.
3. crush by richard siken - my favorite poetry collection i have read, and reread, both within this year. he is one of those writers that reminds you how amazing it is to be a human that can feel and say so much. sharp images, glorious repitition, and stunning formatting that has inspired much of my own adventure into the world of unique poetic structure on the page.
4. homegoing by yaa gyasi - probably one of the most ingenious books i have ever read. to this day i fail to understand how it is possible to cover so much in so few pages and not leave the reader feeling like something is missing, but she certainly does it. sweeping multi-generational story where each chapter reads like both an exquisite short story that could stand on its own and a part of the richly woven whole. phenomenal novel that i wholeheartedly believe will be a classic in the future.
5. the idiot by elif batuman - another character that weaseled her way into my brain and has never left. a plotless, indulgent, meandering character study that struck such a cord with me. i read this at the exact right time in my life and for the week that i was making my way through it, there was no distinction between the narrator and myself in my mind. i don’t know how to explain this, but i was narrating my own life through this character’s eyes. captivating.
6. piranesi by susanna clarke - an exemplary work of fantasy that explores the nuances of knowledge and gratitude, balancing expertly between critiquing the pursuit of knowledge and power and exalting wonder, curiosity, and science. a book written in journal entries which flows perfectly and never feels choppy. leaves you thinking differently about the world.
7. open water by caleb azumah nelson - a short novella you can read in a day, and you will have to, as it is so enchanting and haunting that you cannot stop. it fully took over my mind until i finished it. it features second person narration which creates an unmatched level of closeness between reader and narrator. triumphantly evocative, intimate, and precise prose. the most poetic novel(la) i’ve had the pleasure of reading since on earth we’re briefly gorgeous.
8. the great believers by rebecca makkai - the highlight of this book is the dense prose; every sentence feels perfectly chosen and hits you just as hard as the last. there is never a break, never a breather from the stunning writing. for that reason it is a slow book to move through, but in the best way. also accomplishes using dual pov/timelines in a way that does not detract from the fluidity of the work. very heavy subject matter but imbued with hope, gratitude, and affection.
9. the starless sea by erin morgenstern - prior to reading piranesi, this was my favorite fantasy read of the year. the world is so engrossing and the formatting of the novel is unique and inventive. vivid world builidng and a meandering, cris-crossing plot that enthralls from the beginning. an ode to humanity and the interconnectedness of the stories we tell.
10. babel by r.f. kuang - a lengthy novel that is well worth the time it takes, featuring a slate of morally ambiguous young people bumping up against the limits of their social power. similarly to piranesi, it embraces curiosity, drive, passion, and learning while chastising the intrenchment of power in academia. kuang cements herself as figurehead of the historical fantasy subgenre, tapping into its full potential.
Corlys Velaryon sitting oblivious at the head of the family dinner table, while the family at said dinner table consists of;
• Laenor, his gay son
• Qarl Correy, household knight and very, very close friend of said gay son
• Rhaenyra Targaryen, Princess of Dragonstone, Heir to the Iron Throne, his gay son’s wife, and his daughter Laena’s very, very close friend
• Laenor and Rhaenyra’s sons who look nothing like anyone in either House Velaryon or Targaryen
• Ser Harwin Strong, his daughter-in-law’s sworn sword and very, very close friend, who coincidentally looks very like Corlys’ grandsons
• Laena, his daughter
• Prince Daemon Targaryen, his daughter’s husband who is also (1) her cousin (2) his daughter-in-law’s uncle (3) who said daughter-in-law is very, very close to
• Their daughters
• Rhaenys, his wife, objectively the coolest woman in Westeros, who has flowcharts and a short essay on what a ‘polycule’ is stashed away for the day Corlys actually twigs
warmfoothills (@forestgreenlesbian here on tumblr) is one of the greatest fanfiction writers I’ve ever read, in Harry/Draco fandom or anywhere. I’ve bookmarked more stories written by her than any other author, and I love them all. warmfoothills reminds me of a fannish Jane Austen: the rich and nuanced way she captures every character and relationship; how deftly she balances sincere emotion and bright, kind-hearted humor; the brilliant references to other works and genres. Her writing is a vivid celebration of love and friendship, a tribute to the joys of shipping two characters who often live in dark, angsty places–not because she ignores that darkness, but because her work is so lovely and humane.
As soon as I decided to take up ficbinding, I knew I needed a warmfoothills anthology because I return to her stories again and again. The binding is a variation on a secret Belgian binding that was inspired by Japanese stab binding. Here’s what’s inside:
A lovely, intimate eighth year fic that does a wonderful job of showing Harry’s and Draco’s apprehension about returning to Hogwarts after the war. Plus some very charming Romeo and Juliet references!
I. LOVE. THIS. FIC. It features two of my favorite things–Draco helping the Golden Trio hunt for horcruxes and time loops. It’s funny and thrilling and bittersweet. My favorite Christmas fic of all time!
Oh man, this one has to be my favorite. Feat. Draco “slumming it” in Notting Hill and working at a preppy Muggle bar for purely existential reasons, and a very persistent Harry. It’s the best character study of post-war Draco that I’ve ever read. Really moody without ever feeling overworked, and remarkable attention to detail. A perfect fic, easily one of my favorite fics of all time.
No one does fluff like warmfoothills. Fluff is always lovely, but she really elevates it to a place of high art. This story has everything: period drama references, romantic comedy, found family, meta, and facials. It’s pure sunshine in written form. 10/10!
Draco is an astronaut who has to move to Florida, and after they break up Harry can’t let him go. I love established relationship Harry/Draco, and this fic is so well-done. It does such a beautiful job capturing the yearning of a long-distance relationship.
The ultimate “oh my god they were roommates” fic! Everyone lives at Grimmauld place and it’s great. Unbelievably funny and charming and hot, plus the best Ginny I’ve ever read and fantastic hints of Ginny/Luna. Seriously, it’s a perfect fic, and another of my Drarry GOATs.
