We’ve posted the long and interesting—if we do say so ourselves—second part of our collection of quirky awards, well-intended celebrations, and honorable mentions of some of the best books that we think deserve some extra accolades this past year. We hope you will read through them, send a link to others, spread the word. If we can honor these good publishers by buying some of the more interesting books they’ve released this year, that is a helpful thing. Vote in the marketplace, as they say. Thanks for caring, for being book-loving, for your edgy willingness to read real books.
So: here’s an award to you all (very, very sincerely given) for your willingness to read our stuff, your support of our bookstore, your interest in indie shopping, your commitments to read widely. We think God is glorified when people think well, learn deeply, love much. We think this year gave us some great resources to help us along the way.
Here is how the Best Books (Part Two) column starts. You can read the rest over at the January 2010 monthly review column here at our website.
Well, friends, welcome back from the awards show intermission. We hope you had a
good stretch. Thank your seat fillers, and settle in for the second part of our
2009 ceremony. It will be an exciting time, without commercial breaks. We think
you will enjoy it. Thanks for joining us for the remainder of our celebration.
Let’s bring on the dignitaries, and break out the award medals. Figuratively
speaking, that is… SEE THE WHOLE LIST HERE.
I did read June Bug. I lent it to a friend who was disappointed that it is compared to Les Mis. I would disregard that point on the back of the book. But, it is a very good book and one of the best fiction books I’ve read this year. I do recommend it and what I liked most about it was that it was good writing and an interesting premise. The novel keeps you engaged so that you don’t want to skip any parts or skim to find out what happens at the end.
The Familiar Stranger is another well written novel by a Christian publisher that I read this year. The writing again was very good compared to many of the books I read–though I think June Bug’s writing was better.
I didn’t realize Chris Fabry (June Bug) had written another book. Thank you for mentioning that!
The heck with quiet applause. This deserves a standing ovation.A magisterial sweeping survey…. I’ll post it and also send it to a few of my book loving friends.
Thanks for this labor of love.
The only thing that I disagree with at a casual skim read is giving Seth Godin’s All Marketers Tell Stories the best business book fo the year. I thought this book is one of his weaker ones.
Brian
Byron, thanks for the kind mention of “Clutching Dust and Stars” — wow!
Peace, Laryn