Tuesday 11 December 2012

Top Ten New-To-Me Authors I Read In 2012


1. Craig Silvey. I read Jasper Jones in one day on my honeymoon and it instantly became one of my favourite books. I totally have an author crush on Mr Silvey, thanks in no small part to meeting him at an event for his novella, The Amber Amulet. I totally fangirled.

2. Kat Zhang. As I mentioned in my review, I had a lot of problems with Whats Left of Me, Zhangs debut novel, but I still loved it nonetheless. Theres something special about her storytelling ability, so Im looking forward to seeing what she does in the future.

3. Shirley Marr. I was first introduced to Ms Marr when I won a competition to have a cameo in her book, Preloved. I was beyond excited – even more so when I became friends with her on Goodreads (her author profile is sadly no longer active) and quickly discovered how witty, funny and lovely she is. I finally got around to reading both Fury and Preloved towards the end of the year, and adored them both!

4. Lauren Oliver. Ive had Olivers Delirium on my bookshelf for awhile and still havent read it, but I did manage to fly through Liesl and Po earlier in the year and thought it was absolutely beautiful. I really need to read more of Olivers books now!

5. Sarah Beth Durst. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Drink, Slay, Love; especially how funny it was. Considering how over all things vampire I am, I was very impressed that Durst delivered a fresh and fun take on the genre.

6. Vanessa Diffenbaugh. I finally read The Language of Flowers this year and it was every bit as emotional and beautiful as I expected it to be.

7. Alexander Masters. I dont often read non-fiction, but Masters biography of Stuart Shorter blew me away. It was clever, funny and incredibly raw (in a good way).

8. Kate Forsyth. Bitter Greens was a complex, gorgeous historical retelling of the Rapunzel story, which made me eager to try out some more of this talented Aussie authors work.

9. Gabrielle Williams. I wasnt really expecting to like The Reluctant Hallelujah, but it completely drew me in – and broke my heart. The writing was powerful and I loved the characters. I must check out more of Williams writing.

10. Katja Millay. The Sea of Tranquility has been getting a lot of buzz in the blogosphere, and for good reason – its a moving story about two broken people who are slowly helping each other to heal. It reminded me a lot of The Language of Flowers.

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

30 comments:

  1. I too really liked The Language of Flowers. I didn't expect to but I really did.

    Kate! I must read some more of her stuff. I loved The Puzzle Ring.

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  2. I was very confused for a second, because it's not Tuesday. But then I remembered that you're from the future (Australia.)!

    I want to read Shirley Marr so badly you don't even know. I feel like Australia is seriously holding out on us Americans with all your awesome awesome authors.

    I haven't read anything by Oliver besides Delirium. Reading it was sort of a chore, but then I switched to the audio and I loved it. The narrator really changed everything for me.

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    1. Yep, I'm totally a time traveler ;)
      I know a lot of US reviewers get Aussie books from https://www.fishpond.com.au/
      That's interesting about Delirium. I haven't tried an audio book before, I keep meaning to give them a go.

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  3. I've only read Lauren Oliver, but the rest sound really good. I am going to start The Sea of Tranquility this week and I can't wait.

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  4. Love Ms. Shirley. I've been DYING to read Bitter Greens ever since your review. Rapunzel + Ever After? Count me in! Mandee sent me The Reluctant Hallelujah and I'm so excited read that soon.

    -Maggie

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  5. Okay, I clearly need to read all of these authors because out of the (pitiful grand total of 2) authors that I HAVE had the pleasure of reading... I LOVE THEM!

    Lauren Oliver writes the most beautiful words ever ever ever and I hope you get to experience her other books soon! AHH I JUST ADORE HER. (Also, I have not yet read Pandemonium. Shhh.)

    And Sarah Beth Durst is both sweet and hilarious. I wasn't expecting to enjoy Drink, Slay, Love as much as I did either but OMG <3 The SNARK!

    Great list, Belle! :)

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    1. Thanks Sonia! I hope you enjoy some of these authors if you get the chance to read them :)

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  6. I still need to read 'Delirium' and I'll have to check out the other books you mentioned too!
    My TTT list: http://aliceinreaderland.wordpress.com/2012/12/10/top-ten-favorite-new-to-me-authors-i-read-in-2012/

    Alice @ Alice in Readerland

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    1. Glad I'm not the only person who still hasn't read Delirium ;)

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  7. Have to comment on your background- love her work! And she is SUPER nice- we're friends on Facebook and Instagram, haha. Is this a custom piece, or just one of her prints?

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    1. Hi Christine - it's an awesome illo. It's not custom unfortunately, just a template.

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  8. Well I am instantly compelled by any post that begins with a gif of RDJ. Then I see Jasper Jones at the top of your list and think, hello! I'm looking forward to reading Bitter Greens which I've been hearing raves about through the Australian Women Writers Challenge - are you taking part in that? http://australianwomenwriters.com/2013-challenge/

    Anyway, here's my list: http://annabelsmith.tumblr.com/post/37662640254/authors-discovered-2012

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    1. Yes, I took part this year and will definitely take part again next year. It's a great challenge.

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  9. Great list Belle! I too love Mr Silvey and dear Shirely :)

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  10. I really need to read Lauren Oliver. I've heard great things about her work. Great list!

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  11. Lauren Oliver's writing is simply amazing! I really enjoyed Delirium, Pandemonium, and Before I Fall. I'm dying to read The Sea of Tranquility; it's been getting so many rave reviews. Thanks for stopping by!

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    1. Good to know you enjoyed those books. The Sea of Tranquility is great!

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  12. Shirley Marr is so lovely & I wish she was still on GR! I really need to read Preloved, I did enjoy Fury. :)

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    1. Yes it was really sad that she had to leave.

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  13. Liesl & Po was great :) I loved the pictures! I'm planning to read What's left of me next year and Sarah Beth Durst is also on the list for my reading challenges. Great picks :)

    Mel@thedailyprophecy.

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    1. Yes, the illustrations made it extra special :)

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  14. I love both Kate and Shirley. :) I'm not a big fan of Lauren Oliver's Delirium, but I do like the look of Liesl and Po. :)

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    1. I loved Liesl and Po, but my husband couldn't finish it. Said it was too predictable for him. I liked the magic and the way it dealt with grief.

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  15. I enjoyed Kat Zhang's debut as well, although i wished there had been more setting detail. The characters felt real and familiar, and the concept was very disurbing. Great list! Here's Ours

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    1. I didn't really have a problem with the setting. I'm not usually that big on setting descriptions anyway. But it was a great read!

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