Well, this is not really a list of my top ten books of last year; because that would be tough so maybe the title is misleading in a way. But it is definitely ten (*2) of the many books I loved and enjoyed last year. They range from picture books to serious reads; from chick flicks to nonfiction; and more. This one goes towards Top Ten Tuesday over at ThatArtsyReaderGirl

Top 20 Books of Last Year

1. Absurd Words (Children’s nonfiction for 8 – 12 years, and up!): A must-read for verbomaniacs everywhere! (review post)
2. Around the World in 80 Books (Literary Travel): A very cool ‘books about books’ + a unique ‘travel book’ for both lovers of literature and travel! (review post)
3. Bravely (Teen and YA Fiction/Fantasy):  I loved Bravely from the very first line to the end.
4. Crushing (Graphic Novels for 16+ years): A powerful story that speaks volumes despite its lack of (or really minimal amount of) words.  (review post)
5. The Elephant Girl (Children’s fiction based on true events): Heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time; inspiring and uplifting; empowering, entertaining, and educational… (review post)
6. Everything in Its Place (Children’s fiction for 3 – 7 years, and up): A book about libraries and finding your place! Of course I loved it! (review post)
7. The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea (Teen and YA Fantasy): So very lyrical and fanciful! A must read book. (review post)
8. Hana’s Suitcase (Children’s Nonfiction, 8 – 12 years, and up): Both heartbreaking and heartwarming, this book is a truly moving true story.
9. Home is Not a Country (Teen and YA Poetry): Simply beautiful!! Get it for yourself, or for that reluctant young reader you know (and for yourself) now (review post)
10. Honor (Fiction): A book I am yet to review and hope to soon. Raw, honest, uplifting and provoking, beautiful overall. It was in my most anticipated reads list last year and deservedly so.
11. I’ll Go and Come Back (Children’s Multicultural/Multigenerational Books, 3 – 7 years, and up): As I said in my earlier one-word review post here, this one is “heartwarm-algic!”
12. Lemonade: and Other Poems Squeezed from a Single Word (Poetry books for children of all ages): Brilliant!! A get it and read it now book! (review post)
13. The Lost Language (Children’s Novel in Verse, 8 – 12 years, and up): Heartwarming, shining with hope and sincerity, and so very real. A book for all ages that you will finish in one sitting and remember for a long time. (review post)
14. Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy (Graphic Novel Adaptation, 8 – 12 years, and up): A Little Women retelling that is a must-read. Check out my review post here.
15. My Sister’s Big Fat Indian Wedding (Teen and YA Multicultural Fiction): Heartwarming and vibrant! (review post)
16. The Ogress and the Orphans (Middle Grade Fiction/Fantasy (10 – 18 years, and up!!) : A must-must-must-read. You will fly through the 400 pages of the book in no time; and then want to keep reading. (review post)
17. Soaring in Style (Children’s Biographies, 6 – 9 years, and up): Read it and be inspired to more heights (review post)
18. Song of the Old City (Children’s Fiction, 3 – 7 years, and up): A wonderful read (my thoughts here)
19. Unsettled (Children’s Novels in Verse, 8 – 12 years, and up): A warm and wonderful read (my review post)
20. Where We Come From (Children’s Nonfiction, 5 – 10 years, and up): One for all ages (read my post about this here)

And Now, the End of This Post

Dear reader, have you read any of these books? Which book(s) were among your favorites last year? Do share your top reads with me. I would love to hear your thoughts on any of the books you have read from this list, and any similar recommendations as well as your own choices.

Also working on the Ultimate Blog Challenge this month though I may be away from my laptop for a few days later this week so will catch up on posting /commenting later.