Well, the quantity of responses was a little disappointing, I admit. BUT the quality of the responses was anything but. Each response I got for the “Best of” categories listed warranted either an immediate “Oh, yeah” or an “Ooh, I have to check that out” from me. So kudos to the respondents who were nice enough to participate.
And now, the list:
Best Fiction:
Bestseller by Keith Latch: A horror novel in e-book form, this was an area of unplumbed depths for me. Thanks for eBookguru for the recommendation.
The A Song of Ice and Fire series, by George R.R. Martin: This recommendation for this epic fantasy series also comes from eBookguru.
Best Non-Fiction:
Three Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin: Although technically published in 2006, reader Jill read it in 2008 and loved it. I also read it in 2008 and was utterly blown away by the story, uncomplicatedly told, of Greg Mortenson’s journey from mountain climber to advocate for promoting girls’ education and literacy through his Central Asia Institute organization.
Best Music:
Everything That Happens Will Happen Today – David Byrne and Brian Eno. Reader Pam sums it up when she calls it “some yummy, brainy, infectious popaliciousness!”
Best Movies:
WALL-E (story by Andrew Stanton and Pete Docter, screenplay by Andrew Stanton and Jim Reardon): eBookguru thought this was one of the best films of 2008, and I have to agree. How does a film with so few words qualify as great writing? From the story, which transcended time and genre to transport kids and grown-ups alike.
Rachel Getting Married (screenplay by Jenny Lumet): Reader Jill voted for this film as one of the year’s best, because “I loved the characters who play against type.”
Now, for all you readers who perhaps partook of a little too much eggnog or were busy having family time, and didn’t get the chance to put your two cents worth in, I will still accept your recommendations! It is never too late (unless of course you’re writing about something from 2009, in which case it will have to wait).
Tags: Best of, Brian Eno, David Byrne, entertainment, Fiction, George R.R. Martin, Greg Mortenson, Keith Latch, Lists, movies, music, Nonfiction, Rachel Getting Married, WALL-E, Writing
WordHappy 
January 2, 2009 at 7:42 pm
I love it when my vote counts for something. 🙂
Just a suggestion – whenever you make a post requesting repsonses. Take the time to comment on 25 to 50 other blogs. You will get more comments that way. Our site is getting close to 200 hits a day from my own meanderings around the world of WordPress.com.
I faved your blog in Technorati…
Cheers,
Trevas
January 2, 2009 at 8:24 pm
Thanks for the advice, Trevas. This was my first foray into a fully-reader-led post. I have much to learn:).
January 2, 2009 at 9:09 pm
If it’s not too late to add one more recommendation, I’d like to add Leif Enger’s “So Brave, Young and Handsome” to the Best of 2008 list! I finally read it very late in December – and enjoyed it so much I’m thinking of writing Enger a fan letter……..something I RARELY do!
January 3, 2009 at 1:38 am
my nominees in books published in 2008?
1- The Hemingses of Monticello by Annette Gordon Reed http://is.gd/erEe
I read a fair amount of colonial American history and had already read a fair amount on the Hemings – Jefferson “scandal”. Gordon Reed presents the most cogent arguments to date that Thomas Jefferson & Sally Hemings had a decades-long relationship.
2- The Principles of Uncertainity by Maria Kalman http://www.powells.com/biblio/1-9781594201349-0 The publisher’s blurb is dead on, believe it or not.