Hello. Long time lurker from the wotmania days. First time posting on RAFO. I've managed to knock out 57 books so far this year, which is the most I've read in many years, so I figured I'd be able to narrow it down to 10 (I did combine a couple series) for this post. Here goes...

10. Carrie - Stephen King

King's first novel. I've never even seen the movie so this is definitely the oldest first time read on my list. Very good but disturbing story. I've read many King novels and would have to say this one ranks near the top.

9. The Myron Bolitar Series - Harlan Coben

I went through this entire (at present) nine book series in 2010 and really enjoyed each installment. These standalone novels typically revolve around sports agent / private investigator Myron Bolitar helping his client out of a jam, whether it's a murder rap or a kidnapping. The books are very fast paced, short and funny. Highly recommended if you're looking for a quick and easy read.

8. Ford County - John Grisham

I am a big Grisham fan. Love the legal thrillers. However, Grisham goes in a different direction with this collection of short stories by writing about his fictional Ford County and not necessarily focusing on legal fiction. Another quick, enjoyable read.

7. Summer Knight - Jim Butcher

I'm slowly working my way through the Dresden Files. I read two this year (the other was Death Masks). Quick and fun urban fantasy. I plan to gradually work my way through this entire series as I've heard good things.

6. The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy - Douglas Adams

I did see this movie before ever reading the book. I liked the movie and, after reading the book, thought they did a pretty good job of adapting the novel. I can definitely appreciate this book being recognized as a science fiction classic. Mr. Adams had a fine sense of humor (sorry, should I use humour on this board?)

5. The Confession - John Grisham

Another Grisham novel. This one received mixed reviews but I'm a pretty loyal reader and really felt Grisham was sending a strong message with this work. For those that haven't read this one, Grisham asks what would happen if an condemned man was proven innocent but was granted no reprieve. My personal opposition to the death penalty was further strengthened by this book. One innocent condemned to death is one too many. It's sad to think it's possible this exact scenario has played out in real life many times.

4. The Way Of Kings - Brandon Sanderson

The Way Of Kings may have been the most hyped fantasy novel of the year. I really enjoyed this book and could tell Sanderson has a plan to build an impressive world with the Stormlight Archive. That being said, I thought the pacing was a little slow, given the size of this book. I still see a bright future for the series and will be getting book two the day it is released.

3. The Lincoln Lawyer / The Brass Verdict - Michael Connelly

Being a big fan of the legal thrillers, I could not put down these two books. I had read a couple of Connelly's novels prior to these two books but they were crime fiction. Mickey Haller, the main protagonist, is an L.A. lawyer who does most of his work out of his car. In addition to being fast paced and fun reads, Connelly fans that have yet to discover these books will enjoy the crossover with his more famous character, Harry Bosch. Not sure what to think about the upcoming movie adaptation of the first novel with Matthew McConaughey.

2. The Book Of Basketball - Bill Simmons

Full disclosure here. I am a "Hoosier", meaning I was born with a basketball in my hand. I was a decent player back in the day, which is almost a requirement for anyone born in the great state of Indiana. My interest in basketball, particularly on the professional level, has waned in my adult years. Despite this, Simmons 800+ page tome provides a great basketball fix, examining the players and league throughout the decades. He mixes in a lot of humor (some of it many would consider pretty crude) to create a great experience for many basketball fans.

1. Towers Of Midnight - Robert Jordan / Brandon Sanderson

I know, I know. This one's probably pretty lame to some of you. I've read a lot of fantasy throughout the years. I've discovered many new and interesting works that I have enjoyed. Still, none of these works tops Wheel Of Time for me. I know it's popularity on the boards has declined as many people have moved on to works they have deemed superior (Erikson, Martin, etc.). Since Martin will never finish his series and I'm waiting for The Crippled God before I start Erikson, I am sticking with the Wheel Of Time for now, especially since I know the series will be done within 18 months. I've invested so much time into these books so perhaps I'm grading on a curve a bit here. We all know Jordan hit a wall in this series. I do think he was turning the corner with Knife Of Dreams and it was very sad that he was unable to complete his masterpiece. That being said, I feel Sanderson is doing a damn fine job filling some pretty big shoes. Maybe someday I will find a fantasy work that surpasses this one. Maybe I won't.

---

So there it is. My list for 2010, barring a miraculous effort over the next couple hundred pages by Charles Dickens' A Tale Of Two Cities (no, I'm not reading it because Oprah said so; I've had it on my Nook for quite some time). I know that my tastes in "literature" are not on par with most of the avid readers on this site and that my preferences tend to lean towards books that perhaps aren't quite as cerebral as many of the recommendations I see on here. I have read many of the recommendations provided over the years and have enjoyed some, but not others. I make no criticisms with these comments. Just wanting to explain the reasoning for my selections.

I look forward to participating on this site a little more in the future. I am really excited about the 2011 challenges post from last week and shall be participating. Thanks for looking. Look forward to the feedback.