My Top Ten Books of 2008
Posted by pete in General, Literature, News, Reviews on December 26th, 2008
Well fellow monster fans we are approaching the end of one year and the dawn of another and what a crazy year it’s been and most of it not in a good way. That’s why books are so important to me. They give me much needed time away from what a disaster this world has become. I can loose myself in these fabulous worlds that these writer’s create and hide away from the real monsters that haunt us; our gov’t, federal and local; our justice system who continue to release monsters onto the streets on a daily basis, the list goes on and on.
I have decided to present a list of my own that will hopefully pique your interest enough to try one of these books. Turn off the TV and video game for a while and give books a chance, they are your best source for outstanding entertainment. You get to exercise the most important part of your body; your brain. You can travel to far away lands and different worlds, you get to mingle with unbelievable people, you get to be the good guy or the bad guy (whichever you prefer); you get to battle monsters, demons and the scariest people this side of Congress. But mostly you get the feeling of being part of something special between you and the author and that my friend cannot be duplicated.
But first I would like to thank Famous Monsters of Filmland for allowing me to work with them in this little section. It has been absolutely fabulous and has been a blast. I have gotten to meet so many new and interesting people that otherwise I would not have. I would like to also thank the publishers and writers for taking time out of their busy schedules to email or talk to me. Without them this all could not be possible. I would like to extend a special thanks to Dorchester Publishing, specifically Erin Galloway for everything they have done for me. Erin has arranged the interviews with the authors (a lot more are coming after the new year) and she has kept me up to date on all that is happening in their Horror line. If there is anyone I missed I apologize, it wasn’t done intentionally.
Now for better or for worse My Top Ten Books of 2008
1. Bram Stoker’s Notes for Dracula: Facsimile Edition - Robert Eighteen-Bisang and Elizabeth MIller - The absolute must companion piece for Bram Stoker’s epic tale. A mind boggling journey through Bram Stoker’s handwritten notes. A must book to own if you own Dracula. Read my review here.
2. Found You - Mary SanGiovanni - The absolutely stunning follow up to her first novel The Hollower. The best first chapter of a book I have read in some years. See my review here and my interview with Mary here.
3. Duma Key - Stephen King - Another horror masterpiece from the legend himself. Mr. King returns to his horror roots in grand fashion. This is one scary book.
4. Just After Sunset - Stephen King - A new short story collection from the master. You must read What They Left Behind…one of the best short stories ever written…period.
5. Your Heart Belongs to Me - Dean Koontz - Another breathtaking thriller by Mr. Koontz. You will never look at yourself in the mirror the same way again.
6. The Fly At Fifty - Diane Kachmar & David D. Goudsward - The authoritative work on this Sci-Fi classic. Read my review and author interview here. Read my interview with David Hedison here.
7. Elsewhere - Peter William Blatty - The man who brought us The Exorcist returns with a an absolutely riveting ghost story. Read my review here.
8. The Reach - Nate Kenyon - Mr. Kenyon returns with his second novel. A terrific tale of a young girl with the power to destroy the wold. Read my review here.
9. Crimson - Gord Rollo - Due to be released in March 2009 but since I read an ARC this year I had to put it in my list. A fantastic coming of age book with a little bit of everything for every horror fan. Read my review here. Author interview coming soon.
10. Black Cathedral - L.H. Maynard & M.P.N. Sims - If you like haunted house stories put this amazing book on your list. One of the most frightening books of the year. Review coming soon.
Honorable Mentions - Moontown by Peter Atkins; People Are Strange by James Newman; Tower Hill by Sarah Pinborough; Covenant by John Everson; Bloodstone by Nate Kenyon
That does it for 2008. I want to wish all you monster fans a safe and Happy New Year and may 2009 be a great year for everyone. I will return in 2009 with more Terror Tales.
Thank You
Peter D. Schwotzer
