Today I share with you my top ten fiction reads of 2010. I know I only listed my top seven the past few days in the young adult and non-fiction best of lists but hey, I just can’t whittle it down any more. Plus, it’s my birthday. So deal with it. Here are my top 10 of 2o10:
Cleopatra’s Daughter by Michelle Moran
I don’t read a lot of historical fiction but this book made me think that I should. It also made me want to eventually read the rest of the books by this author. Moran crafted a beautiful and wonderfully told story about Cleopatra’s daughter and the mystery and intrigue of the Roman empire after being captured after the suicide death of her parents.
The characters were all so read and vivid and the intrigue always kept me wanting more. It was also well researched, always important and makes the book that much better.
Baba Yaga Laid an Egg by Dubravka Ugresic
This book is part of the Canongate Myth series and is by one of my favorite authors. It doesn’t get much better than that does it? The story is basically a retelling of the myths surrounding Baba Yaga.
The book deals with subjects such as age, femininity, family, commitments, and travel. There are three completely separate parts that are tied together loosely based on history and the myths and it was really such a new way to write a story, and so freshly told, that I couldn’t get enough.
Waiting for Columbus by Thomas Trofimuk
This book came highly recommended and I seriously cannot help but agree and pass that on. This is the story of a man who turns up at a mental institution claiming to be Christopher Columbus. The odd thing is, though, that he also recognizes current history and periods. So he thinks that he is Columbus but also that there are things like phones and televisions and the like.
In the end he has to face his past and see his delusions for what they are, but what brings us to that moment, the entire novel, is so beautifully written that I couldn’t get enough of it.
The Handbook for Lightning Strike Survivors by Michele Young-Stone
A fantastically told story of two different people (Buckley and Becca) who are struck by lightning. The two stories remain separate until finally they come together to a dramatic conclusion.
Interspersed through the book are facts and figures about being struck by lightning and for survivors from a fictional handbook that Buckley wrote. Not only that, the author herself is a lightning strike survivor!
I Do Not Come to You by Chance by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani
The story of a young Nigerian man who is trying his best to get a job to help support his family. His parents believe firmly in the value of education and hard work and have worked hard to get to where they are now. They don’t seem to understand or realize that things aren’t as simple in present day Nigeria.
When his mother falls ill and the family is left struggling to pay the bills, Kingsley ends up working for his uncle, a 419er (internet scammer). The story was well told and believable and we can’t help but feel for Kinglsey throughout and continue to root for him even as he makes these decisions.
Measuring Time by Helon Habila
My first introduction to Habila’s works, the second you will see farther down this list 
The story of twin boys in Nigeria who grow up without a mother and one of whom has sickle-cell anemia. The brothers are always trying to figure out how they can become famous and eventually decide that they can do so by becoming war heroes.
The sick twin ends up being unable to leave and so must stay in his village while the healthy twin runs away to find a war. The book follows the story of both brothers through their lives. Incredible writing and points throughout.
Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
I am sure that you are all surprised to see my favorite author of all time on this list I’ve mentioned before that I am rationing her books – I read one in 2009, one in 2010, and have one left to read in 2011. I certainly hope she comes out with a new one soon as her works are incredible and varied.
This book is the story of the Biafran war in Nigeria in the 1960s. The characters are all so vivid, the imagery is incredible, the emotions are real, and it is all based on a true event. On top of that, this book made me think about a lot of things.
A beautifully evocative story about an intersex baby born in 1960s Labrador, Canada. The book follows Wayne as he grows up and as he comes to understand and learn about the Annabel side of his life and personality. It is a coming of age story but also a story about living as an intersex child back then and of learning to stand on your own.
The writing in this book is incredible and I can well understand why it was up for so many prizes here in Canada. Labrador is so vividly written that it seems like another character, and makes me even want to go there some day.
Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg
This book was incredible. I have yet to review it because I am having such a hard time coming up with the words to describe it. Both a book about Jess and her struggles as a young butch in a working class neighborhood, being able to come out and live her life, as well as a story about the political oppression and solidarity of the time.
The book is brutal and horrifying and honest and truly a difficult read. I challenge anyone to read it without crying, I don’t think it is possible. The book truly shows what the gay community faced in the 1960s and how even the gay rights and feminist movements excluded butches.
Another novel that was hard to write about. This is the story of a young Nigerian journalist who is on his way through the delta in search of a kidnapped British woman. The book gives a clear look at oil, corruption, environmental degradation, repression, and the daily lives of many around the globe who suffer because of the dual yoke of repressive governments and Western big business interests.
Habila is now firmly entrenched on my list of favorite authors (as the only male!) and I am looking forward to reading his next book. He writes wonderfully and takes current issues and makes them so relevant and arresting.
Close runner ups that almost made my list include In the Eye of the Sun by Ahdaf Soueif, Nikolski by Nicolas Dickner, The Loved One by Evelyn Waugh, The Tricking of Freya by Christina Sunley, and The Prophet of Zongo Street by Mohammed Naseehu Ali (which I have yet to review).
So there you have my top fiction books of 2010. Have you read any of these? What do you think?
Want to win one of these books to see if you agree or disagree with me? Fill out this form! I will give away one copy of a book of your choice to one winner. (Open internationally to anyone, contest closes at midnight AST on January 11th)
