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In a year that brought us movies like Son of the Mask and Duece Bigalow: European Gigolo, it’s hard to believe that anything of value surfaced in 2005. But our experts have sifted through the crap. Here’s what they say kicked the most ass in the year that was...
ACCORDING TO KELSEY HAYES
5. Christ the Lord, by Anne Rice
Critics mostly skewered this novel, but I have to toss Rice props for her chutzpah when it came to writing about such sensitive subject matter. After years of penning novels about vampires and witches, Rice finally tackles the life of Christ with admirable sensitivity and wonder.
4. Shalimar the Clown, by Salman Rushdie
I praised this book in a review earlier this year and still love it. Any sort of political statement that's made about the Middle East is relevant now, and the way Rushdie presents his narrative is very engaging.
3. Saving Fish From Drowning, by Amy Tan
Tan is a contemporary titan of Asian-American literature. Unlike her previous works, which focus on family, and memory, Tan weaves a political allegory of sorts, centered on the bizarre fates of American tourists in Burma. This is not your momma's Joy Luck Club.
2. Kerouac in Florida, by Bob Kealing
Kealing, an Orlando news reporter and KU School of Journalism alum, examines the later life of Jack Kerouac, the archetypal Beatnik writer of On the Road. Besides showcasing biographical research, Kealing also examines Kerouac's personal philosophy, which didn't match up with his contemporaries as much as one would think.
1. Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince; by J.K. Rowling
Okay, you knew this was coming. Without a doubt the biggest literary event of 2005, the sixth Harry Potter novel generally met expectations, broke pre-sale records and appeased Potter fans that didn't want to wait until November for the fourth movie. Harry, this year was yours.
12.08.05 Jayplay
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