My Booker of Bookers

In a sort of conclusion to this project, I thought that I would produce my own Booker of Bookers – it was interesting to peruse the list of winners to see those that I remember fondly, some with distaste and a few of which I have no recollection of at all!  It’s a good thing that I’ve maintained this blog so I can remind myself…

I’ve found the process of writing the reviews an interesting one.  I have definitely been more mindful while reading than I usually would, which made the reading experience more fulfilling.  I found it a sometimes challenging, but mostly rewarding experience to reflect upon and formulate an opinion of the books.  It was interesting to discover how if I didn’t like one, instead of just dismissing the book or the author, I felt as though I must be missing a subtle yet crucial aspect of the novel.  This then stimulated me to undertake research including gauging other people’s views and opinions, which I often found enlightening.  Equally, when I liked a book I felt as though I had to justify this favour and therefore explored my preferences more deeply which was also informative. 

One of the most compelling aspects of this ‘journey’ has been the range of novels including within the Booker alumni and the scope of creativity expressed in these 46 books (47 if you include the Lost Booker).  And bearing in mind the Booker winner, shortlist and longlist are only the tip of the iceberg in terms of fiction writing produced every year (of variable quality admittedly!), the scale of just fiction publishing seems vast!  However, I do find it rather a shame that even winners of such a prestigious award have sometimes fallen out of print, disappearing into the realm of secondhand bookshops and out of library circulation.  Still, I do find it comforting that somewhere in the vast stores of central library stores these books are gently kept alive and when requested can be retrieved and read.

So anyway I’ve split them into four groups :

1. Bookers I’d recommend and may read again,

2. Bookers I’m indifferent towards

3. Bookers worth a read, although not necessarily enjoyable

4. Bookers to avoid reading.

So here you go, this is how I feel now, although this may well change over time…let me know any views - if you agree or disagree...!  And I'm sorry but I've found it impossible to pick an absolute favourite...good thing I'm not a Booker judge!