I’m never sure how these lists get created. In any case, the Guardian has named it’s books not to miss in 2009. Odd phrasing – not books to read, but books not to miss. Like the best advertising, it suggests an urgency, a tremendous opportunity that could be missed if you’re not fast enough. 

In any case, the one I’m most interested in not missing is Set 2666 by Roberto Bolano. I have not read anything by him yet, but keep coming across the name and have seen good reviews for this book in particular. I might also read In the Kitchen by Monica Ali – I wasn’t a great fan of Brick Lane, but the subject matter of this one sounds interesting. With Hilary Mantel it’s the reverse – I like her as a writer, but have no particular interest in a novel set in Henry VIII’s court. I might check it out anyway.

None of the others really get me that excited about 2009. Iain Sinclair’s book about Hackney, possibly, but the others not really. Anyway, I’m sure there’ll be plenty more good books coming out that the Guardian doesn’t know about yet.