I compiled 11 “best of 2019” lists for graphic novels, graphic memoirs, comics, and the like, and one graphic novel was on seven of the lists: Clyde Fans, by Seth.
Another was on six of the lists: Rusty Brown, by Chris Ware.
Eight more graphic novels or memoirs were on three “best of” lists each.
You can see the full list of 89 graphic works that appear on any of the 11 “best of” lists, as well as my compilations from previous years, here.
Over the course of 2019, I read or listened to 114 books. I adored some, loved many, liked many more, and there were only a few I was unexcited about. Here are the best and the rest.
Books I adored
Among my favorite books of the year are some novels (A General Theory of Oblivion, There There, Mockingbird), short stories (What It Means When a Man Falls from the Sky), memoirs (The Lights of Pointe-Noire, The Girl who Smiled Beads, How Dare the Sun Rise), autobiography (Barracoon), poetry (The Sea-Migrations: Tahriib), and one graphic novel (Akissi: Tales of Mischief).
Books I loved
I loved a lot of books this year, so I’ll split these into categories.
Nonfiction I loved
Graphic novels and graphic memoirs that I loved
Fiction I loved
Books I really liked
Nonfiction I really liked
Graphic novels and graphic memoirs I really liked
Fiction I really liked
Poems and plays I really liked
Books that I liked (just, you know, not quite as much)
Books that often had a few ideas or images that really spoke to me but that otherwise I couldn’t really figure out. (No regrets!)
Which books did I get wrong? What were your favorites of the year?
David Evans' personal blog 