Nalini Haynes’s Best of 2014
These books, movies and videos are all things I ‘consumed’ during 2014. Not all were first published in 2014. For example, I included the Rosie Project although it was first published in Australia in 2013; it was possibly published elsewhere later. I’ve listed a variety of recommendations under each heading with what I see as the unique distinguishing feature of each item so you can cherry-pick those to your taste.
Omissions should not be deemed to be unworthy; some things are still on my TBR (To Be Read) or TBV (To Be Viewed) piles.
Best short-form dramatic presentation
Best long-form dramatic presentation
- The Lego Movie — fun family adventure movie that spoofs SFF icons (Apparently I haven’t reviewed this; I must watch it again so I can review it.)
- Paddington — awesome family movie, review here.
- Guardians of the Galaxy — fun movie with best representation of a person on the autism spectrum; review here. I saw it with the minion once free for review at IMAX, once the minion paid to see it at the cinema and once after Santa Claws (Smokey the cat with assistance from the minion) gave us GotG on bluray for Christmas.
Best novel
- Black Sun Light My Way by Jo Spurrier — best representation of disability, gender, race and class issues in a fantasy novel; review here
- Lock In by John Scalzi — best discussion of disability in SFF; review here
- When Mr Dog Bites by Brian Conaghan — best representation of disability in a YA/adult novel (contemporary fiction); review here
- Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor — best use of Romeo and Juliet trope to facilitate discussion of racism and genocide while also subverting the angels/demons trope; review here
- The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare — best representation of disability in a children’s novel; review here
- Razorhurst by Justine Larbalestier — best representation of class (including homelessness) in a fantasy novel; review here
- The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion — comedy of manners and romantic comedy; protagonist is probably on the autism spectrum. Review here.
Best anthology
- Shards & Ashes edited by Melissa Marr and Kelley Armstrong; review here
Best graphic novel
- Rules of Summer by Shaun Tan — need I say more? Review here.
- The Sleeper and the Spindle by Neil Gaiman, art by Chris Riddell — a feminist retelling of Sleeping Beauty, review here.
Best art book
- ZOMG I can’t find my reviews of HTTYD and GoT… I will update this post VERY SOON.
