Collin Kelley’s favorite books of 2009

We asked our favorite Atlantan writers and readers to tell us their favorite books of 2009. Collin Kelley is the author of the novel Conquering Venus’’ and three poetry collections. This year, he served as one of the judges for our annual Fiction Contest.

Invisible Sisters: A Memoir by Jessica Handler - One of the most moving, honest memoirs I’ve read in years, possibly ever. Handler’s straight-forward, unblinking account of her sisters’ untimely deaths is a must read.

Carpathia: Poems by Cecilia Woloch - Former winner of the Georgia Author of the Year Award, this collection of narrative and lyrical poetry cements Woloch as one of America’s finest writers.

Await Your Reply by Dan Chaon - Three stories intertwine unexpectedly in this brilliant novel. Had me hooked from page one.

The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood - The sequel to Oryx & Crake takes us further down the rabbit hole in a cautionary, sci-fi tale about the destruction of the environment.’’