With a lack of releases from the likes of J.K. Rowling and Stephenie Meyer you might think that there's not a lot for bibliophiles to get excited about this year. You'd be wrong. For the past few weeks I've been watching anticipation build on the blogosphere as book bloggers discuss, like and work themselves into a frenzy over the books they are looking forward to in 2009. It's shaping up to be a fantastic year as old favourites and debut authors merge onto bookshelves near you.

Personally there are three books that I've got my eye on. Christopher Moore was not only the first author I ever emailed but he was the first author that emailed me back. His novel Lamb was the first book I ever gave my boyfriend to read. It was a very important test as I could not imagine dating someone who did not appreciate Moore-style humour (happily he passed the test with flying colours). He's taking on the Bard this time and Fool will be showing up in stores near you early in in 2009. I'm very envious that Mary K scored an ARC copy of it. It seems that his new novel can be summed up in one word - bawdy. Would we expect anything less from Moore?

Another fun read that I've got my eye on is the fifth book in the Pink Carnation series by Lauren Willig. Temptation of the Night Jasmine will look at yet another into the world of flowerly spies and romance. Bookmama says it's "perfect bathtub reading". (Note that her post is from October meaning she had an advanced copy of it and I am very, very jealous.)

The internet seems to be mum on the Ami McKay's sophmore novel The Virgin Cure, due out in September. Set in Victorian New York and inspired by her great-great grandmother - one of the first female doctors in New York. I can't wait for more details on this to come out.

The Guardian looked at books coming out in 2009. I know many people who will be looking forward to Sarah Waters' new release. Orpheus responded to Waters' new book with something that made me lol for real: "Personally, I am looking forward to the new Sarah Water - which will not include lesbians this time. *gasp* The horror."

I absolutely love this list by Heroine in Training. Aside from doing some damage to my personal wishlist it reminded me that there were a lot of great hardcover books in 2008 that have upcoming paperback releases, with beautiful covers to boot!

Probably the best source I've found for adult books being published in 2009 is the Pub 2009 Challenge. Bloggers taking part in the challenge are looking forward to 2009 releases from Jasper Fforde, James Patterson, Jodi Picoult, Alexander McCall Smith, Tiffany Baker, and the Smart Bitches, Trashy Books first in-print book - Beyond Heaving Bosoms.

There's lots coming up for the children and young adult crowds too. Scholastic blogged their list of hot 2009 releases.

Christine has a fanastic roundup of 2009 middle-grade and young adult releases. There's an entire livejournal community decided to 2009 YA debut authors.

One book that I'm expecting to be big on the YA blogs this year is Melissa Marr's Fragile Eternity. Even though it's not being released until April, it's already been reviewed at Em's Bookshelf and her readers are very jealous of her ARC.

What books being released in 2009 are you looking forward to?

See also:
Comics Daily Most Anticipated Awards: 2009.
Cheryl is looking forward to 2009.
Reviewer X's Amaze Me, Daze Me, Faze Me series.

Contributing Editor Sassymonkey also blogs at Sassymonkey and Sassymonkey Reads.