I saw that Modern Mrs. Darcy was doing a link up of favorite books for 2013 and decided to add my list to the pile.
This year I discovered Rainbow Rowell, author of the critically acclaimed Eleanor and Park. I loved that book. While it is the story of two high schoolers and categorized as young adult, it is so beautifully written that it reminded me of White Oleander from years ago. The characters are sweet and messed up in all the ways that real life is. I read all of her books this year and enjoyed each in its own way. Rainbow Rowell's characters are richly drawn and are all people I would want to get to know better in real life.
If you like young adult reads...I also discovered Gayle Forman this year and fell in love with her books. I read If I Stay first and that one has stayed with me ever since. With the book based in Portland, I felt an immediate kinship. The author's fluid movement between present and past amazed me. I fell in love with Mia, as did Adam, and felt for her as she made a painful choice. Gayle Forman followed this book up with Where She Went, a sequel told from Adam's point of view.
If you liked Hunger Games...Divergent
by Veronica Roth
This book has many of the elements we loved in Hunger Games. A strong female character. A love interest. A dystopian world that teaches us about our own. Fast paced and with two more books to follow.
If you like historical fiction...Code Name Verity
by Elizabeth Wein
This book follows the story of two young women during World War II. They are separated when one of them is on board a flight that is shot down over France and is taken captive by the Nazis. This book does not shy away from the horrors of war or the trueness of friendship. It kept me reading to find out what happened next.
If you want to read a classic...A Tree Grows In Brooklyn
by Betty Smith
To be honest, I only picked this one up at the library because it was my book club's pick for November but I am so glad I did. I loved Francie Nolan and the family and cast of characters that surrounded her. Betty Smith painted life in Brooklyn during the early 1900s with such vivid detail with only her words that I often felt I was there. The stories at times were rough but the hope and resilience of the Nolan family were inspiring. I really loved this book and did not want it to end.
My list is almost exclusively fiction, partly because that is what I love to read but also because I often start nonfiction books I love but never finish and it is hard to recommend a book you have not finished because what if it takes some hideous turn. I want to get better about that in 2014 and have a stack of books I am planning to read.
Here are a few in the stack to be read:
If you love Anne Lamott, I think you will enjoy this book. I started following the author @sarcasticluther on Twitter this year. I love her heart for people and her authenticity. I am only a few chapters in but I have already been touched to tears.
On Writing: A Memoir Of The Craft
by Stephen King
This book is always on the list of books writers must read. I have never read a Stephen King novel but in just the few short chapters I have read so far, I can see why people love his writing. It is vivid and graphic and all those things that make for great writing. It is interesting to see into his childhood. I love books that inform me as well as entertain me.
Jesus Feminist: An Invitation to Revisit the Bible's View of Women
by Sarah Bessey
@sarahbessey was one of the first people I started following on Twitter. The grace with which she writes opens the door to the bigger conversations. I enjoy her writing style and the way she hits the deeper truths without hitting you over the head.
What were some of your favorite reads of 2013? What is on your list for 2014?
Code Name Verity sounds excellent--I need to add that to my reading pile. There are so many good movies out that are based on books--that's what's on my "to read" list this year.:)
ReplyDeleteI have a few books on my wish list that I first discovered through movie previews. I like to read the books first though so...
DeleteAlmost finished with Chasing God by Angie Smith - started in 2013, will end in 2014. I don't know how you categorize that. I think she's my hero. This book has helped me think about God in a way that I never have before and helped bring my questions forward with the courage to ask them. I actually want to write something about these questions, using Chasing God as a resource, but I don't even know where to start. Help...?
ReplyDeleteI am adding this book to my wish list. Love that it has gotten you thinking so much. I love a book that does that. Start writing and see where you go.
DeleteI spy some favorites, plus some books that are high on my 2014 to-read list. LOVED E&P and On Writing. Need to read: Pastrix, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Code Name Verity.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your favorites!