2014 Book Round Up

Hello, friends! I hope you’ve had a marvelous 2014. I know I did. It was a big year–Patrick and I moved from LA to NYC, started new jobs, learned to always carry an umbrella even when the sun in shining…and got engaged!

But even more important than all that? I READ A LOT OF GREAT BOOKS. 😉

Here are the top 10 books I read in 2014, followed by a few superlatives and stats (because everyone loves stats). I’d love to hear your top books of 2014 (be they published in 2014 or not). I’d also love to hear what you’re looking forward to reading in the new year!

TOP 10 OF 2014

A MONSTER CALLS – MIDDLE GRADE CONTEMPORARY FANTASY

This book blew me away. Even the Author’s Note to Siobhan Dowd was gorgeously written and extremely heartfelt. Definitely pick this up if you’re a fan of issue-y middle grade and lyrical writing with a touch of fantasy.

CODE NAME VERITY – YOUNG ADULT HISTORICAL

I was late to this party, but MAN am I glad I finally came around. I actually listened to the audiobook, which turned out to be a FABULOUS idea because the narrators are brilliant. If you like historical fiction and strong female characters, this book is for you. Be get ready to sob.

I’LL GIVE YOU THE SUN – YOUNG ADULT CONTEMPORARY

I’LL GIVE YOU THE SUN was one of the most anticipated books of 2014, and for good reason. Jandy Nelson is rapidly becoming one of my favorite YA authors. For LGBT themes and beautiful writing, definitely out check this book.

OCD LOVE STORY – YOUNG ADULT CONTEMPORARY

I love Corey Ann Haydu. There, I said it. Her books are hilarious and moving, and she’s just a really great person. It also helps that Corey’s story put me through the ringer, and that’s exactly what I’m looking for in a book. I felt anxious, scared, excited–all the emotions the characters feel. The writing is honest, the story unique. I think about these characters all the time, and I read the book months and months ago. Must Read.

THE ROOK – ADULT FANTASY

THIS BOOK IS SO AWESOME. It was recommended to me about two years ago, and I finally got a chance to read it. I’ve already bought it for two people since, and gushed about it to Daniel O’Malley’s agent (I couldn’t contain myself–it’s freaking great). If you like Fantasy and a touch of british humor, you will be allllll over this book. ROOK > THE MAGICIANS any day.

WHEN THINGS COME BACK – YOUNG ADULT CONTEMPORARY

John Corey Whaley’s debut won the 2012 Michael L. Printz and William C. Morris Awards. It deserved both.

WHITE CAT – YOUNG ADULT FANTASY

Again, late to this party, and again, listened to the audiobook. Holly Black’s name should be enough to convince you to read this book, but if it’s not: a world where mobsters can curse you by touching your skin. Just buy it, it’s super fun and the characters jump of the page.

BIRD BY BIRD – NON-FICTION

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This book has changed my life. It was recommended to me during a writing class, and I already want to reread it. You’ll find it particularly useful if you’re a writer or some other kind of artist, but it’s also just an empowering read in general. Lamont is also surprisingly funny. Do yourself a favor and buy this one right now.

LIES WE TELL OURSELVES – YOUNG ADULT HISTORICAL

Robin Talley’s debut really caught me by surprise. I was already interested in reading about the integration of schools, but I wasn’t sure how the LGBT angle was going to play into things. Turns out the two dovetailed perfectly. It also helped that Talley is a researcher after my own heart (the pages are so detailed you feel like you’re there, for better or worse), and that her characters have voice to spare.

EVERY DAY – YOUNG ADULT MAGICAL REALISM

David Levithan is the man. I really enjoyed this book, and I was beyond impressed (on a technical level) by how he managed to write an entire book without relying on the character’s gender. If you’re interested in LGBT themes, realistic romance, and magical realism that makes you jealous you didn’t think of it first, check out this book.

*

Now, this is kind of cheating because I haven’t finished it yet, but I’m halfway through NO PLACE TO FALL by Jaye Robin Brown, and it is EXCELLENT. Gorgeous writing, a wonderful voice, and a story I can’t put down. I absolutely, positively urge you to check it out.

SUPERLATIVES

Most Heartbreaking: tie between LIVING DEAD GIRL (Elizabeth Scott) and CODE NAME VERITY (Elizabeth Wein)

Most Inspiring: BIRD BY BIRD (Anne Lamont)

Funniest: LIFE BY COMMITTEE (Corey Ann Haydu)

Best Audiobook: CODE NAME VERITY (Elizabeth Wein)

Book That Caught Me By Surprise: SAY WHAT YOU WILL (Cammie McGovern)

Book I Wanted to Read, but Never Got To: Althea & Oliver (Cristina Moracho). This is going to be my first full read of 2014!)

 

STATS

Total Books Finished: 73

Did Not Finish: 6

Audiobooks: 13

E-books: 8

YA: 46

MG: 5

Adult: 7

Non-Fiction: 1

Graphic Novels/Comics:  6

In 2015, I’m going to try to even out my reading  list. I want to read more recently published adult fiction, plus a few more middle grade novels (any recommendations?). I also want to read at least 6 non-fiction books (which is a big jump from this year’s paltry 1). I think I’ll start with Stephen King’s ON WRITING, BAD FEMINIST by Roxanne Gay, and LET’S PRETEND THIS NEVER HAPPENED by Jenny Lawson.

What about you? What were your favorite reads in 2014? What are you dying to read in 2015?