I didn’t read nearly as many books as I’d wanted to in 2013 (acknowledging that I could read 500 books in a year and still not be satisfied), but there were definitely some great ones!
Total books read: 61 (29 fewer than 2012, despite all my best efforts)
Genre breakdown:
Young Adult: 45*
Nonfiction: 8 (4 memoir, 2 self-help, 1 on adoption, 1 writing guide)
Graphic Novels: 3
Romance: 2
Middle Grade: 1
Fantasy / Literary: 1
Science-Fiction: 1
*YA can be further broken down into:
YA Paranormal / Horror: 13
YA Sci-fi / Dystopian: 10
YA Romance: 9
YA Fantasy: 8
YA Thriller: 5
The complete reading list can be found on yesterday’s blog post.
My Ten Favorite Books I Read This Year
(In alpha-order by author. Series grouped together.)
1. Of Triton by Anna Banks
I am so smitten with Anna Banks’s writing voice, and both Of Poseidon and Of Triton came with the perfect mix of humor, action, and romance. I’ve heard through the grapevine that the conclusion of the series, Of Neptune, is even BETTER, and I cannot wait to get my hands on it.
2. The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black
I had no idea that I could care about a vampire book, but this one entirely swept me off my feet. The concept was both unique and familiar, and I was hooked from page one. It doesn’t hurt that I happen to be painfully in love with Gavriel…
3. Texas Gothic and Spirit and Dust by Rosemary Clement-Moore
I just discovered Rosemary Clement-Moore this year and since then I have tried to force these books onto every person I know who enjoys fast-paced books filled with ghosts and witches and mysteries and seriously hot guys. Seriously. I love them so much.
4. Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale
This book has been out for a while and I finally got around to it last year and, in true Shannon Hale form, I adored every page. Both the story and the voice read like a fairy tale and I loved watching the protagonist grow over the course of the story.
5. Prodigy and Champion by Marie Lu
Marie really left us hanging at the end of Prodigy so it was such a relief to be able to dive into both books in 2013. Day! June! My heart! Also – who else so could not have predicted the epic world-building from Antarctica? I kind of want a spin-off series to be set there. *nudges Marie*
6. Grave Mercy and Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers
The moment I heard about the His Dark Assassin series—teenage girls who are nuns secretly trained to be assassins—I knew that I would love these books. And I was absolutely correct. Robin’s knack for combining historical details with brilliant protagonists and one seriously terrifying villain is mind-blowing.
7. Nerve by Jeanne Ryan
This was another book that sold me on concept alone, and it exceeded every expectation. Maybe it spoke to my nostalgia for “Truth or Dare” games? Either way, it’s so full of twists and suspense I couldn’t put it down.
8. This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales
Oh. This is one of those books that every time I think about it my heart sighs. It should be required reading for everyone who has ever felt like an outcast. (Which I suspect is… everyone.) So much love for this book.
9. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
Another heart-sighing book, this one continues to give me gushy feelings even months after I read it. I can be an enormous sucker for meant-to-be romances, and this book manages to fill that need without ever feeling melodramatic or clichéd. A perfect pick-me-up.
10. The Raven Boys and The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater
Without a doubt, these are the books that left me with the biggest book hangover in 2013. So, um, HOW LONG do we have to wait for the next one?! (She asks with irony.) I am so crazy in love with every single character in these books and on the edge of my seat to see how certain seemingly-doomed plotlines will be resolved. Unless Maggie Stiefvater plans on breaking my heart. *cries*
There you have my favorite reads of 2013. And for an added bonus, here are:
The Top 10 Books I Didn’t Get To But Am Seriously Dying to Read in 2014
1. Splintered by A.G. Howard
2. Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood
3. Vicious by Victoria Schwab
4. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
5. Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor
6. The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson
7. The Wicked and the Just by J. Anderson Coats
8. Transparent by Natalie Whipple
9. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
10. Everything on Rosemary Clement-Moore’s backlist.
Game on, 2014!
Feel free to post your favorite reads of 2013 or most anticipated book for 2014 in the comments!