Sunday, February 16, 2014

103 in 2013

In 2013 I set out to track how many books I read in one year.

Drumroll please... the answer is 103! That wasn't quite as dramatic as I imagined because I gave away the answer in the title. Whoops.

One hundred three books?! Are you kidding me?! I don't know whether to be proud or embarrassed.



Since people have found out that I love to read so much I've been asked what my favorite books of the year have been. While it's hard for me to narrow it down I'll do my best!

Bread & Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table with Recipes by Shauna Niequist
My Pinterest board is Foodie Wannabe so this book spoke my love language, community, real talk and food around the table. I love Shauna's writing style, the way she relates to life and the recipes I've tried have been delicious! If you read it try the vinaigrette, my mother-in-law asked me for the recipe! Score!

Love Does by Bob Goff
After a lot of buzz about this book I was excited to read it but it was so different than I expected, in a good way! Full of short stories of love in action this book was refreshing, fun and light. I laughed, I cried. But really, I did. I actually found myself savoring the chapters and forcing myself to put it down so it would last longer. That's a good book!

Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan
Yes, these are written for kids but they are so fun to read! Plus, since I learn new things about Greek mythology with each book I feel like I'm getting cultured as well. The downfall to this series is that I feel like it's never going to end, I'm into the third spin-off and currently I'm reading, "House of Hades". I'm not enjoying nearly as much as the others and find myself wishing it would just wrap up and be over.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio
You caught me, another kids book! Heartwarming would be a good way to describe this, written from different perspectives about a boy who is "different" from the others.

Room by Emma Donoghue
When you find yourself surprised and reading as fast as you can to figure out a book, you know the story has you hooked. Room is so unusual and different from most books and I really enjoyed that.

Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker
It seems like there are a lot of end of the world and dystopian society books out right now. This book fits the category but does it in a way that is slower and more focused on the people and the story than the action. It was interesting, unusual and had me hooked.

The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton
Switching from past to present and set in England, this book is long but keeps you guessing till the end. It's dramatic, interesting and best enjoyed on a rainy day with a hot cup of tea.

Still Alice by Lisa Genova 
Alice can't remember and it keeps getting worse. While reading this book I felt like I was watching a friend walk down Alice's journey and it stuck with me. This was a fascinating look into Alzheimer's disease in an engaging way.

Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
This book contrasted the beauty of flowers and words with the realities of a hard life. I loved the story, the kindness of people and the way it made me feel hopeful.

If you want to see more of what I've read and my ratings, check out my books list and goodreads. Hopefully this gives you an idea, go pick up a book and if you have any recommendations for me, I'd love to hear!

1 comment :

  1. Still Alice is one of my favorites! And Room is on my to-read list (a list that is growing longer and longer). I'm adding a couple of these to that list. :) Thanks for sharing!

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