I started the year with non-fiction (1776 by David McCollough), followed by some adult-market historicals. In spring, I read quite a few romances thanks to prepping for RWA Nationals and then all the freebies from the conference. Standouts include Courtney Milan (historical), Candis Terry (contemporary), Shawntelle Madison (paranormal).
Favorite Reads published 2013:
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell (YA). Two awkward, hurting teens support each other in this slow-burn romance.
Just One Day by Gayle Forman (YA). A trip to the UK, one glorious day of love, and a year of coping with losing that love. Heartbreaking but completely immersive.
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson (YA): In the vein of Sarah Dessen, a summer love story with strong threads of family and self-actualization. This is a book that stuck with me.Favorite Reads: read in 2013, published a previous year:
Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma (YA). A haunting of devotion between sisters and a mysterious lake.
Where She Went by Gayle Forman (YA). A girl looks in on her life while in a coma. Like the previous book, it's contemporary with hints of other-worldly factors.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie (YA): Incredible voice, moving without being overly sentimental. Groundbreaking.
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher (YA): A portrait of what it can look like to become suicidal. This is a really important book for the YA market.
The Princesses of Iowa by Molly Backes (YA): Solid contemporary YA with a main character who isn't a shy, nice girl. It's refreshing. Also nuanced and funny.
Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan (YA): A gothic mystery light enough to delight but still managed to be creepy.
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kahlin (memoir, humor). Mindy Kahling is my new pop culture hero. You need to watch The Mindy Project, it's so funny!
My One and Only by Kristan Higgins (contemporary romance): I read at least 4 Kristan Higgins books this year after loving this one. Small town, quirky families, plucky heroines. She is one of my go-to writers for light romance.What are your favorite reads from the year?
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I've read a couple of these, and LOVED them. Looks like I have a few more to add to my list :)
ReplyDeleteSo many on your list that I want to read; so glad you reminded me of the Diary of a Part time Indian! I'd kind of forgotten about that one.
ReplyDeleteYou have so many of my favorite reads on here, but in particular: Eleanor & Park, Just One Day, and Where She Went. Loved them all!
ReplyDeletePRINCESSES OF IOWA sounds really good! I'll have to check that one out.
ReplyDeleteWell, my TBR just grew. :) I've only read Mindy Kaling's book (which I loved), so the rest are definitely new to-reads for me! Thank you so much for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteI finally read ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY this year for a YA Lit class I took in grad school this semester, and it was amazing! Such an intriguing and heartbreaking look into the world of reservations. I've never read anything else quite like it.
ReplyDeleteI love Eleanor and Park, too! <3
Looking forward to read Eleanor & Park -- just finished Fangirl. Glad you recommend it :D
ReplyDeleteI've read 5 of these. I'd like to check the others out. Great list.
ReplyDeleteI've heard so many good things about the Sherman Alexie book - I'll have to pick it up. I enjoy Kristen Higgins' books too :)
ReplyDeleteSherman Alexie's book is one of my all-time faves and 13 Reasons was so good. Great list! I love looking at everyone's too :)
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