I started this book blog this year and while it's true that that made my life busier, I also had the best time whenever I'm doing something for the blog, whether it's reading, reviewing, or answering comments. It's been such a blast!
As a year-ender, I'd like to share with you my list of the best books I've read this year.
These books are the ones I gave rated 5 stars, books that made me happy, made me laugh and made me cry. These are not necessarily published in 2014 and arranged by the order of when I read them. Click the photos to see my reviews.
1. Attachments by Rainbow Rowell - This is the 2nd book I read in 2014 (first one was Fangirl) and it made me laugh and cry at the same time. It's so beautiful. It turned me into a Rainbow Rowell fan for life.
2. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell - So I read the first 3 Rowell books in like, a week. Don't judge. Eleanor & Park is a gem, and it made me weep.
3. Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman
I don't read a lot of nonfiction now and this was probably the most recent one I read. Piper Kerman's memoir is poignant and moving. It's also a lot different from the TV show, which I stopped watching after episode 2.
4. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie PerkinsHands down, my favorite YA romance book of all time. Enough said.
5. Cinderella Screwed Me Over by Cindi MadsenI remember how much I laughed and secretly cried in bed while reading this book. Cinderella Screwed Me Over is like a reimagined fairytale, one that doesn't give you false hopes.
6. City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments #6) by Cassandra Clare2014 is the year of series-enders. I waited for CoHF for a long time and when it finally came, I must admit that it took time for me to finally get into it. It had a slow start but the middle and last parts were mind-blowingly awesome. One of the best series enders I've read.
7. Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie PerkinsSpeaking of series enders, Isla and the Happily Ever After is not officially one but it did wrap up Anna and Lola's stories well. Although Anna and Etienne remains my favorite YA couple, Isla and Josh are lovely, too, and just as adorable. So much that I made a playlist for them.
8. Where She Went by Gayle FormanRight after watching If I Stay, I decided that I am finally ready to read Where She Went. So I did and I cried loads. I think it's wonderful that we get to see things from Adam's perspective. I found myself liking this book more than I did with If I Stay.
9. Percy Jackson's Greek Gods by Rick RiordanBefore reading The Blood of Olympus, another series ender that I waited for, I read percy Jackson's Greek Gods. And I loved it so much. I wish I can say the same thing for BoO. Anyway, Greek Gods has tons of funny moments and trademark Percy Jackson sass and wit and humor. I love it to bits and pieces.
10. This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith
I'm not usually swayed by celebrity-meets-ordinary-girl type of stories but this one is so good that I didn't care if the plot is not original. It felt real to me and beautiful and sad. I loved its simplicity and laid-back vibe.
Over all, I've read more good books this year and I hope 2015 brings me the same luck. :D And oh, Happy New Year, everyone!!!
How about you, guys? What are your favorite books this year?
New Year's Eve in the Philippines is such an amazing thing to experience! Scary and exciting at the same time.
ReplyDeleteI hope you nothing but the best of 2015, Joy!
great reads Joy! it has been great getting to know you this year and how we bonded over some of our memorable reads :) No matter what...remember that books will never abandon you. I know that you are going through a very tough time right now...but do find comfort however little in reading. It helps me a lot in times when i'm down.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a tough year for me too. I'm glad it's over, though December was nice enough. I think 2015 is going to be better for me. I hope it's gonna work for you too! (:
ReplyDeleteI told myself I was going to read Where She Went and I still haven't gotten around to it. This year was tad bit stressful for me too. I also started my blog this year and it's so crazy trying to keep up sometimes but it really does have its rewards. I hope you have an awesome new year filled with new books!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI hope the same for you, Taylor. I've had a stressful year, too and I am so looking forward to a great 2015.
ReplyDeleteYou don't know how much your words mean to me, Felicia. I really wish 2015 will be kinder to me but the world doesn't owe me anything -- I learned that the hard way -- so I just have to step up and take charge.
ReplyDeleteLaila, thanks for those kind words. They mean a lot to me. Sadly, I haven't been reading much. I haven't finished a book during the entire vacation and it sucks but I couldn't force myself. I am feeling better and reevaluating my options but one thing's for sure: books will never be out of the picture.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joy! I really hope 2015 will a better year for me. But I'm thankful for 2014, too. It's been awesome knowing bloggers like you, Joy, and I will always be a fan. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, force 2015 to be good to you!
ReplyDelete'This is what Happy looks like' is one of my January reads and I've utterly enjoyed its laid-back vibe too.
ReplyDeleteI'd also be reading Anna & the French Kiss next month, and your recommendation makes me wanna drop everything right now and just pick it up, haha.
Congrats on having a great year in reading last 2014!
LOVED City of Heavenly Fire- still the only book to make me cry!
ReplyDeleteI have to read Where She Went- I read If I Stay and liked it, but I never got around to reading the sequel.
I have PJ's Greek Gods right now, and it looks AMAZING.
Great list of books!
Hello, Dardenitaaa! Super thrilled to see a new face here. It makes me proud. :D
ReplyDeleteYes, This is What Happy Looks Like was unexpected, probably because most of the people I know who've read it didn't like it as much as I did. It was strange because it really hit me. And if you're into YA romance, Anna and The French Kiss is one of the best pieces out there. Let me know once you finish reading it and we can fangirl over it. ;)