Best Reads, 2013
In no particular order, Wendy's picks for the top books of 2013:
(please note, these are not necessarily published in 2013, just that that's when I read them.)
Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
I can't say that I'm a fan of Cassandra Clare. I have read almost everything she has published so far, and honestly I've only really liked the Infernal Devices series. Particularly the conclusion, Clockwork Princess. I constantly recommend this trilogy, however the downside is that in order to enjoy it to it's fullest capacity you need to have read The Mortal Instruments too... It's the Achilles heel of this trilogy. You read those, and by the time you're ready to delve into these gems you're already burnt out on the world. It's too bad because this is a really great series. People should read them.
“Gabriel’s green eyes sought Will. “It was demon pox, wasn’t it? You know all about it, don’t you? Aren’t you some sort of expert?”
“Well, you needn’t act as if I invented it,” said Will.”
The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater
Ms Stiefvater and I, as her reader, have had a very tumultuous relationship. One moment I loved her, another I was frustrated and annoyed. It was very confusing. In fact, while I had these books on my 'to read' shelf, I wasn't positive that I would ever pick them up and actually read them. Man, the things you miss when you're being pig headed. These are absolutely gorgeous. Gorgeous prose, gorgeous characters, gorgeous covers... I adore them.
Gansey's delight was infectious and unconditional, broad as his grin. Adam tipped his head back to watch, something still and faraway around his eyes. Noah breathed woah, his palm still lifted as if waiting for the plane to return to it. And Ronan stood there with his hands on the controller and his gaze on the sky, not smiling, but not frowning, either. His eyes were frighteningly alive, the curve of his mouth savage and pleased. It suddenly didn't seem at all surprising that he should be able to pull things from his dreams.
In that moment, Blue was a little in love with all of them. Their magic. Their quest. Their awfulness and strangeness. Her raven boys
The Seven Realms Series by Cinda Williams Chima
I started these on a whim. I always get nervous starting a High Fantasy series. I usually like them, but they also intimidate me. These were spectacular! In fact, The Crimson Crown in particular earned a spot up there with Froi, Outlander and Jellicoe Road into my soul. I'm sure that sounds dramatic, but it's a very serious thing as only 10 books have really touched me that deeply. Han Alister and Raisa of the Gray Wolf Line were spectacular.
No reviews for this one, they sucked. I was speechless.
“Crow paced back and forth, his form flickering like flame. “It’s been a thousand years, Alister. I never intended for anyone to find it, so it’s very well protected. One little misstep, and you and my line will be history.”
“Since when are you so concerned about your line?” Han said.
Crow stared at him for a long moment. “Since I found out I had one,
Eleanor & Park and Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Rainbow Rowell is my new favorite author! I love her style. I love how she writes her men. I love how she's not afraid to make imperfect heroines. I love her humor, her romance. I love love love. Of the two, E&P is probably my favorite, but both of these books were fantastic. A breath of fresh air. Why anything this woman writes is on the 'banned books' list is beyond me. I can't wait for my daughter to be old enough to read these.
Park was the only person she knew who wore his backpack actually on his shoulders, not slung over one side - and he was always holding onto the straps, like he'd just jumped out of a plane or something. It was extremely cute. Especially when he was being shy and letting his head hang forward.
She pulled the front of his bangs.
He smiled, all shiny cheeks and full lips.
Don't bite his face, Eleanor told herself. It's disturbing and needy and never happens in situations, comedies, or movies that end with big kisses.
"I'm sorry about yesterday." she said.
He hung onto his straps and shrugged.
"Yesterday Happens."
GOD, it was like he wanted her to eat his face clean off. - Eleanor & Park
"What if I promise not to touch you?"
"Cath laughed. "Now I have zero incentive to come."
"What if I promise to let you touch me first?"
"Are you kidding? I'm the untrustworthy person in this relationship. I'm all hands."
"I've seen no evidence of that, Cath."
"In my head, I'm all hands."
"I want to live in your head." - Fangirl
Last Days of Summer by Steve Kluger
I completely read this by happenstance. I belong to a group on Goodreads and we sent this around on a book tour. If not for that I definitely would not have picked up this book. The synopsis and the set up for the story would have turned me off. Another amazing read I would have missed. This book is completely done through letters and therapy notes, baseball stats and newspaper clippings. But, despite that this book gets right to the heart of its characters and fills up all those spots in your heart. I couldn't recommend this more, to sports fans and non-sports fans. Read this book.
"It is Joseph's opinion that he open his Bar Mitzvah speech 'with a few laughs to loosen them up'- more specifically, that worn-out routine chronicling Moses' descent from the mountain with the Ten Commandments, concluding with the epigram 'Adultery's still in.' Given the manner in which the two of them recited the punch line in unison, I gather that Mr. Banks and your son are a well-suited match. So, however, are Laurel and Hardy." - Rabbi Morris Lieberman
More Than This by Patrick Ness
Okay, it's a pretty fair assessment that if the book is written by Melina Marchetta, John Green, Diana Gabaldon, or Patrick Ness the likelihood is I'm going to rate them high. I swear I'm not being biased. Ness is a deep thinking writer, and I love that. I don't want to give away what this book is about, as I think it's best to go into it blind... my review gives enough details. Everyone should read P. Ness.
'Is this a dream?' He thinks, the words coming to him slowly, thickly, as if from a great distance. 'The last dream before death?'
Too Stupid to Live by Anne Tenino
This is all about the light and fluffy, okay and cheesy. But it was really funny! and really cute! with an awkward, yet adorable lead. That's a recipe for Wendy success. I didn't go into this expecting lots of deep thought, and I got exactly what I was looking for in the best possible way. I'm very secure and happy with putting this as one of my best reads of 2013.
When he finally did end the kiss, pulling slowly away and letting go of Sam, he couldn't catch his breath. He stood there panting into Sam's face, unable to make himself move more than an inch or two. He needed to keep that mouth nearby. It was some kind of national treasure only Ian knew about.
Joyland by Stephen King
I didn't get into Stephen King books until recently, meaning within the last 2 years or so. Up until I read this book, It was my favorite. But this book was all I expected from a King book, plus more. I never expected him to tackle tragedy so perfectly, and coming-of-age. I guess there really is nothing this man can't write.
"I hope you'll always look back on your time in Joyland as something special. We don't sell furniture. We don't sell cars. We don't sell land or houses or retirement funds. We have no political agenda. We sell fun. Never forget that. Thank you for your attention. Now go forth."
How to Kill a Rock Star by Tiffanie DeBartolo
Oh man, this book killed me. This book should have the header 'the book I hate that I love so much'. I have never in my life wanted so badly to throw a book (or my Kindle in this case) across the room and stomp on it. I was so very very angry. But, as much as I hate to admit it, and as much as I doubt I'll ever read this again, it seriously left an indentation in my heart. I find myself randomly turning to my husband and saying 'That reminds me so much of Paul Hudson', despite the fact that he has no idea who Paul Hudson is, and despite the fact that I read this book back in June. I loved it. I hate that I loved it. I hate that it affected me so strongly. But damn it, I loved this book and these characters.
"For what it's worth, I think happiness is a fleeting condition, not a permanent goddamn state of mind. I've learned that if you chase after moments of bliss here and there, sometimes those moments will sustain you through the shit."
So there it is... for what it's worth. All the books that affected me the deepest. There were a few that I left off. A lot of the paranormal series that I read, because while I loved them, they weren't the ones that really got to me on a level I thought was strong enough to make this list. Especially because I was really trying to keep it down and already this feels way too long.
I can't wait to see what 2014 brings, both for myself and for you fellow Booklikers! Happy New Year!
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