"To find out what a story's really about,' the Librarian said,

'you don't ask the writer. You ask the reader."


- SNOW & ROSE by Emily Winfield Martin


Sunday, January 4, 2015

My Top 14 Books of 2014!!!


This has got to be one of the hardest lists to ever put together!
There are SO many good books to choose from - I feel like if I leave one out, that book will weep, fall apart and disappear off my shelf!

But alas, with a little help, here are some of my faves... 

My Top 14 Books of 2014!!!


1. SNOW LIKE ASHES by Sara Raasch (YA) - This is one of the best fantasy books that I have read in a really, really long time! It was perfection! And I cannot wait for book 2!!!

2. RAIN REIGN by Ann M. Martin (MG) - This little girl made me feel emotions that I wasn't quite prepared to go through. Very endearing, heartwarming as well as heart-wrenching at the same time! I highly recommend this book to everyone of all ages!!!

3. THROUGH THE WOODS by Emily Carroll (YA) - THIS! This graphic novel made my entire year! Just by looking at the cover, you can see that it was inspired by one of my all-time favorite fairytales, Little Red Riding Hood! I wish I had bought this in hardcover - it is a book that I want to display on my shelf! It is one that I will re-read every year! I do hope to see more from this author/illustrator soon!

4. A MONSTER CALLS by Patrick Ness (YA) - Oh my, where do I start with this one... this story ripped me to pieces. I cannot think about this book without my eyes getting all teary. This boy... his mom... their story. *sobs*

5. RUN TO YOU by Clara Kensie (YA)
Where do I start with how awesome this serial eBook series is?!?! It is SO underrated! I wish I could buy this for everyone to read! It is... thrilling! Suspenseful! There's a realistic paranormal twist to it! And a romance that blooms and goes through many believable ups and downs... I can go on and on! I highly recommend this - you'll read it all in one sitting!

6. ROOMS by Lauren Oliver (A) - SO many characters and their point-of-views all blended together to create the perfect story! There is no confusion as to who is who! How all of their stories intertwine with each other is brilliant! I really think that this is her best writing ever!

7. LIV, FOREVER by Amy Talkington (YA) - Love. Murder. Ghosts. Mystery. Heartache. This book has it all and much, much more! Totally took me by surprise! I've recommended this one a lot and wish it wasn't so underrated too! I am looking forward to the next book in this series as well!

8. MY TRUE LOVE GAVE TO ME edited by Stephanie Perkins (YA) - I LOVED every single story! Even the one that I had to read 3 times because I really didn't get it the first 2 times, lol! Brilliant array of authors and their storytelling! I would love this bunch to get together and create another collaboration... perhaps a book for Valentine's Day ;)

9. LUMBERJANES by Noelle Stevenson (YA) - This comic book series is all sorts of YA fun! A bunch of girls spending the summer at a scout camp at your not so typical camping grounds. But then again, these girls are not your typical scouts either! Lots of paranormal mystery happening! All kinds of amazing friendships are blooming! The power of trust and loyalty! I cannot wait to continue on with these issues...

10. THE SHADOW PRINCE, MORTAL ENCHANTMENT and FRAGILE REIGN by Stacey O'Neale (YA) - First thing you need to know about this book: Rowan. Next thing you need to know: Rowan. And the last thing you need to know: Rowan. Plus, kicking butt to the max! I don't want this series to end!!!

11. NINJA! by Arree Chung (C) - Cutest picture book we read all year! This sweet little ninja knows how to get into and out of trouble quick! The illustrations are so adorable! Perfect for anyone :)

12. THE A WORD (The Sweet Dead Life #2) by Joy Preble (YA) - Oh how I enjoy her writing! Our main character, Jenna, is growing up and surrounded by Angels! Fast paced and so engaging! I hope there is a book 3 being written right now!!!

13. TRIAL BY FIRE by Josephine Angelini (YA) - Parallel universes! I went into this book thinking that I was probably going to enjoy it, but that it wouldn't make an impression on me - I was SO wrong! The world-building is so amazing! And the characters were more than I expected! I loved every single word! I need book 2 soon!!!

14. TOP TEN CLUES YOU'RE CLUELESS by Liz Czukas (YA) - I thought that this was going to be a quick fluffy book to read during Christmas - although, there was a ton of humor and a sweet blooming little romance going on in the background - it was so much more! It definitely had a "Breakfast Club" vibe to it! It's become a favorite and I hope people will buy it and give it the much deserve buzz it deserves!

Honorable Mentions...
* DARK DAYS by Kate Ormand (YA) - Holy nail-biting suspense batman!!!

* MS. MARVEL by G. Willow Wilson, Illustrated by Adrian Alphona (YA) - Diversity FTW! Plus, it's fun, humorous and witty!

* LITTLE ELLIOT, BIG CITY by Mike Curato - Our second picture book pick of the year! Who can resist the sweetest littlest elephant to ever try to conquer NYC!!!


Hope you like our top picks for 2014!!!

Let us know what were your favorites!!!
xoxo 

3 comments:

  1. The only one I've read is My True Love Gave to Me but I really want to get Snow Like Ashes and Top Ten Clues You're Clueless!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Through the Woods was amazing!! I definitely didn't expect something so great ... though it is Canadian. ;) And I still have to read Rooms this year!

    ReplyDelete
  3. The A Word is the best!! Love Jenna!!!

    ReplyDelete

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