Saturday 4 January 2014

My Top 10 Books of 2013

It's that time of year again. That time when the 'Top 10' lists come out. As such, I thought it only appropriate that I make my own top 10 book list of 2013.
It was really hard to choose only ten. I have read so many enjoyable books this year, and it hurt me having to make cuts. I did it though, and here they are! All the books I included were new to me (in other words, none of these are books I'd read in past years), and are ones that were my personal favourites (so, the ones I enjoyed the most rather than the ones I thought had the best technique, etc. etc.) 
(I don't know why I felt like I had to say that, but I did so there. Let's just get on with it)



1.
Just One Day / Gayle Forman / Goodreads
4.5 STARS
I actually reviewed this more fully in this video. If you're after a smaller review, however, here we go. I found this book fantastic. There's no other way to say it. I was able to relate to Allyson on a weirdly high level. The setting Forman created was maintained exquisitely throughout the novel. Everything about it was A+. It's easily one of the standouts of 2013 for me. 


2.
The Bone Season / Samantha Shannon / Goodreads
4 STARS
I've been planning on writing up a full review for this book for a while, so I'll try and keep this brief. There are certainly some problems with The Bone Season. It does develop into a fascinating read, however, at the very beginning I did find the writing a little clunky and there being a bit of an info dump. Despite this, the world building was great, I love Paige as a main character and there is real potential for the series. 


3.
Sleeping Dogs / Sonya Hartnett / Goodreads
3.5 STARS
I had to read this for uni, and I had no idea what I was getting into. I don't necessarily love this book, but there's something about it. It's a Southern Gothic set in Australia. Most of the characters are intensely dislikable, and not a whole lot happens. But there's still something about it. I think it might be the writing. And that ending - wow. It's tiny but it definitely packs a punch.


4.
Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2) / Sarah J Maas / Goodreads
5 STARS
I review Crown of Midnight (and Throne of Glass) here. Everything about this book is amazing, though. Absolutely everything. The character development and the world development. The relationship development. EVERYTHING. I honestly cannot wait until the next book is released.


5.
Out of the Easy / Ruta Supetys / Goodreads
5 STARS
I've been wanting to write a full review for this one for a while too. It's just a standout piece of historical fiction. Josie is a great main character and I really delved into 1950's New Orleans. I had a minor issue with the ending though - I didn't feel enough closure with some things. But, nevertheless a wonderful read.


6.
Seventeen & Gone / Nova Ren Suma / Goodreads
4.5 STARS
 I wrote a full review for this book here. Nova Ren Suma is easily one of my favourite authors. Her prose is spectacular and she consistently writes intriguing plots. This is no exception. It's such a quietly compelling book, and it takes a really interesting turn towards the middle to end. Just trust me. This is a must read.


7.
Wuthering Heights / Emily Bronte / Goodreads
4.5 STARS
I filmed a review for Wuthering Heights here. I have such mixed feelings about this book. I mean, most of them are good but some aren't. Loved the writing, hated the narrative-in-a-narrative format. Loved the pacing and plot line, but hated the relationship between Cathy and Heathcliff. Overall, though it was really interesting.


8.
Bridget Jones' Diary / Helen Fielding / Goodreads
4.5 STARS
Oh my god. Bridget Jones' Diary is one fantastic read. Bridget is a hilarious main character. The embarrassing situations she got herself into made me cringe. I mean physically cringe too, not inwardly cringe. Very quick to read, and amusing to no end.


9.
Unravel Me (Shatter #2) / Tahereh Mafi / Goodreads
4.5 STARS
I did a review for this book here. In terms of how it works as a sequel, I think Unravel Me surpasses Shatter Me in every single way. There is so much development in the characters (particularly Juliette and Warner. God, I love them together), and development in the world. The writing improved twice-fold. Everything about this series got so much better. If there's anything I'd recommend, I'd say this: If you hated Shatter Me, give Unravel Me a go. It just might surprise you.


10.
North & South / Elizabeth Gaskell / Goodreads
4 STARS
I filmed a review for this one right here. A+ classic. Much love for this book. I was first aware of this book when I watched the BBC Adaptation with Richard Armitage (sigh!) in it. Don't go in expecting a similar story. I found that the interactions between Margaret and Mr Thornton were very, very different. Nevertheless, it was still really well-paced, great characters and I enjoyed every moment of reading it. 


Notable Books:
Fairytales for Wilde Girls / Allyse Near / Goodreads
Fangirl / Rainbow Rowell / Goodreads
These two book are outstanding, and must-reads. While they didn't make it into the top 10, I still thought they were worth a mention. Definitely add these to your to-read lists. :)

What about you guys? What were some of your favourites thislast year?

3 comments:

  1. I have Wuthering Heights on my shelf but I have yet to read it.

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  2. Completely agree with JUST ONE DAY, CROWN OF MIDNIGHT and OUT OF THE EASY. Loved them all so so freaking much! I didn't dislike THE BONE SEASON but it didn't quite meet my expectations; if they hadn't made so many comparisons, calling the author the next J.K. Rowling I think I might have enjoyed it that bit more... Loved FAIRYTALES FOR WILDE GIRLS... All of the others I really do want to read in the future. ;) I also did a favourites of 2013 post on my blog (I think). Hope you continue posting this year!

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    1. Yesyesyes! They're all magnificent! I think because I'd heard such mixed opinions on The Bone Season, I didn't really have huge expectations on it (in fact, I actually thought I wasn't going to enjoy it). There certainly were problems with it, but it was much better than I had expected and there was something about it that I kept coming back to (even after finishing it). I'm pretty sure I read your top 2013 reads post, and I was like, agreeing with everything you'd put down. Similar tastes, or what! :P

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