Best of 2014

As the end of one year, and the beginning of another approaches, it's time to reflect. This means all those Best Of lists begin to pop up everywhere, and this blog is no exception.

Here are the top 15 books I've read this year. I couldn't stop at 10. It was impossible. I even cheated a little and included two books in the same series together.

These are in no particular order, that would have been even more impossible.

Each selection links to my review (where available) if you wanted more information.

1 We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

Beautiful writing, and a story that blends together sadness, summer, and a fantastic mystery. The "don't reveal the ending" marketing plan was buzz worthy, and in this case I happen to agree. Knowing the minimal amount about the story going in increases your enjoyment of this story as this is one to experience with the character.

2 The Winner's Curse/The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski

I cheated and included both books under this as I've read both this year. The characters will ensnare you and keep you riveted with every single twist and bump during their journey. A story full of secrets, lies, hidden truths and political intrigue, it's one that keeps you guessing and crushes your heart (in the best way).

3 Half Bad by Sally Green

This story succeeds because of Nathan. His story will stay with you long after you finish the book. The potential for the rest of the series is evident in this first installment and I am excited to continue Nathan's journey and discover more of this rich world Sally Green has created.

4 Love Letters To The Dead Ava Dellaira

Told in letter format, this story offers a unique and satisfying experience. Through letters to deceased celebrities we learn Laurel's story. It's a story that isn't always a happy one. It's a mix of hopeful and heartbreaking and looks at the long road back from grief and forgiveness.

5 Since You've Gone by Morgan Matson

This novel will immediately leave you with the Kelly Clarkson song stuck in your head, and a smile on your face. Filled with a sweet romance, and friendship that has the starring role, and characters you want to be friends with, it's a lighter read that has a lot of depth. You'll want to create your own 'to do' list for your BFF when you turn that final page.

6 Brazen by Katherine Longshore

All of Katherine's novels have an underlying message of finding your voice, and standing up for what you believe in. Something that resonates no matter what year we're in. This story is of finding your own self worth, and embracing it. It's a story that is filled with sharp writing, and the lasting desire to live life with no regrets.

7 Famous In Love by Rebecca Serle

Any fan of Hollywood gossip, CW TV shows, and love triangles will devour this novel and immediately beg for more. It's depth, and characterization however will have you utterly smitten. It's a story of falling in love while everyone watches, of finding yourself while under the spotlight, and adjusting to drastic changes. You may end up being either Team Jordan or Team Rainer, but you'll undoubtedly end up finishing the novel Team Paige.

8 The Vanishing Season by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Jodi's breathtaking writing combined with her ability to create the kind of characters that get under your skin made this one a heartbreaking, crushing read. The mystery of the missing girls is secondary to the destructive relationships between the central characters, and it's aftermath.

9 I'll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson

My first Jandy Nelson book stunned me. I expect this one will pop up on quite a few of these lists and for good reason. Two distinct and unique voices, two unforgettable narrators, and a story that is capable of breaking your heart and mending it all at once. The sibling relationship is the heart of this story, and it's beautifully done. This novel also gave me Oscar, my new book boyfriend.

10 Open Road Summer by Emery Lord

If you ever wondered what it might be like to be BFFs with Taylor Swift, this novel is for you. Underneath the lightness and fun is an insanely enjoyable story. A friendship at it's heart, and a swoon worthy romance make for a quick paced read that is a fave debut for many. There is plenty of emotion packed into this read, and you'll end it being an Emery Lord fan.

11 The Iron Trial by Cassandra Clare and Holly Black

This novel takes fantasy tropes and flips them. You think you know this story, and where it's going only for Holly Black and Cassandra Clare to show you just how wrong that assumption was. It packs a surprising punch, and is perfect for middle grade and young adult fans alike. I cannot wait to see these characters grow and progress over the coarse of this story.

12 Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

A finale that was more than worth the wait. While I may prefer Etienne to any of the other boys Stephanie Perkins has created, Isla is perhaps my favourite girl. She endeared herself to me immediately, and is perhaps the most like me. A romantic, achingly realistic, beautifully written conclusion to a stellar set of companion novels. Stephanie Perkins may just be the Queen of Contemporary novels (for me she shares the title with Gayle Forman).

13 The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

The buzz around this one started when Emma Watson signed on to be the main character in the movie adaptation. Kelsea is a protagonist that quickly makes you fall in love with her. The Fetch is an intriguing element to the story and adds an air of mystery. The world building is one of my favourite parts of this story and seeing Kelsea grow and change is the heart of the story.

14 Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

Danielle Paige takes something beloved and makes it all her own. She twists Oz in fascinating ways all while maintaining the recognizable elements of the classic. The clear and concise set up allows for a tightly woven story that begs to be turned into a CW TV show. Those who want what made The Wizard of Oz so speical will find it here, just twisted beyond belief.

15 Exquisite Captive by Heather Demetrois

Heather Demetrois' writing is often praised (and her 2015 release I'll Meet You There) is already gaining a lot of praise for it's writing). This novel is no exception. Combined with her writing is fantastic world building, and a love triangle that works because it really isn't a love triangle. This novel has magic, wonder, and a fantastic lead character that all equal up to a great read.

I could have easily made it 20, but decided to at least try to limit myself. Have you read any of these books? Did they make your Best Of list? Let me know in the comments.

I'll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson

I'll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson 

Release Date - September 16, 2014

Publisher Website - Penguin/Razorbill
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 384 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received in exchange for an honest review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

A brilliant, luminous story of first love, family, loss, and betrayal for fans of John Green, David Levithan, and Rainbow Rowell

Jude and her twin brother, Noah, are incredibly close. At thirteen, isolated Noah draws constantly and is falling in love with the charismatic boy next door, while daredevil Jude cliff-dives and wears red-red lipstick and does the talking for both of them. But three years later, Jude and Noah are barely speaking. Something has happened to wreck the twins in different and dramatic ways . . . until Jude meets a cocky, broken, beautiful boy, as well as someone else—an even more unpredictable new force in her life. The early years are Noah's story to tell. The later years are Jude's. What the twins don't realize is that they each have only half the story, and if they could just find their way back to one another, they’d have a chance to remake their world.

This radiant novel from the acclaimed, award-winning author of The Sky Is Everywhere will leave you breathless and teary and laughing—often all at once.

There is something truly magical about a book that resonates deeply with you. One that makes you feel every range of emotion. The type of book that can leave your heart in pieces and yet healed at the same time. One whose characters, and plot come together beautifully to create something that is beyond words. Something that lingers with you long after the final page has been turned. I'll Give You The Sun left me with the kind of book hanger that doesn't come along often because it is a perfect blend of everything you could want in a novel.

I often complain that multiple view points in a novel sound too similar. There is no uniqueness to the voices. This is not the case. Jude and Noah's voices are both so fully realized, both so unique, and both so utterly spellbinding. You'll effortlessly fall in love with both of them. Neither are perfect, and that only adds to their character and appeal. They are both so fully formed that you expect them to leap off the page. It feels like you're reading someone's diary instead of a fictional novel.

Having never read a Jandy Nelson novel before I didn't quite know what to expect. I know a lot of people have gushed about her writing and every single thing said is true. The words seem to be precisely chosen and strung together. Each sentence and turn of phrase seems deliberate. She tapped into the character's voices so deeply that it feels like they are the ones telling you their story. Needless to say I've become a certified fangirl, and will read anything she writes next. Her writing sears you with it's emotion and enthralls you with it's beauty.

There is a magical quality to not just the writing but built into the story itself. Noah's lyrical, chaotic voice, and Jude's poetic narration only add to this feeling. From coincidences, fate, and the notion that 'some people are meant to be in the same story' we see how the universe may have things planned for you. Even if getting there isn't quite the route you wanted to take.

I fell in love with the beautiful, flawed, and infuriating Oscar. His delicious British accent, charming demeanour, and bluntness made him an easy book crush. The 'cocky broken beautiful boy' from the above description certainly lives up to his name. The romance is just as crushing, just as exquisite and just as painful as you would expect. This novel feels like a rollercoaster and your emotions are flung all over the place before the story is finished.

The sibling bond is perhaps my favourite part of this story. Extra care was taken to develop this relationship and make it more important than the others. It's the focus of the novel, and even when they are not taking or sharing the same space this relationship looms ever present. It's the driving force of the novel, and you cannot help buy hope they can bridge the gap that has come between them.

No words will be able to justice to this beautifully written, incredibly moving novel. A story of the bonds between people, the decisions that we make, and the impact those choices have. A story of love, jealousy, forgiveness and grief, it's one I won't soon forget.

My Summer Reading List

I saw a little while back that people were listing their summer reading lists. Now that summer is officially here I thought I would share my own list.

I tend to plan well in advance and have review books schedule in a calendar. It doesn't mean I don't sneak a few books in when I can though.

Here are the books I am most anticipating reading this summer -

Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

This will be a re-read for the Sisterhood of the Traveling Bookclub discussion. I am pretty much forcing this on people at this point and am looking forward to reading it and falling in love all over again.

The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

The lovely Harper Canada girls (Suman and Kaiti) have been gushing about this one, and once Emma Watson signed on for the movie, I was sold. I am really excited as I get to start this one VERY soon.

Veronica Mars : The Thousand Dollar Tan Line by Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham

Now that I have watched the entire series, and the movie I am ready to dive into this one. I am seriously missing Neptune, Veronica, and the rest of the gang. I'll be insanely happy if Deputy Leo makes a cameo. Oh, and Logan and Veronica should make out. 

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

Counting down the days until I have this book in my hands. It's going to be reading material for the train ride back from my Toronto trip. I loved Stephanie Perkins' previous novels, and feel safe saying that I will adore this one too. It's possibly my most anticipated of the summer.

Open Road Summer by Emery Lord

A Taylor Swift-ish character, a swoon worthy boy and a whole lot of buzz has made this a must read for me. I'll be devouring it soon, preferably with ice cream while at a park.

I also have a few fall releases that I am hoping to sneak in this summer!

Falling Into Place by Amy Zhang

I've been hearing nothing but amazing things about this one. Jamie (The Perpetual Page Turner/Broke and Bookish) raved about it, and the Harper Collins Canada ladies have also spoken highly of it. It may have to sneak it's way up the 'to be read' pile.

I'll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson

Another one of those books that the buzz has made me stop and pay attention. I am hoping to sneak this one in because it not only sounds wonderful, but I hear the writing is utterly beautiful.

What books will you be reading this summer? Any of my selections also on your reading list?