This was a year of some pretty fantastic books. I did have a very hard time picking my favorite books, so the rankings are kinda abstract. Without further ado, here are my favorites of 2014!
1. Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson. This book was one of those books that had everything that I wanted in it. It was light, funny, had some pretty deep lessons, and was just so good. The writing was really nice and easy to get through. I never got tired of reading the book, or wanted a break. The plot has been done before (many times), but this story never felt cliche or used. The characters were so realistic that I was dying from second-hand embarrassment, and yet, I was able to love each one of them. Morgan Matson has written a few other books that come with rave reviews, so check them out after you read Since You've Been Gone!
2. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. I have hesitated to read this book for so long. It's narrated by Death, and is about the Holocaust... Really? But finally, I picked it up and read it. (Only after I watched the movie first- which is how I can tell you that the movie soo good!) Anyway, I read it- and fell in love with it after the first few chapters. Death is nowhere near as morbid and dark as I thought he would be. I loved all of the characters, especially Rudy. The writing was beautiful. There's no other way to describe it. This book will build up your heart, tear it down, and walk all over the pieces, but it is fantastic. If you haven't read it, get out from underneath your rock, and read it. It's worth all of the emotions.
3. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell. This book is adorable. It's so cute and funny, but kind of heavy at the same time. I kinda disliked Cath at first, but then she quickly grew on me.I liked most of the characters, and was properly furious when a few of them acted the way they did. This was another book that avoided reading because, well, fanfiction and I have a hate-hate relationship. But this book was amazingly worth the read. It's a little thick, but don't let that daunt you. Attachments by Rainbow Rowell is sitting on my desk, so hopefully, I'll read that next!
4. Better Off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg. I couldn't decide whether this should be my favorite book this year or not... So I decided to give it my favorite boy-girl book. I really enjoyed how this book is written with two different POVs, and how there were those chapters with the two protagonists together. I loved every single character that showed up, even the "villains" were kind of downplayed. The plot was super cute, it's been done before, but it's still incredibly fresh. Elizabeth Eulberg also has some books that have done very well, so I suggest that you try some of her stuff after you read this book.
5. Breathe, Annie, Breathe by Miranda Kenneally. For some books, I hesitated to read them. For this book, I waited on the edge of my seat until it was in the library. This book was well worth the wait! It was funny, a great summer read, it properly enveloped the stages of running (I have run two half-marathons and they were certainly not easy), and it was an easy read. I didn't like how quickly Jeremiah and Annie moved with their relationship, but I was able to look past it easily. Also, I really just love this title. Yet again, I suggest that you check out some of Miranda Kenneally's other books after you read Breathe, Annie, Breathe.
6. Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins. This book is hilarious. I was laughing so much throughout the whole book that it was kinda ridiculous. I fell in love with all of the characters, I loved the plot, I loved Harper's inability to come up with excuses. The plot was unique, and yet it had that well-loved kind of feeling with it that only comes with having read the story before. After you read the book, watch Christine Riccio's Polandbananasbooks YouTube review on it, because it is realllly funny.
7. Flowers in the Sky by Lynn Joseph. I loved this story. I loved the betrayal, the lack of honesty, the difficulties in Nina's new life. I'm glad that things weren't easy for her in her new home. I'm glad that I could hear about her struggles and triumphs in her new home. I really liked the characters, and the character development throughout the entire book. This book wins the award for prettiest cover.
8. Cinder by Marissa Meyer. I haven't read very many sci-fi books, but this book was amazing! On top of being sci-fi, the book is a fairy tale retelling. *mindblown* The whole story was really fresh and new, even though it's the Cinderella story. I loved the characters, and the ending was so gripping. I'm going to cheat a little here, and just say that the whole series is amazing.... So, read it!
Happy New Year, everyone! And happy reading for 2015! :)
Lots of love,
