Books I Read in December 2013 and Favorites of the Year

Originally posted on 1/8/14 here.

Picking my top three books of the year was a no-brainer.  Anytime someone's looking for a good read, my default is always to recommend Me Before You by Jojo Moyes (read in June).



Yeah, I suppose I'm letting that take the top spot, as it's more universally appealing.  But, Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell won my heart and really spoke to me (read in August).  It's really a tie for my favorite of the year.  I loved reading all of Rowell's books this year - she is pure awesome.



And I have to add Where'd You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple as my third favorite: hilarious wit, fast paced with crazy fun plot twists (read in May).



In December, it would seem that I focused on books recognized by National Book Awards; with the exception of the last one, which is understandable...





The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart

Frankie Landau-Banks is one of the MOST awesome characters I've ever read. I'm not sure if I think she's crazy or a genius, maybe both - therein lies her greatness. A story of a feminist teen could come off as trite, but this story explodes with fun hijinks, wit, and real food for thought.





The Round House by Louise Erdrich

This story of a young boy looking to avenge his mother's attacker started with great promise as a suspenseful read. Erdrich's writing is peppered with an eye to detail and also comes across as mythical. Although, by inserting some compelling Native American myths into the narrative, the story meanders and I felt as if it lost focus/dragged on a bit too long.



Picture Me Gone by Meg Rosoff

Enjoyed this YA story of a young girl from London who accompanies her father on a trip to find his missing friend in upstate New York. The writing is so subtle and nuanced; I felt like I went on this journey with Mila, given just the right amount of perfect detail. It was interesting to read a story about the complicated nature of adult relationships told from a rather innocent child's point of view. Definitely thought provoking material.


 

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

This Romeo and Juliet style love story between a Chinese boy and a Japanese girl during WWII was a quick read. I enjoy historical fiction and it was additionally engaging to me, as it takes place where I live (in Seattle). It was definitely bittersweet, but maybe overly sentimental and rather predictable.