my top ten books of 2014

Hi!

As I was compiling my list of books for this week’s Top Ten Tuesday prompt {hosted by the lovely ladies at The Broke and the Bookish}, I couldn’t help but notice what a good year it was for books, personally and in the publishing industry! With my packed academic and extracurricular schedule, I couldn’t fit in every good-looking release that I would have liked; even so, I still discovered new authors, continued some series, and kept up with old favorites throughout the year. I don’t think I’m the only one who found this post hard, so to make it easier on myself, I created ten different categories to discuss. What were your favorites books of 2014?

Kasie West’s novel, Pivot Point, came out in early 2013, and I’m only disappointed that I didn’t get to it sooner! Nevertheless, this backlist was one of the best YA books I read this year {I know to consider a book a favorite when I have to read it in one sitting}. West hasn’t disappointed me thus far, and I’m sure her good streak will continue as I check out her other releases: On the Fence and The Distance Between Us. {reviews: 1 / 2}

What about a backlist for the middle school audience? By far, my favorite middle grade book, 2014 release or otherwise, was Kristen Kittscher’s mystery, The Wig in the Window. I’m eagerly awaiting the next adventure of Sophie and Grace, but in the meantime, I’ll just urge you to check out book one for yourself! :) {review}

With its spot-on synopsis and gorgeous cover, I certainly expected Rebel Belle, by Rachel Hawkins, to be good, but I wasn’t prepared to list it as one of my favorite books of the year! I tend to prefer contemporary stories over fantasy or paranormal, but Rebel Belle is the perfect blend of the two. The main character, Harper Price, still holds a dear place in my heart, explaining my excitement for the upcoming sequel. {review}

I’m delighted that I was able to read so many debuts this year! While many, if not all, were terrific, it’s easy for me to declare Dana Alison Levy’s The Misadventures of Family Fletcher as my favorite middle grade debut. Modern perspective in mind, Levy updates the classic tale of a close-knit family. I only wish there was more to read of these four lovable brothers. {review}

It’s hard to put into words how much I enjoyed the debut, Something Real, by Heather Demetrios, when I read it in the spring. I can only hope that you’ll trust me to check it out yourself {if you haven’t done so already, of course}. Not surprisingly, the novel holds the spot of my favorite young adult debut of the year! {review / interview}

Burn for Burn is nothing new, having been published two years ago, but it’s definitely my biggest obsession of 2014. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop; I devoured each book of the trilogy in a day of reading! It doesn’t look like we’ll be seeing any more of Lillia, Kat, or Mary, but that’s what re-reading is for, right?! {review}

I’ve described how much I enjoy reading historical fiction, but I’l be the first to admit that 2014 seemed like a slow year for the genre. However so, there were a handful of novels that stood out to me – the first one that always comes to mind? Revolution by Deborah Wiles. It was recently nominated for the National Book Award, so it’s clear I wasn’t the only one that loved it! {review}

I haven’t met a Morgan Matson book I didn’t like, so my enjoyment of her 2014 release, Since You’ve Been Gone, truly was a no-brainer. Besides its stunning cover, the book captures everything to love about summer, friendships, and new experiences. If you haven’t gotten around to reading it yet, it should be a “must” for the coming year. {reviews: 1 / 2}

We Were Liars is one book I expect to see on many posts today; how could you not mention E. Lockhart’s beautiful thriller of a novel? It’s yet another story I have trouble describing, but I assure you, it deserves the praise. Unfortunately, I never found the time to review it, but I hope to give it a second look in 2015. It’s a novel worth multiple readings!

Finally, my favorite new author {authors with shout-outs already given excluded :)} of the year would have to go to Emery Lord. Her debut, Open Road Summer, impressed me so much, and I’m certain Lord’s success will only continue with each new book she writes.

Have an amazing Tuesday!
B

Thanks to Miss Tiina for the adorable award clipart!