Today I’m linking up with
Modern Mrs. Darcy’s blog to discuss the best books of 2013 (the best books we
read in 2013, not necessarily published in 2013). According to my Goodreads
account, I read about 20 books this year. You can see the complete list here.
I really enjoyed most of the books I read this year. But,
for the purpose of this blog, I’m going to narrow it down to my Top 5 books. I’m not ranking them in order of least to
greatest because they are all so different and hard to compare.
I’m including a quick note
on each book rather than a detailed review because I believe it’s better to go
into a book with a fresh slate than with expectations from what others have
said about it.
Here they are...
Neither Here Nor There: Travels in Europe by Bill Bryson – I laughed on almost every page of
this book. The author’s witty commentary on the people and places of Europe are
spot on. Reading this book was like being on a European vacation – without the
expense of airfare! Hands down the best travelogue that I’ve ever read.
One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp – I hate to sound dramatic or cliché but this book
changed my outlook on life. She has such a unique writing style, and because of
it, she’s able to bring stories and ideas to life in a new way. Her heart for
the Lord is inspiring, too.
The Paris Wife by Paula McLain – I kept seeing this book pop up on “Must Read” lists
this summer but I was skeptical. I don’t really care about Ernest Hemingway or his life, so
I wasn’t sure if I’d like it or not – but it grabbed me in the first chapter
and didn’t let me go until the end. It’s an intriguing story in a fabulous
setting. Having a glimpse into these iconic lives – good, bad and ugly – was
utterly fascinating. Plus, his first wife was a diamond in the rough and I
enjoyed “her” perspective of the story.
Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls – Need a hero? Look no further than the lead
character of this book. The author did an excellent job bringing her
grandmother to life – all her spunk, sass and tenacity. Her life story is
amazing, shocking and bittersweet. You’ll be cheering for her the entire time. Overall,
an uplifting and inspiring story.
7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker – Don’t’ let the title of this book
scare you. This book isn’t a guilt trip. Actually, it’s more like meeting your
friend at Starbucks and catching up on the latest antics. Through her excellent
story telling, I was able to journey along side of her – while laughing and learning.
I think about things from this book often. I can honestly say it’s
still working on me.
Again, I enjoyed so many books this past year - and still feel "connected" to most of them - so it was hard to narrow it down to these Top 5 picks.
Finally, although I’m not a fast
reader, I’m hoping to double the amount of books that I read this year. That
would put me at about 40 books in 2014. Let’s see if I can do it!
What about you, what were
your favorite books in 2013?
4 comments:
7 was on my list as well this year! And Neither Here Nor There: Travels in Europe sounds excellent--it will be added to my "to read" pile immediately. Great reviews!
One Thousand Gifts did that for me too! I'm planning to reread it this year!
I also read Half-Broke Horses this year. Have you read The Glass Castle as well? That's also very interesting. I read One Thousand Gifts last year and found it truly inspiring as well.
I've never read ANYTHING by Bill Bryson, but I'm going to fix that in 2014. :)
Thanks for sharing your favorites with us!
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