I am thrilled to announce to you all that I officially won my 2013 GoodReads Reading Challenge. Last year, I set myself a totally lofty and unattainable goal of reading 100 books in 2012. Needless to say, that didn't happen. So I was much more modest in 2013 and decided I would be happy reading 25 books this year. Well, y'all- I did it!!!
To celebrate my triumph I thought it appropriate to share with you my Top 10 Books in 2013!
Believe me when I tell you that you may need a strong stomach to read this book. With that being said, the writing is phenomenal, the story is so real and it truly gives the reader a vivid glimpse into the life of a young boy living in 1970's Afghanistan.
9. Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth
The second book in Roth's Divergent series is a must. The reader delves further into the roots of the faction system we were captivated by in the first book and we get to witness Tris and Tobias' relationship evolve. It's filled with the same action and intrigue that sucked us into the first book with a whole bunch of added mystery!
8. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
Sometimes I can really be a stubborn, judgmental ass. Which is why for the first couple chapters of this book, I was determined not to like the author. I deemed her to be kind of privileged and unrelatable. But as the book went on I couldn't deny her observations were astute, nor that she was doling out really good advice. This is a terrific read for anyone who seeks to better themselves.
Sometimes I can really be a stubborn, judgmental ass. Which is why for the first couple chapters of this book, I was determined not to like the author. I deemed her to be kind of privileged and unrelatable. But as the book went on I couldn't deny her observations were astute, nor that she was doling out really good advice. This is a terrific read for anyone who seeks to better themselves.
7. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
There are not enough adjectives in the English language to adequately describe what a fantastic writer Adichie is. She's been described as our generation's Chinua Achebe and for good reason. This woman can write. If you're at all interested in sociology or anthropology, this novel about an African woman's observations of race in America is right up your alley.
6. Dad is Fat by Jim Gaffigan
Jim Gaffigan (aka: the Hot Pockets guy) is hilarious. He's that rare breed of comedian who doesn't feel the need to resort to vulgarity and offense in order to be funny. This book about being a husband and father of five legitimately had me laughing out loud, and I promptly made Chuck listen to the audiobook because it's an all-around win for men and women!
5. Divergent (Divergent #1) by Veronica Roth
If you loved The Hunger Games series, be prepared to get hooked, once again. This YA dystopian trilogy is one of those books you just can't put down. I won't go on about this one, because chances are you've heard all about it by now- so what are you waiting for?!
4. Carry On, Warrior by Glennon Melton
Momastery remains one of my favorite blogs. Every post of her is just dripping with lessons of love, acceptance and grace. So it follows, that Melton's memoir would be full of the same. She has a voice all her own and is such a little firecracker. Everyone stands to gain something from this heartwarming book.
Momastery remains one of my favorite blogs. Every post of her is just dripping with lessons of love, acceptance and grace. So it follows, that Melton's memoir would be full of the same. She has a voice all her own and is such a little firecracker. Everyone stands to gain something from this heartwarming book.
3. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling
After listening to this audiobook, I can confidently say that I wish Mindy Kaling were my best friend. I loved hearing about Mindy's awkward years, her rise to fame and all her fun, quirky adventures in between. She is a genuine talent and an even more genuine hard-worker. She is a serious role model for young women which is hard to come by these days, and I adore her.
2. Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis
And speaking of female role models...Katie Davis' story is incredible. She is a woman who inspires, who loves and who exemplifies living as Jesus calls us to. At just 19 years old, Katie moved to Uganda to teach and wound up adopting 13 beautiful, young girls in need of a home. If you're looking for an encouraging, faith-filled read- go with this one.
And speaking of female role models...Katie Davis' story is incredible. She is a woman who inspires, who loves and who exemplifies living as Jesus calls us to. At just 19 years old, Katie moved to Uganda to teach and wound up adopting 13 beautiful, young girls in need of a home. If you're looking for an encouraging, faith-filled read- go with this one.
1. Love Does by Bob Goff
And speaking of faith-filled reads...holy cow. I cannot begin to describe the awesomeness that is Bob Goff. Chuck and I had the opportunity to see him speak while we were still living in Pittsburgh and this man is a Godly man. He continually pours out love to everyone one he meets and his book inspires us all to believe that love can do great and powerful things. If you don't read any other book on this list, please read this one.
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All images courtesy of GoodReads.com
I loved Americanah and Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?
ReplyDeleteYay! Congrats on completing your challenge! Question for you: Did you read Allegiant and just not think it was worth "top 10" status, or have you not read it yet? I'm only wondering because I read the first two Divergent books this year, too, but I'm STILL waiting for it to be my turn for Allegiant at the library haha, and I've heard really mixed things about the third book. But I haven't read too much because I don't want to read any spoilers!
ReplyDelete#3 was on my list too and I also loved the Divergent series and the Kite Runner :)
ReplyDeleteP.S. I liked the ending of Allegiant!
http://ilikebigbooksblog.wordpress.com/2013/12/19/my-10-favorite-books-of-2013/