My Favorite Books of 2013

     This list isn't limited to books released in 2013, only to books I read this year.  Some of them I've already reviewed; most are probably on my A or B lists.  Although I don't read much nonfiction, I am including it as a category here, as well as audiobooks as a separate category.  I listen while I work, and usually choose books I'm interested in but not completely sure I will like, if that makes sense.  Usually, I'm right and they are just OK, but I had a couple surprises this year.  If I find myself trying to find time to listen to them when I'm not at work, I know I have found a winner! :)

     Best Fantasy Series: The Infernal Devices--I have yet to review this series, but that is coming soon!  I think I read the first one and maybe even two in December of 2012, but I read them all again anyway, so it still counts! :)  Seriously, I usually don't have all-time favorites, but this very well could be it for me in the fantasy series category.  It is as well-written as Harry Potter in my opinion, with the perfectly executed story arc and overall satisfaction, but has more emphasis on the love story, which you and I both know is a priority for me. :)  Very unique setting and some of the best characters, both primary and secondary.  Must also mention another trilogy I read 2x, The River of Time; I reviewed that one a few months ago.

     Best Romance:  Edenbrooke--I just reviewed this so won't say too much (check it out a few blog posts down), but seriously, other than Redeeming Love, of course, this is the BEST love story I have ever read!  Reminiscent of Jane Austen in setting but SO much easier to follow; it is, as I said, simply delightful! (and I don't talk like that!!)  The characters and their interactions are perfection; so sweet and heartfelt.

     Best Audiobook:  The Raven Boys--wasn't too sure if I would like this or not; and truly, if you find New Age-y stuff makes you uncomfortable, don't read it (e.g. physics, ley lines, etc.).  It is a story told somewhat slowly, as she does a lot of character development along the way.  This was one audiobook I almost wished I would have sat down to read instead, although I really did enjoy the narrator; he had such a pleasant southern drawl, it really was an addition rather than a detraction like some audiobook readers have been for me. Only problem? It's a trilogy (at least) with only the first 2 written... :(  Solid B+!

     Best Nonfiction: Finding Roses in the Dust : A Journey to a New Perspective--still working on this one, but it is an enjoyable yet very challenging account of a family's year in Afghanistan. It is really putting life in perspective for me. The chapter on thankfulness was spot-on.  Also have to recommend Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown which I listened to on audiobook recently.

     Least Favorite:  I did start a couple series that I thought sounded interesting but ended up not even finishing the 2nd book: The Uglies.  First book was OK; 2nd book (The Pretties) I couldn't stand!  Also, The Selection; once again first book and premise wasn't bad, 2nd book I ended up skimming and I don't even care what happens enough to pick up the next one! 
 
     So that's that; it was a very good year for books for me!  I hope you get an idea for a book or series that you eventually pick up and love like crazy!  :)



 

To Kindle, or Not to Kindle

     

      I have been thinking for a few years now about getting myself a Kindle, and I finally did it for my birthday last month! Although I still prefer good old-fashioned print books, I can't deny the convenience; and so I have finally given in. For economical reasons, I went with the original ($69); the drawbacks I have found are: 1) it's not a touchscreen; you have to navigate with a 4-way arrow under the screen, and turn pages with buttons on the side; 2) there is not a built-in light and 3) compared to other options the contrast is not great.

     Because of these things, I talked my mom recently into purchasing the newer and improved Kindle Paperwhite ($119).  The improved contrast as well as the ability to adjust screen brightness (from completely unlit, like mine, to fairly bright) give you more options.  You can read in the dark without turning a separate light on, as well as read in bright sunlight more easily.  Now I really want to upgrade...already!! 

     Another option (which I would have considered, but I already share a tablet with my daughter) is the Kindle Fire HD 7".  In my opinion, this is a GREAT alternative to an iPad, and much more cost effective.  You have several options, from screen size, to adding 4G, but the original is a very affordable $174. 

     I realize there are other brands of e-readers out there, such as Nook, and others, but for me Kindle was always the way to go.  First of all, I am already an Amazon shopper, and I know there are frequent deals on Kindle books.  I have already purchased several for $0.99 or $1.99, as well as acquired a few for free!  It's also SO easy; when you order a Kindle, it is automatically connected to your Amazon account.  That way, whenever you buy a Kindle book, it can be set up easily to automatically download to your device.  

    I still plan to borrow from the library and purchase regular print books, but I am really happy to have my Kindle; one main reason is for trips.  Thinking about packing for Canada over Christmas becomes much easier, not to mention lighter!  Not only do I not have to haul the 800 page book I am planning to read, but if I actually finish it and want to read something else, I have several other options already at my fingertips.  And of course, I can always log into Amazon and purchase any Kindle ebooks that strike my fancy, downloaded in seconds!  Isn't technology amazing?  :)  

     

Other Books Well Worth Reading--the B's

    I have already given you a list of my favorite books and series, which earned A's from me; but there are many other books that I enjoyed as well, just not thoroughly enough to have earned an A.  This is what I am calling my "B list".  I have narrowed down the elements in a book that I must have to some degree in order for it to be an "A":  real characters (i.e. they feel alive, and I come to care about what happens to them), engaging plot (otherwise known as a "page-turner"), and love story (the 2 characters that you want to be together, do fall in love and end up together).  Obviously if the writing quality is poor, your chances are slim that all 3 of these elements will be there, so I don't count that as a separate essential element.

   That brings up a sore spot for me though...I read a comment about Twilight when I was in the thick of my obsession, that Stephen King had said Stephenie Meyer wasn't a great writer.  I took issue with this at the time, my argument being: "If a writer writes a book that countless people can't get enough of, doesn't that make them a good writer?"  I'm not sure, as I know some people who agree with him, and some who don't.  I'm not by any means a literature snob, and frankly don't really enjoy most classics I've tried to read (sorry you die-hards)!).  If I can't put a book down, to me, that's a fantastic book.  Perhaps the author's skill is not up there with the masters in some respects, but they have a certain, undefinable magic about their writing if they can pull that off.  And that's all I have to say about that. :)

    So in light of my grading system, if I have given a book a B, it most likely falls short in one of the essential elements I listed.  Perhaps it had a slow section that I felt I had to push through (e.g. The Host), or just didn't have a love story that got enough attention (like Harry Potter or Blink); maybe I just didn't enjoy the way the story went or the overall feeling I was left with (as in Breaking Dawn or Mockingjay, listed on my A list because the others in those series were A's).   Without further ado, here is my list of B grade novels:


Harry Potter Series, by J.K. Rowling-B+
The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak-B+
Girl of Fire and Thorns, by Rae Carson-B-
A Walk to Remember, by Nicolas Sparks-B
Agenda 21, by Glenn Beck-B+
Blink of an Eye, by Ted Dekker-B+
The Last Sin Eater, by Francine Rivers-B+
Graceling, by Kristin Cashore-B+
Song of Albion Trilogy, by Stephen Lawhead-B
A Tailor-Made Bride and To Win Her Heart, by Karen Witemeyer-B
The Giver, by Lois Lowry-B+
The Raven Cycle, by Maggie Stiefvater-B+ (so far!!!)
Shiver Trilogy, by Maggie Stiefvater-B
The Host: A Novel, by Stephenie Meyer-B
The Mortal Instruments, by Cassandra Clare-B-
The Grisha Trilogy, by Leigh Bardugo-B

Edenbrooke Review: Simply Delightful

      You probably know, I mostly gravitate toward books that have a good mix of action, adventure, and romance.  Just like with movies though, every once in a while, I just want a good chick flick! ;)  Unfortunately, when it comes to chick flicks and romance novels, too often they just don't measure up to my expectations.  Either they are too boring, too cookie-cutter, or just have very one-dimensional characters or storylines.  This book is a glaring exception; I absolutely adored everything about it!  

     It took me no time to really like the main characters, and their interaction with each other was unique and fun. The author did a wonderful job with character development and the story arc. At one point in the middle when it wasn't going so well for them, my heart was literally aching at times!  

     I loved the author's writing, period; hence the statement in my title "simply delightful". :) She had a way of communicating what both of the main characters were feeling at any given moment, and even better, of making me feel what they were feeling!  She completely drew me in to their interactions, and I identified with them and cared about them more and more as the book went on.  

     I don't know what else to say other than "You have to read this book!!".  Unless you are a hater of all things romantic, or just don't like books unless they are chock full of action, I predict you will love it.  I loaned my library book to someone to read, but once I get it back I plan to go back and re-read all the good parts! :) (Let's just be honest, I will most likely also buy it to loan out to everyone I know.)  But don't wait for that; go here and order it for yourself right now! 

Allegiant/The Divergent Trilogy Review

   I had been waiting for this book for about 18 months, so needless to say I was looking forward to reading it.  I swore I would never do that again after waiting 8 months for Mockingjay, but alas, I was so desperate for a good book after finishing The Hunger Games trilogy, and Divergent was recommended from several sources, so I couldn't resist!  I have to say, the first two books I did really enjoy.  Seems like the final books in various series are batting about 500 for me...unfortunately, this is one of those that sort of struck out!  I didn't hate it, but I certainly didn't love it either.  

    Hopefully without any spoilers, I will try to briefly sum up my thoughts.  First and foremost, I found Allegiant to be, in a word, BORING!  Honestly, a friend told me it got better in the 2nd half, but for me it really didn't.  The first half wasn't bad, but I got to a point somewhere near the middle where I thought, "When is this going to get more exciting?" but it just never did!  In fact, it lost my interest to the point that I even disconnected from the characters, which is never a good thing. There was a copious amount of explaining being done throughout the book: how and why the factions were started, plus the Genetically Pure vs. Genetically Damaged angle really just complicated it unnecessarily in my opinion.  Obviously some of that was necessary, but it seemed like way too much time was spent on it. 

     Also, there was a dual POV that at first I was excited about; the book went back and forth being told by Tris and Tobias.  I love this idea, however, I think the execution was weak.  There wasn't enough difference in the "voice" in my opinion; almost every time it was Tobias's turn, at some point in the chapter I forgot it was him and thought it was Tris talking!  It really wasn't effective and I'm disappointed she didn't use this more effectively.

     Aside from these problems, which were huge, there was a major crisis averted much too easily near the end; and at the same time a tragedy which I'm sure many are angry about.  I wasn't really upset about what happened per se, but I was astounded that said tragedy barely even affected me emotionally!  By that point, I was tired of trudging through and just sadly wanted the book to be finished!  After a series that started out to be so promising, and the first 2 books being decent page-turners, this was even more disappointing to me.  

    This leaves me with the same question I had after finishing Hunger Games:  was the series even worth reading?  Should I even recommend it to others?  Some days my answers to these questions are different than others!  I didn't feel quite as depressed as with HG; perhaps because then I had high expectations and felt there would be something inspiring in the final book.  This time I had intentionally tempered my expectations, and possibly that is all that kept me from being as disappointed.  I think Allegiant was still a let-down from the "compelling" standpoint; at least Mockingjay kept me fully engaged!  So, I guess I would say that as a whole, both series have A's for the first 2 books and maybe a B or B- for the 3rd in my book.  I don't regret reading them, if only for the enjoyment I experienced reading the first 2; but didn't have the sense of satisfaction I got from other series, such as The Infernal Devices and Harry Potter.  All in all, I would give The Divergent Trilogy an average grade of B+, and Allegiant a disappointed B- (I feel generous at that).   If you feel differently (Reyna!) I'd love to hear why!

The River of Time review, A+

      I decided to start off my reviews with a series not many of my friends have read yet. The River of Time was written by Lisa T. Bergren, who has also written quite a few Christian historical romances (which I have not read).  The big difference is that she wrote this series for a YA general audience.  Although God is referred to, it is not preachy at all (which is a pet peeve of mine).  The amazing thing is it wasn't recommended to me by a friend, or by Amazon, or the library survey I did.  I was at the library, and just happened to spot the first one, Waterfall, sitting on the counter!  It caught my eye, so I looked it up at home and then ordered it, and I was SO glad I did!  

The River of Time Series 

      My reviews aren't going to 

give you an entire synopsis, or overview of the books/series.  When my friends who seem to enjoy the same type of books that I do want to know what to read next, I basically just tell them or give them the books without much description!  But I will tell you hopefully enough to pique your interest.  

     Basically, this is a series about 2 teens from modern-day America, who travel back in time to medieval Italy.  There, they not only find some HOT knights in shining armor :), but more adventure than they could have imagined, and they both have to grow up very quickly.  I don't want to give too much away, but it's also about family, making life decisions, grappling with the idea of God's interest in our lives, and so much more.  It's has great characters and is chock full of action, romance, and humor, and is simply very well-written! One of the fun things about it is Gabi's 21st century vernacular when talking to herself juxtaposed with the proper way she converses with the "locals". It has just the right amount of "can't put it down" quality.  I actually read it a 2nd time within about 6 months!  I don't do this often, but this is 1 of 2 in the past year that I loved so much I couldn't help it!  (The Infernal Devices being the other).   Like the blog title says, you just HAVE to read it!  I have read so many YA books because for whatever reason it's my favorite genre, and after a few series that weren't so great, this definitely stands out as exceptional .
Waterfall is book #1 and I found it interesting from the start, but it really picks up about 2/3 of the way through, and then the next 2 I found to each be more exciting than the previous one!  There are 2 novellas and one more to come after the original trilogy, that I also enjoyed.  I would love to hear your opinion if you decide to pick it up and read it;  come back to this page and comment, please.

  The River of Time as a whole gets an A+ from me!

My Favorite Books/Series, the "A's"

  Do you ever get to the point in a website registration where you choose a security question, and can't do it?  Maybe I'm the only one, but when the choices are: "What is your favorite movie?", "What is your favorite band?", "What is your favorite food?", etc., I seriously can't answer any of them!!  For most of these types of things, I have either a top 5 or 10, or a revolving top 3 at any given moment.  In other words, if I even could choose one, it would likely not be the same the next time I logged in! :)  Maybe it's my indecisive nature, or just the complex analyzing my brain sometimes engages in, but other than my husband, I just don't have many #1 favorites.

     However, books seem to be somewhat of an exception.  I definitely have a list of favorites that I can't really put in order other than the #1 spot: Redeeming Love
by Francine Rivers.  That will likely be the first review I post, in honor of it's amazing uniqueness.  Frankly, I can't see anything surpassing it, ever!  I just got one of the two back that I had loaned out yesterday, so a review is forthcoming.

     Therefore, what this post is actually going to be, is a list of some of my OTHER favorite fiction books.  Boy, that took me a long time to get to! I'm going to try doing a letter grade for each book rather than star ratings like I originally intended.  When I actually review these books, I will go into more detail as to why I rated it as I did, but generally an A means it has all the ingredients I am looking for in a book, in good proportion: interesting, memorable, compelling story, believable characters that make me care about them, and a satisfying romance that pulls me in emotionally.  If one of these is on the weak side, it will most likely get a B, which will be a list I share with you in the near future.
  

     So, here we go; my favorite works of fiction, not necessarily in order:

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers -A++  
The Infernal Devices trilogy, by Cassandra Clare -A+  
The River of Time trilogy, by Lisa Bergren - A+   (see review)
Edenbrooke: A Proper Romance by Julianne Donaldson - A  (see review)
Here Burns My Candle and Mine is the Night, by Liz Curtis Higgs -A
Lowlands of Scotland series, by Liz Curtis Higgs -A-
Oceans Apart, by Karen Kingsbury -A- (the only one by her I really loved!)
Divergent Trilogy, by Veronica Roth -A-
The Twilight Saga, by Stephenie Meyer -A (and B for #4)
The Hunger Games trilogy, by Suzanne Collins -A- 

     I have a few other series I'm in the middle of that may need to be added to this, but for now that's it!  My B list will follow sometime soon for those of you who already know this A list and have read them all! (You know who you are! ;) )  





     


     
          

Opinionated Me

     Just ask my husband, I ALWAYS have a work of fiction next to the bed, being read almost every night and occasionally during the day if I can't resist and I find a few minutes!  I don't know what it is, but for me nothing compares to the feeling of being thoroughly captivated by a book with great characters that you come to know and love, who have a unique and powerful story, that is told in a captivating way.  And the thing about it is, when I find such a book, I absolutely HAVE to share it with my friends that love books as much as I do!  Then I get an extra boost of satisfaction when they too read it and love it!

     My main objective with this blog is to tell you about the books that I love, or at least really, really like.  I may also include books I had high hopes for, but that fell short. Sometimes I will write a review and other times I may start with just the book and a rating (I'm in the process of working out a kind of complex rating system right now.) 

    I have never really been into writing; always hated creative writing at school, especially coming up with something to write!  But this is different...this is basically just me, giving my opinion, and guess what?  I am really good at having opinions! :)  In fact, sometimes I'm downright opinionated! So, I'm going to give it a try; please, let me know how I'm doing!  And PLEASE leave comments, especially on YOUR opinion of the book I am reviewing, even more than on the review itself. Discussing the book is half the fun! I hope you subscribe and give me a +1 if you want to check out my reviews!  I have a LONG list of books to get started with and will do my best to keep them coming; thanks for checking it out. :)