Top 10 of 2014: Best Books I've Read in 2014

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Top 10 of 2014 is hosted by Jamie of Two Chicks on Books, Mindy of Magical Urban Fantasy Reads, Nancy of Tales of a Ravenous Readerand Rachel from Reading YA Rocks. It's a yearly event where bloggers participate and make lists about top 10 things in relation to books. 

For today's topic, we have the Best Books of 2014. This does not necessarily mean that these books were published in 2014. The only requirement is that they were READ in 2014. :)


So, without further ado, in NO particular order, we present the BEST BOOKS WE READ IN 2014! 




1. Better Off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg
I cannot stress enough how much I ADORE best friend romances! This was such a light and sweet book but it definitely tugged on my heartstrings. This is the kind of book that I will be rereading many many times, in the near AND distant future.

2. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
Oh God... I can't even begin to describe the perfection that is this book! I honestly do not know what to say, except that it blew me away and tore me apart (in a good way I guess since I am recommending this to you). I loved this book so so much, in ways unimaginable.

3. I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
"If you give a girl an orange, her love for you will multiply." This is one of my favorite quotes EVER and it's from this book. This one honestly exceeded my expectations and I didn't anticipate that it would affect me so much. But it did, it did.

4. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
Not a book published in 2014. A book written by the famous poet/author who stuck her head in an oven. This book was painful, but amazing. Period.

5. Landline by Rainbow Rowell
Eleanor and Park was my favorite book of 2013, and of course Landline would make the list! Rainbow is just too talented, it makes me want to cry.

6. Afterworlds by Scott Westerfield
I've actually been debating with myself over putting this book on this list, especially since I only gave this one a 3.5 (whereas all the others had 5 star ratings). However, I just can't seem to take my mind off this book, probably because it is just so unique and different and I loved the concept of it. I really do.

7. The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa
I took some time reading this, because it was just too intense! Perfect ending to the trilogy.

8. Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
I think I take this as the cue to kick myself for only discovering Colleen Hoover this year. Ugly Love was just.... so painfully good! I couldn't put it down and it made me cry. Like real ugly tears.

9. A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
Can I just say... I read this for 6 straight hours on an airplane when I was supposed to sleep, thus resulting to me being extremely jetlagged. No regrets whatsoever though. Too addicting. Just like the series. 

10. Half Bad by Sally Green
Wow, this one I really did not expect would make this list. At first, I thought this was more like a children's book but it unravels into something more towards the end. Definitely looking forward to the next book!


1. Maze Runner by James Dashner 
I'm not sure if I read it for the first time this year or if I just reread it for the movie. Either way, The Maze Runner is one of the best movies I've read this year. I love the action, the plot, and the binding between the people in The Glade. 

2. Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson 
I'm still currently reading this but I already know that I'm gonna love it. This book is so cute, sweet, heartwarming, and beautifully crafted. Every single place had a purpose that added more to Amy and Roger's story. I am simply loving it. 

3. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell 
Amazing. Levi and Cath are perfect together. I love the fact that this story isn't just about love. It's also about growing up, acceptance, and supporting one another. It's so mich more than you would expect it to be. Even the tiny snippets from Cath's fic is perfectly added to the story. 

4. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart 
No words. This book sent chills down my spine. It made me want to tell everyone about it but at the same time I couldn't bring myself to because I wanted people to read it themselves and tell me they feel the same way. Just. Perfect. 

5. Luna by Julie Anne Peters 
I read this book in less than one day which shows just how good it was. I think that the author was very brave and very talented to have taken on such an intimidating topic and actually do it justice. The only thing I wanted to change was the ending, but other than that, I really liked it. It was an eye-opening read. 

6. Everyday by David Levithan 
I love David Levithan's works. He never fails to give us another unique story that we will surely love. Everyday is just so different. I know that I would never have thought of something this unique in a million years. Another thing that I like about this book was how it was written in the point of view of someone who just didn't judge. It's really refreshing and different in a good way from what I'm used to. 

7. Landline by Rainbow Rowell 
I admit that I haven't finished it yet, so it shouldn't really count but whatever. I'm loving this book. Rainbow Rowell is so talented and this book just displayed that fact even more. Landline is amazing, just like all Rainbow's other books are. 

8. Torn Away by Jennifer Brown 
Torn Away is a haunting read. The story sticks with you. Sure, you don't think about it everyday, but Jordan's story will remain in your heart for a long, long while. She's a remarkable character, it was remarkable, cry-worthy book, and it truly deserves to be here, on my list. 

9. Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally 
It's not as deep as the other books, nor is it as clever, but it's simple, sweet story just made me love it. It's not just about football or Jordan's love life. It's a story that makes you appreciate your friends, your family, everything you have. It sucks you in with its simplistic charm and you'll definitely want to read it over and over again. 

10. Mr. Penumbra's 24-hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan 
This is a really nice, clever book that everyone will love. The ending wasn't really what I wanted it to be, but the journey to the end, with all the spectacular people and all the amazing adventures made the book a worthwhile read. You'll laugh, have fun, become smarter in some way, and maybe even learn a thing or two.

1. Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
I have proven that Rainbow Rowell books are awesome, every single one of them, I really love the plot of this book since it's not your average love story. Attachments is all about three people in their mid 20s. It's about falling in love with someone who you haven't even met yet. This book will definitely make you smile. 

2. Landline by Rainbow Rowell
Another Rainbow Rowell book! I am truly amazed how Rainbow could write books in such different personalities, but still be able to truly feel each one of them. I just currently read this book, and it definitely deserved a 5 out of 5 rating. 

3. Forever Layla by Melissa Turner Lee
So this book was sent for us to review, and I actually loved it. It's a mixture of different genres like YA Contemporary, Sci-fi, Fantasy, Romance and the list goes on. The relationship of David and Layla moved quite fast, but there's the feeling of connection between them. I am looking forward to more books by Melissa.

4. Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
I have actually already read this book a long time ago, but I reread it this year, and it's still the cutest book ever. No matter how old you are, you just have to read this one and watch the movie too because both are beautiful. This is probably one of my all-time favorites. 

5. Everyday by David Levithan
Wow. That's the best word I could think off that describes this book. How could David Levithan think of a story like this? It's all about A who wakes up everyday in a different body, but loves the same girl everyday. David Levithan books are a must read!

6. The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan
Even though The Lover's Dictionary is a pretty short book, it's the book which seemed to have endless words. It's a love story told in dictionary entries. Though the entries are short, it provides great events and even not so great ones of being within a couple. 

7. If I Speak True by Jessica Brooks
I was thrilled to be given the chance to review this book this year. It's a very unique read. Ambrosia was a place that is utterly fascinating and made me wish that it actually existed. This book is full of secrets, and because I like revealing secrets as I read, I enjoyed this book.

8. Summer on the Short Bus by Bethany Crandell
Bethany Crandell showed in this book that people with disabilities aren't so different. It's a book that made me laugh so much that lead me to crying.  It's a story about transformation. This is probably the best coming of age book I have read this year.

9. Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally 
I think we have mentioned this book so much in our blog, but that's just because it's reaaally good. It's a sweet book that will make you read it over and over again. 

10. Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson
I listened to this as an audio book, and to be honest audio books are not the best for me because I fell asleep. But, once you really listen to this story, you would completely appreciate it. It's about the loss of a friendship, but it's what made the story beautiful. 

I hope you guys enjoyed today's post! Did you do Top 10 of 2014? What are your favorite books of the year? Leave a comment!

Book in Review: We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

16143347
Title: We Were Liars
Author: E. Lockhart
Publishing Date: May 13th 2014
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Format: Kindle

A beautiful and distinguished family
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.
 
We Were Liars is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel from National Book Award finalist and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart. 

Read it. And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.

Rating: 10/5 stars

How do you describe a book that gripped you from the very first line, ate away your soul and left your sweet poor little heart shattered into thousands of pieces? 

We Were Liars is mesmerizing, intriguing, and so hauntingly real and personal. The writing is crisp, strong and wonderfully messy. The descriptive passages and imagery are praise worthy, and never goes overboard. You've got descriptions like "Sugar, curiosity and rain" and "ambition and strong coffee", a string of simple words that mean so much deeper than face value. The plot starts out slow and cryptic, but quickly picks up as the climax draws closer. The story is sophisticated, smart and unforgettable. It is told from the point of view of a confused and distraught teenager, and the writing is consistently beautiful and emotional and distinctively from her perspective - with it starting as a slow gentle puff of air blowing into your face, then quickly turning into a fast whirlwind as the plot unfolds.  The characters are so well-rounded and flawed; each of them are passionate, driven and young, but also imperfect and trying to make things right. They view love and friendship above economic and social stability and try to put justice into a world where money is everything and prejudice is prevalent everywhere. 

This book was incredibly painful to read but so unconventionally addicting. There is no Scrabble word that could describe how I feel about this book. This book took my breath away, and I found myself sobbing uncontrollably towards the end of it. I did NOT see that ending coming, and WOW, it tore me apart but it was just brilliant!

Never have I been at a loss of words so drastically over a book. Normally, I tend to blabber on about a book endlessly (even accidentally spoiling it for everyone else) but this is an exception. I just can't seem to say any more. This review may be as vague as the blurb but there is no other way to put this, or you may not truly experience the story when you read it.

It's true what they say that it's better to know absolutely nothing about this book and just go into it blind. Please don't let anyone spoil this book for you, please don't demand spoilers no matter how much you like them, and please do NOT skip to the ending. 

My heart is broken beyond repair because of this book, but I have no regrets.

Waiting on Wednesday: We Were Liars by E.Lockhart

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

WHAT WE ARE WAITING FOR:


Title: We Were Liars

Author: E.Lockhart

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Release Date: May 13, 2014

A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.

We Were Liars is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel from National Book Award finalist and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart. 

Read it.
And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.

WHY WE'RE WAITING:

We have read A LOT of reviews for this book, and everyone says it's perfect, amazing, clever and sophistcated. Who wouldn't want to read a book with such great reviews? Plus, we love how E.Lockhart writes, so this book is really worth waiting.

What are you waiting for? Don't forget to leave a comment! 
:)

May 2014 Releases

ITS MAY!!! There are a lot of books to watch out for in this month. *woot woot*
We've listed down the books that we want to steal and eat and smuggle. HEHEHE. Enough of our talk about illegal plans, let's get onto the list! 

1. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart



http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16143347-we-were-liars

2. The Art of Lainey by Paula Stokes 



http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16068910-the-art-of-lainey

3. Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson



http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18189606-since-you-ve-been-gone

4. Royally Lost by Angie Stanton



http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18530135-royally-lost

5. The Secrets of Lily Graves by Sarah Strohmeyer



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18635076-the-secrets-of-lily-graves

6. Guy in Real Life by Steve Brezenoff



http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18599748-guy-in-real-life

7. Free to Fall by Lauren Miller 



http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18602289-free-to-fall

8. Love and Other Foreign Words by Erin McCahan



http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18667800-love-and-other-foreign-words

9. Searching for Sky by Jillian Cantor



http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18594477-searching-for-sky

10. The Swift Boys and Me by Kody Keplinger 



http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18693363-the-swift-boys-me

11. Torn Away by Jennifer Brown



http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15845648-torn-away

12. Wish You Were Italian by Kristin Rae



http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18042393-wish-you-were-italian

Soooo, that's our list! There are like a million other books we want to put in this list, but we narrowed it down to 12 since it's a lucky number? Maybe? Maybe not? Idk. Anyway, what did you think about our list? What books are you waiting for? Leave a comment and we will love you 5ever!!!

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Can't Wait To Read Books of 2014



Hey everyone! 

We've come up with an idea so that you guys will know whose post you're reading. From now on, blog posts will have the name button of the person who wrote that post at the top of each blog post. For example, this blog post is written by us: Kimi and Audrey, so our name buttons are shown above. 

Anyway, since 2014 has just started, both of us have decided to write a post about our Can't-Wait-To-Read books of the year. We've had a lot of good reads this year and you can read our past reviews by looking through our archives. As we say goodbye to the books we read last year, we will also say hello to the books we want- and will- read this year. Trust us, there are a lot. We have to condense the list into just 14 books.

First up on our list is...

1. Isla and The Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

A few years ago, we heard about Anna and The French Kiss, but we didn't read it because we didn't like the title and the cover was too chick-lit for us. But after looking through Goodreads and Amazon to scout for new YA books, we found that Anna and The French Kiss had a really high rating and decided to read it. We instantly fell in love with the book and decided to read the rest of the series. Though we thought Lola and the Boy Next Door was pretty much a downer, Anna and the French Kiss made us actually swoon, so yes, we are reading Isla and the Happily Ever After. 

2. Breathe, Annie, Breathe by Miranda Kenneally

This is the fifth book in the Hundred Oaks series. When we first heard about Catching Jordan, the first book in the series, we didn't read it because we thought it would be a shallow book about highschool. But when we did read it, it turned out to be so much more than that. There are actually some serious issues tackled by the book, such as religion, gender roles, student-teacher relationships, morality, and more. This series certainly isn't the most well-written we've read, but we ended up liking it anyway. We look forward to reading the fifth installment, Breathe, Annie, Breathe.

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