January 2nd, 2015
2014 IN REVIEW
2014 was a great reading year. Although I didn't read quite as many books as I was shooting for (56/60), I read over 3,000 more pages than last year. I'm calling that a win. I owe most of that to Paullina Simons and Diana Gabaldon for their epic historical fiction series with 600+ pages per book. Prior to this year, I tended to shy away from larger books but now I can't get enough of them.
2014 introduced me to some remarkable authors. There were a handful of disappointments, but the good far outweighed the bad. And I learned so much about Russia this year! Who knew I was so fascinated by Russian history? Not me! I also had my first BEA experience in New York City and I can't wait for more in 2015.
But before I jump into a new reading year, here is a top 5 2014 review:
#5
Favorite Film Adaptation
HONORABLE MENTIONS
If I Stay
Outlander (television series)
Mockingjay part 1
I was honestly prepared for disappointment here. Not only did they cut the film in two, but most of the action and meat of the story happens in the second half of the book. What were they going to fill this movie with? I also had serious doubts that anything could properly follow Catching Fire, which was stunning. So I was completely floored when I finally got to see this.
This movie is gorgeous-- so beautifully shot, and it maintained every detail so important to the story and characters. It also included additional, powerful scenes you don't get to experience in Katniss's mind while reading. I can't wait for Part 2.
#4
LEAST favorite book of the year
This is too close to call between THE BEAST WITHIN and COME TO ME QUIETLY.
I disliked BEAST because it messed with one of my favorite stories. More than messed with-- it completely destroyed one of my all-time favorite characters and I just can't deal with that. The story was not cohesive. There was no direction or character arc. I do have to give it points for that beautiful cover, though.
COME TO ME is a new adult contemporary, and my biggest problem with it was the writing style. It just didn't sit well with me. I wanted to take a red pen to every page. I also hated the messages it sent and the whiny characters were too much for me.
#3
most unique book of the year
Another tie! VICIOUS and TRANSCENDENCE.
VICIOUS really blew me away. There has been a lot of hype surrounding this book and Victoria Schwab, so I was nervous that it wouldn't meet my high expectations-- But it met and exceeded them. What made it unique for me was the fact that there are no protagonists in this story. What you have here are antiheroes. Actual Super Villains. It was amazing and I've never read anything like it.
TRANSCENDENCE is a romance. What is so unique about that?
Time travel, caveman, ZERO dialogue and extremely dimensional characters. This book puts you in the mind of a man with no language. It was refreshing and, again, unlike anything I've read before. I'll definitely be looking for more from this author.
#2
prettiest cover
You have to hold this book in your hands to appreciate how beautiful it is. It's textured and the edges of the feather are golden and there are shining bronze feathers floating down the spine. GAHH it's so gorgeous (and the inside is even more beautiful)
#1
favorite book of the year
surprise...
The Bronze Horseman trilogy
I read these in January 2014 and they were a tough act to follow for the rest of the year. All I wanted to do was re-read... and I'm going to spend my January 2015 doing exactly that.
