It’s that time where I get to share with everyone my favorite books of the year! So looking back at all the books I’ve read for 2013, it was a “meh” sort of year. There were some good books, some great ones, and a lot of “meh” reads, which is why overall my year wasn’t that great. As I write this (Sunday morning), I’ve read 249 books in all. By the time January hits, I’ll probably add two more books to that number.
Before I get to my favorite books of the year, here’s a few things about the list that surprised me.
1. Most of the books that made the list were published in 2013. That’s never happened before.
2. None of the books that made the list were books I owned. This is one more reason why I’m tackling my tbr mountain in 2014.
3. The oldest book on my list is Madeline L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time. It was originally published in 1973.
4. The newest book on my list is The Visionist by Rachel Urquhart. It’s publication date is January 14, 2014. I found it such a good read that I had to add it to my list of favorites.
5. Every book that made my list is a book that I’m willing to buy. Pure and simple. If I’m not willing to buy it, I won’t give it five stars or add it to my list.
So enough of that, here’s my favorite books of 2013:
The last book is Nelson Mandela by Kadir Nelson.
Have you read any of these books? Which books made your “favorites” list of 2013?
1330v: Thoughts of an eclectic reader 
There are SO many books on your list that I want to read in 2014. #1 among them: Cinnamon and Gunpowder. I just know I’m going to end up buying it! Here’s hoping 2014 is better than “meh.” 🙂
I love all of these lists but they make me realize how many books I HAVEN’T read. I’ve only read one on your list.
What a great list! There are many I haven’t read – looks like the TBR mountain is growing!
What an eclectic assortment of books. I was actually disappointed with the Fables compared to the rest of the series. It was good, but it is almost like they don’t know what to do since they finished off major storylines.
I liked Ann Patchett’s book of essays a lot, too, but I only picked 10 favorite books from 2013 and no nonfiction made the cut! I really want to read A Tale for the Time Being, Saga, and all the new Lemony Snicket books since A Series of Unfortunate Events ended. Sorry for your “meh” year, but 249+ books is a lot of reading, at least! I was surprised that 9 out of 10 of my favorites this year were published in 2013, too. That seemed unusual.
Love the variety of books you read! I’m sorry there were a lot of “meh” reads but here’s to a wonderful 2014!
From your list, Cinnamon and Gunpowder is the stand-out for me. (I still want to read A Tale for the Time Being and a couple of others listed.) I thought it was just wonderful.
I will definitely be reading A Tale for the Time Being in 2014. Plus, the Patchett essays. Great list!
A great selection of books! I have The Visionist in my TBR pile and A Tale for The Time Being! How much you enjoyed The Visionist makes me move it up the pile. And of course, you have made me add book titles to my wish list! Shame on you! Thanks for sharing!
I’ve only read 2 of those. Wrinkle in Time (loved these books as a kid) and Scarlet (really like this series). there are quite a few on there that are already on my wish list. Happy New Year.
I have been meaning to read A Wrinkle in Time since I was in 5th grade. Ugh! I really should so that next year. I’m sorry it was such a meh year for you. Here’s to hoping that 2014 is much better!!
Love your list! I’ve been trying to pump myself up to read Saga for months now. It’s so outside my usual box, but I have a feeling I would love it. Glad to see you added The Visionist, I have that one lined up to read soon!
I still want to read Cinnamon & Gunpowder, Half-Blood Blues (which has been on my TBR for ages, and Marbles. Ozeki’s book will top my list when it goes up on Tuesday. 🙂
A Wrinkle in Time is even older than you thought. I’m not sure of the year, but I do know it’s a 1960s book.
I also read Marbles. I think I read it because of you. Thanks!
I’ve read a lot of the books on your list and I agree they are great ones! Have a great 2014.
I still haven’t read A Wrinkle in Time. I have it, but I don’t know why I haven’t yet! Maybe as I plow through my book piles….
Believe it or not, the only book on this list I’ve read is A Wrinkle in Time, which I loved. I’m going to have some fun adding books from your list to my TBR. I like your reading focus for 2014. Best of luck!
I’ve read 2 1/2 of your books.. I preferred Cinder to Scarlett, which I didn’t finish. The Visionist I have on my wish list due to your recommendation. I have been reluctant to name favorites as I liked so many of the books I read in different genres. Have fun with your 2014 reading!
I’ve only read one of these but a few do interest me. Aren’t these lists so much fun! but tbr-building, whew.
Wow! You read a ton and I have to say I had a “meh” pile of books too. I have not read any of the ones you read this (I mean) last year. I haven’t even read A Wrinkle in Time. Oh wait! I did listen to the audiobook of The Story of a Happy Marriage. I think it was the short version. Glad it is on your list.
My first book of the year is Saga, Volume 2! I picked it up last night and hope to finish it today!! I also am a fan of Fables, no matter which volume we are talking about!!
I need to read this Saga series! It seems to be on a ton of lists. I admit I didn’t love Vaughn’s Pride of Baghdad, so I was not super-excited, but if it is that good…
It is that good! 🙂
1973 is not very old – was this by chance? How does it compare to other years? One of my 2013 favorites was A Long Walk to Freedom, but heard good things about Nelson’s biography.
I read A Wrinkle In Time away back when I was in middle school, but that’s the only one of your favorites I’ve read, so now my wishlist is overflowing! Hope your 2014 is filled with much more great reading, and a lot less meh! 🙂
Wow, you read so many books in 2013. Thanks for the recommendations 🙂 I haven’t read any of these. I read a few romances in 2013 that I really loved.
Oh look at that giant collage! So lovely! I also read & loved the Ozeki & loved Wrinkle in Time as a child. And I’m reading a different Bernheimer anthology right now, the fairy tale one.
Food Rules is one of the most essential books in my library. I’ve been sticking to those rules as much as I can ever since I read it sometime back. I’ve been wanting to read Half-Blood Blues but didn’t buy or borrow because of the TBR on the shelves, waiting. I’d also like to read that Anne Lamott, love her. You’ve read so many books the past year, I’m jealous! 😀 Happy new year, Vasilly! x