Books I read in 2013

I’ve always loved reading (to the point that I can distinctly remember standing in the library as a child and deciding that I would read every book in the world, and thinking that this was a completely reasonable goal—I’ve downsized my life goals somewhat since then). My goal for 2013 was to read 50 books, and I ended up actually reading 55 (I attribute this overachiever success to catching the flu at the very start of the year and plowing through books at lightning speed while lying bedridden for days). And for some reason, I’m missing like 10+ books that should be included here, so I guess you’ll just have to take my word for it that I did, in fact, read 55. I don’t know where they went. Anyway, you can find me on Goodreads if you want to see my reviews!

My favorites from the year:

Daughter of Smoke & Bone and Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor

I have a sort of love-hate relationship with YA fantasy (I really want to love it but I almost always find something to whine about while I’m reading), but I unabashedly fell for this series. I fell so hard, I practically sustained real-life injuries. I actually read each of these books twice this year—once in hard copy, and also listened once to the audio versions of each (which are excellent, by the way, I highly recommend the audiobooks)—and am so excited for the third to come out next year!

Blackbringer and Silksinger by Laini Taylor

Well, Laini Taylor sure found herself a new fan this year. This unfinished series (darn it, write the third, Laini!) is aimed at a younger audience (more like elementary school than YA), but I still loved it. They aren’t as engrossing as the Daughter of Smoke & Bone books, but I just love Taylor’s creativity. She is so original, and so fun to read.

A Guide to the Birds of East Africa by Nicholas Drayson

This romance was so understated, but absolutely sweet and charming and lovable. It reads very similarly to Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand, if you have read and liked that one (and if you haven’t, go get it right now--I highly, highly recommend it!).

I Am America (and So Can You!) by Stephen Colbert

Please listen to this audiobook. Please. I was laughing out loud, like a crazy person alone in my living room, within the first 5 minutes. Absolutely hilarious.

The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer

I had never even heard of the very prolific Georgette Heyer previously to this past year, but she won me over with this one. Such a fun Regency-style romance with great writing and even a few laugh-out-loud one-liners from the hilarious and lovable Sophy. Give it a go. I’ve got another of her books waiting on my Kindle right now and am excited to get started on it.

What did you read (and love!) in 2013?