Bel's Top 10 of 2014

Oh boy! I always have a tough time with narrowing down which ones to include. I realized in putting my Top 10 together that the books on this list are ones that my mind always travels back to. I figure if these books come to my mind as often as they do, then they must be it, right?

Winger by Andrew Smith

When I first picked up this book, I never suspected that it would affect me as much as it did. It wrenched my heart and the aftermath left me gutted for days. I’d do it all over again.

Play by Kylie Scott

One word: Mal. The second in the Stage Dive series delivered the funniest, hottest, most ridiculous scenarios. Mal's character made me laugh hard. He is the class clown who happens to be a freaking hot drummer, mischievous to the core and one of my top 5 fictional boyfriends. 

This Is Falling (Falling #2) by Ginger Scott

What a delightfully gradual fall! I fell head over heels for this one about a girl suffering from PTSD and the sensitive co-ed who befriends her. I'll repeat what I said in my review in that I wish I could experience this book for the first time over and over.

Breakable by Tammara Webber

I so loved Easy which is an all-time favourite and an obvious go-to choice for me. This sequel, Webber's solid writing shows us events told from Lucas’ POV, revisits his painful past and how he came to be the man he is today.

Uninvited by Sophie Jordan

It was a difficult choice between this and Jordan's other NA title, Wild, which I loved also. I eventually went with this because its dark, gritty premise explored many thought-provoking questions about who has the potential for violence, if it can be accurately predicted and how to stave off that threat. Do potential offenders deserve humane treatment? And what if you could fight it?

The Geography of Me and You by Jennifer E. Smith

This was the ultimate in sweetness. Two strangers trapped in an elevator during a blackout in NYC. Their connection spans several states and even continents. And my favourite part about this book? The many lovely quotes to choose from.

Sway by Kat Spears

This one surprised me big time. The premise had me thinking it would be pretty funny, and it was. But it was also uncomfortable and wrong in places due to the main character's lack of a social filter. What caught me off guard was how much I ended up liking the at times loathsome, sarcastic and opportunistic protagonist.

The Edge of Always by J.A. Redmerski

This follow-up to The Edge of Never was so wonderful. The title alone eludes to hope. Camryn and Andrew create their own happiness and adventure, making it hard not to love them for it! 

How To Get Ainsley Bishop To Fall In Love With You by T.M. Franklin

So much awesome here! I have a special fondness for this one as I’ll always remember laughing out loud, reading it on the beach in the Bahamas. It’s smart, funny and witty. Honestly, you’ll fall in love with Oliver because he's the “forever boy”.

The Tyrant’s Daughter by J.C. Carleson

This is a very gripping story about a girl who’s transplanted to America from her war torn country that was once ruled by her dictator-father. Through her eyes, the reader gets to see life from a different cultural perspective. It’s an eye-opening and consuming read.

 


Okay, in some circles this may considered as "cheating" but I would be remiss if I didn't include some honorable mentions. Please forgive me but I just had to throw some more love out there...

Undone by Cat Clarke
A young girl dealing with her best friend's suicide seeks revenge on the popular group of high school kids she blames for his death. You'd think it would be all serious but it's sometimes charming tone and surprisingly funny moments help to offset the somber mood. The ending leaves plenty of room for interpretation.

 

The Summer I Wasn't Me by Jessica Verdi
You've read books about people coming to terms with being gay. In this, the main character has already accepted that fact but feels she must "fix" herself in order to help her mother heal emotionally from her father's death.

The Hook Up (Game On #1) by Kristen Callihan
Ms. Callihan doesn't know this but she almost owed me a brand new tablet because holy cow, this book is freaking hot!!

Beneath The Stain by Amy Lane
Two words: Amy Lane. She describes love in all its extremes so perfectly that it's hard not to be affected. Imagine if she did greeting cards! 










All right then. I've shown you mine, now let's see yours!  

~ Bel

The Tyrant's Daughter by J.C. Carleson

* * * * 

From a former CIA officer comes the riveting account of a royal Middle Eastern family exiled to the American suburbs.

When her father is killed in a coup, 15-year-old Laila flees from the war-torn middle east to a life of exile and anonymity in the U.S. Gradually she adjusts to a new school, new friends, and a new culture, but while Laila sees opportunity in her new life, her mother is focused on the past. She’s conspiring with CIA operatives and rebel factions to regain the throne their family lost. Laila can’t bear to stand still as an international crisis takes shape around her, but how can one girl stop a conflict that spans generations?

J.C. Carleson delivers a fascinating account of a girl—and a country—on the brink, and a rare glimpse at the personal side of international politics.

*Bonus Backmatter includes a note about the author's CIA past, and a commentary by RAND researcher and president of ARCH International, Dr. Cheryl Benard. Recommendations for further reading are also included.

I happened upon this when I saw it included in a Stacking The Shelves post a few weeks ago. It’s different from my regular fare and I was grateful for the change of pace it provided.

Layla’s experience as a newly arrived exile is described so eloquently. There were even moments where I could easily relate to her cultural shock moments. But Layla’s perspective on life in general is eye-opening. The differences she encounters don’t necessarily scare her or deter her. She even allows herself to enjoy aspects of her new life though there may be constant clashes between the old and new that confound her.  But what is truly earth-shattering for her is learning that the whole world sees her overthrown murdered father as a dictator which is a very bitter lesson for her to swallow.  This even causes her to reassess her life and family as she has known it up to now, especially her mother. What we have here is not just a displaced teenage girl who has lost her father and her country but also a girl having to grow up too fast and be schooled in politics.

Seeing typical American experiences from the mundane like that of grocery shopping to the milestone high school dance through Layla’s eyes, will offer a fresh new perspective to the reader. Even the concept of having friends and “hanging out” is something new to her.  

I say read this. It’s one of the best books I’ve come across this year. It’s an absorbing story that grabs you and will also enhance your own view of typical every day life.

~ Bel

A Peek In The BiblioBin #95

Welcome to our Stacking the Shelves post! Stacking the Shelves (or as we like to call it, A Peek in the BiblioBin) has been created by the lovely ladies at Tynga's Reviews.

Stacking the Shelves is a way for bloggers to share what books they have won, received for review, bought from the bookstore, borrowed from the library or friend, etc.

For Review:

The Summer I Wasn't Me by Jessica Verdi


Borrowed:

Half Bad (Half Life Trilogy #1) by Sally Green

The Tyrant's Daughter By J.C. Carleson


Purchased:

The Vision (Fallen Star #3) by Jessica Sorensen