Good reads :: a year in review.

Last year was a big reading year for me.  Growing up, I would devour books like crazy.  Through high school and college though, there is so much forced reading, that I stepped back from any "fun" reading.  At the beginning of 2014, I made it a goal to push myself to read more, so I did what any social gal with a goal to read more does - I started a book club!

There are around 10 of us now in our little book club, and we meet on average every 6 weeks or so.  Between all of our different tastes and book suggestions, we ended up reading a diverse list of titles that I wanted to share with you.

And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Housseini

Khaled Housseini is an amazing author, in my opinion.  I loved The Kite Runner, and A Thousand Splendid Suns was a good read as well (although my least favorite of his three).  He didn't disappoint with And the Mountains Echoed, and I strongly recommend this as a great fiction read.

Brain on Fire by Susanah Cahalan

Wow.  Susanah Cahalan's memoir of enduring an obscure infection in her brain that led doctors to believe she was losing her mind keeps you on the edge of your seat.  That someone could go through such a dramatic event and come out on the other side alive is amazing.

Uganda be Kidding Me by Chelsea Handler

I mean.  Chelsea freaking Handler.  She's a riot.  She just kills me with her unapologetic wit and behavior.  Uganda be Kidding Me is obviously no life changer, but it is amusing!

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling

Eh, following on the heels of reading Uganda, I was less amused by Mindy Kaling's piece.  I don't think she's as much my cup of tea, either, which would obviously influence my opinion here.

The Rosie Project by Graeme C. Simsion

A sweet and pretty quick read about a genetics professor with Asperger's Syndrome who has decided it is time he find a wife.  The book is written to very easily become adapted to the screen.

Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

This is personally my least favorite of the books I read this year.  At 771 pages, it was a hefty task to take on, and I made it past page 300 before I finally gave up.  The theme was so continuously depressing that I found my mood being affected, and I just couldn't finish.  It's definitely either a love or a hate with this Pulitzer Prize winner.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

This was not a favorite of mine either.  I was one of the few that really detested Eat, Pray, Love when I read it, and I found Wild to be on a similar playing field.

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter

This one is a great and easy beach read!  The characters are vividly painted, and the story even twists and turns to include Richard Burton as a secondary character.  Italy, Hollywood, a love story that transcends 60 years - it makes for a fun read.

Beyond book club, my sister, Laura, and I have gotten hooked on listening to books on tape on the Audible app during our daily commutes.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

I read this before the movie came out, because I was so intrigued by all of the hype around it.  It's a sweet story of two cancer-stricken teenagers finding love.  An easy and good read.  (I still haven't seen the movie!)

Sweet Revenge by Nora Roberts

This was definitely my favorite fiction story that I read this year!  It had me completely addicted.  I'd listen on my drive to or from work, and I'd find myself sitting in the car long past my arrival just so I could hear how the chapter of the day would end.  A wealthy Middle Eastern Princess, Adrianne, escaped her brutal and abusive father as a child.  She sets out to plan one of the biggest jewel heists in history as a means of payback to her father for his horrible behavior toward her mother and herself.  Such an enthralling read!

#GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso

I mean, who isn't inspired by a twenty-something self-made millionairess?  Because I sure as heck am.  I felt like #GIRLBOSS became repetitive at a certain point, and I certainly think that Amoruso has zero problem in the self-confidence department, but as a business woman in the Fashion Industry myself, I appreciated this one.

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

This book wins biggest waste of time for 2014.  I kept waiting for something to happen.  I've finished it now obviously, and I'm still waiting for something to happen.

Not My Father's Son by Alan Cumming

I first came to know Alan Cumming by seeing him on The Good Wife on television.  His character has such a super cute charisma that I really came to adore Cumming on the show - so when his book came out, I definitely wanted to read it.  The story unfolds back and forth between his growing up in Scotland with an abusive father and his appearance on the British television show Who Do You Think You Are, which is a show that delves into the history of celebrity's family members.  At the time of the show beginning to film, Alan's father sent word to Alan that he was indeed not Alan's father.  Between that shocker and the eccentric past of his grandfather being laid out for him on the show, I came to adore Alan even more!

...And currently reading:

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

The Pearl That Broke Its Shell by Nadia Hashimi

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Did you read any great books in 2014?  Please share, I love recommendations!

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