Earlier this year, I wrote a post about what I anticipated my books of the year to be. I wasn’t surprised by some, and I didn’t let myself read two* that I think would top the list. *I am working on my own book, darn it! And there is no doubt these books would take my life over until I have finished them. And maybe read them for the second time.*
But for the books I did read, here are my top ten in ORDER.
1.) The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. Some of the best writing I’ve ever seen, please, please read it. It’s brilliant. Utterly and completely brilliant.
Really, read it. Now. Right now. Go.
2.) The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. This book was lovely, creepy when I don’t get creeped out, and the dialogue was fantastic. I heart this book, and I can’t wait to have to the time to read Jackson’s other gothic book–We Have Always Lived in the Castle.
3.) Lola and the Boy Next Door. Yes, this is a simple YA romance. They fall in love, and you buy that they’ll love each other forever. Really, a cheesy concept in general. How many love stories come from the boy next door? Only it’s not cheesy. Not at all. The author respects the real feelings of teenagers, shows growth in her characters, and examines problems real kids have. I never expected to LOVE these. I wanted something light and frothy, and I don’t generally like straight romance, but not only did both books in this series make my top ten, I am DYING for the next one. DYING.
4.) Anna and the French Kiss. Gosh. I love it. It’s number one in the series if you didn’t already know.
5.) World War Z. Even though it’s abridged listen to the audio book. It was FANTASTIC.
6.) The Casual Vacancy. This book was heartbreaking, tragic, and powerful. Is it Harry Potter? Only by the incredible skill of her writing. She’s a great writer, and this is an important idea to examine. But BELIEVE me when I say it’s tragic. That whole black comedy thing is an utter lie. A complete and utter bull-crap lie. Expect to cry and to think and to be disturbed by the concept.
7.) Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo. I just loved it…
8.) Ready Player One. So fun.
9.) Girl of Nightmares. It’s not Anna Dressed in Blood, but it was great. It’s also my favorite cover of the year. I’d love to have book covers as amazing as Kendare Blake’s.
10.) For Darkness Shows the Stars. The only Jane Austen re-write that I’ve ever read that was actually good. Except of course, Pride, Prejudice and Zombies (that one jumps the shark, but the first part is super fun.)
And the books I didn’t read but expected to love as much or more than the above
*Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor
and
*The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There by Catherynne M. Valente
I think you should read all of these. Every one.
~Amanda
Amanda A. Allen 