I joined a book club this year, and I couldn't love it more. It encourages me to read at least one book every month, and often they are books I may not have heard of or otherwise read on my own. It's also inspired me to read books I've been meaning to read for a long time, but just never gotten around to. The conversation once a month with fellow book loving ladies is good for my brain and my soul.
Reading also fuels me as a writer. It's food for thought and creativity, and I read fast and furiously, so I'd love to share some with you. Most of them did not come out in 2013, that's just when I got around to reading them, so without further ado, here are the best of the books I read in 2013. Click on the covers to read more about each one.
Best Book Club Book
Some of my fellow book club members may disagree, but I just loved this book. It's set in the 1920's, and is the story of a young lumber ticoon and his wife, who is one of the best evil characters you will ever meet. The story has great pacing and mystery that keeps you turning pages. An added bonus, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence will be starring in the movie due out this year.
Book Club Honorable Mention: And the Mountains Echoed, and The 19th Wife
Best Memoir
Shauna Niequist is my all time favorite writer. I reviewed her newest book here when it came out, and even got to be a recipe tester for the project. This memoir/recipe collection tells the story of faith and food and the people we love, and how they all work together. It now has a place on my kitchen counter, and her lentil soup and blueberry crisp are in the regular rotation at my house.
Memoir Honorable Mention: Carry On Warrior, Sober Mercies, The Glass Castle
Best Book That's Now a Movie
People either seem to think this book was life-changing, or they don't at all get what the fuss is about. I am in the life-changing camp! This book is just brilliant, and one of those rich stories you can't stop thinking about. It's the story of Leisel Meminger, a foster-child in 1939 Nazi Germany, and has so much to say about life and death, compassion, family and friendship. It's just stunning - one of my Top 10 of all time. I haven't seen the movie yet, but you have to read the book first. I'm a stickler for that, so I'm often motivated to read a book when I hear the movie is coming out.
Books That Are Now Movies Honorable Mention: Labor Day, Gone Girl, The Spectacular Now (this is one of those rare ones for me where the book was good, but the movie actually made it better)
Best Nonfiction
I read this book before giving it to our family along with the announcement that we are adopting, and it was such an informative easy to read book. It honestly but gently informs families and friends of adoptive families what they can expect, and how to best support adoptive parents as they go through the process. I learned a lot from it and found it so helpful.
Nonfiction Honorable Mention: Bully Nation and The End of Molasses Classes
Currently On My Nightstand
What are you reading right now? What was the best book you read last year? I'm always looking for a good book recommendation, so I'd love to hear from you in the comments about your favorite reads!
