Top 10 Books of 2013

As much as I loved coming up with my list of my favorite books of the year, I also hated it. Each one if a favorite for a different reason, and there's a few others that came close that I can't believe I'm not including. Also I think that your feelings change on books after you read it, so if I were to write this post a year from now my favorites could be completely different based on how they still resonate with me. But here are my favorites from 2013, at least based on how I feel at this exact moment.

1. The Promise of Stardust by Priscille SibleyThis book still brings up emotion thinking about it. It's a really thought provoking post, but the center of it all is a love story. Plus one of the characters was an astronaut which I think is one of the coolest jobs ever.

2. Paris was the Place by Susan ConleyI know I said this in my review, but I really do feel like this book was written specifically for me. It really spoke to the period of my life I'm currently in, and while I think I would have loved it if I read it for years ago (or 5 years from now) it's just the book I needed right now.

3. The Fault in Our Stars by John GreenDo I really need to explain why this one is here? I'm sure it's on everyone's top 10 list the year they read it. I recently saw the movie poster, and just that gets me excited for the idea that they might be able to do it justice.

4. Together Tea by Marjan KamaliAnother book that's perfect for the period of life that I'm currently in. Like a lot of the others on my list it does focus on a mother/daughter relationship, which is one of the reason I loved it and why it made me cry.

5. Clockwork Princess by Cassandra ClareLike every other book I've posted so far, this one again made me cry. I do have my complaints about Cassandra Clare, but I do think this was a perfect end to the trilogy.

6. The Gods of Heavenly Punishment by Jennifer Cody EppsteinI've actually yet to post my review of this book since it's not scheduled till January. But get ready, because I loved it. Part of it was because it's related to my own family's history. But even without that link, I still think I would have fallen in love with it.

7. The Virgin Cure by Ami McKayFinally, I think I'm posting a book that didn't bring me to tears! Although there were moments that could have, so don't go in expecting a happy book. One aspect I enjoyed about this one was that it was so different from most anything else I've read. But still had the same type of feel I look for in a book.

8. A Land More Kind Than Home by Wiley CashIn some ways I'm not sure why I have this book here, but for whatever reason it is one I really enjoyed. I feel like in some way it's a modern day To Kill a Mockingbird, and know there' certain scenes in it I'm not going to be able to forget.

9. The Ward by Jordana FrankelMaybe it's somewhat cheating to have this here since the author was my college roommate and one of my bridesmaids, but I still really loved this book. I can't wait to read the sequel, if only she'd actually finish writing it, but once she does I will again be running out to buy it.

10. Survival Lessons by Alice HoffmanThis is the second book I've read by Alice Hoffman and the second year in a row she's made my top 10 list. This isn't the type of book I normally read, but with such a beautiful message it's hard to pass up.

What books would make up your top 10 reads of 2012? And have you read any of the books on my list?

If you're curious, these are my top 10 books from 2012.

I'm linking this post with The Broke and the Bookish for Top 10 Tuesday

Tea for Two

Together Tea by Marjan Kamali
Published: May 21, 2013 by Ecco
Going into this book I was expected a cute chick lit with a matchmaking mother, and a daughter wanting to find love on her own. That's the type of book I enjoy, and would have been perfect for the beach (which is where I was when reading). Except, I was pleasantly surprised and am happy to say this was so much more than that.

The first part of the novel takes place in 1996 when Darya and her 20-something daughter, Mina, both reach the decision that the need to go back to Iran in order to move forward in their lives. The second section, goes back in time to 1978, the dawn of the Iranian revolution, how it impacted Darya, Mina, and their family and what it was like escaping to America. The final third detailed their trip back to Iran.

I don't think I've ever read anything that takes place in Iran, and was fascinated by all the information here. While I do have some idea of the revolution and what happened, I learned far more from this "chick lit" than anything else in my life so far.

In addition, while I loved the history and culture, Mina's story is what really spoke to me. So much of this book is Mina's journey finding herself and discovering what she wants with her life. (Darya had a similar path, but given the age difference it was harder for me to identify with her.) Part of me wants to classify this as new adult, as in the becoming an adult, but not quite sure how that's supposed to happen (similar to my reaction to Bond Girl), except with out the ridiculously naive girl that seems to be standard in the NA genre.

The novel end came close to bringing me to tears, and probably would have if I wasn't reading it in an elevator full of 20 people. But it was so good, I couldn't put it down. I really, truly loved my experience with this book, and feel like this is one I need to start loaning out so everyone I know can discover it.

5/5

Disclosure: I was provided this book through TLC Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

Mailbox Monday (37)

I know you're surprised, but again my mailbox for full of books this week, so yet again, I'm linking up with Mailbox Monday. This link-up travels each month, and for June we're linking up at Dolce Bellezza.
For Review from TLC Books Tours
Together Tea by Marjan Kamali
I'm really excited for this one! It's about an Iranian American woman whose mother is looking for the perfect match for her. The Middle Eastern culture isn't one that I've read a ton about, but again I can't wait to experience it.

From Goodreads
Nearer Home by Joy Castro
I used to win goodreads giveaways ALL THE TIME, to the point where I thought it was normal and everyone else must also be winning once a month. Except about a year after regularly winning, I stopped and hadn't won one since December 2011. At least I hadn't until earlier this week when I won SIX in a single day. I actually thought goodreads was sending out congratulations e-mails in error at first. But turns out it actually happened. Not sure if I'll start winning them regularly again, or if it'll be several years till the next win, but either way I'm happy! As for this book, it's a mystery that take place in New Orleans, and living in Louisiana I always love reading books that take place here.

For Review from Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours
The Queen's Vow by C.W. Gortner
I've been wanting to read this since before it was even released, and can hardly believe I actually received a copy of it. I so so excited to finally jump into this one!

What did you find in your mailbox this week? And have you ever won a goodreads giveaway?