Halfway to 52: My Favorites So Far

I have officially finished 26 books in 2013. It’s hard to believe that I’m halfway done, mostly because that kind of means the year is halfway done. Obviously, I chose the number of books I would read so that it would equal to a book a week.
I have had some ups and downs, but I am always reading, and would be anyway.

My favorite part of this challenge has been looking for the books to read. I didn’t want every book to be the same, or to just read a whole series of books. I wanted to try new authors and genres, step outside of the box, and I think I’ve done that. I’ve also stayed safe, too, because hello! You have to read what you love. So what were my favorites so far?

1. Where’d Ya Go, Bernadette? – This was the second book I read, and it set a high standard. This might have been the most original book I’ve read this year. I loved the story and the way it was told: A young girl tries to find her missing mother by piecing together e-mails, receipts, etc. It’s a mystery with a whole lot of heart and humor. It’s now on paperback, so pick it up if you haven’t yet!

2. The New York Regional Mormon Singles Halloween Dance – I read a few memoir/humorous autobiographies this year, but this is my favorite of the bunch. I wasn’t expecting to like it as much as I did, and that might be why. I’d heard of it from a friend’s blog and I’m so glad she recommended it. I think what I liked most about it was the exploration of the Mormon religion. I learned a lot about it, about the beliefs they hold, while also laughing and being extremely entertained. This was a sweet, quick read, and I’m so glad I own it.

3. The Book of Joe – So, I read a lot of Jonathan Tropper this year. 3 books, to be exact. And while I’ve enjoyed them all enough to know he is one of my favorite authors, this is probably the stand-out of the three I read this year. I laughed. I cried. This is Where I Leave You might still be one of my favorite books ever, but this quickly made it on the list, too.

4. Will Grayson, Will Grayson – Again, I read another John Green book (and I love love LOVE HIM, he can do no wrong), but this one stood out. Probably because it’s told from two distinct perspectives by two excellent authors (David Levithan is the co-writer). It was undeniable who was speaking when, and that’s important. Also, it was just a funny and heartbreaking tale of first love, sexuality, and finding your place in the world (especially in high school, it’s own little complicated world).

5. Sharp Objects – If you aren’t reading Gillian Flynn, I feel bad for you. I do. I would’ve never read crime or mystery novels if it weren’t for the raving of her most recent novel, Gone Girl. This book was sooooo good. I can’t wait to read Dark Places. This is Gillian Flynn’s debut and I can’t recommend it enough. It was haunting and fantastic and she is an excellent writer who can make even the most disturbing stories some of the best books you’ll read.

(I listed these by when they were read, not by preference…too hard to pick!)

Here’s to another 26!!!