Top 14 books of 2014

2014 was a great reading year for me! I discovered and read a lot awesome books and narrowing down to my top 14 as a challenge!

14)  Maybe Someday (Maybe #1) by Colleen Hoover 

Most favorite New Adult of 2014, Maybe Someday is a emotional rollercoaster ride of a book where you will laugh and smile but also have your heart rip into peaces and filled with feels.

I enjoy the music element of the book along with the relationship between Ridge and Sydney. Its refreshing to read an honest relationship as one thing I noticed in MOST romances is that the characters are terrible at letting each other know their feelings.

This is the first Colleen Hoover book I've ever read and I am definitely going to get more of her books in the near future.

13) Reboot  & Rebel by Amy Tintera

So this dualogy is a great twist to the 'Zombie' genre which I love anything to do with the Zombie Apocalypse thanks to video games like L4D and The Last Of Us.

Instead of the 'Zombies' coming back as flash eating monsters, they comeback as  Reboots where the longer you are dead the stronger and tougher you become but also less emotional.

Wern who has been dead for 178 minutes is the strongest reboot in the Republic of Texas and has to train Callum who has been dead for 22 minutes and is one of the weakest reboot or else she has to eliminate him aka kill him.

I love reading about Wern and Callum. The build up to their relationship was well paced out

The world building is crazy good, the action are fast pace and stealthy so when reading it I keep thinking of the action sequence in Last Of Us and like a good apocalypse book, you will have trust issues on who to trust.

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Full Review on Reboot (click here)

12) The Break-Up Artist by Philip Siegel

This is one smart wicked book!!! It reminds me of a less geeky version of An abundance of Katherine.

It has a great cast of characters that sounds unlikable at first but warmed up to and actually like at the end of the book, a refreshing and original plot along with a raw and realistic view on relationship, family and friendship.

The main character Becca is a 'break-up artist' where for $100 into her paypal she'll break up the couple for you with schemes like blackmailing, manipulating, sabotaging and hacking. 

While its something that is not 'morally right', Becca eventually learns her mistakes and fixes the problems.

I really enjoy this book and apparently the author is coming out with a sequel sometime this year so I'm definitely keeping my eyes out for that.

Full Review (Click Here)

11) The One (The Selection, #3) by Kiera Cass

This was such a satisfying end to the selection trilogy (not really an end since the author is coming out with more books but whatever)

I love how this wrap up The Selection Arc!

Some characters managed to redeemed them selves in this book and some plot twist threw me off but most importantly it ended on a good satisfying note.

American was such a trooper in this book and even though she has her flaws and tends to make some stupid decision she has her good intention.

I also love her relationship with Maxon. Maxon was really sweet trough most of the book and I just enjoy watching their relationship grow! 

Looking forward to 'The Heir' which is a sequel to the series.

10) Anna and the French Kiss series by Stephanie Perkins

This is one of my favorite contemporary romance!

I can't choose my favorite of the three as each books follow a different cast of character, romance and setting and are all good in their own ways! 

Check them out if you want a cute happy go lucky book! Great book hangover remedies!

Full Review of Lola (Click Here)\

9) Spark by Rachael Craw

Spark is a unique sci-fi twist to the contemporary genre. I enjoyed the concept and plot of the story along with the amazing cast of characters.

Follow Evie who finds out she is a 'Shield', bounded by DNA due to a Genetic experiment gone wrong decades ago to protect her 'Spark' that is her best friend Kitty from the 'Stray' who is out to kill her. 

A great series starter with epic and nail biting actions, great air of mystery, great friendship and family dynamic, mind blowing plot twist and swoon worthy romance.

Full Review (Click Here)

8) The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl
by Melissa Keil

Melissa Keil is another new author I discovered in 2014 and I love both Life in Outer Space and Incredible Adventures. But if I were to choose one I will choose The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl .

Alba, an aspiring comic book artist who just finished year 12 and is not sure what to do next in life. She is contemplating going to University but has never left her hometown of Eden Vally. She is also suffering 'writers block' with her comic book Adventures of Cinnamon Girl. To top that the end of the world is coming.

I love how realistic and sweet the story and the characters are. Melissa Keil is great at writing about getting out of your comfort zone.

Fans of Rainbow Rowell need to pick this up!

7) The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend by Kody Keplinger

One of the best contemporaries of all time! This is not your average YA! 

Bianca is a great snarky narrater. Trough the book she is going trough tough times with family and ex-boyfriend drama on top of being called "The Duff" by Wesley Rush.

The romance between Bianca and Wesley was very different from what I expected. It went from love-hate romance to 'enemies with benefit'. Even so it their relationship was what made the book for me!

Check this book out for a breath of fresh air in the writing, plot and characters!

Also the book is being made into a movie in 2015 and though its gonna be very different from the book I'm still gonna watch it!

Full Review (Click Here) 

6)  To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

Follows Lura Jean who writes love letters to the boys she love before and stores them in a hatbox as they are not meant to be seen. However one day all the letters goes missing and get sent out to the boys she love before and now have to deal with the consequences!

The book is ridiculously sweet and heart-warming! I love reading about Lura Jean and want to be best friends with her from page one. I also enjoy the family dynamic of the book and her friendship with Peter.

I need the sequel PS: I Still Love You the moment its out as I want to read more of this amazing characters!

Full Review (Click Here)

 5) The maze runner series by James Dashner

2014 was the year where I gave into the books by James Dashner and my only regrets is not reading his books sooner. While I also discovered his other series 'The Mortality Doctorine' I like 'The Maze Runner' more mainly cause the premise is more wicked.

The series follows a boy name Thomas who wakes up in the middle of a maze with no memory surrounded by 50 other boys.

While 'The Maze Runner' took me a while to get into it, I breezed trough 'The Scorch Trials' and 'The Death Cure'! When the story finally picks up it is fast paced, nail biting, nerve wrecking, plot twisting epic! I came out of the books with no sleep, scared of grievers and trust issues!

The series have a great cast of character and some of the best dialogs I've seen in books! The thing I love most about the series is the friendship especially between Thomas, Newt and Minho!

I also love the movie adaptation of this book and was my most favourite book to movie adaptation of 2014! Can't wait for The Scorch Trials Movie!

Full review on Maze Runner (Click Here), The Scorch Trials (Click Here) and The Death Cure (Click Here)

The Maze Runner Movie Review (Click Here)



4) The Lunar Chronicles by Marrisa Meyer

I jumped on the Lunar Chronicles bang wagon and have no regrets! A great sci-fi twist to the classic fairy tales! Marrisa Meyer took this stories and created her own world.

This is a series that has something for everyone!

I enjoy the world building and cast of characters! I also love how she manages to have multiple POV narration without confusing me when I read!

Of the three books out so far, Cress has to be my favourite as I seeing the bigger picture of the Lunar Chronicles world along with the epic action moments and romance!

I am looking forward to the rest of the series that are being released in 2015 and gosh I wish there was a bind up of all the novellas that Marrisa Mayer has written for the series.

 3) Anatomy of a Misfit by Andrea Portes

This freaking book made me laugh, cry and feel feels like never before! If mean girls were to meet Eleanore and park we have Anatomy of a Misfit.

Follows a girl name Anika who is the third most popular girl in her school who is torn between two guys, one who could increase her social status and another who can sent it to social suicidal.

Anika's narration is one of the more unique voices I've read. Its sarcastic, snarky and very 'in your face' honesty but not over the top that it sounds obnoxious. In fact her narration is laugh out loud hilarious and quirky.

I love the family dynamic of the book and the romance was cute.

But the plot twist had me in one of the biggest book cries I've encountered!

Long story short... READ THIS BEAUTIFUL BOOK with knowing as little as possible!

Full Review (Click Here)

2) The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider

Gosh this book is just as crazy as the roller coaster on the cover! A great coming-of-age story about what's next after a downfall and how to move on with life.

Its a journey of Ezra discovering who he is and what he wants to do in life after the a tragic accident cause him the down fall of his athlete career as a tennis player hence loosing the status of being one of the "in crowd".

I really like watching as Ezra diverge from his old clan of friends and start developing as his own person and not letting peer pressure interfere with his life.

The book is filled with intelligent and witty dialog, laugh out loud references and awesome Harry Potter and Doctor Who references.

Also this book is one that hit me emotionally I related so much to the character Ezra and what he went trough.

I mentioned and talk more in depth of  this book in my top 10 influential books (click here) post a while ago and this is one book that I connect to the most.

Read this if you like John Green's Paper Towns and Looking for Alaska

Full Review (Click Here)

1) Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor & Park is hands down my most favorite book of 2014. Sweet, heartwarming and Heartbreaking.

I love how simple yet beautifully written this book was and is my go to book gift for friends birthdays.

Set in the 1980's it follows two teenagers who meet on the bus and at first it looks like they have nothing in common but as they get to know each other they find out they are both more that meets the eye and forms a friendship bonding over music and comic books.

The book is also dark as it deals with domestic abuse and bullying. Eleanor and Park were both great characters and I love how sweet their romance was.

A great book about first love that will make you squeal at the cuteness but will also give you a really good book cry.

 I highly recommend this to anyone, both old and young need to read this book!

So that's my top 14 books of 2014! Let me know some of your favorite books of 2014 in the comments.

 

Top 10 Influential books Tag

So this tag has been going on around Facebook, booktube and blogs for a while and a friend of mine recently tagged me on facebook to list my top 10 influential books.

The rule of the tag is to list 10 books which have influence you without saying much.

Now being the ramble person I am I though it will be fun to give a short description on how the book affected me and the way I read.

10. The Railway Children by E.Nesbit

My favorite children classic! I love reading about the siblings and their adventures near the railway train track.

I watched the Halmark movie years ago and love it, later learned that the movie was based on the book so obviously I had to read it.

Also... I like trains ;P lol

9. Mathilda by Roald Dahl

Surprisingly I read this in high school (and still hitting my head for not reading it sooner...) and this is my favorite 'Modern Children Literature' 

I love Roald Dahl writing! Very smart but also silly and fun.

Though I also enjoy his Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Series I love Mathilda more.

Mathilda will definitely be the best bookish best friend since she likes reading (like me!).

8. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

My parents used to send me for English Tuition where I would get assigned readings.

This was my favorite assigned reading and another great classic! I was probably Tenth when I read this and have since lost count how many times I've re-read this book.

 I enjoyed reading about Pip growing up, being trained to be a Gentlemen, his 'Play Dates' with Estella at Miss Havisham, his friendship with Joe.

Also the book talks strongly about friendship, materialism and redemption.

7.  Holes by Louis Sachar 

  Once again an assigned reading, this time for High School when I took an elective subject on Literature in English for SPM. The assigned reading in the 'regular' English classes were okay (except Phaethon of the Opera... was not a fan to the story) but THIS ONE is freaking thought provoking and really made me used my brains.

I read this in one sitting and was mind blow with the plot twist and the confusing time laps that makes sense at the end. In a way I view this book like a complicated puzzle and you know how happy and satisfied you feel when you complete the puzzle? That's what it feels like finishing this book!

I re-read this book dozens of times since I had to study it but even after High School I still read this as a random pick me up book though its not as fun as reading it the first time. In fact I bought another copy of Holes (of a different edition) to keep in my dorm's bookshelf here at uni.

I love reading about the friendship between Stanley and Zero. I also picked up the sequel, Small Steps which is just as good as Holes (so pick it up!).

If I could choose one book to forget about and re-experience reading if for the first time, this will be the book!

6. The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

 

As in the entire series that has so far released... NEED WINTER LIKE YESTERDAY !!!

This series got me into loving YA sci-fi/dystopian which is something I was put off for a while due to the hype.

From the world building to character development and narration, Marissa Myer has a unique way of twisting favorite fairy tales to suite this futuristic world and made the story her own!

Also she's probably the only author that I've read who managed to balance out multiple POV of the characters without confusing the story.

Expect a lot of fast pace actions, awesome cast of characters, great friendship, adventure and romance with never a dull moment in the series! 

There are two more books in the series that has yet to be release that is Fairest (Jan 2015) and Winter (Nov 2015) as well as a lot of novellas that I am hoping that she will make a bind up since that seems to be the new money maker in the book world apart from series/trilogy.

5. The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider 

A coming of age story about what's next for 'Golden Boy' Ezra when he gets into an car accident and couldn't continue playing tennis due to his injuries. I found the author on youtube and love her personality and humor so when I found out she has a book out I had to read it!

There are some laugh out loud moments with its witty and hilarious dialogs and beautiful poetic quotes. Also you'll fangirl/boy with the book when you read the awesome Doctor Who and Harry Potter references ( 50 points to that!) and Laugh out loud at the hilarious puns!

The character development in Ezra is definitely what made the book as we watch him grow from his athletic downfall on being his own person, not following peer pressure, who are his real friends and the aftermath of a tragedy.

Also last few pages of the book are beautifully written (lost count how many times I re-read just those few pages). This is one of the books I wished I had when I was still in high school as I really think it will have help me then and now.
 

*read this if you are a John Green Fan!!!*

Full Review (Click Here)
 

4. Chords of Strength: A Memoir of Soul, Song and the Power of Perseverance by David Archuleta

 Okay I know what you're thinking...

1) Who the heck is David Ar-Chu-Leta?!?!

2) Why are you including a celeb memoir to your list 

3)... I can't think of a third reason... yet... lol

David Archuleta, runner up of Season 7 of American Idol came out with a memoir a few years back.

I've been a fan of David since I heard him on AI and have been supporting him, his music and projects for the past 6 years (gosh its been long!). Not only is he a great singer but he also have a great real yet humble personality.

His memoir is full of inspiration and empowerment. He talks from experience on chasing your dreams, have faith and overcoming hurdles that life gives you.

He also talks about the Behind the Scenes American Idol and recording his first album.

I mostly love reading this books because its very positive!

Think of 'The Other Side Of Down' ;P

3. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

I love both of Rainbow Rowell YA books however I related to Fangirl more (story of my life!!) than Eleanor and Park.

What's unique about her writing is how simple yet realistic her characters are and trough out the books I keep on thinking 'I could relate to this!'

In fact Cath is first year university me! Well kinda (i have no cute Levi to make me Starbucks)

Also Fangirl kinda sparked my mind and motivated me to try fiction and fan fiction writing (just for fun... don't think any of my works will ever see the light unless i ever finish and heavily revise the grammar and spelling! lol).

2. The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

What is a book tag/recommendation without me talking about the Awesome John Green! anyone?! just me?! Okay... no pun intended

All of John Green's books (except Let It Snow as I have yet to read it... yet...) have influenced me in so many ways from how I think  to how I view YA contemporary genre. 

While this book didn't put me to tears (that honor goes to Looking for Alaska) it gave an overwhelming roller coaster of feels and impact

1. The Harry Potter Series by J.K.Rowling

Surprise?!?! :P

Long story short this is the first book series I was ever obsess with and what got me into reading.

Also the first fandom I was ever into (yes I used to stalk snitchseeker lol).The series will always have a special place in my heart as I grew with the series, the characters and story.

Also what's special about the series is that I actually started it in another language that was Bahasa Malaysia as my parents thought it will motivate me to improve myself in the language which kinda did... sorta... i am fluent in the language and have read all the Bahasa Malaysia translations xD

It also thought me to NEVER read a book series out of order as you will be very VERY lost and confuse. Did the mistake of skipping book four and reading book five. Boy was I very confuse with the missing chunk of the story and wondering who the heck was Cedric? what is this cup? why are Fred and George suddenly rich?! why does everyone hate Harry? etc etc etc...

Okay so that is my top 10 influential books! If you want to do this tag feel free to link it in the comments! 

Also shout out to Kak Mirah for tagging me in the tag! Better late than never :P

What's your most influential reads?? 

Book Tag: 7 Deadly Sins

So I was tagged by Ely and Chami from @ A Book So Fathomless to do the 7 Deathly Sins tag.

1. Greed - What is your most inexpensive book?

Any Sweet Vally High book that i bought form a charity shop next to my high school will definitely be the cheapest at 50 cents a book.

If not books that I won in giveaways or gifted from family.

2. Wrath – What author do you have a love/hate relationship with?

I have no ideal to be honest... its either I hate them or I love them. 

3. Sloth – What book have you neglected reading due to laziness?

All the books on my TBR?!?! does that count?? lol

One thing I notice is series! I am lazy to start or finish a series especially those that have alot of books in them. I keep on saying I'll read them some day but that's just procrastination.
.

 

The Vampire Academy is one of the books that I had on my shelve for a while but have yet to pick it up as i am intimidated with the large series.

Also the Insurgent and Alligent! I have yet to continue with the series since they are back in Malaysia and I am kinda scared of reading Alligent since I roughly know what happen at the end to the series.

4. Pride – What book do you most talk about in order to sound like an intellectual reader?

I am probably the only 'reader' among my group of friends so I don't really have much to talk about books unless its recommendations or Harry Potter which most of them have read or watch the movie. 

Probably the books that I studied in literature back in high school like Holes by Louis Sachar and Dr Jackle and Mr Hyde. If not Hamlet when I was in college.

 
Oh and John Green's books! I always like to randomly qoute his books to my friends which either they roll their eyes or have a confuse look! lol.

Also any books that I have the Bahasa Malaysia translation like the entire Harry Potter series or The Fault In Our Stars! I love talking and comparing the translation version of the books.
 
5. Gluttony – What book have you devoured over and over again with no shame?

Harry Potter books! Don't ask me how many times I re read them as its till the point that all my teachers in high school know about my 'obsession' for the series.

I somehow manage to re-read TFIOS over 8 times.

Any Stephine Perkins or Rainbow Rowell books are also up for a re read as well.

 Holes by Louis Sachar as mentioned above I had to study for high school yet I here I am at Uni and I re read this at least once a year.

Long story short... I love re reading books :D  

6. Lust – What attributes do you find attractive in male or female characters.
 

 Female - not annoying or make me cringe (and by make me cringe i meant make me want to chuck the reading device across the room), independent, intelligent, witty, sarcastic, awkward/weird, feisty

Examples for that are Hazel from TFIOS, Cath from Fangirl, Cinder from the Lunar Chronicles,  

Male - smart, witty, charming, cheeky ,caring, sweet, kind, have good hair (lol) preferably brunettes, dreamy eyes, a gentlemen when he needs, be able to cook *wink*, a bit nerdy/dorky, If he likes reading, food or gaming (or all three) then he is a keeper!

Also I like the guys that start out as a total jerk or bad boys that changes for the better like Wesley Rush in The Duff.

Long story short someone like Etienne St Clare from Anna and the French Kiss, Augustus Walters from  TFIOS, Prince Maxon from the selection series

Reason why i don't have a boyfriend number #5127... 
 

7. Envy – What book would you most like to receive as a gift?

LOL that's like all the books on my wishlist!

I really want to get the movie cover and the Australia edition of the hard back of TFIOS but can't bring myself to buy them as... well I already owe TFIOS and rather spend my scared cash on a book that I have yet to read.

At the moment for gift I want is box sets like The Maze Runner, Legend by Marie Wu (lovely hardback if possible) and The summer I turned Pretty by Jenny Han.

I also want to get The Last Of Us 'American Dream' Graphic novel as I love the game but could not bring my self to get the comic. Same goes with some of the Avatar the last air bender comics and the Archie Comics graphic novels.

So yah... here are all the questions! do this tag if you guys haven't!