Apparently we are halfway through the year already, as we’re practically through June – how did that happen? Anyway, this means it’s officially far enough into the year to start taking a guess at what will be my favorite reads of the year (as hosted by The Broke and The Bookish). Of course, this list is subject to change come December, because I still have six glorious reading months to go.
But so far, here is what I’ve liked*:
10. The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon
09. Ruby by Cynthia Bond
08. The Dylanologists by David Kinney
07. Young God by Katherine Faw Morris
06. Shotgun Lovesongs by Nikolas Butler
05. Road to Reckoning by Robert Lautner
04. Steal the North by Heather Brittain Bergstrom
03. A Man Came Out of a Door in the Mountain by Adrienne Harun
02. Tony Hogan Bought Me an Ice Cream Float Before He Stole My Ma by Kerry Hudson
01. Bellweather Rhapsody by Kate Racculia
*For some reason, this year hasn’t been a great reading year for me, I’m still trying to find that book. The one that is unequivocally a must read, five star book. I’ve got six months left to find it.
What’s your favorite book of the year? Has 2014 lived up to your reading expectations?
(And I’m happy to point out, for the first time in my life, there are far more female authors on my list than male authors.)
flannel and folklore 
I agree. So far this year I’ve read some good books, but not much has been great. Disappointing.
LikeLike
I know! There have been several I really liked, but nothing I LOVED yet. Maybe soon…
LikeLike
I’ve read plenty of decent even good books this year, but apart from 2-3 books, nothing has blown my mind.
I haven’t read any of the books you have listed here, so some great recommendations there for me, thanks 🙂
LikeLike
Nothing has blown me away either, I’m hoping something will come along soon.
LikeLike
I have one absolute incredible book this year, but I feel like I had a few by this point last year. And I’m with you on the more females this time, too!
LikeLike
Finally! Normally I read a lot of male authors, not on purpose, but I’m still happy to see a female dominated list this time.
LikeLike
I’m glad that ‘Steal the North’ was good. It’s been staring at me for awhile now. I need to get to it.
LikeLike
I liked it. It’s one of those books that will appeal to a wide variety of readers.
LikeLike
I’ve only read Ruby from your list and it was really good. Hopefully you’ll find that one that stands out soon. Oh, and I’ve heard so many great things about Bellweather Rhapsody.
LikeLike
Definitely read Bellweather Rhapsody is you get a chance, it’s one of my favorites on this list.
LikeLike
I haven’t felt like it’s been the best year either- I’ve read some mediocre and some good books, but nothing amazing. I guess there are still six months to change that.
LikeLike
I haven’t loved anything yet. And I don’t have anything upcoming that I truly expect to blow me away either…
LikeLike
I haven’t found *that* book yet either. There’ve been some good ones, but my only 5-star reads have been re-reads.
LikeLike
I haven’t had the chance to re-read anything this year and that makes me sort of sad. I love re-reading.
LikeLike
I’ve been compiling my best reads so far too and The Storyteller is my absolute favorite so far, with nothing else coming as close really.
LikeLike
The Storyteller wasn’t on my radar, now I’ll have to look into it. I want something that will amaze me.
LikeLike
I’m reading RUBY now, and HOLY CRAP SO MUCH TRAGEDY. Amazing writing, but WOW, so many bad things happen to these people and so many terrible things they do to each other.
LikeLike
I keep seeing The Bellweather Rhapsody around, and I just got it from the library, so maybe it will get bumped up. As for books I loved this year….hmmm…It has actually been a really slow year for me too, but I loved The People in the Trees and couldn’t put down The Martian.
LikeLike
I haven’t read a single one of your top picks. This year has been a decent one for me, reading wise. I hope you find your SHOUT TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH book soon!
LikeLike
You have a very beautiful blog. Love the clean design and your posts.
Nice list of books. I actually don’t know any of them except Winter People, and I haven’t read it.
ENJOY the rest of 2014.
Elizabeth
LikeLike
Thanks Rory for including STEAL THE NORTH on your Best Books of 2014 list!! What an honor. I thanked you and Leah from The Pretty Good Gatsby (who also included me on her best of the year list) on my Facebook page. Much appreciation! Keep reading and I hope you find your magic book of the year soon!! 🙂
LikeLike
You’re welcome. I loved Steal the North very much and actually love the sound of your new one I read about in an interview you gave.
LikeLike
I snicker when I read your comments about male authors. I have to watch myself also….when people ask me who my favorite writers are, I quickly answer, “Henry James, Leo Tolstoy, Thomas Hardy.” And then I think to myself , oh shit, and add “the Bronte sisters and Emily Dickinson.” And I do love them just a much. But I love to read about women through male writers. I mean James’ representation of Isabel is astounding and I ache for Hardy’s Tess. And I love to write about women in the voice of male characters. As far as contemporary writing, however, I do find myself reading far more female authors lately than males (at least with fiction).
LikeLike