Top 10 Books of 2013

2013 was a good year of reading. After taking way too long to narrow down my options, I have decided on my Top 10 Books of the Year. There was no elaborate judging system. These are simply books I absolutely adored and they now hold a special place in my heart. (The Top 10 is listed in no particular order because that would be asking way too much of me.)

Night Film by Marisha Pessl

Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. This resulted in me neglecting everything else I had planned for the day to marvel over Pessl's use of italics and trying to figure out just what the hell was happening in Cordova's twisted world. The multimedia components also added a great element to the book.

The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker

A beautiful story written in beautiful prose. This book is a perfect blend of historical and (light) fantasy. The characters stuck with me long after reading the final page.

Bone and Bread by Saleema Nawaz

Literary fiction from Anansi (the book's publisher) is always a safe bet, but I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did. Nawaz is an undeniably excellent writer.

The Twelve-Fingered Boy by John Hornor Jacobs

One of the most creative YA novels available. The characters are so realistic despite strange circumstances and you'll never be able to guess the direction of the plot.

Bellman & Black by Diane Setterfield

A ghost story that doesn't feel like a ghost story at all. Setterfield's book has the right amount of magic realism to take the plot and themes to the next level. I wanted to tear some of the pages from the book and frame them on my wall.

The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani

My weakness is fairy tale retellings and Chainani's twist on classic tales is awesome. I can't wait for the film, I loved the ending of the book, and I'm excited to find out where the next book in the series will lead the characters.

Born Weird by Andrew Kaufman

This book is a Wes Anderson film on paper. Quirky characters, quirky plot, and a whole bunch of heartwarming moments.

If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch

I think I held my breath the majority of the time I was reading this book. A heartbreaking story with a happy ending.

Studio Saint-Ex by Ania Szado

I'm not really a high fashion or The Little Prince fan, but this novel made me interested in both of those topics. Great characters, great setting, and great writing.

A Beautiful Truth by Colin McAdam

This is a book you have to read to believe, especially if you love animals. You'll fall in love with the chimpanzees in this novel and realize they often show more humanity than humans do.