This is the time of the year when all of the best books of 2013 lists come out. Of course, the lists come out right before Christmas. I am sure that is not intentional.
For the most part I am doing a book Christmas this year, it is my way of fighting the commercialism of the holiday season. Books are lasting gifts that can be passed from person to person so the cycle of giving can continue.
I love “best of” lists (Remember Nick Hornby’s book “High Fidelity” where they compile a Top Five list for everything? So great). I obsess over the best book lists that come out and immediately start reserving books from the library. After reading the lists below, my library reserve list has thirty books.
Here are some of my favorite best book lists of 2013 (click on the links to visit the lists):
- Oprah’s Ten Best Books List
- Good Reads Best Books of 2013
- New York Times Top 100 Books
- Huffington Post Best Books of 2013
- NPR Best Books of 2013
- Amazon Best Books
In a few weeks the Morning News of Books  Tournament will announce the best books of 2013. They hold a March Madness of books with a champion crowned. Great fun for those of us that love books! The last two winners of the tournament have been my favorite books of that year. In 2012, “The Orphan Master’s Son” by Adam Johnson won and in 2011, “A Visit from the Goon Squad” by Jennifer Egan won. See below for my favorite book of 2013/prediction for the winner of the tournament.
My top books of 2013 were:
- “MaddAddam” by Margaret Atwood. This is the last book in the “Oryx and Crake” apocalyptic trilogy. It is creepy, horrible, and so believable. Atwood continues to amaze me.
- “Life after Life” by Kate Atkinson. I’ve talked about this book in a previous post. It is so good. Read it.
- “And the Mountains Echoed” by Khalid Hosseini. I have also mentioned this devastating and wonderful book in a previous post.
- “Transatlantic” by Colum McCann. McCann is a phenomenal storyteller who weaves multiple story lines together. This book is historical fiction that covers normal lives filled with happy and sad moments.
- “Me Before You” by Jojo Moyes. This book surprised me, because I did not expect to like it. It is an unconventional love story that I am sure will be made into a movie.
- “The Interestings” by Meg Wolitzer. A big, juicy book that covers the lives of a group of six friends from New York.
- “Tenth of December” by George Saunders. My FAVORITE book of the year. A beautiful collection of unrelated short stories that explore capitalism, greed, stupidity, and the absolute beauty of life.
This list is not complete because I have a lot of 2013 books to read. I just picked up Veronica Roth’s “Allegiant” and Elizabeth Gilbert’s “The Signature of All Things” from the library. I am also very excited to read Mary Oliver’s new collection of poems and “Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt.
In a week or two I’ll have a post on the books I am most looking forward to in 2014.
Happy Reading!
My Big Red Glasses 
To add to the list of must read books is Thomas Cahill’s new book from his “Hinges of History ” series, “Heretics and Heroes.” History made interesting.
I’ll add it to my list. You know I loved “Sailing the Wine Dark Sea” by him!
Loving “Life after life” Thinking “Me Before You” next. Xoxoxo
Don’t buy the new Donna Tartt book. I will loan it to you once I read it. I LOVED The Secret History.
So glad you are doing this Laura! You are always such a great source of good book ideas! And I love the name too; I am sure you were adorable in your red glasses! Did Erin tell you that her first glasses at age 8 were also red?
Hi Laure – Yes, our red glasses and Little House on the Prairie obsession cemented our friendship! Glad you are visiting the blog! Let me know if I miss any must-read books.
Just read “Stella Bain” by Anita Shreve and loved it. Her books are little gems and this is one of her best. Am now reading “We Are Water” by Wally Lamb and like it very much. But my favorite of the year was definitely “Life After Life.” Liked it so much that I proceeded to read 6 more of Atkinson’s books in a row, then decided I needed a break! Will keep checking in here Laura! Great blog!
I love Anita Shreve – I’ll check it out.