Literaturesque: End of The Year Book Survey: 2014 Edition

End of The Year Book Survey: 2014 Edition

12.27.2014

Jamie over at The Perpetual Page-Turner hosts the end of year survey each year and this will be my first time participating, still being a bit new and all!

Reading Stats:

Number of Books You Read: 150.

Number of Re-reads: No more than 10, I think.

Genre You Read the Most From: Contemporary.

Best In Books:

Best book you read in 2014?
I'll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson.

Book you were excited about & thought you were going to love more but didn't?

All Lined Up by Cora Carmack. I liked it, just not to the extent that I thought I would.
Most surprising (in a good way or bad way) book you read in 2014?

The Addicted series. I really wasn't expecting them to be so good, but so glad I read each book.
Book You “Pushed” The Most People To Read (And They Did) In 2014?

The Vampire Academy series, earlier in the year.
Best series you started in 2014? Best Sequel of 2014? Best Series Ender of 2014?

Best Series: Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas

Best Sequel: Dirty Rowdy Thing by Christina Lauren

Best Series Ender: Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi
Favorite new author you discovered in 2014?

Jandy Nelson, Sarah J. Maas, Krista & Becca Ritchie
Best book from a genre you don’t typically read/was out of your comfort zone?

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn! That one blew my mind.
Most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book of the year?

Made by J.M. Darhower
Book You Read In 2014 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year?

I'll Give You The Sun, for sure
Favorite cover of a book you read in 2014?

These two below. I have the hardcovers and I love everything about them. Even if I hadn't heard of them beforehand and saw them in the bookstore, I'd be easily persuaded into buying them before even reading the summary.

Most memorable character of 2014?

Rowan Whitethorn, all the way.
Most beautifully written book read in 2014?

I'll Give You The Sun is the first one to come to mind for this one.
Most Thought-Provoking/ Life-Changing Book of 2014?

Delusions of Gender by Cordelia Fine, which I read for class, it was pretty eye opening.
Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2014 to finally read?

Me Before You by JoJo Moyes
Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2014?

"We pity you, each and every one of you. For what you do to your children. They are not born evil. But you force them to kill and hurt and hate until there is nothing left inside of them - of you." -Heir of Fire

"I want to reach back into my history with a grade-school pink eraser, scrubbing away my decision like mistakes on a math test. Too bad I drew my mistakes in ink." - Open Road Summer

Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2013?

Shortest: The Professional: Part 1 by Kresley Cole

Longest: Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas
Book That Shocked You The Most

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
OTP OF THE YEAR (you will go down with this ship!)

Celaena Sardothien & Chaol Westfall. I'll wait forever for this ship to sail again.
Favorite Non-Romantic Relationship Of The Year

It's a tie between Celaena & Rowan from HoF & Lo Hale & Connor Cobalt from Addicted. Two friendships I truly truly adore.
Favorite Book You Read in 2014 From An Author You’ve Read Previously

Isla and The Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
Best Book You Read In 2014 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else/Peer Pressure:
This is way too hard, I'm usually the one friends come to for book recs!!

Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2014?

Rowan Whitethorn from Heir of Fire and Connor Cobalt from the Addicted series, specifically the companion novel, Kiss The Sky

Best 2014 debut you read?
Boomerang by Noelle August, which is a new adult debut for YA author Veronica Rossi!
Best Worldbuilding/Most Vivid Setting You Read This Year?
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo.
Book That Put A Smile On Your Face/Was The Most FUN To Read?
Definitely the Addicted Series by Krista & Becca Ritchie, even through all the drama and angst.
Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2014?
I'll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson. That one definitely had me crying like:

Hidden Gem Of The Year?

Truly by Ruthie Knox. The author had this story up on wattpad briefly before publishing, as a gift to readers, and it was a delightful read.

Book That Crushed Your Soul?

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes, for sure. Even though I was prepared, it didn't help!

Most Unique Book You Read In 2014?
This one is too hard, there were quite a lot of unique ones to be honest, especially among the ones mentioned above.
Book That Made You The Most Mad (doesn’t necessarily mean you didn’t like it)?

I'm going to name a manga, Hirunaka No Ryuusei (Daytime Shooting Star) because it played with my heart!

Blogging/Bookish Life:

New favorite book blog you discovered in 2014?

I discovered a lot of wonderful blogs this year. There are so many talented bloggers and blogs I love but to name a few I discovered that I always read when updated: Illustrious Maverick, Aeropapers, Adrift on Vulcan, Tea Between Books, My Reading Dress, and many more that I follow on bloglovin!
Favorite review that you wrote in 2014?

Probably my review for Heir of Fire, I like when I'm having a good writing day and can write more then 400-500 words to a review.
Best discussion/non-review post you had on your blog?

I enjoyed talking about what I enjoy most in Characters vs. Plots
Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to experience any kind of events such as signings, etc. I hope to do so very soon! But as far as memes go my favorite was The Top Ten Books I'm Looking Forward To in 2015.
Best moment of bookish/blogging life in 2014?

I don't think I've had a true best moment yet, outside discovering the blogging community! I'll have to come back to this next time after I've been blogging for at least a year or more.
Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?

My most viewed is the Top Ten Books If You Like True Blood post. I rather enjoyed putting that one together.
Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

The Characters vs. Plots post previously mentioned, simply because I would have loved more opinions on which readers enjoy more and why/why not! Otherwise I'm seriously enjoying that people stop by and comment/look around at all.
Best bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?

The Book Depository! Before I used amazon if I didn't make trips to the bookstore (when at home, the closest one is an hour away so not always possible) but I love that shipping is free and prices are usually a bit lower so I can buy more!
Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

I completed my goodreads reading challenge of 100 books this year. That was nice, to be able to see just how many books I've read this year.

Looking Ahead:

One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2014 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2015?

If I don't manage before the year ends, then The Winners Curse because I absolutely need to see what all the fuss is about!
Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2015 (non-debut)?

I Was Here by Gayle Forman
2015 Debut You Are Most Anticipating?

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Series Ending/A Sequel You Are Most Anticipating in 2015?

I'm looking forward to the next book in the Throne of Glass series most, in regards to series'.
One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging Life In 2015?

Be more creative! This is ultimately what I try to strive for in discussions, etc.
A 2015 Release You’ve Already Read & Recommend To Everyone:
I only have about two 2015 releases from netgalley and edelweiss at the moment and I haven't been able to read them yet, so no recommendations as of right now!

- Alysia

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megicorn 45p · 536 weeks ago

Wheee, I'll Give You the Sun was your best read this year?? I really do need to get my hands on a copy asap! I mean, I know it was a really hyped-up book and everything, but I don't think I've seen too many reviews around for it, surprisingly. AND THAT COVER. It will look gorgeous on my shelf fo sure. <3 And I agree about the Addicted series being surprisingly good. Well, okay, I've only read the first book, but I was shocked at how much I enjoyed it. Usually contemporaries and me don't get along. Especially NA ones. But this one totally exceeded my expectations.

Gone Girl! Another one I haven't read yet, but I got it for my mom for her birthday, and she seems to be enjoying it so far. I am so in need of a good mystery book. The recent YA mysteries have been sooo disappointing. D:

Gah, I love those two covers, too! The only reasons why I didn't pick them for my list is because I wanted to choose something lesser known, in a way. But daaaamn, the Sharpie detail for TAtBILB is just beautiful. Can't get over it! I would be willing to buy it just for the cover itself, too, and I'm quite careful with my money. :P

Hirunaka no Ryuusei... oh man, I didn't like the story at first (I don't know why, but Shishio just grated on my nerves the entire time. I was Team Mamura from the start), but the last chapter totally redeemed it. I'm proud of Suzume's decision, haha. That being said, I still can't wait for the omake -- sort of -- on Shishio next year. I feel like he's still somewhat shrouded in mystery, so I'd like to know more about him. Speaking of shoujo manga, have you tried Ao Haru Ride? I am LOVING that one so much. Kou. KOU. I couldn't stop reading all the available chapters and was giggling almost the entire time. I swear I blushed whenever I read it -- it's just so sweet and dramatic and GOOD.

^ Oops, so sorry for that rant/rave up there. xD

Aww, I'm so happy that I'm one of your favorite bloggers, Alysia! You're definitely one of mine too, even though I only just met you this year. <3 And haha, I just realized that I'm on your blogroll. THANK YOU!!! I need to do a little updating on my own blogroll, too. ;)

Here's to a brilliant 2015!!!
My recent post Twinkling Lights and Jingling Bells — Merry Christmas! (+ gifts)

1 reply · active 536 weeks ago

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Alysia 55p · 536 weeks ago

Yes! Haha, I just really enjoyed the way that, while it had romance, and good romance at that, it did such a beautiful job focusing on the twins, family, and their growth. And both of their point of views were so unique to their characters. AND YES THAT COVER. So simple but so pretty. And yes I was delightfully surprised by the Addicted series! I enjoy the NA genre but I do so knowing that a lot of them can get a tad repetitive, so when little gems like these come about I get excited! And I feel like the series got better with each book, especially getting to see all the friendships get stronger. That was what I enjoyed the most! Gone Girl wasn't even on my radar, haha, but them a friend persuaded in me to give it a try so I'm glad I did! I'm not usually one to go for mystery but I might have to search for more.

I had originally chosen a different cover but then I saw these two on my shelf and remembered how much I had loved them in comparison. The Sharpie detail is my favorite, outside the colors! It looks so realistic, I'm glad I bought a hard copy versus purchasing it as an eBook. Nice fonts can be very persuasive. :P

Haha I like Shishio in the beginning, but that was it. When Mamura became and even bigger part of Suzume's life I was completely hooked on that precious boy. I was so convinced she was going to have her choose Shishio even after making Mamura such an important relationship for her but I'm so happy with that ending. ;--; I want to reread it all in one go now, haha. Proud of Suzume too!! Yeah Shishio did continue to be mysterious to the end, we get a lot of Mamura in comparison so I'll def be interested in the omake. And I actually haven't read Ao Haru Ride yet! It's on my list to read after I saw some gifs of Kou, he intrigued me. I'll definitely give it a try!! I need more shoujo, rant/rave anytime!! :P

THANK YOU!! I'm glad you enjoy mine haha, I feel myself to be a bit of a work in progress still. <3 Hope you have a Happy New Year!!

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bookaholic007 50p · 536 weeks ago

I read Jandy Nelson's book "The Sky is Everywhere" two or three years ago and I thought it was amazing, so I'll definitely have to get my hands on a copy of "I'll Give you the Sun" as I've heard endless good things about it! xD I also love the covers for Since You've Been Gone and To All the Boys I've Loved Before - they're gorgeous! :)

I hope you had a lovely Christmas (if you celebrate) and I hope you have a wonderful new year! :) xx

1 reply · active 536 weeks ago

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Alysia 55p · 536 weeks ago

I definitely recommend it! I definitely plan to give it a reread soon. :) Yes! I loved the font, the color schemes, it all worked so well for those covers and even went so well with the stories. I did have a lovely Christmas. Thank you, I hope you did and do as well!

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lab1990 74p · 536 weeks ago

I still need to read I'll Give You the Sun...and her first novel! I've heard both are great. I've read one book by Morgan Matson, so I want to read Since You've Been Gone and the one before that. There are so many 2014 (and even before) books that I still need to get too, so I hope that I can do that and catch up on some of these series that I never found time for. haha

LOVED Gone Girl too. Dark Places is my favorite by the author though. She's great.

-Lauren www.shootingstarsmag.blogspot.com

Come Visit! I Always Comment Back!

1 reply · active 536 weeks ago

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Alysia 55p · 536 weeks ago

I definitely recommend both of her books, she is such an outstanding writer, I was constantly highlighting all the words I read of hers. There are definitely a lot of 2014 books I still didn't get to read myself, so I hope to soon! I read Sharp Objects and enjoyed it as well, but Gone Girl is my favorite so far!

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myreadingdress 91p · 536 weeks ago

YOU REREAD 10 BOOKS? Props to you, m'dear. I would never be able to get that many in. I think I reread 3 books? And I'm already amazed by that but obviously I'm living in a little bubble hahaha And look at you, being quite the contemporary queen. You're putting me to shame. I read mostly fantasy (LOVE LOVE LOVE)

Dirty Rowdy Thing--is that a sequel or a companion? I got sent it unsolicitedly but there's no way I can review it because it just came out of nowhere haha. But everyone raves on about the duo so...

TO ALL THE BOYS. PETER K. YES. The hardcover of this book is beautiful. I'm a bit iffy about the friendship story though but with all the Matson peer pressure, I may cave soon hahaha

Me Before You is getting a movie, isn't it? I'm going to squeeze in a read of that one just before the movie is released. I'm super glad that you liked it though!

A Boomerang fan now are we? I wasn't crazy about that one in particular BUT I loved the second book, Rebound. And by the looks of things, I think you're going to as well! I mean, I was skeptical about Alison getting her own story but she held her own. AND ADAM BLACKWOOD. That is all.

YES READ THE WINNER'S CURSE so that you can get over the first book and GET TO THE SECOND ONE. HAHAHAHA that sounds weird, doesn't it? I just don't think the first one is as strong. But man oh man, that second book is really something else. Hopefully you like it more than me though!

I'm going to find some time to get started on I Was Here. I'm not the biggest Forman fan (oh I have a weak heart when faced with contemporaries) but there's a lot of raving surrounding this one. Hopefully it's enjoyable.

AND OH GOODNESS. Alysia, we need to hug. We definitely do. You're such a sweetheart. I'm sending virtual gluten free cupcakes your way <3

1 reply · active 536 weeks ago

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Alysia 55p · 536 weeks ago

Haha I managed them during the times I wasn't blogging, otherwise I feel a little guilty about it, loll. I'm actually trying to read more fantasy!! Especially for 2015. I really do enjoy it, I think I just tend to be more picky about it because I want something with a story line that wows me.

Dirty Rowdy things is a companion! It has the characters from the previous book but it can be read without having read the first one, though I enjoyed them both, Dirty Rowdy Thing was my favorite.

PETER K! He honestly snuck up on me as I read, I wasn't expecting to enjoy him so much, haha. Ugh, I'm in love with the sharpie font on the cover, seriously. But since you've been gone was good too! I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, tbh.

I did like Boomerang, though not as much as I thought I would. I kind of felt like there was something missing. I didn't read that many 2014 debuts though, at least not any that I remember. I wasn't sure if I'd like Rebound either, because of Alison, but I'll have to check it out when it comes out!!

Man, I'm already excited for The Winners Crime before even having started The Winner's Curse!! That reminds me of the Shatter Me series. I enjoyed the first book but honestly book two and three beat the first one by a landslide. But I hope you enjoy I Was Here. I'm always extra invested in seeing what you think of contemporaries now that I know it's harder to win you over in that genre, lol!!

I am all for hugging!! <3 You're the best ok and also yes to sending cupcakes!! I'm definitely a cupcake lover. ;)

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Devan @ Book Strings · 535 weeks ago

I book binged TVA and Bloodlines this year. Incredibly good! I need to read I'll Give You the Sun and Since You've Been Gone.
My recent post End of the Year Book Survey for 2014