Favourite books read in 2014

I've restricted myself to a top 10 list of books that I really enjoyed this year.

1. River of Stars by Guy Gavriel Kay. 

 Luscious historical fantasy that has pushed Kay onto my favourite authors list.

My review: http://wanda-thenextfifty.blogspot.ca/2014/01/river-of-stars-guy-gavriel-kay_2500.html

2. An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield.

A very readable memoir by Canadian astronaut Hadfield, who has made the space program relevant again.

My review:  http://wanda-thenextfifty.blogspot.ca/2014/02/an-astronauts-guide-to-life-on-earth.html

3. Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan.

A love letter to libraries, bookstores, museums, geek culture, the internet, secret societies--that felt like it had been written just for me.

My review: http://wanda-thenextfifty.blogspot.ca/2014/05/mr-penumbras-24-hour-book-store-robin.html

4. Empire Antartica by Gavin Francis.

Having been a very-short-term visitor to Antarctica, I loved this memoir of a young doctor overwintering at an Antarctic station.

My review:  http://wanda-thenextfifty.blogspot.ca/2014/05/empire-antarctica-gavin-francis.html

5. The Martian by Andy Weir.

Fast paced and chock full of humour, The Martian is an excellent hard science fiction book.

My review:  http://wanda-thenextfifty.blogspot.ca/2014/07/the-martian-andy-weir.html

6. The Girl with All the Gifts / M.R. Carey

A new take on an old genre, zombie fiction.

My review:  http://wanda-thenextfifty.blogspot.ca/2014/09/the-girl-with-all-gifts-m-r-carey.html

7. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman.

My first encounter with Mr. Gaiman's writing, but certainly not my last.

My review:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/732630200?book_show_action=false

8. Among Others by Jo Walton.

Another new favourite author discovered in 2014.  This book is perfect for science fiction readers, library & book lovers, and those who grew up in rural surroundings, especially if you are all three.

My review:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/335255214?book_show_action=false

9. My Real Children by Jo Walton.

Another winner from Ms. Walton.  I found it to be a powerful examination of what it means to be female in our world.

My review:  http://wanda-thenextfifty.blogspot.ca/2014/11/my-real-children-jo-walton.html

10. Crow Lake by Mary Lawson.

A very personal book for me, dealing as it does with children putting their lives back together after losing their parents in a car accident.  A powerful, well written book by a Canadian author.

My review:  http://wanda-thenextfifty.blogspot.ca/2015/01/crow-lake-mary-lawson.html




Here's hoping that 2015 holds some new favourites in store!!