A year in other worlds: Top books of 2014

This year I read an odd assortment of books. From autobiographies of people barely older than me to essays on minimalism, I expanded my typical reading list – and thoroughly enjoyed it. While I don’t believe in favorites (choosing a favorite book is an impossible task), here are 10 that stand out for me (not in any particular order).

1. Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin: Despite their length, I devoured these books. I haven’t really read fantasy in many years, and these were a nice reminder of what I used to love in the genre. The TV show, however, I just couldn’t get in to it.
2. Everything That Remains by Joshua Fields Millburn: While I won’t be moving to a remote cabin anytime soon, I will be modeling my life after The Minimalists to some degree moving forward. Part inspiration, part personal story, these essays will open your eyes to a different way of life.
3. My Heart is an Idiot by Davy Rothbart: Judging from my list, it’s pretty clear I was on a mission to figure out how other people live their lives. Rothbart made me laugh while simultaneously feeling better about myself and jealous of what he has done with his life.
4. Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed: There are some books that come into your life when simply need them. I needed this book. You probably do too.
5. Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork: Marcelo was a fantastic glimpse into a completely different perspective of the world.
6. #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso: I know, I know, everyone and their mom read it this year, but you can’t deny that it was worth our time.
7. A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby: I went on a bit of a Hornby binge this year, and this one definitely didn’t disappoint. It may have a bit of a dark beginning – the main characters meet on top of a building in London on New Year’s Eve where they are all planning to jump off – but it will make you laugh and cry.
8. The Realm of Possibility by David Levithan: This is poetry you will actually want to read. Each character tells their story in their own unique voice. My biggest disappointment was that it wasn’t longer.
9. Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple: I know this one is so last year for a lot of people, but I got completely sucked in.
10. The Good Luck of Right Now by Matthew Quick: Everybody needs a little luck. Much like Silver Linings Playbook, Luck is a little odd, but worth a read.

To see all 41 books that I read this year, check out my GoodReads page.