Top 12 Books of 2013

Without further ado and with no order of preference, here are my top 12 books of 2013:

The Five-Eyed Bookworm’s Top 12 Books of 2013

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11/22/63: A Novel by Stephen King

Made with Percolator and Phoster apps. This is not the book cover.

11/22/63: A Novel
Author: Stephen King
Published November 8th 2011 by Scribner (first published January 1st 2011)
Setting: Maine (United States), Jodie, Texas (United States)
Literary Awards: WINNER: 2012 THRILLER AWARD FOR BEST NOVEL | NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW’S TOP TEN BOOKS OF 2011 | WINNER: 2011 LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK PRIZE FOR BEST MYSTERY/THRILLER | WINNER: 2012 INTERNATIONAL THRILLER WRITERS AWARD FOR BEST NOVEL | World Fantasy Award Nominee for Best Novel (2012) | Goodreads Choice for Best Science Fiction (2011) | Kono Mystery ga Sugoi for Best Translated Mystery Novel of the Year in Japan (2014)

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The End: 11/22/63 Readalong

One of the best books I read this year, hands down. Thank you to Kristin and Sarah for organizing this readalong.

The world Jake Epping went to was completely new to me. Stephen King mentioned various songs, food, books, etc., so I googled some of the things he mentioned. I want to talk about them but I don’t want to spoil everything for those who have not read the book.

Here are five of my favorite quotes from the book.

Jake Epping, the protagonist of 11/22/63, can dance. And I mean, he can really dance. So if you’re in the mood for some dancing lessons, here’s a video for basic Lindy Hopping ;)

You may also check out this post and another post about songs mentioned in the book.

More Music From 11/22/63

The 11/22/63 Readlong hosted by Kristin (My Little Heart Melodies) and Sarah (Word Hits) ends tomorrow. I want to thank both of them for organizing it and making me join. I absolutely loved the book (my thoughts about the book will be posted soon). It was perfect for my first readalong.

Stephen King, one of my favorite authors of all time, mentioned a lot of songs from the 50’s and 60’s in the book and since I wasn’t all too familiar with most of them, I went to YouTube and listened. And gee wheez, where they good! I did know Earth Angel and that is my favorite. There were some songs in the book whose artists weren’t mentioned so if I made a mistake, I apologize in advance and please let me know so I can make the necessary corrections.

I have another post with the first few songs mentioned in the book. You can check it out here. As I read further, there were more songs mentioned so I’ve compiled them in the image below.

Bookish (And Not So Bookish Thoughts)

I was going through posts in my reader and I just happened to see Kristin’s (My Little Heart Melodies) post about Bookish (And Not So Bookish Thoughts). Like a curious cat, I went around clicking on her links, found out what it’s all about and voila! – moi was inspired to do a post. If you want to know more about Bookish (And Not So Booking Thoughts), please visit Christine (Bookishly Boisterous).

(1) First of, it has been a week since I started this book blog. I’ve never blogged about books before so I’m pretty sure I have a lot of learning to do. I am thoroughly enjoying it, but by doing so I have lessened my reading time (boo!) but I hope to balance things out soon.

(2) One of the book-related blogs I discovered lately is Book Riot. I especially loved this post about badass women who wrote memoirs. Don’t forget to check out Book Riot reader’s 24 favorite books of 2013. Have you read most of the books in the list? I also learned a thing or two about reading logs. I keep track of all the books I’ve read using Goodreads but since I’m going to join more challenges, I thought of keeping track using a spreadsheet.

(3) Speaking of challenges, I recently signed up for 2014 TBR Pile Challenge and made a personal challenge. I thought about joining only one challenge for next year but my reading mojo is in full blast so I plan to join more. I’ll be posting about them soon. Meanwhile, let’s hope my reading mojo will stick with me throughout 2014.

(4) I’ve been making good progress with 11/22/63. I am already halfway through the book and I must say it’s not a typical Stephen King novel, but it’s still very good. This is my first time to join a readalong and I can’t wait when we can finally discuss it.

(5) If there’s one video you need to watch this weekend, make it this one. It’s an absolutely brilliant animation of Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea. The book has been in my TBR list for a very long time and I wonder why I haven’t picked it up. Bookish problems, I know.

(6) You’d think that since it’s the Christmas season and everyone is extra kind and extra happy, I’d be motivated to watch some movies meant to uplift and touch my heart, but nooooo. I decided to watch some scary movies like Insidious and The Conjuring this weekend. I’m weird like that. Surely these will uplift my heart in a whole different kind of way.

(7) Bookish gifts.

I wish there was some way my friends or family would know that I’d really love gifts related to reading or books. I want to believe that Santa out there is listening, but after years of wishing and attempting telepathy so that he will know what I want for Christmas, I gave up.

Book lovers don’t necessarily like books as gifts (well, they do, but sometimes we all have to be creative and think outside the box). I mean, really, who can resist these Tentacle Pirate Ship Attack Bookends? Not me. I’d probably jump up and down when someone gives them to me. This Library Girl personalized stationery set makes me want to write to people every single day because it’s so damn cute. While you’re at it, check out The Fox and The Teacup at Etsy because there are so many beautiful things in that shop. Guaranteed. Also, check out this Silver Book Locket Necklace by The Enchanted Locket at Etsy. I usually do not wear any jewelry (except earrings) but if it looks like this, I just might give it a go.

If you know me, you’d know I’m a huge Stephen King fan. This flowchart/ poster will probably make any Stephen King fan very happy. And this too.

I also desperately want to have this mug. Because it has a strong message haha!

(8) What makes an awesome reading nook? Mine must consist of pillows. Lots of them. Check this one out. Don’t you just want to get your book and read there for hours? I know I do.

Well, that’s it. Enjoy the weekend :)