The Reader's Bar discussion

What was your favorite read of 2014?

Denise wrote: "What was your favorite read of 2014?"

I can only have one :)

I have not finished reading for the year - yes I am hoping to have a couple of really excellent reads before the year ends. :)

I also will list best book(s) for books published in 2014 and for book(s) published before 2014.

Beverly wrote: "Denise wrote: "What was your favorite read of 2014?"

I can only have one :)

I have not finished reading for the year - yes I am hoping to have a couple of really excellent reads before the year e..."

Ok. Lol I look forward to your list. I have not read too many good books this year and I am looking for some good books to end the year with. Lol

i'm with you Denise. i haven't read anything so far this year that had been memorable (in a good way). i'm reading Americanah right now and I love it so far (about 30% done). Doubt that i'll be able to finish it before 2015, but unless the author really take a turn for the worse, I think this is a winner

Lindor wrote: "i'm with you Denise. i haven't read anything so far this year that had been memorable (in a good way). i'm reading Americanah right now and I love it so far (about 30% done). Doubt that i'll be a..."

Americanah was my most fav book I read last year.
Adichie is one of fav authors - Of all of her other work I would say my fav is Half of a Yellow Sun.

For books published in 2014 - here are my top reads:

A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James - this is my top read for the year

The Secret History of Las Vegas: A Novel by Chris AbaniThis book is a noir mystery with a secondary storyline that looks at the grittier side of humanity. But the author is also a poet so very good use of language.

Ruby by Cynthia Bond - If you liked Sugar by Bernice McFadden you will probably like this story

Time of the Locust by Morowa Yejide This is a powerful haunting story that stays with you after the last page.

The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez - Every now and then I read a book that just touches my heart. The Book of Unknown Americans is such a book. From the first pages I was captivated by the sustained voices of the characters written with such grace and dignity as I felt their humanity, hopefulness, and despair to do what they had to do ensure a better life for their children and often, times themselves. I so enjoyed how the author connects the reader to the characters.

The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness. This is a third book of a trilogy but listed here as I really enjoyed this book and the series.

Mr Loverman by Bernardine Evaristo - great writing and character development - good use of humor, wit & sarcasm

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman - Utterly charming story that made my heart soar! You just cannot help loving the grumpy, big-hearted, rule loving Ove.

Here are my fav reads for 2014 for books that were published before 2014:

Betsey Brown by Ntozake Shange

Indigo by Beverly Jenkins

The Headmaster's Wager by Vincent Lam

The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway

Denise wrote: "Beverly wrote: "Denise wrote: "What was your favorite read of 2014?"

I can only have one :)

I have not finished reading for the year - yes I am hoping to have a couple of really excellent reads b..."

Denise: Ditto! I have read different genres this year and honestly feel like none of them are WOW!

This was the better one: The Woman He Loved Before by Dorothy Koomson