My Top 10 reads for 2013 in no particular order are:
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
My Cousin Rachel by Daphne Du Maurier
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Excellent Women by Barbara Pym
The Rules of Summer by Shaun Tan
The Great Gatsby by F S Fitzgerald
The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Strout
I love that the simple act of writing these titles down, caused me to smile with delight all over again, as I remembered each story, how I felt about them and where I was when I read them.
Each of these books shares a story with me about a part of my life. My personal story and the written story have become entwined.
That’s why these books have become favourites.
They are now a part of my personal narrative & my life journey.
That’s why I read – to find stories that will travel with me for my lifetime.
I wonder what new friends I will discover in 2014?
This Reading Life 
Great list! I loved My Cousin Rachel and thought The Rosie Project and Excellent Women were great! I do have to admit, however, that I couldn't even finish Mansfield Park, the only novel of Austen's I haven't loved. I'll try it again one day (maybe).
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I went 'aha' when I read how these relate to your own journey — I really felt that with Excellent Women which also made it onto my 'best of' list.(And I still haven't got to The Rosie Project yet — I really must read that)
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I'm not sure The Rosie Project really fits my personal journey theme – except that it made me (& my hubby) laugh out loud several times…and that's always a good thing 🙂
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Until this reread, MP was my least favourite Austen. But it has now moved up in my estimation – a lot. So I do hope you try it again one day Melissa.
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well, if you put 1Q84 as the top of the top, then you are forgiven for being that late, lol. and just a few more months before his next, can't wait!
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It's never too late for an excellent list Brona! The Rosie Project made my top 10 list too. I read Rules of Summer once, quickly in a shop, but have bought it home, to reread it a number of times, and give it more consideration. I don't want to be disappointed by a Shaun Tan. His books are often so complex that they reward rereading. MP isn't one of my favourite Austen's either- it was quite some time ago that I read it, and I've never reread it. I bought some Barbara Pym, but didn't get to reading them- I've only read Quartet in Autumn, and remember it being lovely.
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Wonderful list. I have yet to read The Burgess Boys, and 1Q84 sits unfinished on my nightstand. I'm not sure why I stopped reading that book; it includes one of the best written murder scenes I've ever read — cold, but touching. I'm looking forward to reading your reviews in 2014 🙂
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Ohhh I hadn't heard that a new one ws in the wings – I'm excited now 🙂
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Shaun Tan definitely requires multiple rereads. I wasn't a huge fan initially, but each reread of his works increases my love & appreciation.
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Reading 1Q84 was a bit of an epic for me too as I gave myself a mini-break between each book 🙂
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Books are so personal. Sometimes a book grabs you by the throat and won't let go! These are the ones that usually get on a top 10 list! I read a few of your selections but would only be interested in one book on the list. Can you guess which one?
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Now that's a challenge Nancy! I know you like historical stuff and classics – so it could be The Great Gatsby or My Cousin Rachel. Nearly everyone I know has To Kill A Mockingbird as one of their favourites…so I think I will go with that :-)Am I close?
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