Best of 2013 - Books, Apps, Music, Movies

I am sharing with you some of my "Best Of" from this past year.  Not all of them are things that actually came out in 2013, but instead experienced by me in 2013.  Links will take you to my posted review. Amazon links will take you to my affiliate page and if you purchase, I will get a small kick back without you paying a penny more for the item.

Favorite Book Club Book

I couldn't choose one.  Both of these books were full of discussion and were liked by all of us in book club.  I also have thought back to both of these books several times and still wonder about the characters 

(Yes, I know they aren't real).  This is the mark of a good story, one I can't forget about. 

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline 

Storyteller by Jodi Picoult

Favorite Book Published in 2013

This was also a book club choice, but one I couldn't forget about. 

I would have read it if it we hadn't chosen it for book club. 

And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini

Favorite Book I Read for My Own Enjoyment

I chose this book because I wanted to read it.  I had heard so much about it and it sounded like a book I would enjoy and I did.  A perfect beach read with history, drama, and romance.  One you can read anytime of year! It also helps if you read it with a friend so you can dish about all the drama.

A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams

Favorite Non Fiction

I really love Memoirs and WILD was a really interesting and inspiring read.  

I am anxious to see the movie version! 

REPLENISH is a book I took a lot of insight from and one I still refer to.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Replenish by Lisa Grace Byrne

Favorite Children's Book

I've been getting more children's books to review and am really enjoying it.  Since I give Storytime once a month at our local library, it is nice to be introduced to new children's books.  This pick was not a review book, but one I read during Storytime.  It is a new one this year and was a cute, funny story about a sly fox, some smart ducklings, and an even smarter mama goose. 

That is Not a Good Idea by Mo Willems

Best Apps

Once Google removed their feedreader, I needed to find a new one and Feedly has been just the perfect fit for me.  I can use it from my computer or from the app on my iPhone or Kindle.  It is the easiest way for me to stay up to date on all the blogs and websites I want to say connected to.  Since it shows me the title of the post, I can decide if I want to read it or not, read it, and if I want more I can access the website from there.  It also allows me to put them into categories so I can access all those great book blogs in one visit.  

Feedly

At first glance, you might think Words of Wonder is an app for kids, but you will be surprised that it is challenging and fun for adults.  Words of Wonder is a cross between Boggle and Candy Crush.  So for all of you addicted to Candy Crush out there, you may want to check this game out.  For wordy's like me, this is the perfect challenge.  You play by making words from the image on the screen.  But sometimes you have to make words in certain areas to make feathers fall, make ink or ribbons disappear, or make words in a short time frame.  You do all this while traveling through a map and achieving levels.  

It is addictive, challenging, and keeps your brain active.  

Words of Wonder

Everyone else in my family is addicted to Dots.  They all have it on their devices and can be heard connecting the dots during their spare time.  In the game, you connect the same colored dots in a straight line and earn extra points by connecting them in boxes.  I've played it, but I'm not as addicted as the rest of my family is.  It encourages strategic planning to get your certain colored dots to line up and create a large box.  Even our daughter who is 8 likes to play it. 

Dots 

Best Movie

I saw this in the theater and I was transfixed throughout the whole movie.  

It angered me, shocked me, saddened me and ultimately, showed me that love can prevail.  

The actors were amazing and I bought the DVD (even though I haven't watched it yet) the day it came out. 

 I want to watch it again soon and hopefully get my husband to watch it with me.  

Les Miserables

Best Song

I'm just really loving Katy Perry right now and every time this song comes on the radio,

 I just have to turn it up.  I think we've all had our moments where we needed to 

ROAR and Katy Perry says just what we are thinking! 

Roar by Katy Perry

I hope you enjoyed my list of favorites from this year.  

If you have a favorite I should know about, let me know if the comments! 

Happy New Year!