HomeGroupsTalkMoreZeitgeist
Search Site
This site uses cookies to deliver our services, improve performance, for analytics, and (if not signed in) for advertising. By using LibraryThing you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your use of the site and services is subject to these policies and terms.
Create new list
Lists home

Top Five Books of 2014

Description: What are your top five reads for 2014? These books DO NOT need to have been published in 2014.

Members: 394 participating members (show all)

All members' list: [1] 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11Sort: Score | Title | Author | Date
1
All the Light We Cannot See
by Anthony Doerr
12,607 members, 722 reviews
4.29 stars (4.29 stars)

Lists: SarahPKaeck (1), kenjohnson (1), SkippyRoxy (1), Devlindusty (1), chaminah (1), PollyMig (1), nbcarmel (1), MJC1946 (1), earthsinger (1), thebooklover2 (1), boo-radley (1) — 33 more, myownwoman (1), brenzi (1), novelcommentary (1), hubblegal (1), AmourFou (1), linda.newman (1), books-n-art (1), pdebolt (1), ltcl (1), Trudial (1), jan.blazanin (1), njinthesun (1), nwieme (1), ardvisoor (2), LisbethE (2), skyeval (2), DerBuecherwurm (2), Donna828 (2), cushlareads (2), PoetVictoria (2), dawnlovesbooks (3), ReinaSinjab (3), Janet126 (3), dara85 (3), nittnut (3), davidabrams (3), cmtl (4), maritimer (4), Sarah-Hope (4), chgstrom (4), ymkahn (5), brushman (5), copperkid (5)

Score: 157.12

Explanations:

nittnut (3): For a new point of view, characters I could love.

2
The Goldfinch
by Donna Tartt
11,094 members, 684 reviews
3.95 stars (3.95 stars)

Lists: Rchlwtsn (1), snyd1978 (1), SimiSue75 (1), PaulKelleher (1), cadacada (1), taylorannenoel (1), jan48 (1), lsh63 (1), painter1 (1), Grammath (1), lyneaclark (1) — 28 more, Suusan (1), sianpr (1), iogrey (1), LisaYork (1), nancyewhite (1), KymmAC (1), AlisonSakai (1), Ameise1 (1), Micheller7 (1), vwinsloe (1), dawnlovesbooks (2), elca1946 (2), chaminah (2), ssmwonder (2), MJC1946 (2), ReinaSinjab (2), charl08 (2), Sandra.Kidder (2), novelcommentary (2), hubblegal (2), Devlindusty (3), ElizaBev (3), DerBuecherwurm (3), GeePee29 (3), JuliaMaria (4), ymkahn (4), snora (4), yalliejane (5)

Score: 140.95

Explanations:

vwinsloe (1): Emotionally genuine as well as authentic in its depiction of time and place. Unforgettable characters.

3
The Martian
by Andy Weir
12,843 members, 1,043 reviews
4.27 stars (4.27 stars)

Lists: jasdawn5 (1), Picarina (1), dawndouble (1), stephencrutch (1), ssmwonder (1), KatyBee (1), mccin68 (1), ReinaSinjab (1), rclassen (1), Sharn (1), DerBuecherwurm (1) — 28 more, Willie3 (1), Jillian_Kay (1), mahsdad (1), majkia (1), renbedell (1), dougcornelius (1), SylviaC (1), timspalding (1), lillypatti72 (2), Devlindusty (2), melissarochelle (2), earthsinger (2), kellyslist (2), iogrey (2), Janet126 (2), Helenoel (2), tottman (2), tiffin (2), MsMaryAnn (3), honkcronk (3), jtlauderdale (3), gypsysmom (3), Vilakins (3), tardis (3), boo-radley (4), GeePee29 (4), Unkletom (4), souloftherose (5)

Score: 139.03

Explanations:

tottman (2): Perfect blend of science, action and humor. One of my favorite characters of all time.

tiffin (2): This was such great good fun!

4
Ancillary Justice
by Ann Leckie
4,392 members, 303 reviews
4 stars (4 stars)

Lists: jamestream (1), barrayaran (1), Euryale (1), zjakkelien (1), montano (1), Vierran (1), lkmiller (1), tardis (1), lorannen (1), kenjohnson (2), SkippyRoxy (2) — 10 more, pjdscca (2), Vilakins (2), ChristineParker (2), lorax (2), earthsinger (3), dot.zen (3), TempleCat (3), Devlindusty (4), gypsysmom (4), conceptDawg (5)

Score: 73.63

Explanations:

lorannen (1): By far one of the most original and compelling space novels I've read in recent years.

5
The Book Thief
by Markus Zusak
36,675 members, 1,992 reviews
4.36 stars (4.36 stars)

Lists: Jonas.Pieters (1), amyshaff (1), MichelleAbel (1), MeganHuntStewart (1), Florinda (1), Barbsn (1), snyd1978 (2), PaulKelleher (2), cadacada (2), lyneaclark (2), LisaYork (2) — 10 more, kenjohnson (3), MJC1946 (3), krazy4katz (3), painter1 (3), SherylHendrix (3), lucybrown (4), Trudial (4), spartahiker (4), Devlindusty (5), jan48 (5)

Score: 69.85

Explanations:

SherylHendrix (3): A riveting story that highlights the human emotions of individuals caught in the horrors of war.

6
Life After Life
by Kate Atkinson
6,838 members, 529 reviews
3.97 stars (3.97 stars)

Lists: rainpebble (1), canaiden (1), skyeval (1), cmtl (1), starfishian (1), PoetVictoria (1), suerv (2), JSWBooks (2), innominate (2), elca1946 (3), SkippyRoxy (3) — 8 more, chaminah (3), mzonderm (3), novelcommentary (3), hubblegal (3), ymkahn (3), nancyewhite (3), kenjohnson (4), sipthereader (4)

Score: 64.06

Explanations:

starfishian (1): Absolutely brilliant. Kate Atkinson is a gifted writer.

innominate (2): A novel of time and place, of death and rebirth. Of foxes and not. Historical and ahistorical. A fantastic (in both senses of the word) read.

7
Gone Girl
by Gillian Flynn
17,301 members, 1,396 reviews
3.86 stars (3.86 stars)

Lists: dawnlovesbooks (1), batey (1), ReadHanded (1), jasdawn5 (2), snookerkitty (2), MichelleAbel (2), canaiden (2), cadacada (3), MeganHuntStewart (3), mdrcamp4 (3), ToniTobin (3) — 6 more, snyd1978 (4), PaperbackPirate (4), Jenxy21 (4), novelcommentary (4), randomfakename (5), amerynth (5)

Score: 54.28

8
The Narrow Road to the Deep North
by Richard Flanagan
2,474 members, 135 reviews
4.03 stars (4.03 stars)

Lists: peterveen (1), Amsa1959 (1), maritimer (1), ymkahn (1), lauralkeet (1), PollyMig (2), honkcronk (2), dot.zen (2), jan48 (3), Faradaydon (3), Donna828 (3) — 5 more, earthsinger (4), mkunruh (4), GCPLreader (4), JanHeemskerk (4), SkippyRoxy (5)

Score: 53.2

9
The Invention of Wings
by Sue Monk Kidd
4,081 members, 295 reviews
4.15 stars (4.15 stars)

Lists: aliepa (1), dkfgroup (1), BookLizard (1), jan48 (2), cntroupe (2), Micheller7 (2), snyd1978 (3), amyshaff (3), terran (3), Bellettres (3), SkippyRoxy (4) — 6 more, DerBuecherwurm (4), earthsinger (5), PaperbackPirate (5), MsRoux (5), JSWBooks (5), Cariola (6)

Score: 53.16

10
The Rosie Project
by Graeme Simsion
6,096 members, 492 reviews
3.97 stars (3.97 stars)

Lists: suerv (1), snookerkitty (1), gingercat80 (1), bfkendrick (1), amyshaff (2), painter1 (2), terran (2), Alphawoman (2), LisbethE (3), PaperbackPirate (3), Marlyn (3) — 4 more, Yvette89 (3), kristenl (5), books-n-art (5), baystateRA (5)

Score: 49.64

11
The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry
by Gabrielle Zevin
4,623 members, 492 reviews
3.99 stars (3.99 stars)

Lists: melissarochelle (1), myers3 (1), cransell (1), Marlyn (2), pdebolt (2), ltcl (2), nwieme (2), dawnlovesbooks (4), jan48 (4), Donna828 (4), baystateRA (4) — 2 more, KatyBee (5), kgriffith (5)

Score: 42.12

12
Lila
by Marilynne Robinson
1,907 members, 99 reviews
4.05 stars (4.05 stars)

Lists: Plommonsson (1), GCPLreader (1), Dilara86 (1), Donna828 (1), debnance (1), AmourFou (2), librorumamans (2), lauralkeet (2), cmtl (3), rainpebble (4), cadacada (4) — 1 more, hazel1123 (4)

Score: 41.62

13
Orphan Train
by Christina Baker Kline
4,895 members, 424 reviews
3.98 stars (3.98 stars)

Lists: Deb.Meyer (1), spartahiker (1), SimiSue75 (2), koalakt (2), jan.blazanin (2), dkfgroup (2), PoetVictoria (4), dara85 (4), dawnlovesbooks (5), marjy.heath (5), ardvisoor (5) — 2 more, LisbethE (5), myers3 (5)

Score: 40.49

14
The Boys in the Boat
by Daniel James Brown
3,665 members, 224 reviews
4.32 stars (4.32 stars)

Lists: JenMDB (1), greeneyed_ives (1), rclassen (2), jtlauderdale (2), spartahiker (2), dougcornelius (3), bangerlm (3), LisbethE (4), honkcronk (4), JSWBooks (4), cadacada (5) — 1 more, hazel1123 (5)

Score: 38.01

15
Stoner
by John Williams
4,974 members, 292 reviews
4.28 stars (4.28 stars)

Lists: hannekris (1), sarahlpriest (1), LovingLit (1), Rchlwtsn (2), Plommonsson (2), MsMaryAnn (2), GCPLreader (2), cometahalley (2), crittergirl (4), evilmoose (4), suerv (5)

Score: 37.15

16
The Luminaries
by Eleanor Catton
3,953 members, 226 reviews
3.78 stars (3.78 stars)

Lists: charl08 (1), gendeg (1), peterveen (2), Picarina (2), lsh63 (2), chgstrom (2), snora (2), zhejw (3), KymmAC (3), elca1946 (5), Aquila (5)

Score: 36.25

Explanations:

Aquila (5): Do I need to explain my choice? Loved the set up.

17
The Ocean at the End of the Lane
by Neil Gaiman
11,287 members, 823 reviews
4.07 stars (4.07 stars)

Lists: hailelib (1), catherinestead (1), bercilak (2), Suusan (2), TempleCat (2), leahbird (2), nancyewhite (2), BBGirl55 (4), Jenxy21 (5), hubblegal (5), avanders (5)

Score: 35.67

18
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
by Laura Hillenbrand
9,605 members, 537 reviews
4.44 stars (4.44 stars)

Lists: honkcronk (1), gaylebutz (1), terran (1), ThoughtPolice (1), koalakt (3), elca1946 (4), MJC1946 (4), mzonderm (5), sipthereader (5), Trudial (5)

Score: 32.72

Explanations:

ThoughtPolice (1): Compelling story, brilliant writer.

19
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
by Cheryl Strayed
6,786 members, 461 reviews
3.89 stars (3.89 stars)

Lists: mic_cee (1), jhaggis (1), VW_Williams (1), Deb.Meyer (2), mdexter (3), bfkendrick (3), randomfakename (4), saucybetty (4), Alphawoman (4), MeganHuntStewart (5)

Score: 32.6

20
Hyperbole and a Half
by Allie Brosh
3,839 members, 245 reviews
4.27 stars (4.27 stars)

Lists: dexterdame (1), Jambyfool (1), barrayaran (2), MeganHuntStewart (2), SaraHope (2), midnightblues (3), amaranthe (3), CapitalHackels (5), waitingtoderail (5), tardis (5)

Score: 32.19

Explanations:

amaranthe (3): It is extremely funny, and not in a stupid way.

21
Americanah
by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
5,483 members, 247 reviews
4.18 stars (4.18 stars)

Lists: elca1946 (1), JSWBooks (1), jhaggis (2), peterveen (3), LisaYork (3), njinthesun (3), canaiden (4), catherinestead (4), amyshaff (5), novelcommentary (5)

Score: 31.49

Explanations:

JSWBooks (1): There's so much to this book. One reader quoted The Guardian's review: "There are some novels that tell a great story and others that make you change the way you look at the world. ... Adichie's Americanah is a book that manages to do both." It is about race, immigrants, relationships. Beautiful, provacative writing.… (more)

22
The Fault in Our Stars
by John Green
20,018 members, 1,429 reviews
4.26 stars (4.26 stars)

Lists: Liciasings (1), crazy4reading (1), mdrcamp4 (2), MsRoux (2), booklover3258 (2), snookerkitty (4), MeganHuntStewart (4), renbedell (4), snyd1978 (5)

Score: 29.25

Explanations:

MsRoux (2): I didn't expect I'd like this book, much less love it. It's the clear voice of the protagonist, Hazel, with her insights and mordant humor, that make this a great book.… (more)

booklover3258 (2): Sad story of love and loss. Why wouldn't I love this book?

23
The Bone Clocks
by David Mitchell
3,956 members, 263 reviews
3.82 stars (3.82 stars)

Lists: novelex (1), sarahlpriest (2), mzonderm (2), gendeg (2), suerv (3), edparks (5), dot.zen (5), pjdscca (5), vwinsloe (5)

Score: 27.83

24
A Constellation of Vital Phenomena
by Anthony Marra
1,989 members, 158 reviews
4.26 stars (4.26 stars)

Lists: katiekrug (1), books-n-art (2), bfkendrick (2), sipthereader (2), lsh63 (4), linda.newman (4), cmtl (5), MsMaryAnn (5), mdexter (5)

Score: 27.77

25
We Were Liars
by E. Lockhart
4,084 members, 369 reviews
3.71 stars (3.71 stars)

Lists: ElizaBev (2), montano (2), snookerkitty (3), canaiden (3), ltcl (3), nwieme (3), katemcangus (3), Marlyn (4), painter1 (5)

Score: 27.43

26
Tell the Wolves I'm Home
by Carol Rifka Brunt
2,966 members, 222 reviews
4.11 stars (4.11 stars)

Lists: mfbarry (1), bacreads (1), njinthesun (2), winteralli (2), ablachly (2), Plommonsson (3), EllsieFind (4), gypsysmom (5)

Score: 26.63

27
The Orchardist: A Novel
by Amanda Coplin
1,660 members, 128 reviews
3.82 stars (3.82 stars)

Lists: markatpie (1), Bookmarque (1), overthemoon (1), pdebolt (3), reader517 (3), spartahiker (3), painter1 (4), EllsieFind (5)

Score: 26.62

Explanations:

Bookmarque (1): Stories of orphans and outsiders usually follow a familiar storyline, but this novel surprised me both in characterization and in plot. Set in an unusual location and time it is an introspective and engrossing novel.… (more)

28
Burial Rites
by Hannah Kent
2,921 members, 245 reviews
4.02 stars (4.02 stars)

Lists: ElizaBev (1), Brindle (1), rainpebble (2), Sharn (2), lsh63 (3), innominate (3), s2nowy (4), KimarieBee (4)

Score: 26.46

Explanations:

innominate (3): A bare description of this novel (the tale of the last woman to be executed in Iceland) doesn't do justice to its complexity and clarity of purpose. A tale of death breathing life into a past society.… (more)

29
Station Eleven
by Emily St. John Mandel
7,787 members, 619 reviews
4.1 stars (4.1 stars)

Lists: randomfakename (1), HeathMochaFrost (1), dougcornelius (2), kjgormley (2), boo-radley (3), amyshaff (4), KatyBee (4), snora (5)

Score: 26.1

30
Ready Player One
by Ernest Cline
13,264 members, 1,044 reviews
4.1 stars (4.1 stars)

Lists: Vilakins (1), BBGirl55 (1), raidergirl3 (1), Ape (1), batey (2), dexterdame (2), Picarina (3)

Score: 25.77

31
Bring Up the Bodies
by Hilary Mantel
5,540 members, 317 reviews
4.33 stars (4.33 stars)

Lists: etxgardener (1), TheoClarke (1), lillypatti72 (3), SimiSue75 (3), peterveen (4), suerv (4), bjappleg8 (4), Cariola (4)

Score: 25.39

32
The Goblin Emperor
by Katherine Addison
1,858 members, 134 reviews
4.15 stars (4.15 stars)

Lists: pagesaplenty (1), susanj (2), amaranthe (2), Vierran (3), tardis (4), mkunruh (5), jsburbidge (5)

Score: 21.95

Explanations:

amaranthe (2): Maia unexpectedly becomes emperor after having lived his 18 years as an embarrassment in exile. He must learn to govern effectively without being killed, being manipulated by older members of the government, or becoming like his father. Lots of politics, intrigue, problem-solving, and heart.… (more)

33
An Unnecessary Woman
by Rabih Alameddine
972 members, 72 reviews
4.01 stars (4.01 stars)

Lists: kara.shamy (1), edparks (2), Bellettres (2), GCPLreader (3), alphaorder (4), Donna828 (5), poingu (9)

Score: 21.58

34
An Officer and a Spy
by Robert Harris
1,330 members, 79 reviews
4.19 stars (4.19 stars)

Lists: saucybetty (1), pjdscca (1), mdexter (1), brenzi (2), JanHeemskerk (2), bjappleg8 (5)

Score: 21.4

35
The Sparrow
by Mary Doria Russell
6,710 members, 362 reviews
4.17 stars (4.17 stars)

Lists: kafc9460 (1), ghefferon (1), Unkletom (1), amanda4242 (2), marjy.heath (4), MsMaryAnn (4)

Score: 21.02

36
We are Not Ourselves
by Matthew Thomas
1,245 members, 102 reviews
3.82 stars (3.82 stars)

Lists: edparks (1), Janet126 (1), kjgormley (1), ymkahn (2), pdebolt (4), Micheller7 (5)

Score: 20.87

37
The Secret Place
by Tana French
2,075 members, 144 reviews
3.83 stars (3.83 stars)

Lists: Marlyn (1), katemcangus (1), raidergirl3 (2), montano (3), SimiSue75 (4), nancyewhite (4)

Score: 20.06

38
Mr Penumbra's 24-hour Bookstore
by Robin Sloan
6,943 members, 624 reviews
3.81 stars (3.81 stars)

Lists: LisbethE (1), aliepa (2), karspeak (2), SimoneA (3), EllsieFind (3), ltcl (5)

Score: 19.48

39
Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea
by Barbara Demick
2,641 members, 161 reviews
4.41 stars (4.41 stars)

Lists: MeridianLRC (1), copperkid (1), ThoughtPolice (3), rosylibrarian (3), Mirabelle (5), nancyewhite (5)

Score: 19.43

Explanations:

ThoughtPolice (3): Eye-popping narrative.

40
City of Stairs
by Robert Jackson Bennett
1,415 members, 122 reviews
4.18 stars (4.18 stars)

Lists: craso (1), majkia (2), tardis (2), jsburbidge (3), ardvisoor (4), Alissa- (4)

Score: 19.42

41
Atonement
by Ian McEwan
23,689 members, 588 reviews
3.93 stars (3.93 stars)

Lists: petit.small (1), Cariola (1), iogrey (3), kenjohnson (5), canaiden (5), Peace2 (5)

Score: 19.06

42
Red Rising
by Pierce Brown
4,319 members, 320 reviews
3.98 stars (3.98 stars)

Lists: isis27 (1), MaggieFlo (1), ChristineParker (1), renbedell (3), ltcl (4)

Score: 17.87

43
Fool's Assassin
by Robin Hobb
1,342 members, 73 reviews
4.25 stars (4.25 stars)

Lists: KimarieBee (1), ikeyjamehoward (1), Kassilem (1), susanj (3), bangerlm (4)

Score: 17.87

44
Fangirl
by Rainbow Rowell
5,199 members, 412 reviews
4.15 stars (4.15 stars)

Lists: randomfakename (2), sweeks1980 (2), Vilakins (4), SaraHope (4), bookwoman84 (5), norabelle414 (5)

Score: 17.73

45
The Book of Negroes
by Lawrence Hill
3,189 members, 168 reviews
4.31 stars (4.31 stars)

Lists: lillypatti72 (1), marjy.heath (1), MaggieFlo (2), _Zoe_ (2), thebookpile (5)

Score: 17.4

46
Code Name Verity
by Elizabeth Wein
3,869 members, 341 reviews
4.3 stars (4.3 stars)

Lists: randomfakename (3), kgriffith (3), fannyprice (4), Picarina (4), mzonderm (4), Tafadhali (5)

Score: 17.24

47
Eleanor and Park
by Rainbow Rowell
6,954 members, 562 reviews
4.15 stars (4.15 stars)

Lists: holly_golightly (1), leahbird (1), irishsurprise (3), bookwoman84 (3), zhejw (4)

Score: 16.91

48
The Paying Guests
by Sarah Waters
2,669 members, 187 reviews
3.58 stars (3.58 stars)

Lists: kgriffith (1), bookwoman84 (1), starfishian (3), byzanne (3), ablachly (5)

Score: 16.75

49
Olive Kitteridge
by Elizabeth Strout
8,421 members, 567 reviews
3.92 stars (3.92 stars)

Lists: kafc9460 (2), JenMDB (2), JolieLouise (2), KymmAC (2), marjy.heath (3)

Score: 16.49

50
Hild
by Nicola Griffith
1,251 members, 82 reviews
4 stars (4 stars)

Lists: rarm (1), Aquila (1), susanj (4), jsburbidge (4), byzanne (4)

Score: 16.49

Explanations:

Aquila (1): Like Rosemary Sutcliff, but with a female protagonist - and a bisexual one at that. Fascinating, integrated, beautifully written.

51
The Golem and the Jinni
by Helene Wecker
4,146 members, 290 reviews
4.13 stars (4.13 stars)

Lists: chgstrom (1), Her_Royal_Orangeness (2), iogrey (4), brushman (4), flying_monkeys (5)

Score: 15.7

Explanations:

flying_monkeys (5): Uses two mythological creatures to explore what it means to be human.

52
Behind the Beautiful Forevers
by Katherine Boo
3,635 members, 278 reviews
4.08 stars (4.08 stars)

Lists: Janethawn (2), PollyMig (3), kafc9460 (3), saucybetty (3), amerynth (3)

Score: 15.52

53
Bird Box
by Josh Malerman
2,179 members, 202 reviews
3.87 stars (3.87 stars)

Lists: isis27 (2), boo-radley (2), ardvisoor (3), flying_monkeys (3), ChristineParker (5)

Score: 15.48

Explanations:

flying_monkeys (3): What's scarier than something you can't see but know is right beside you? Eek!

54
American Gods
by Neil Gaiman
30,105 members, 818 reviews
4.08 stars (4.08 stars)

Lists: Marc_Williams (3), midnightblues (4), PollyMig (4), hubblegal (4), bercilak (5)

Score: 14.2

55
Words of Radiance
by Brandon Sanderson
2,823 members, 106 reviews
4.6 stars (4.6 stars)

Lists: bangerlm (1), Kassilem (2), lkmiller (2), miketopper (2)

Score: 14.09

57
The Color Purple
by Alice Walker
16,551 members, 305 reviews
4.13 stars (4.13 stars)

Lists: bjappleg8 (1), rainpebble (3), pagesaplenty (3), hazel1123 (3)

Score: 13.12

58
This Is Where I Leave You
by Jonathan Tropper
2,752 members, 159 reviews
3.84 stars (3.84 stars)

Lists: booklover3258 (1), pagesaplenty (2), melissarochelle (3), ToniTobin (5)

Score: 13.08

Explanations:

booklover3258 (1): Funny story and loved the dysfunctional family.

59
Being Mortal: Illness, Medicine and What Matters in the End
by Atul Gawande
3,685 members, 234 reviews
4.45 stars (4.45 stars)

Lists: alphaorder (1), marjy.heath (2), gendeg (4), MJC1946 (5)

Score: 12.87

60
Saga Volume 1
by Brian K. Vaughan
3,445 members, 251 reviews
4.31 stars (4.31 stars)

Lists: Vierran (2), lorannen (2), dexterdame (3), leahbird (4)

Score: 12.6

Explanations:

lorannen (2): Saga finally convinced me to become a regular reader of comics. It's a brilliant story, with artwork to match.

61
Rivers of London
by Ben Aaronovitch
4,498 members, 316 reviews
3.89 stars (3.89 stars)

Lists: hailelib (2), isis27 (3), BookLizard (3), Tanya-dogearedcopy (3)

Score: 12.48

Explanations:

Tanya-dogearedcopy (3): Urban Fantasy about a RC in modern-day London who discovers that he has wizarding skillz; The author was a scriptwriter for Doctor Who, and the story is very fast, funny, and quintessentially British.… (more)

62
The Age of Innocence
by Edith Wharton
11,820 members, 266 reviews
4.01 stars (4.01 stars)

Lists: Minthe (2), lottpoet (2), redsox0407 (3), fannyprice (5)

Score: 12.44

63
The Magician's Land
by Lev Grossman
1,918 members, 92 reviews
4.13 stars (4.13 stars)

Lists: zhejw (2), baystateRA (2), lkmiller (3), montano (5)

Score: 12.44

64
A Tale for the Time Being
by Ruth Ozeki
3,286 members, 212 reviews
4.05 stars (4.05 stars)

Lists: TempleCat (1), linda.newman (3), peterveen (5), bcquinnsmom (5)

Score: 12.39

65
The Silkworm
by Robert Galbraith
4,694 members, 306 reviews
3.91 stars (3.91 stars)

Lists: Trudial (2), katemcangus (2), iogrey (5), Kintra (5)

Score: 12.08

66
Daughter of the Forest
by Juliet Marillier
3,760 members, 121 reviews
4.3 stars (4.3 stars)

Lists: Wassilissa (2), lottpoet (3), nittnut (4), Picarina (5)

Score: 11.91

Explanations:

nittnut (4): Because it's the first book in a new to me series. It's such a pleasure to find a great new series.

67
MaddAddam
by Margaret Atwood
2,793 members, 146 reviews
3.94 stars (3.94 stars)

Lists: SimoneA (2), PoetVictoria (3), Ape (5), winteralli (5)

Score: 11.75

69
The Cat's Table
by Michael Ondaatje
2,112 members, 128 reviews
3.71 stars (3.71 stars)

Lists: melball (1), tandah (1), overthemoon (2)

Score: 11.36

70
The Blazing World
by Siri Hustvedt
759 members, 30 reviews
3.69 stars (3.69 stars)

Lists: JuliaMaria (1), Parker51 (1), kara.shamy (2)

Score: 11.36

Explanations:

JuliaMaria (1): Wie Frauen in der Kunstgeschichte unsichtbar gemacht werden. Verpackt in Beschreibung eines spannenden Duells zweier Ķünstler.

71
Faithful Place
by Tana French
3,595 members, 245 reviews
3.93 stars (3.93 stars)

Lists: tottman (1), miketopper (1), gaylebutz (3)

Score: 11.04

Explanations:

tottman (1): Listened to this book on audio and it absolutely blew me away. Absolute gut-punch. Brilliant writing.

72
The Enchanted
by Rene Denfeld
800 members, 64 reviews
4.06 stars (4.06 stars)

Lists: ardvisoor (1), MsMaryAnn (1), muzcurator (3)

Score: 11.04

73
Written in My Own Heart's Blood
by Diana Gabaldon
2,673 members, 102 reviews
4.42 stars (4.42 stars)

Lists: mzonderm (1), Mecaza (1), ikeyjamehoward (4)

Score: 10.83

Explanations:

Mecaza (1): The BEST book I have read this year by far..

74
Blood Meridian
by Cormac McCarthy
9,320 members, 234 reviews
4.17 stars (4.17 stars)

Lists: bcquinnsmom (1), Marc_Williams (2), Unkletom (2)

Score: 10.73

75
What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions
by Randall Munroe
4,397 members, 164 reviews
4.18 stars (4.18 stars)

Lists: Domo.Biomed (1), sryder (1), lillypatti72 (5)

Score: 10.68

76
The Hare with Amber Eyes: A Hidden Inheritance
by Edmund de Waal
2,987 members, 136 reviews
3.99 stars (3.99 stars)

Lists: Peace2 (1), tiffin (1), SimiSue75 (5)

Score: 10.68

Explanations:

tiffin (1): Fascinating story.

77
Neverwhere
by Neil Gaiman
22,240 members, 523 reviews
4.1 stars (4.1 stars)

Lists: midnightblues (1), meandmybooks (2), chlorine (3)

Score: 10.4

78
The Girl With All the Gifts
by M. R. Carey
3,934 members, 333 reviews
4.01 stars (4.01 stars)

Lists: norabelle414 (1), renbedell (2), isis27 (4)

Score: 10.19

79
The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History
by Elizabeth Kolbert
2,486 members, 132 reviews
4.17 stars (4.17 stars)

Lists: waitingtoderail (1), gravitysbook (2), lorax (4)

Score: 10.19

80
State of Wonder
by Ann Patchett
5,352 members, 357 reviews
3.87 stars (3.87 stars)

Lists: sturlington (1), Ape (3), rainpebble (5)

Score: 9.71

81
China Mountain Zhang
by Maureen F. McHugh
1,191 members, 37 reviews
4.01 stars (4.01 stars)

Lists: lottpoet (1), karspeak (3), gendeg (5)

Score: 9.71

82
A Town Like Alice
by Nevil Shute
3,202 members, 123 reviews
4.04 stars (4.04 stars)

Lists: midnightblues (2), Peace2 (3), ahef1963 (3)

Score: 9.44

83
The Lord of the Rings
by J. R. R. Tolkien
43,804 members, 423 reviews
4.52 stars (4.52 stars)

Lists: SimoneA (1), midnightblues (5), PollyMig (5)

Score: 9.35

84
The Book of Strange New Things
by Michel Faber
1,788 members, 120 reviews
3.72 stars (3.72 stars)

Lists: zhejw (1), GCPLreader (5), booksinbed (5)

Score: 9.35

85
The Slow Regard of Silent Things
by Patrick Rothfuss
2,729 members, 127 reviews
3.84 stars (3.84 stars)

Lists: ikeyjamehoward (2), sryder (3), Ceora (4)

Score: 9.23

86
To the Lighthouse
by Virginia Woolf
15,380 members, 238 reviews
3.88 stars (3.88 stars)

Lists: eclecticdodo (3), Parker51 (3), snora (3)

Score: 9.12

87
Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant?: A Memoir
by Roz Chast
1,261 members, 102 reviews
4.3 stars (4.3 stars)

Lists: HeathMochaFrost (2), etxgardener (3), alphaorder (5)

Score: 9.08

88
Redeployment
by Phil Klay
1,194 members, 65 reviews
4 stars (4 stars)

Lists: maritimer (2), atortorice001 (3), davidabrams (5)

Score: 9.08

89
Skin Game
by Jim Butcher
2,248 members, 121 reviews
4.33 stars (4.33 stars)

Lists: ikeyjamehoward (3), dexterdame (4), Kassilem (4)

Score: 8.7

90
1Q84
by Haruki Murakami
6,924 members, 296 reviews
3.83 stars (3.83 stars)

Lists: Grammath (3), winteralli (4), PoetVictoria (5)

Score: 8.54

91
The Muesum of Extraordinary Things
by Alice Hoffman
1,692 members, 108 reviews
3.73 stars (3.73 stars)

Lists: Micheller7 (3), starfishian (4), kellyslist (5)

Score: 8.54

92
The Circle
by Dave Eggers
4,622 members, 372 reviews
3.37 stars (3.37 stars)

Lists: lyneaclark (3), gbelik (4), ReneeGKC (6)

Score: 8.42

93
Gaudy Night
by Dorothy L. Sayers
4,721 members, 126 reviews
4.32 stars (4.32 stars)

Lists: inge87 (4), sturlington (5), CDVicarage (5)

Score: 8.18

94
Blindness
by José Saramago
11,210 members, 353 reviews
4.07 stars (4.07 stars)

Lists: JolieLouise (1), EMS_24 (1)

Score: 8

95
The Lies of Locke Lamora
by Scott Lynch
7,969 members, 376 reviews
4.22 stars (4.22 stars)

Lists: meandmybooks (1), SaraHope (1)

Score: 8

96
Home
by Marilynne Robinson
3,112 members, 140 reviews
3.97 stars (3.97 stars)

Lists: Osbaldistone (1), souloftherose (1)

Score: 8

97
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves
by Karen Joy Fowler
3,030 members, 214 reviews
3.84 stars (3.84 stars)

Lists: Laura1124 (1), Aquila (2)

Score: 7.36

Explanations:

Aquila (2): I read this without reading about it first, which was lucky, and it turned out to be a book exactly right for me.

98
Night Film
by Marisha Pessl
2,533 members, 255 reviews
3.77 stars (3.77 stars)

Lists: avanders (1), gingercat80 (2)

Score: 7.36

99
The Good Lord Bird
by James McBride
1,499 members, 98 reviews
3.9 stars (3.9 stars)

Lists: snora (1), etxgardener (2)

Score: 7.36

100
Clothes, Clothes, Clothes. Music, Music, Music. Boys, Boys, Boys.
by Viv Albertine
316 members, 14 reviews
4.16 stars (4.16 stars)

Lists: GeePee29 (1), mkunruh (2)

Score: 7.36

All members' list: [1] 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11Sort: Score | Title | Author | Date

About this list

Started by: lorannen (December 2014)

Type: Numbered

Limit: 5 books

Related tags

19th century (11,040) 20th century (8,039) American literature (8,600) biography (8,600) classic (30,229) classics (29,628) dystopia (8,569) England (10,893) fantasy (66,975) fiction (277,080) historical fiction (26,724) history (17,835) horror (11,795) humor (8,681) literature (25,370) memoir (9,058) mystery (18,409) non-fiction (28,009) novel (35,046) read (24,744) romance (10,117) science fiction (43,945) to-read (162,625) WWII (13,474) young adult (9,280)