TOP TEN TUESDAY | TOP TEN NEW-TO-ME AUTHORS I READ IN 2013

This week’s Top Ten Tuesday on The Broke and the Bookish is going to be easy, I think. Though that’ll probably end up being the proverbial famous last words! It’s the top ten new-to-me authors I read in 2013. So let’s just start out with the obvious, shall we?

1. John Green

The Fault In Our Stars is the book that started it all. Okay, well not all, but it definitely kick started my reading, and got me into reading YA books, which has turned out to be pretty awesome.

2. Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor & Park… it is the kind of book that will echo in your mind for months after you read it. Rowell’s writing is unique. Her voice is unlike any other writing I’ve read before, but it is hauntingly evocative and will make you feel like she tapped into your feels and hijacked them. Fangirl was equally awesome, in case you’re wondering.

3. Matthew Quick

I absolutely loved this book. It has an innocence about it, a certain way of looking at the world… and seeing its silver linings. It is beautiful in its simplicity, and it stole my heart.

4. Maureen Johnson

I’m a huge fan of Maureen’s on Twitter (go follow her @maureenjohnson) so I knew I’d like her writing. Which I did. Though I have to say I didn’t enjoy The Madness Underneath as much – I’m hoping The Shadow Cabinet is more awesome!

5. Ernest Cline

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. My husband was a huge fan of it, but then again, he’s a gamer, and he grew up on a lot of the pop culture that is referenced (I technically grew up in the same generation, but was brought up by hippie parents and didn’t have a TV. Yeah, I know, right? Scarred for life.) so it had that awesome nostalgia for him. But I loved it. The story drew me in, I understood enough to not be lost in the plot. And while I think my enjoyment would have been much deeper had I got all the references, I still enjoyed every minute of it without, so don’t be put off by that. Excellent read.

6. Maggie Stiefvater

I’m still working on my review for this one, because I have conflicting feelings about it. But one thing I can tell you is the writing is excellent. Which definitely earned a place on this list. Also Maggie is another person worth following on Twitter, because she’s hilarious.

7. Veronica Roth

I only got as far as Insurgent, because I’m scared of Allegiant. But I really enjoyed Divergent, and I would definitely recommend checking it out if you’re suffering from Hunger Games withdrawal!

8. Leila Sales

 

I was a bit apprehensive about this book – I mean come on, it has LOVE spelled out in pink on the cover – but I was pleasantly surprised. It wasn’t perfect (the storyline wasn’t all that realistic), but it was sweet and encouraged those who don’t fit in with the “in” crowd to find a new crowd. Which I’m always a fan of.

9. Graeme Simsion

I absolutely loved about the first three quarters of this book. I liked the rest, too. Again, not the most realistic story ever, but I found the perspective intriguing and the characters relatable and likeable. For the most part.

10. Armistead Maupin

I went to San Francisco for the first time ever this year, so of course I had to read this series. I’ve gotten as far as book three do far, and though book two was a bit over the top, I loved the depiction of ’70s San Francisco, the feel of the city and the pace of life in it. Definitely an easy and enjoyable read.

So that’s my list – which authors made it onto yours? Do we have any in common? Share in the comments!