I’ve read 65 books this year, better than 2013 (54), which was Baby Year, but nothing like the 80-something of Pre-Baby Years. Curious to see when I’ll be able to get back to that level (college?).
The nine books that got a 5-star:
A Morgadinha dos Canaviais by Julio Dinis (re-read)
A Portuguese classic that completely won my heart. When I first read it at 16 I focused on the romantic part and thought: meh. This time it was the social commentary and the strong female lead that made a difference. I’m noticing big changes of heart in my recent re-reads (like Mansfield Park below).
Chroniques de Jérusalem by Guy Delisle
One of my goals for 2014 was to try non-fiction graphic novels for the first time. Only read one, but it turned out rather well.
Mansfield Park by Jane Austen (re-read)
Another book age taught me to appreciate better. In my early 20s it was my least favorite Austen, even behind Northanger Abbey. After P&P, S&S, Emma and Persuasion I had great expectations about the romance – big mistake! How did I not realize how interesting Mary Crawford is or Edmund’s douchiness? Mansfield Park is not romantic, but it’s an amazing work, full of depth and perfect for a book club discussion. Also, I highly recommend Ron Lit’s videos about it – Mansfield Park, What’s Up With Fanny Price? and the hilarious Mansfield Park’s Hero Sucks:
NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman
If you’re into Malcolm Gladwell and “popular science” in general, you have to try this one, regardless of whether you have kids. It’s the Freakonomics of education. The chapters about race, intelligence and language were amazing and I often mention this book in conversation.
The Pastor’s Wife by Elizabeth von Arnim
How come the world forgot about Elizabeth von Arnim?! I’m determined to read everything she ever wrote, since she seems to write just for me. The Pastor’s Wife amazed me by its subtlety. It’s often witty, but it still managed to point the finger (without preaching) on the devastating effect the inequalities of the late 19th century had on women’s lives.
The Mauritius Command (Aubrey/Maturin #4) by Patrick O’Brien
What’s one of my end-year lists without a Aubrey/Maturin? Jack is made Commodore and has to coordinate several captains, British army forces and local militia to regain the islands of Mauritius and La Réunion from France. Shenanigans ensue.
Caprice and Rondo (The House of Niccolo, #7) by Dorothy Dunnett
Together with Patrick O’Brien, my list wouldn’t be complete without the obligatory Dorothy Dunnett. What will happen to my life when I’m done with Gemini and King Hereafter?
Gaudy Night (Lord Peter Wimsey Mysteries, #10) by Dorothy L. Sayers
If you twisted my arm and asked me to choose just one 2014 favorite, I’d have to go with this.
Washington Square by Henry James
The big surprise of the year. Was expecting something dense and moralistic and found a light and funny novel. It was a (guilty) pleasure to watch James take apart his own characters.
The Sleepless Reader 
19 comments
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December 31, 2014 at 3:32 pm
Helen
That’s a great list. I had a similar experience with Mansfield Park – I didn’t like it the first time I read it but loved it on a re-read. And I’m pleased to see Dunnett on your list, of course. When you’ve finished Gemini and King Hereafter you’ll just have to read them all again!
January 2, 2015 at 10:54 am
Alex
Exactly, that what I plan to do (actually for the rest of my life I plan to always be reading Dunnett), but it will never be the first time, right? I think I’ll cry a little…
December 31, 2014 at 3:47 pm
Claire (The Captive Reader)
Lots of fabulous books here! The Sayers, von Arnim, Delisle, and Austen are all favourites of mine and most of your other choices are somewhere on my TBR list. I hope 2015 is full of just as many wonderful reads for you.
January 2, 2015 at 10:55 am
Alex
Claire, THANK YOU! it was because of your review of Elizabeth and Her German Garden that I picked up von Arnim. I’ll be eternally grateful. I think you’d love Dunnett!
December 31, 2014 at 5:45 pm
Alex in Leeds
I’m due a re-read of Mansfield Park this year and I’m hoping I enjoy it more this time around. I remember not being sold on Edmund last time and that being my mine stumbling block. Definitely more von Arnim for me this year too, she’s been my favourite discovery of recent years. Happy new year to you!
January 2, 2015 at 10:56 am
Alex
Happy Year to you too Alex. What are you planning to read from von Arnim? Maybe we could plan a read-together.
January 1, 2015 at 6:35 pm
Trisha
I think your pre- and post-baby stats are rather impressive. Before Madison I read 100-150 books a year; now I read 30-50! I’m just hoping that number doesn’t drop yet again with baby number two arriving any time now.
January 2, 2015 at 10:58 am
Alex
I think I could only do the 60-something because I work full-time and commute and travel for work a bit.
January 2, 2015 at 3:50 am
aartichapati
I waited a very long time to read King Hereafter – I just read it last year. It was wonderful and I think is my favorite of all Dunnett’s books, with both the hero and heroine being my favorites of all Dunnett’s creations. Not sure if that is any enticement 🙂
January 2, 2015 at 11:00 am
Alex
It is an enticement indeed, but it makes my heart even tinnier – The end of my first-time-read of Dunnett is coming to an end :,(
January 2, 2015 at 6:47 pm
Melissa
I read Strong Poison this year and now I can’t wait to get to Gaudy Night! Also I’m so excited to hear you love the Aubrey/Maturin series. I’ve been curious about it for years and tihs January I’m starting Master and Commander.
January 5, 2015 at 10:11 am
Alex
Oh you’re in for a treat! And I so look forward to your thoughts on Aubrey/Maturin. The nautical language puts a lot of people off, but the character development is worth it all. I bought a companion book to help me!
January 4, 2015 at 5:58 pm
Christina
I really need to revisit Jane Austen in 2015. Thank you again for recommending Jerusalem. I ended up reading all of Delisle’s travelogues.
January 5, 2015 at 10:12 am
Alex
I’ve been reading your review of Delisle, glad you’ve enjoyed them 🙂 Have the Burma one waiting in the TBR.
January 8, 2015 at 1:09 pm
Christina
The Burma one is my favorite of the four I’ve read. I probably learned the most from that particular travelogue since I tend to read more about Israel/Palestine.
January 5, 2015 at 5:05 pm
farmlanebooks
I haven’t read any of your selection, but Nurture Shock sounds like something I’d love. I really enjoyed Freakonomincs and love learning about everything to do with children. I hope I enjoy it as much as you did!
January 7, 2015 at 9:28 pm
Alex
It’s a fast read and one of those books that really challenge everything you thought you knew. The best sort of non-fiction!
January 6, 2015 at 6:06 pm
AnneL
I’m in the midst of re- reading Niccolo despite being halfway through King Hereafter which I somehow just can’t bring myself to go back to and finish for similar reasons of not wanting it all to be over. I will say this, re-reading Dunnett is nearly as good as reading Dunnett the first time. There are so many things you miss the first time out.
I also had a similar Austen experience his past year with “Northanger Abbey” of all things. I really hated it the first time I read it and I can’t remember what caused me to pick it back up but then I was blown away with how very very funny it was. All the mean girl stuff in Bath is so perfectly presented that it felt as if it had been written yesterday.
January 7, 2015 at 9:31 pm
Alex
After Mansfield Park I’m looking forward to a NA re-read because it was also not a favorite. What I’ve noticed is that the books I was very meh about become better with a re-read and the ones I worshiped fall a bit short of expectations. Because of that I’m almost afraid to pick up 100 Years of Solitude.