My "Top Books of 2014" List

As I mentioned last year, I started compiling an annual "Best of" list a few years ago for my now-defunct Meridian column.  Whittling down to a manageable size the list of books that had a profound influence on me over the course of a year is difficult to say the least, but here I am, yet again, giving it a shot.

And again, a reminder that unlike other "Top of 2014" lists, the only limit on mine is that I read the books during 2014. Most of them were not published this year. I refuse to limit myself to 10 or 12 or any other random number. And I can't possibly rank them.

These books stuck with me long after I read the last page.  Many of them changed the way I view the world or challenged my preconceptions or shook me up a bit.  Some allowed me to relive happy memories, or find like-minded individuals and feel a little less alone.  And that's why I love them.

Best General Non-fiction

Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh

The Public Library: A Photographic Essay by Robert Dawson

Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

As You Wish by Cary Elwes

Best LDS Non-fiction

Women of Faith in the Latter Days, Volume 3, edited by Richard Turley and Brittany A. Chapman

The Crucible of Doubt by Terryl & Fiona Givens

Women at Church by Neylan McBaine

Best Spiritual/Religious (not LDS)

Jesus Feminist by Sarah Bessey

Evolving in Monkey Town by Rachel Held Evans

Best Fiction

Purple Hibiscus and Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Mile 21 by Sarah Dunster

What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

Best Historical Fiction

Esther the Queen by Heather B. Moore

The Samurai's Garden by Gail Tsukiyama

The Care & Management of Lies by Jacqueline Winspear

Best Children's

The Arrival by Shaun Tan

Girls Who Choose God by McArthur Krishna & Bethany Spalding

Best YA

Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson

All the Truth That's in Me by Julie Berry

John Cleaver series by Dan Wells