Top 10 Reads of 2013

Where has the time flown? What a year it's been as far as books. I haven't read that much since I have been busy with writing and other things. It wasn't easy, but here is my top 10 list of books that I absolutely loved!

Chanda's Wars by Allan Stratton 

I first read “Chanda’s Wars” back in 2009. Four years later, I re-read this powerful tale of war, survival, and love. Read my review. Also check out my interview with Allan Stratton.

Paris: A Love Story by Kati Marton

Kati Marton’s memoir of lost loves and her tribute to the City of Lights will rekindle any memories of your own love with someone. Read my review.

If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch

A spectacular YA debut on two sisters and the dark secret that threatens to destroy them. Read my review.

The Crooked Branch by Jeanine Cummins

Jeanine Cummins gorgeous second novel explores a mother’s love and the surprising connections of the past to the present. Read my review.

Perla by Carolina De Robertis

A daughter’s revelations of her biological parents amidst one of the darkest chapters in Argentina’s history make for a thrilling second book. Beautiful, sensual, and lyrical.

A Marker to Measure Drift by Alexander Maksik

Alexander Maksik’s story of a young woman’s journey of horror and survival will haunt you and leave you in awe. Read my review.

Sacred by Elana K. Arnold

Another amazing YA debut of loss, renewal, and love. Read my review.

He's Gone by Deb Caletti

Deb Caletti’s adult debut will please both her YA fan base but the grown-up’s as well. Thrilling and heart rending. Read my review and my interview with Deb.

Exit Wounds: One Australian's War on Terror by John Cantwell

One of the most brutal memoirs about war that I’ve ever read. Filled with horror but with humanity, once you read this book, you won’t ever be the same. Read my review.

Running the Rift by Naomi Benaron 

Of all the books I’ve read about the Rwandan genocide, “Running the Rift” is one of the best and one that I urge everyone to read. A loving tribute to both the country and its people. Read my review.

Here are the honorable mentions that didn't make the top ten, but were equally amazing!

Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital by Sheri Fink

This Glittering World by T. Greenwood

The Comfort of Lies by Randy Susan Myers

You Are Not Here by Samantha Schutz










Open Heart by Elie Wiesel











Congrats to the authors for inspiring me as a writer and as a human. Most of all, thanks for making 2013 suck less. Happy Holidays and New Year's to all my followers!

Review: "Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital" by Sheri Fink

Date Read - September 9th, 2013
Date Published - September 10th, 2013 - Crown
Source - NetGalley

Like most Americans, I would never forget the haunting images of the destruction of Hurricane Katrina, especially in New Orleans. Houses flooded, people waiting for rescue on rooftops, and worst of all, the dead being cast aside on a sidewalks. It's one thing to imagine, but it's a different story when you have lived through it.
This was the reality of the countless doctors, nurses, and patients trapped inside Memorial Medical Center. When the water rose, the generators failed, and the chaos ensued, some patients were prioritized and managed to evacuate. Others weren't so fortunate. It was within the dire situation that some of the doctors and nurses chose to do the unthinkable. Although the storm ended, the even bigger storm was to come of the doctors and nurses, accused of enthusing some of the patients. 
The book reads like a novel, keeping the reader on the edge. For me, I couldn't put my kindle down as I raced to see what would happen. One of things I found amazing was how you could feel for each of the doctors and nurses marooned during Katrina. But at the same time, rage against them on their decision to play God. Sheri Link doesn't seem to pick sides and instead offers her six year research and relentless pursuit of the truth of what really happened during those five days.
In short, "Five Days at Memorial" is a must read for anyone who wants a glimpse of the horror of Katrina. It will make you questions  your own beliefs and even after the last page is turned, the one question will linger: What would you do?