Reading in 2014

At the end of each year I like to go back and review my reading list for the year.  I was a little surprised and disappointed in myself at my reading choices during 2014, but in my defense, I *did* have a baby who kept me tired with her refusal to sleep through the night, which kept me from desiring to tackle challenging books.  :)

I read 82 books this year and many of those were current fiction.  I actually read several books from a list of what women born in the 1970s are reading.  That was interesting, especially when I considered the worldview of some of the authors.  I also got caught up reading several easy fiction books by two different authors, Elizabeth Berg and Liane Moriarty, because I enjoyed their characterization.

A friend asked me recently "what I read for--an escape, for self-help, a good mystery, ideas, words used just right, or what?"  That was a fun question to ponder.  I answered her with the following:

Sometimes it's a great story that takes me away. Sometimes it's for characterization so I can learn about people and what makes them tick. Sometimes it's to appreciate "masterful writing" (although, alas, that is rare and so hard to find). 
Other times, yes, it's about ideas. To be challenged to grow in some way. To step out of my comfort zone, to evaluate what I believe and why.
Lately it's more the former than the latter. I'm tired, and books are my escape.  I'm having a hard time finishing the "idea" books because when I find TIME to read, I need to just shut my brain off. 

I loved the question she posed, and would love to read other people's answers.  If you read, what do YOU read for?

And now, without further ado, here are my top ten books I read in 2014 in no particular order, chosen either because I particularly enjoyed them or because of the effect they had on my thoughts and/or life:

• The Color of Water:  A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother--I didn't write a review of this one because I knew it would be too long.  But I enjoyed it because I am a White mother to a Black boy.  I enjoyed it because I could really relate to it as his mother was born within ten years of my grandmother and the author was born within five years of my mother and I found the simultaneous stories of their lives and time periods fascinating.  I enjoyed it because it is a story of endurance, of overcoming, of strength of character and it was well-written.
• To Kill a Mockingbird--This was my fourth time reading this classic, and I still loved it on this reading with my teenagers.  I didn't write a fresh review, but here is one I wrote a few years ago.
• The Rosie Project--I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and am eagerly awaiting the release of the sequel.
• Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full--This was very good for me to read in this busy season of my life.  It actually would probably be a good one for me to read again next year!
• Still Alice--This fictional novel about a women with early-onset Alzheimer's will likely stay with me for years to come.  Heart-wrenching.
• Animal Farm--Reading and discussing this with my teens was memorable and elicited emotions like anger and trepidation.
• What's It Like to be Married to Me?--I read and discussed this one with five dear friends and enjoyed it very much.  I find that it's best to constantly be focusing and working on my marriage, and this book had some positive effects on my marriage.
• The Hundred and One Dalmations--This was my favorite read aloud with my little ones.  I had never read it before, and we enjoyed it tremendously.  What excellent writing!
• The Glass Castle/Half Broke Horses--I'm cheating, I know I am, but I'm counting these two books as one. They are written by the same woman, and together they give a fuller picture of the author's family.  I am absolutely fascinated by this family's unique experiences.  I like to learn about people and examine what makes them tick, and this family is quite the case!
• Black Baby White Hands--I haven't written my review of this one yet, but it has been especially powerful to me this year.  It is the memoir of a Black man who was adopted by a White family.  It hasn't been easy for me to read (emotionally), so I have set it aside several times over the six weeks it took me to read it.  The author is very insightful and philosophical and his prose is filled with figurative language.  I am still processing this one, but I think it's going to impact my thinking for years to come.

So now, as I'm planning what to read next year, do you have a recommendation for me?  

And do tell, what do YOU read for?