14 books I'm excited to read in 2014.

This is the first year that I've opted in participating in Goodread's book reading challenge. My goal for the year is 40, which is a little ambitious for me since I only read 27 last year. I'm excited about the challenge though. I love reading, and I go through spurts of reading a ton of books, and then I stop reading for a few months then I pick up another one and go on another reading frenzy.

I always like to challenge myself, and I figure if I'm going to challenge myself with the rest of the world at the beginning of the year, why not challenge myself to do more of something that I love to do? Between working 40 hours a week and watching shows on Netflix (OMG Scandal!), it's hard to discipline myself to read unless I'm already halfway through an awesome book. I'm hoping that these books will keep me motivated to turn the pages instead of flipping the channels. These are the 14 books that I'm looking forward to reading in 2014 (in addition to 26 others that I need to get excited about reading) in no particular order. 
Cress by Marissa Meyer

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After finishing Scarlet and Cinder, I was super depressed that I would have to wait two months for the release of this book. Now it's down to less than one, and I'm still impatiently waiting. Then after I finish reading this one, I have to wait another year for the last book to come out, so there's that.
Ashes to Ashes by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian The official book cover for this hasn't been released yet, so I couldn't put it on here. After finishing Fire With Fire, I was so frustrated because there was a huge cliffhanger there at the end, not to mention a ton of stress. There isn't an official release date for the book, but rumor has it that they're looking at September. Oy vey.
Insurgent by Veronica Roth

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I haven't been in a rush to read this because I've heard good and bad about it. The general consensus is that the next two books in the Divergent series aren't nearly as good as the first. I'm still excited to read them though.
Allegiant by Veronica Roth

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Ditto to above.
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

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I discovered this book through a blog swap, and became really intrigued by it. Later, I found out that it was actually a pretty popular book; I just hadn't heard of it yet. It sounds like a super cute love story, and I think it's one I would enjoy.
My Point...and I Do Have One by Ellen Degeneres

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Ellen is one of my favorite famous people. She is side-clenching, milk-out-of-nose, I-can't-even-breathe hilarious. This is the first book she's published, and my co-worker keeps telling me I need to read it.
The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult

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Jodi Picoult has been one of my favorite authors ever since I read My Sister's Keeper for school. I've heard raving reviews about this book, so I definitely can't wait to see what all the hype is about.
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

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I heard about this through a few blogs, a lot of them saying that they were inspired to start their blogs because of this book. I love reading things about happiness, so I think I'll enjoy this book.
The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Gailbraith

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I checked this book out from the library, but returned it after the two weeks was up because I didn't have time to read it. When I was at TJ Maxx doing some Secret Santa shopping, I saw it on sale, and made an impulse purchase. Now, it's just sitting on my bookshelf calling to me. 
It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

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I first heard of this title because of the movie. Emma Roberts is freaking adorable, and I actually enjoy a lot of the movies that she's in, even though they're pretty cheesy. I've always been intrigued by the movie, and am now even more intrigued by the book. Hopefully I'll get a chance to read it this year.
Looking For Alaska by John Green

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After reading The Fault in Our Stars, I was eager to read more by John Green. All of my friends and blog friends that have read most, if not all, of his books, say that Looking for Alaska is their second favorite.
Elixir by Hilary Duff

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This book has been sitting on my bookshelf for at least two years. I didn't realize that she had made it into a series until I was searching for a picture of the book for this blog post. I'm excited to see what it's all about though. I was definitely one of Hilary Duff's biggest fans, ever since she was on Casper Meets Wendy. I thought she was the cutest! And of course, I watched her Lizzie McGuire (completely jelly of that Aaron Carter kiss). Confession: Jon got me The Lizzie McGuire Movie for Christmas, and I watched it last week. Am I ashamed? Nope.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio

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I found this little gem at a thrift store for just $1. I didn't even know it was on the best-seller list in 2012. It seems like a heart-wrenching story, so I'll keep my tissues close by.
Tumble and Fall by Alexandra Coutts

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I met Alexandra Coutts at the Austin Teen Book Festival, and I would have bought her book if I wasn't already poor from purchasing 4 others. She seemed like the sweetest person ever, and I'm happy that I got to meet her. I can't wait to read this!
What books are you looking forward to reading this year?