Last year I read close to 30 books. Some of them are not listed here because they were self-help type books and well… some things ARE still personal (believe it or not). Also, these are in NO particular order and it’s possible that I forgot a couple (clearly I need to keep better records of this in 2016).
Reading is a bit of an escape for me but it is also something that I believe will make me a better writer myself. There were even a few words in a couple of these books that I had to look up because I did not know their meaning. I kinda love that.
A favorite reading spot.
And before anyone asks, yes I keep a list on Goodreads so that did help me with this. I just never recorded the dates when I finished the books so… um…. gonna try and do that this year. Below is my list…
The four favorites I read last year
Bird By Bird – I retained a few gems and some advice on writing from this book. I enjoyed reading it and I like Anne Lamott’s style for the most part. Her tweets are interesting too…
ROOM – It was hard to put this one down. I read it pretty fast. Some people say they could not read this book because of the subject matter but I thought Emma D. did a wonderful job writing about a horrific situation, in her writing and descriptions. I felt like I was in that room with them and well, I find the story quite compelling.
Fat Girl Walking – written by Brittany Gibbons and totally relate-able for me. And made me laugh, which is always a plus.
The Mermaid Chair – Lovely, honest story by a new favorite author, Sue Monk Kidd. Her descriptions are beautiful.
Hands Free Life – Another one from Rachel Macy Stafford, a great read and reference for our need to live less “plugged in” to technology and a more plugged in to our family and “real” life. Link goes to my review post.
The Fault in our Stars – This was a heart-wrenching one. John Green’s writing is simply good.
The Vacationers – I read this one pretty fast, good read but not my favorite. I read it while on vacation. I’m so cliche.
Song of Soloman – My introduction to Toni Morrison. This was hard to follow at times but the story itself was tangled and troubled and worth reading for sure.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings – Maya Angelou has such beautiful prose. The end.
A Thousand Splendid Sunds – This one was a bit rough to read but it was a very captivating story and Kahled Hosseini writes an amazing story.
Only Trollops Shave Above the Knee – Essays on things our mother’s taught us. Including one of my own. These were fun and lovely to read and I really do like the compilation of stories. (link is for Amazon but not affiliate, just if you’re inclined to buy)
We Were Liars – I don’t remember this story that well. I know there was a fire. Perhaps I was too distracted by my real life while reading this one. By E. Lockhart.
The Secret Life of Bees – Also by Sue Monk Kidd. She has a way of writing wonderfully strong women characters. That makes me happy.
The Girl on the Train – This was good but other reviews I read made me think it wasn’t. I still liked it. By Paula Hawkins.
Me Before You – This ones was just okay for me. I mean, I liked it but it wasn’t THAT compelling. And the end made me well… no spoilers. Many people seem to like JoJo Moyes books so I am going to read another one I have on my list.
Big Little Lies – I liked the little twists and turns in this one. It’s the kind of book I would like to write. Liane Moriarty spins a good tale.
What Alice Forgot – I remember liking how this one ended. Also by Liane Moriarty.
Eleanor & Park – Cute and full of pop culture references that I could relate to. I am currently reading another book by Rainbow Rowell, see below.
Kindness Wins – By my friend Galit Breen. Wonderful advice and examples on how to encourage and ensure that our kids will be kind online.
That’s Paris – My friend Jennie Goutet has an essay in this anthology with stories about Paris. Only makes me want to visit The City of Lights more!
Fly Away Home – This was okay. I found the story sort of “meh”. Jennifer Weiner sure does crank out the books. I may read another one of hers as well.
One Last Thing Before I Go – I liked the main character in this second book I’ve read by Jonathan Tropper. He was a real guy.
Currently reading (off and on, in between even more self-help type books and prayer/devotional books)
For the Love – Jennifer Hatmaker
Landline – Rainbow Rowell
The Opposite of Loneliness – Marina Keegan
Where’d You Go Bernadette – Maria Semple
The Secret Life of Bees was so good. I really enjoyed that book and I might need to re-read that one. The Fault in Our Stars makes me bawl like a baby. It just hurts the heart.
I’m going to check out some of the other books you read. I needed new ones to read!
Morgan recently posted…Tomato Tortellini Soup
So many good books to read, so little time. I actually just finished The Nightingale, after reading Dana’s review. Definitely interested in Fat Girl Walking and The Secret Life of Bees. Off to check out availability at my local library!
Leslie recently posted…5 Things I Wish My Kids Could Experience But Won’t
I loved A Thousand Splendid Suns so very much. It is a memorable book. Thanks for mentioning That’s Paris (and me)! I’m reading some of Velvet Morning Press’s other books right now (full novels) and love them.
I should keep track of what I read too, but I fear it would contain an excess – and embarrassing – amount of Regency romance.
Jennie Goutet recently posted…Home, Garden, and Me
I think I would like several of the books you read here. Loved A Thousand Splendid Suns – I read that one a while ago. Bees has been on my list for a while – it may be one I get to this year.