Books I Read in 2015

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.

 

 

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…

 

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