I am a bookworm; always was, and hopefully always will be.
I bet you didn’t know January 22nd is National Reading Day but it is. :) In honor of the glorious pastime of reading, I am posting about my 2015 reading adventures. I had a goal to read 17 books and I ended up reading (or listening to in my car, which totally counts) 26 books in 2015. Whew! I guess my goal for 2016 is to read or listen to 27 books. :D
Here are all of the books I read in 2015, in order of how much I liked them. It was actually REALLY hard to rate all of the books I read this past year because, luckily, I didn’t read a bad one. I only gave my deeper opinion on my top 5 books so if you're thinking about reading one of these books, feel free to ask me about it!
1. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand (non-fiction)
The story of Louie Zamperini had me screaming, crying, holding my breath, and cheering. This troubled kid turned Olympic runner is a story in its self. However, the story gets even more unbelievable after Louie’s plane crashes into the Pacific during World War II. It is an extremely emotional story that left me in awe and can only be explained by God’s loving intervention. I’m glad I read the book before watching the movie because even though the movie was good, the book was spectacular.
2. I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai (non-fiction)
Malala Yousafzai is one strong lady. I instantly fell in love with her spirit and outlook on life. Her story of fighting for girls’ education when the Taliban took control of the Swat Valley in Pakistanin was eye-opening and unforgettable.
3. It Was Me All Along by Andie Mitchell (non-fiction)
I came across Andie Mitchell’s blog while scrolling through Pinterest a few years ago. I found the recipe for Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese and became a big fan (and this is still Michael's favorite meal I make for dinner). Andie focuses on eating yummy in a smart way. Her book is about her life and overcoming extreme eating patterns. She is relatable, funny and honest, which gives her 5 stars in my eyes.
4. The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls (non-fiction)
I could not put this book down. I read it in one day, sitting on the couch while Michael played video games. I kept having to tell him the horrific things happening to little Jeanette and her siblings and explain that they really happened. I could hardly fathom this was truly someone’s life. I wanted to reach through the pages and hug the kids super tight. Jeanette's childhood will captivate and disgust you, and where she ends up will truly impress you.
5. Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen (fiction)
I love a good adventure book. Throw in a killer heroine and some magic, and you’ve got one engrossing series. Queen Kelsea has to grow up fast and take charge of her kingdom which is just part of the story. The 2nd book, Invasion of the Tearling, is in my #12 spot and a whole other world is also opened up. I don't want to say too much because there are so many surprises lurking in these books. I can’t wait for the third book to come out this year!
6. Bossy Pants by Tina Fey (non-fiction)
7. Is Everybody Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling (non-fiction)
8. The Goldfinch by Donna (fiction)
9. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hopkins (fiction)
10. The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo (non-fiction)
11. Leaving Time by Jodi Picot (fiction)
12. Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen (fiction)
13. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom (non-fiction)
14. Yes Please by Amy Poehler (non-fiction)
15. Church of Marvels by Leslie Parry (fiction)
16. Choose Your Own Autobiography by Neil Patrick Harris (non-fiction)
17. The Lost Girls by John Glatt (non-fiction)
18. Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (fiction)
19. The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan Philip-Sender (fiction)
20. Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman (non-fiction)
21. Under the Dome by Stephen King (fiction)
22. To Set a Watchman by Harper Lee (fiction)
23. Paper Towns by John Green (fiction)
24. American Sniper by Chris Kyle (non-fiction)
25. Flags of our Fathers by James Bradley (non-fiction)
26. How to Start a Fire by Lisa Lutz (fiction)
What was YOUR favorite read(s) in 2015? Did we read any of the same books??
Happy reading!
xoxo~
Colette