Let's get one thing out of the way, I haven't followed the reading list I blogged about a couple months back. I started getting overwhelmed when I actually sat down and started looking at all the books available to be from my local Public Library in e-book format. Yes, they send them right to my kindle. The weather where I'm from has also not been the best. This winter has brought much more snow than anticipated, so I've had much more time to read. My goal for the year is 52 books, but I'm well on my way to surpass that. I might even double it. As of yesterday I've read 13 books this year, and I want to share with you my opinions on them along with the dates that I finished them.
1. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
January 1, 2016
My goal for January 1st this year was to read a book cover to cover in one day. I'm glad I chose Eleanor and Park because it's a wonderful book to start the year out with. Most of us never see what actually happens in people's lives at home outside of work or school, and this book gives an inside look at what some people might be going through. This book will humble you and make you appreciate the family you have. Not only did it keep my attention, but it made me more aware of what people around me might be going through. It teaches of being less self-centered and reaching out to others. You truly never know how good people can be if they receive a little help. There's also a love story mixed in, but I won't spoil it for you.
2. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
January 5, 2016
I'm sure everyone knows the story line of To Kill a Mockingbird, but just in case you don't, this book is about two children of an attorney in town that has agreed to represent a black man for a crime against a white woman. Discrimination is a big topic in this book, and it teaches several lessons about life and acceptance of people regardless of age, skin color, education, or occupation. This is a classic, and if you haven't read it you need to do so.... NOW. There is no American classic better than this one. I have the sequel to this book which is called Go Set a Watchman that I plan to start soon.
3. The Liar by Nora Roberts
January 10, 2016
If you know of Nora Roberts than you know this is most definitely a suspenseful book. When a woman's husband goes missing and she finds a safe deposit box full of secrets along with an unbelievable amount of debt she didn't know about she has to start out life again back at her mom's house. She is struggling to fit in back in her home town with her daughter and trying to find answers to all her questions. Clearly, she should have just left her suspicions to herself. I found myself wanting to skip entire pages (I didn't actually do it though) just to see what happened.
4. Maybe this Christmas by Sarah Morgan
January 19, 2016
I'll be honest, if you need a sappy love story that actually has a pretty good story line, this is the book for you. I liked it, but it wasn't my favorite. For some reason I imagined this book having must more depth. If you are just looking for something to read on a snowy day like I was though, this is a good pick. I don't know if I could read this book any other time of year just because it is set around the winter time and a cold climate. A ski lodge to be exact. You'll have to let me know what you think.
5. Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, & Lauren Myracle
January 20, 2016
There are three stories in this book. Each one is as good as the last. I would also prefer to read this during a cold time of year such as winter, but the stories are wonderful and put together nicely. This one is pretty high on my list for a winter read!
6. A Paper Bag Christmas by Kevin Alan Milne
January 21, 2016
A friend let me borrow this book, and I am so thankful she did. Get ready to laugh and cry. This book is set in a Children's Hospital around Christmas. Two young healthy boys volunteer at the hospital, and it changes their lives forever. This book also lets you see into the side most of us try not to think about and that is a parent with a terminally ill child. Their life and their needs are no longer the same. This book is heartwarming and just what I needed. You'll be humbled.
7. The Melody Lingers On by Mary Higgins Clark
January 27, 2016
I have a soft spot for Mary Higgins Clark anyway, but this book is amazing. If your looking for suspense this is it! This book has everything from an interior designer, a missing man, embezzlement of billions of dollars, people wanting in on the action at every turn, survivors, love, and a crazy plot twist that I never saw coming. I seriously never saw the ending coming. I was completely blind sighted, and I loved every minute of it.
8. November 9 by Colleen Hoover
February 5, 2016
No wonder this book has been such a success. It has a great story line. Two young adults meet up on the same day every year. He encourages her to live her life to the fullest after a tragic accident and she encourages him to write a book. This is another book that left me in awe. I never even imagined how these two lives would combine every November 9. I was physically angry at a character in this book if that tells you anything. I recommended it to all of my friends.
9. You by Caroline Kepnes
February 8, 2016
This book is nothing but creepy. Let me advise you not to read this if you live alone or are squeamish in any way. I had trouble getting through this book because of the language used as well so you have been warned. Stephen King actually released a quote saying that this book was thrilling and scary. I don't even have words for this book. It completely freaked me out, but I couldn't put it down.
10. The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins
February 13, 2016
This book is definitely out of character from the rest on this list so far. I found this book on the NYT Best Sellers list and had to read it just because of the title. The first 5 chapters left me scratching my head wondering what in the heck was going on. If it does the same to you just take my advise and KEEP READING. This book is insane and good. I read this in just a couple days. It's hilarious and it has a story line that I have never in my life heard of. I'm sure if I read it again I could find holes in the plot, but as far as I'm concerned it was a good book. This book also has one of my Favorite Characters in it, Erwin.
11. The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty
February 14, 2016
There is no better way to describe this book than by it's actual review from the NYT....
"Imagine that your husband wrote you a letter, to be opened after his death. Imagine, too, that the letter contains his deepest, darkest secret—something with the potential to destroy not just the life you built together, but the lives of others as well. Imagine, then, that you stumble across that letter while your husband is still very much alive. . . ."
This book is told my a couple different points of view in order to see the consequences from different perspectives. It took me a few chapters to really grasp each character, but this plot twist is worth the entire story. I would have never thought of that! This book actually gets a little deeper into emotional connections and feelings of guilt and remorse.
12. The Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll
February 19, 2016
I CAN'T EVEN..... THIS BOOK.....
This book ripped out all of my heart strings. It physically pained me to read this, but it also had a story that I couldn't put down. This book tells a first hand perspective of being raped and surviving a school shooting. It's brutally honest, its scary, and it's painful to read, but it's SOOOO worth it.
13. Me Before You by JoJo Moyes
February 23, 2016
I finished this book last night, and all day I have been so grateful for what my life has become. More often than not, we look away from people with disabilities and try not to draw attention to it. This book draws complete attention and goes into depth about the struggles of a spinal cord energy and the relationships of those involved in the healing process. It also raises the question of can you ever really heal? With a Dr. Kevorkian twist and a six month limit this book is one you should read. It's not suspenseful or action packed, but it's honest and heartfelt. The movie will come out this summer!
-Kayla
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