Sunday, January 1, 2017

Best Books of 2016

Most of my time this year was spent getting ready for the publication of Catalyst and writing the sequel, but I did manage to sneak a few books in there to read for my own pleasure. Here are some of my most memorable reads from 2016.

 All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven


Simply put, this book rocked my world. I've read YA contemporary books about suicide before, but never one that delved so deeply into the thought process of one who is so heart-wrenchingly depressed that he feels like his world is literally caving in on him, and there's no escape. It was beautifully written with an emotional undercurrent that seems to be lacking in so many books that I read lately. I want to read a book that makes me FEEL, and this one gave me all the feels. I can't recommend it enough.

 Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo


I'd heard so much about this book that, I'll be honest, I wasn't sure if it would be able to live up to the hype. And maybe it's because of that hype that I didn't fall in love with it as much as I wanted to. Told from five different viewpoints, I had a hard time truly connecting with the characters because the story kept shifting from one head to another. It's also a very complicated plot, so there's no easy reading with this one! But with that being said, there were a couple of characters that I couldn't get enough of, and they really sold the story for me. The writing was phenomenal, and the storyline was unique and intriguing. I would definitely recommend it, especially if you like YA fantasy.


Heist Society by Ally Carter 



I just finished reading this one, and like Six of Crows, I wanted to love it—I really did. But maybe it's the style of writing that bugged me or maybe the POV which seemed to hop from one head to another with no clear narrator (which was really weird). The storyline itself was intriguing, especially if you like teenage con artists who get together for an impossible heist. I'd recommend it, and I may try another of Ally Carter's books to see if I like the style better.


The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins



This was a book that I couldn't put down. I was so intrigued by the plot, and I desperately wanted to know who the killer was. Unfortunately, I figured it out before the end, but that didn't take away from the novel at all.


Room by Emma Donoghue



I read this as part of the monthly book club I belong to. Despite the horrific situation these characters are placed in, it reads more innocent and naive than chilling and vulgar since the story is told from the eyes of a five-year-old boy. His innocence as he and his mother are held in this room is what makes the story so intriguing. The author does a phenomenal job of getting into the head of a five-year-old and seeing the world from his perspective.


Between Two Fires by Mark Noce 


This was a great story about love and courage. I fell in love with the main character, Branwen, who has quick wit and a sharp attitude. She's a woman who doesn't need a man to protect her, and she makes that clear when she's the one who's able to lead her people to victory.


The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater 


This was my first encounter with one of Maggie Stiefvater's books (I'd heard so much about her writing) and trust me, it did not disappoint. Her writing captures the moment and makes you feel as though you are right there tasting the sea spray, feeling the wind on your face, and galloping across the cliff with a dangerous beast beneath you. The story itself felt a bit slow at times, but the writing drags you in so deep that you hardly even notice.


What are your most memorable reads from 2016?



7 comments:

  1. Great reviews! Haven't read any of these myself, but I do have Between Two Fires and Scorpio Races in my TBR pile. Hope you're able to squeeze in some more reading time in 2017!

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  2. Loved the books ROOM and THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN. The movie of ROOM was well done, but I won't see the movie for TRAIN - too many negative reviews for that one.

    Happy 2017!

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  3. I know what you mean about books that make you feel. That's what'll suck me in quicker than anything.

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  4. The Girl on the Train was pretty good. I liked In a Dark, Dark Wood and You (by Caroline Kepnes) better as books that Gone Girl lovers would like!

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  5. I'll be writing my top of 2016 post in a couple weeks, so the list is coming, but I have a very different group of authors to draw from than these. (Other thank Mark.) You know, I've tried Maggie Stiefvater again and again and again, and I really just can't get into her writing. Is that crazy?

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  6. Great list of books! :) I'm a little biased toward one of them of course;)

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  7. Good book here!!! I've read a couple and loved them!!!

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