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?

Reading Counts

Like most writers, my love of books began at an early age. When I was small, my mother read to me. Constantly. Once I was old enough to read by myself, I read anything I could get my hands on. In my room, I had a small walk-in closet that housed a white bookshelf. This bookshelf was filled with my favorite books and my favorite book series. I remember hiding out in my closet for hours, surrounded by books and words and stories. Stories that took me to faraway places and into the lives of characters I loved.

I remember this book! source

Loved this series. source

I spent many hot summer afternoons curled up on my blue comforter, reading Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley Twins, and the Babysitters Club. But once I hit high school, the reading stopped. For some reason, I became too busy to read. Too busy with things like cheerleading, soccer, show choir, honor society, class offices, and other clubs. The only reading I did was for English classes, and then I devoured the Shakespeare plays and The Grapes of Wrath. Others complained about reading and bought the cliff notes, but not me. (Okay, maybe I did get the cliff notes once or twice, but ONLY because I wanted a BETTER understanding.)

Needless to say, college wasn't much better as far as "finding the time." And then I was married and had small children. When you're wiping poopy bottoms and cleaning up slop off the floor, there isn't too much time for reading. But when my husband was in law school, there was a group of women who had a book club and that got me back into reading. Then more children came (and more children came) and all the while I WAS reading. To my children every day and every night. Books like Goodnight Moon and DinoTrux and Where the Wild Things Are as I raise my own little "wild things."

And then I heard the truth. If I want to be a better writer, then I HAVE to read. What a great excuse to pick up a book and immerse myself. And when my husband comes home from work, I get to have a conversation like this:

Hubby looks around the untidy house. "What did you do today?"

I hold up the book I've been reading. "Research!"

Can't get better than that!

What were some of YOUR favorite books as a kid?