My 2015 reading took me to many interesting places, but there are a handful that really stood out. From Paris to the deep South, to a post apocalyptic world and the front lines of war, there was no lack of adventure. Then there were books that just punched me in the gut, made me really think and evaluate aspects of my life, or just left me feeling like a dishrag with a mess of mascara. Narrowing down my top picks for the year was tough, but because some of my favorite things come in a dozen (donuts!), that's the number I chose. So, in no particular order, here are my top 12 books of 2015:
Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt {October Bookshelf}
This was a really beautiful story about how losing someone, although difficult, can result in newfound love and friendship. And the main character, fourteen-year-old June, leads you on an incredible coming of age journey.
It Was Me All Along by Andie Mitchell {March Bookshelf}
When a book makes you really want to be friends with the author, it's a memoir to remember. Not only are we the same age and both New England girls, but we share a life long love of Leonardo Dicaprio (sorry, Shaun!) and donuts. Now I can't wait for Andie's first cook book "Eating in the Middle" to come out in March!
Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff {November Bookshelf}
I loved many things about this book. The way it was written from 2 different perspectives of a husband and wife. The way the arts were weaved throughout the story (which I always enjoy). And the way a bright love of two seemingly normal people had a hidden darkness that crept out over time.
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel {January Bookshelf}
To be honest, I usually give a little eye roll to post apocalyptic stories. They're just not for me (or maybe I'm just too much of a chicken... hence never ever watching Walking Dead), but I am so thankful I gave this one a chance. Fantastic writing and such an interesting story.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio {Summer Bookshelf}
You know how I talked about books that punched me in the gut? This was one. Auggie is a boy with a facial abnormality, not wanting to stand out or be treated differently. But to me he does stand out... he is amazing! And so is this book.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee {Summer Bookshelf}
It took me a long time to finally read this classic and now I understand why it won a Pulitzer and is a favorite of many. A good read can make you feel an entire range of emotions and that's just what this did. Plus, I really loved Scout Finch.
The Red Notebook by Antoine Laurain {October Bookshelf}
I recently discovered the "French Cafe" station on Pandora and it transports me to Paris every time I listen (which lately is often). This book took me to Paris too, but on a fun adventure with a Paris bookseller who discovers a lost purse and a red notebook that leads him to a life unexpected.
A Homemade Life by Molly Wizenberg {December Bookshelf}
I love a good memoir and a book about food (with recipes!), so this was the perfect match. A story of loss, love and lots of eating, A Homemade Life made me seriously think about pursuing my own dream of having a little specialty food store (a la Barefoot Contessa).... with a selection of books too.
Lean In: Women, Work and The Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg {March Bookshelf}
Eye opening and empowering. That's what Lean In was for me. These days there's so much talk of equality... and the truth is that women still have a long way to go. Reading this book gave me a fresh perspective and the reminder to never step down from what I believe in... no matter what.
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry {May Bookshelf}
I already gushed about this book is my original post, so all I'll say is if you're going to read any books from this list, choose The Little Prince first. It's a quick read and you will not regret picking it up. And you definitely cannot see the movie (coming out in March) without reading the book first.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt {Summer Bookshelf}
Although this plot was a bit slow, it pulls you in from the start, as you know a group of friends kill someone. I love a good whodunit, but this had layers upon layers to dig through before figuring out what really happened. And you can't help but get completely wrapped up in the interesting relationships in this group of friends.
Redeployment by Phil Kay {May Bookshelf}
Although fictional, this collection of short stories brings to life the realities of war. What men and women experience in training, on the front lines and back in civilian life. No one will understand what it's really like unless they've been through it, but Phil Kay's writing gives me a greater respect than every before for anyone touched by war and military life.
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