2015 Top 5

For me 2015 was a good reading year, my Goodreads goal was 30 and I fell shy  ending with a total of 22 books. I doubled my reading from 2014 and have started to read more diverse books. Even though I fell short of my goal, I’m pretty happy with how many books I read. I experienced my first play since high school, explored essays and read fiction from Chinese, Arab, African American, and Israeli authors. I also started quite a few books and didn’t finish them, something before I would have never done. It’s quite freeing.

2016 my Goodreads goal is 35. I thought about dreaming high and doubling my goal, but I decided this year I just want to enjoy reading and take my time. I also want to keep expanding the diversity in my reading and will be trying out a few different reading challenges. I will post more about that in the future. I enjoyed all the books I read, but this year I fell in love with five books. They are in no particular order, picking my number one favorite would be just too hard. I linked all the books to Amazon, but I encourage buying from local bookstores or supporting your local library, if possible. I also won’t be giving any spoilers or any specifics about plot. I enjoy going into a book with little knowledge and like to do the same for others. So if needed click on the book titles for more information.

The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant

Boston girl is a beautiful story of what it was like to be a woman before woman’s rights. I fell in love with this story and recommend it to everyone I see. A story about love, loss and fighting for your dreams. A must read.

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

If you want an emotional journey of dealing with pain and learning how to love again, read this book! A beautiful read and I could gush for hours over how much I loved this book.

We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

It could be my bias opinion, but everyone should check this book out. It’s actually an essay, so it’s short and to the point. This essay is based on the  Ted Talk  she gave. I encourage you to either watch the Ted Talk or pick up the book at your library or local book store.

Peter Pan by J.M Barrie

I adored this book. From the beginning to the end this book was magical and whimsical. Sometimes in life you need to reconnect with your inner child and dream. It’s a beautiful book that differs a little from the movies that have been made, but we all know that the book is always better, so go check it out!

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

This is a must read for all writers and those who just simply love words. A must have for the bookshelf. I plan to read this book every year, it’s a good way to refresh a writer’s weary soul.  It’s as if Anne Lamott is giving you a big hug and saying, “keep on writing, it’s worth it, every thing is going to be okay.” And as writers sometimes along the way you need a little Anne Lamott in your life. She  weaves beautiful thoughts about life with thoughts about writing.

Those are my top five books of 2015. Happy reading!

Until Next Time,

Crystal