2015: A Reading Year in Review

Well there goes 2015. I, the girl who usually reads 100 books a year, read quite a sad amount in 2015. But. I did get published. I did write 2 1/2 novels. I did read so much more nonfiction. I did start junior year, join speech and debate, fly to Florida for two weeks on my own, go on my first mission trip, and see two of my favorite Broadway plays.

So 2015 has been exciting, which is why I'm not too upset about my reading slumps. 

Here we go guys, 2015 in review:

Book I'm so glad I gave a chance: The Walls Around Us

The cover was the best part. After the vague disappointment of Imaginary Girls, it was going to be a while till I read this. Until my book-soul-sister Linnea, at REACH came rushing at me screeching "NOPE YOU ARE READING IT." It was probably calmer than that but tbh I always picture her as this majestic punk, shaking stacks of books aggressively at me with alternative loud music in the background, following me into bookstores until I buy the thing. (If that didn't make you want to go follow her blog than you're wrong) 

So I bought the thing. 

And good lord. That freakin book destroyed me and made me whole all at once.




Favorite of the Year: Six of Crows

I was in this haze of excitement for other books, and this book pretty much came out at the worst time for me, so to be honest I forgot this book was coming out. Again I was met with Linnea's HOW COULD YOU FORGET. I honestly don't know. Thank the heavens for Amazon pre-order. 

I got the the book. I read the book. I died a few times but its okay because this book is important.



Least Favorite Read: Playlist for the Dead

I'm sorry. But ew. You tried.




Most Anticipated 2015 read: Winter

What can I say? This series has been a fun journey. While not quite perfect, they were perfect for me. And there came so many memories around these books. Marissa Meyer has done something really fun, and she also became one of the coolest authors after I got to meet her twice.



First of the year: Through the Woods

This was a delightful horror graphic novel collection of stories. That was far from delightful. It was creepy and wonderful and I loved it. A quick kick into the new year.

Last of the year: A Madness so Discreet

A vaguely confusing, bit underwhelming, but all together satisfying historical fiction. I didn't really end the year reading anything symbolic, but this one certainly was good.

Best Contemporary: My Heart and Other Black Holes

This book caught me by surprise. 

I picked it up because cover, mainly. I read it. I ignored the 4h club I had to teach because I was so wrapped up in the tangle of string on the cover of this book. 

It tied me up till I finished. And then I had this wonderful hollow happiness inside that comes from a really satisfying contemporary. 


Best Paranormal: The Walls Around Us

Hahahahaha.

Ha.

Best Dystopia: Red Queen

Technically a weird fantasy-dystopian but. I loved this book. I read it during a babysitting job, made a few dying whale noises, then flailed on the floor because I needed the next book. CURSE of reading a book the week it comes out.

So I flung it at my best friend Rachel. She read it. Yelled at me. And then this past week my brothers girlfriend is reading it and I slowly point at it and give her a thumbs up. Then she finishes it and declares how upset she is at me over dinner which sends us into the depth of fangirl discussion while everyone else sits confused.

Basically: This book was a lot of fun.

Best Fantasy: Six Of Crows

Sorry but I don't need to explain myself. This book will and always will be the best fantasy and best everything ever.

Best Historical: The Girls at the Kingfisher Club

I go running to Emma (over the internet of course since we live 2,900 miles apart) freaking out because I found a 1920's retelling of the 12 Dancing Princesses. She reads it before I do, naturally, flips out, and so Linnea and I decide to read it together.'

God. This book. It was light and dark and perfect and imperfect and everything I want in a historical fairy tale retelling.




Best Debut: The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly

This book wasn't perfect, but it was quite the journey, and one I'm glad I went on. I eagerly await anything else this woman writes. This book was raw, and real, and I felt this weird desperation while reading it. Some of the best debut prose I've read in a while.



Book that Met the Hype: The Help

This book didn't come out this year obviously but. All I ever hear talked about is THEHELPTHEHELPTHEHELP. Well I finally read it.

Good lord, guys. This book. Is my soul and love and yes.

New Favorite Character: -whispers into wind- Kaz Brekker from six of crows

OKAY OKAY. For real. Probably Nimona from the now published graphic novel Nimona. She's fun, crazy. and I really do love her. 

Best Author Meeting: Um I met Maggie Steifvater?? So? That was? Amazing?

But my favorite event would still be the Winter Release Party because that was one of the most fun nights with my friends that I've ever had. 

Most Memorable Book: Honestly, I'm going to say my friends novels. I got to read my best friend's novels. So. Empty Alibi by Emma Grace and Haven by Samantha Addy. These books will be cherished and loved. Keep writing, you dorks. 

Most anticipated 2016 read:

I won't be repetitive and say Raven King because that goes without saying. 

Also I kinda want to say Lin Manuel Miranda's guide the the Hamilton musical but then the grief I will get.

And I ALSO want to say Glass Sword but I have this sinking fear that it will disappoint me.

So I'm honestly just going to say  Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson. 

Since you've Been Gone changed my life so I have faith for this book.