In 2014 I easily met my first reading goal of 52 books and had to move it up to 100. So for 2015 I challenged myself to 115 books. What was I thinking?! At one point I was 17 books behind schedule and considered giving up, but hate to let a goal go. So in the last few months of the year I limited myself to only short works (but still novel length) and managed to meet my goal. In fact, because I forgot to set dates on two of my completed books, I actually wound up with a total of 117.
That was definitely too much and a lot of the pleasure went out of it just trying to keep that pace. So far this year I have not set a goal and plan to concentrate on enjoying the process instead of having to do a blitz. I received an Audible subscription for Christmas so that means I’ll get a chance to listen to some that I’ve had my eye on for awhile.
Because I read so many books a lot of them turned out to be pretty bad but there were certainly some stand outs. I’ve listed the 10 books I most enjoyed here (excluding RDSP titles), in alphabetical order along with a note on what I found unique or outstanding about the book.
Alice I Have Been – Historical Fiction
A fabricated biography that feels real and presents the rarely seen muse’s eye view.
The Bonesetter’s Daughter – Historical Fiction
I’m amazed at the way Amy Tan can create realistic modern fiction side by side with equally realistic historical fiction and do it all from women’s perspectives.
The Girl on the Train – Thriller
Just an excellent, entertaining thriller
Passing – Harlem Renaissance Classic
An expected find, a gripping tale that presents the social complexity of variation in skin tone
The Painted Girls – Historical Fiction
This made me interested in Degas, another muse-eye view that shows things from the model’s perspective
Private Life – Historical Fiction
This one is hard to describe but completely sucked me in, a subtle mystery with complex relationships.
The Screaming Staircase – YA/Urban Fantasy
A well-developed ghost-filled future world that sets technology back and allows for swordplay.
Station Eleven – Science Fiction/Post Apocalyptic
I loved the use of a DIY comic book in this plus the atmosphere, language, the whole thing really.
Stone Mattress – Short Fiction
Margaret Atwood, ’nuff said
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie – Mystery
Flavia De Luce, the 11-year-old poison and chemistry expert is an undeniably entertaining character. The literary references are also fun.