2015 In Books

I'm calling an end to reading for the year. I have capped out at 40 books and I'm quite sure I will not be reading more. I originally started my annual reading challenge after realizing how many books I had purchased and had not read yet.  I'm over due for an update on my read/unread totals, but I'll tackle that in another post. For now, let's talk about my favorites for the year.

In no particular order...

Not My Father's Son by Alan Cumming

Forty Acres by Dewayne Alexander Smith

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

If you follow me on Instagram, you've already seen my brief thoughts for most of the 2015 books so I won't rehash here. I do feel well rounded considering the three books are quite different. One is a memoir, one is fiction, and one is what I call speculative fiction. Because I was reading to meet challenges and win the Books On The Nightstand Book Bingo, my selections this year were quite diverse which I love, but in 2016, I think I will be a little more targeted in scope.  More on that later. For now, these are my recommendations from a year well read. Enjoy!

#31DayBlogChallenge day #5 is done!

September Reading Recap

September was a slow month for reading, but these two books were doozies.

I've provided links below, so I won't go into a synopsis.  I listened to both of these as audiobooks and I'll just give my brief thoughts..

Missoula by Jon Krakauer It was a mistake getting this book as an audio selection. Listening to the same rape account over and over again was disturbing. I do wish the author had used more cases, but the point was made none the less. Every year, someone's daughter becomes a victim and someone's son becomes a rapist. Assaults on college campuses are real and so many perpetrators and victims don't quite understand what they have become a part of. It's important that we not ignore things. It's important that we talk to our children. It's important that everyone understands this is not okay.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn I have not yet seen the movie, because I wanted to read the book first. While I'm completely intrigued by the madness that spewed out of the author and onto the page, I can't say this makes me want to see the movie. I strongly believe there are crazy people that fly under the radar and torment those around them. I've got my eyes on EVERYONE!

Wednesday Wrap-up - Summer Reading

This summer reading season provided me an interesting crop of books. As of the writing of this post, I have read 38 books of my 50 book goal for the year. Among this group are some of my favorites.

Because I was trying to get bingo in the Books on the Nightstand summer bingo card, I have a little of everything on the list. 

I read a total of 20 books between Memorial Day and Labor Day. While I can't quite choose a favorite, there are some that will stick with me.

Forty Acres by Dewayne Alexander Smith because it is speculative fiction about black people controlling slavery. Having supreme control of things turns even the most well meaning person into something vile, but I appreciate the author's ability to think the madness through. The publisher calls this a thriller, but I think it is great speculative fiction.

Autopsy of a Deceased Church by Thom S. Rainer because I'm Christian and I believe in growing in a church and growing as a church, just as Christ commanded. Too many churches are dying and we must alter that.

The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty only because the ending drives me crazy. It's one of those resolved without a resolution things.

So, how did I do at Bingo? I failed.

Oh well, until next year!