ReadingfromRandi
I became an avid reader at the age of two, when my parents would find me sitting on the living room floor leafing through phone books. By middle school, it was nothing for me to go through five or six books a week. My bedroom was lined with bookshelves, and I would hoard books like they had announced the closure of all printing presses worldwide.
Fast forward to December 2014, when I finally completed one of my bucket list goals--I graduated with my master’s degree. For 2.5 years during school, I don’t think I read a single book for fun. So for the New Year, I made a resolution to read 52 books in 2015--That’s one book a week. Fast forward to July 31, 2015, and I have already finished 45.
I was so excited for Amy’s new blog, and I told her that if she ever wanted a guest blogger, I’d love to submit some entries. We talked about what I’d been reading lately, and she came up with a great idea for my first guest blog post.
She asked me to pick my five favorite books from the first half of 2015. Since that is like asking me to pick my favorite child, I am going to cheat and expand the list a little bit more to include my five favorite fiction books and five favorite non-fiction books.
I kept to the rules and only looked at books that I have read so far this year in order to narrow my focus. I would be so excited for you to read any of these and let me know what you think!
Fiction
Best Thriller (Especially if You Loved Gone Girl)
Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
This very well could be my favorite book this year. From page one, Gillian Flynn sucked me in. This book is dark, twisted and highly entertaining.
Exquisitely Written
Orient by Christopher Bollen
You should know that this book is long, but I promise that it will keep you on the edge of your seat. I tend to be a speed-reader, but I didn’t want to miss a single word that Christopher Bollen wrote. I love when I can tell that an author has carefully crafted each sentence to pack the greatest punch for the reader, and that is exactly what Bollen did.
When Your Obsessed with the Royals (And You Love Some Good Chick-Lit)
The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
I am obsessed with the British monarchy. I’ve read their official website in its entirety. http://www.royal.gov.uk I click on every Royal Watch post that People magazine shares on their website. So, when I saw this book popping up in recommendation lists, I knew I had to check it out. While this book isn’t technically about Will and Kate, the likeness is apparent throughout. It’s a fun, fantastical romance, and when you finish, you’ll feel as if you had an insider’s view of life as a Royal.
When You Want To Curl Up in Your PJs for an Afternoon of Romance
Falling Home and After the Rain by Karen White
I am a sucker for a good romance novel, and Karen White had me swooning for her male protagonists. By the end of Falling Home, I felt so invested in the characters that I immediately reserved it’s sequel After the Rain. Take my advice, if you’re going to read one, you might as well pick up the other while you’re at it.
When You Want to Be Surrounded by Strong Women
The Friday Night Knitting Club Series by Kate Jacobs
I’m not a knitter. Hell, I’m barely a crafter. I had to delete my Pinterest account because it was too stressful for me to look at all the artsy projects I would never complete. While no prior knitting knowledge is required for these books, Kate Jacobs will make you want to start your own knitting club.
Non Fiction
Most Life-Changing (And Practical!)
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
Charles Duhigg is a reporter, and his ability to tell a good story is immediately apparent. The Power of Habit combines scientific research with intriguing real life examples to create a self-help book that is actually helpful.
Most Empowering
Playing Big by Tara Mohr
Amy actually turned me onto Tara Mohr by forwarding me the link to Tara's website, When Tara announced that she was releasing a book, I requested it from the library right away. Tara is what I hope to be when I grow up--an inspiring mentor with a mission to empower women.
When You Want Time Away with Your Best Girl Friend
Yes, Please by Amy Poehler
I have a long list of girl crushes. Amy Poehler is very high on that list. If she's not on yours, she will be when you're done with this book. Amy is hilarious, intelligent, introspective, self-deprecating, self-championing, and she's a badass feminist. Her book makes you want to stand up and cheer, "Girls rule!"
One You’ll Want to Read Every Year
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
Read The Power of Habit first and then take the lessons to the next level with Dr. Covey's instruction. I would recommend getting this on audiobook if you can. Listening to it will make you feel as if you are in that really popular college course that students line up to take.
Non-Fiction That Feels Like a Summer Beach Read
Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman
If you haven't seen OITNB, this book is an awesome introduction. Piper's experiences are harrowing and fascinating. The book gave me a new perspective on incarceration policies in the United States, and it was all delivered in a summer-read format.
What some happy readers say:
"Amy believes that it takes a village to do almost anything. Grow professionally, raise children, and become a thriving member of society are all a team effort. You will enjoy her experiences and her stories because you can identify with it ."
--Gina
- Carrie B.
"This is just fun to read and I like to steal her ideas (and she doesn't mind if we do)."
--Heather
- Tammy T.
"It's refreshing to know that the "jones" in our life that we compete with (knowingly or unknowlingly) are normal people and struggling and celebrating many of the same things as us!"
--Julie
- Steve M.