My 2016 reads

My goal for the year (2016) was to read 25 books. To be honest, it was really my only real goal for the year. 25 may seem like a very low number to most, it does to me, but  unlike in my younger days, it's just harder to spend all my time reading now.

I only managed to get through 20 books in 2015 and I was determined to up that number in 2016. And, cutting it really close, I met my goal by completing my 25th book on the 31st of December. Yes, I am quite chuffed with myself. My goal for this year is to read 30 books. (Wish me luck.)

Anyhoo, these are the books that I read last year: 

1. Handle With Care - Jodi Picoult                                                   

This is my first Picoult book. I, obviously, knew who Picoult was before, I am living in this century after all. So my expectations were quite high. And, with this heart breaking story that had me in tears from beginning to end, I was not disappointed.                                                                                                                    

2. Twilight: Breaking Dawn - Stephanie Meyer

    

Not to be judged by the movies, the books are actually a good read.

3. The Lie - Helen Dunmore

I read Dunmore's "Brother Brother Sister Sister" as a kid, and enjoyed it. So, I expected this book to be good. It's not bad, but it was boring and I really had to push to get through this book.

4. Mini Shopaholic - Sophie Kinsella

The 6th book in the Shopaholic" series ("Confessions of a Shopaholic"). Not the most riveting of reads, but passable.

5. The Devil Wears Prada - Lauren Weisberger

This is the first (and probably only) time I will ever say this, but,for once, I think the book wasn't better than the movie. And the book was much darker than the movie. I guess Anne Hathaway is just that good... But, the book cover is pretty amazing.

6. Revenge Wears Prada - Lauren Weisberger

The sequel to "The Devil Wears Prada". Again, not a bad book, but it is really annoying and predictable. It frustrated me more than anything. But, I'd still read it if I could go back in time, 'cause some things I just need to get through and find out for myself.

7. Celebrity Shopper - Carmen Reid

Nothing out of the ordinary, typical chick novel.

8. From Cape Town With Love - Blair Underwood, Steven Barnes & Tananarive Due 

Interesting read. For me, the biggest draw was it being partially set in South  Africa. The story is slow to take off and there are some rather graphic scenes, but once you get pass those, the story isn't bad.

9. The Pale House - Agatha Christie

Not the best Agatha Christie novel, but still a worthwhile read.

10. Me Before You - Jojo Moyes

Expectations for this book were so high, and it lived up to every single one of them, and then some.This book exceeded my expectations. It had me laughing, crying, shouting and just staring blankly into nothingness. This is definitely a book that everyone should read at some point.

11. London Bridges - James Patterson

This is an Alex Cross novel. And that is all I am going to say about it.

12. Getting Out of the House - Isla Dewar

This book reminded me why I love reading so much. Dewar is hilarious and absolutely witty. She had me laughing through almost the entire book. I didn't like the ending which was left far too up in the air for my liking, but I would still read it again. And I will keep an eye out for books by Dewar in the future. This is a book that makes me want to cry when I think that not everyone will get the chance to read this book.

13. Salem Falls - Jodi Picoult

Another heart breaking Picoult novel. The ending is the worst, but I must admit I suspected it all along. 

14. And the Mountains Echoed - Khaled Hosseini

From the guy who gave us "The Kite Runner" and "A Thousand Splendid Suns" can we expect anything less than an amazing story. And this is a good one. A real tear jerker of course. However, it did drag in places a bit. Still a good read none the less.

15. Songs of the Humpback Whale - Jodi Picoult

Never expect an easy story with Picoult. Or a happy ending. However, she tells a real good tale and it's usually worth it, especially in the sense of being closer to reality. In the case of this book though, I found it to be a waste of my time. I didn't like the pace of the story, especially the going back and forth. This is a book I would unread if I could.

17. Nemesis - Agatha Christie

18. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo - Stieg Larsson
19. The Girl Who Played With Fire - Stieg Larsson
20. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest - Stieg Larsson

Stieg Larsson is a writing genius. This is yet another book that exceeded expectations and beyond. I love the characters. The story. Everything. It is a must read. Whether you're a guy or a girl, young or old - this book is for absolutely everyone.

21. A Walk to Remember - Nicholas Sparks

A sappy Sparks novel as can be expected. 

22. Change of Heart - Jodi Picoult

Again. This woman knows how to make you weep. But this book was worth it.

23. Murder is Easy - Agatha Christie

No, it's not.

24. While We Were Watching Downton Abbey - Wendy Wax

 I only got this book because I love Downton Abbey so much. And I'm still suffering great withdrawal symptoms. This book didn't let me down though, even though I started reading it for all the wrong reasons. Worth a read.

25. An Advancement of Learning - Reginald Hill

Reginald Hill is for me the all time crime author. He introduced me to my first ever crime story as a young teenager. And with that Daziel and Pascoe became my favourite crime fighting duo. I got to end my year on a high by having my favourite characters with me. To this day, they have never let me down.