I know that it's a bit late in the year to be rehashing my 2015 reads, this should have been done in the first week of January ideally. But, I must admit that the idea had not crossed my mind earlier. Also, when it comes to books, there is never a right or wrong time really now, is there... So here I am in the middle of March 2016 sharing my 2015 reads.
The list is a very short one. I somehow just don't have the time to read as much as I'd like to. And to add to this I'm also an avid series watcher, so my free time is split between reading and catching up on series. And a bit in my defense, I know it's just an excuse, but it does make me feel better - I was studying last year. So that obviously meant that a huge chunk of my time was forced to go on attending 3 hour lectures at night (after work I might add) and preparing assignments as well as studying for tests and exams... So it's a lot to juggle, just saying... This is in addition to the fact that I'm a very slow reader. Yes, I am a slow reader, and there is no shame in it.
Anyhoo, here is my list of my 2015 reads:
1.
Cocktails for Three by
Sophie Kinsella writing as Madeleine Wickham
If you've read Sophie Kinsella books, then you need no introduction... If not, Sophie Kinsella is an awesome "chick"novel writer. And like her other books, this is a light read that also hits those emotional spots and is a good read if you're just looking for something laid back and not too intense.
This book is absolutely amazing! And it just tugs at those heart strings so intensely. I cannot say anything more than it is a must read. It's just so beautiful and endearing. Just read it.
To be honest, I can't even really remember what this book was about. But I do remember that it wasn't a bad read. Do click on the title and follow the link for more.
Another chick novel, and a bit predictable, but an enjoyable read none the less. Perfect when you're just looking for a relaxing read.
6. Gossip Girl - Because I'm Worth It by Cecily von Ziegesar
7. Gossip Girl - I Like It Like That by Cecily von Ziegesar
Just to make it absolutely clear, I only read these 'cause a friend of mine had them and just lent them to me. I never turn down free books. And I was rather curious to have a go at the books... Needless to say, if you've watched the series then you know what the books are about... However, the books are different to the series, I can't remember exact differences, but there were major differences... Also, the books are far darker, or the characters in the books are far darker than in the TV series... And I had thought the TV series characters were pretty far gone already. Dan especially is a much less nice person than the TV series version... So, I'd only recommend this to young flurry teenage girls, or Gossip Girl fanatics, or just those overly curious (like me).
This is the fourth book in the Lorien Legacies series. I Am Number Four is the first book in the series... So, these aren't the best of the best, but they are fun reads. I currently have books one through to four. My sister bought me the first one and I absolutely loved it. I've bought the rest on sale. I'm still waiting to come across the rest of the books in the series on sale somewhere. If you're into young adult fantasy novels, then it's worth a read. I do enjoy Lore's unique writing style.
The title isn't quite what you would think, well to me at least... And, as much as it fits the typical European chick novel - woman dumped by man and now has to find herself as a single woman or single mother, generally in a new place and their journey through this, you know the deal... - it's still a unique concept being dealt with in the "secret shopper's revenge" plot of things. Again, this is a good novel to pass the time, or a good calming read between those more intense reads... These novels generally give you a feel good vibe and are hence worth it.
11. A Dance With Dragons 2: After The Feast by George R. R. Martin
These need no introduction. If you love the Game Of Thrones TV series, you will love the books (even more). If you love any of the books in the series, you will love the rest. They're just EPIC. EPIC. I guess I'm cheating by counting them as two separate books, but hey, they're published as two damn separate books! And they're BOTH damn thick! And the writing is so damn tiny! So I will very well count them as two books and just leave me be, okay!
Not a bad read.
I realise that I've read a lot of these European chick novels... But they are entertaining reads, I cannot lie. And also very quick reads as they don't require much thinking really.
If you loved the movie, Love Rosie, then do NOT read this book. This is the novel on which the movie is based. This book is absolutely amazing and heart wrenching and hilarious. It has everything. I laughed at times. At times I just couldn't stop crying. It's just so beautiful and such a beautiful story. I watched the movie version just because I loved the book so much and I wanted to see how they carried it out. I'm never a fan of the movie versions of books, I just like what they've done to the story... And the movie version of Where Rainbows End completely and utterly destroyed the entire story! It was a massacre! If I were the author I'd have sued. Or killed myself at the thought that people would now associate my work of art with that pathetic excuse of a movie.
This is such a touching and endearing story. It really makes you think. It's easy to judge when you're on the other side, but you don't know what it's like when you're faced with the situation yourself. Just thinking about it now, I feel like I know what I would do, but it's easy to make theoretical decisions. It's worth a read.
Typical European chick novel again, but this one really ticked me off. It frustrated me completely. If you want to know why, go ahead and read the book... I can't say why 'cause that would be a spoiler. It's not a bad read overall, just really really frustrating. I wouldn't not recommend it.
I doubt this would need any introduction... It's a classic and most likely on every reader's "to read" list. It was most definitely on mine. And I finally got my hands on it for only 60 bucks at an Exclusive Books sale. The joy! And it so lived up to the expectation. However, by 3/4 way through I realised there were too few pages for the ending I was expecting... Then by the end I realised this was just the first part. Apparently the book was originally published in two volumes, and my luck I got a version that followed suit. So I was quite disappointed by this, still am. However, the book itself is a good one.
Another classic. I am a lover of the classics and this book certainly lived up to expectations. It did annoy me at moments. And I do wish there was more of an ending to it. But all in all, an enjoyable read.
19. The Vampire Diaries - Stefan's Diaries, Volume 4, "The Ripper" by L. J. Smith
Related to the series of the same name, yes. I do enjoy the series, and I will unashamedly admit it. And I also did enjoy this book. This is a time waster book though. More like a book to read while shopping with your mum and holding her bags (which is what I did).
Yes, the same author who wrote "Me Before You". She is an amazing writer and this is an enjoyable book. You won't go wrong with a Jojo Moyes novel.
So, that's it. I only got through 20 books for 2015. I do plan to get at least a few more than that in this year. If you have any comments on any of the books mentioned above, or would like to share you own 2015 book list, feel free to leave a comment.
Happy reading!
