Top 5 Books of 2015

This former English teacher loves to read. But, the busy, tired mama finds it hard to sneak away and dive into a good book. I choose my books carefully - if I am going to invest in the story, I want it to keep my attention. My dad loved to read - he would bounce from one book to another, just digging into the characters and story lines. I'm proud to say he made me a reader.

Reading comes in sporadic waves - I read 2-3 books in a row then I need to give my brain a break. Then, I find another 2-3 and go at it again. This year was no different. Thanks to my wine book club, a new book is always around the corner - just waiting for me to jump into the plot as well as picture the characters, their motivation, and their outcomes. When the day is long and the kids are cranky, put them to bed early, grab a glass of wine, and get to reading. Here are my Top 5 Books of 2015.

We Were Liars by Emily Lockhart

A friend recommended this book, but after reading some heavy suspense, I wasn't sure I was ready for this one. Well, I read it in two days. This book is not a 'feel good' one in any way, but the characters grab you - mainly the lead character who has been through some traumatic event, yet you don't know what the event is. You feel for this character as she struggles yet you cheer for her to find peace from whatever caused her so much turmoil. Read ASAP.

After You by JoJo Moyes

This amazing book is a sequel to Moyes' Me Before You. Louisa is a quirky main character who stumbles upon a relationship with a paraplegic as she becomes his caretaker. The readers bonds with Louisa so you must pick up After You to check on your friend. I met JoJo Moyes, the author, at a book signing, and she is the cutest. I love the stories she tells and the characters she creates.  The relationships Louisa unexpectedly finds in BOTH books are complicated yet beautiful. NOTE: Me Before You - the movie - will be released in September 2016 so hurry and read!

The Good Girl by Mary Kubica

After reading The Girl on the Train (see below), it was recommended I read this one. I guess I was on a mystery/suspense kick for a bit in 2015, and this book is no different. A young teacher is kidnapped yet no one knows how, why, or by whom. Each chapter is told from the teacher, her mother, the leader investigator, and by the possible kidnapper. I love when books do this - offer perspectives from different points of view so the reader can make their guesses on what is going on or in this case - who did it and why?

Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom

You may need a drink after reading this one - it could be qualified as a saga - not because it is long but because there are so many characters who make up this beautiful, yet painful story. The book begins with someone in danger, but who is it? What is she running from? Slowly, we piece together how a young orphan begins her life on a plantation. She becomes part of a unique family all with stories of their own. What's beautiful about this story is how she assimilates with an unlikely family and how they grow to survive an ugly world together. This story is told from the point of view of many characters and by the end, you are emotionally drained. But, isn't that what makes a book so great?

Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Once you are done reading this post, go get this book, find a quiet space, and don't expect to get much done. It's gripping from the beginning - who is Rachel? Why is she so obsessed with strangers she sees while on a train?  And, how does she get involved in their traumatic life? A review described this book as "compulsively readable." So get to steppin' and don't expect to be able to jump out of her world anytime soon. Love. It.

I would love to hear your favorite books from this year. My latest book sabbatical is ending so I need some good ones. And, if you have read any of my Top 5, share your reviews too. We can call it a virtual reading club. Who's in??

You can also find me on GoodReads to see what I'm reading!