Hello everyone! I know it's been radio silence on this blog, but I HAVE been reading, I promise! I have read some AMAZING books this year! Not all of them were published in 2016, but I discovered them in 2016.
As a fun little round up for the end of the year, I thought I'd list some of my top picks of the books I've read in 2016!
I got to start the list off with the latest book from my favorite author ever!
The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson
This book leaves you on a razor's edge keeping you teetering though moments of joy and moments of pain; an uncomfortable journey to be had, but one worth traveling.
Next up
Half Bad by Sally Green
Like nothing I've read before, this is not the typical "boy discovers he has magic" book. Harsh and desperate, this world keeps you on your toes as you hope the main character survives.
Next up
George by Alex Gino
Necessary, heartbreaking, inspiring. I hope that this finds its way into the hands of everyone. The struggle that George is going through can open everyone's eyes & see that love is love is love. And that loving yourself is the most difficult step of all, especially when loving yourself might alienate the others you love.
Next up
Wax by Gina Damico
Hilarious and quirky, delivered in a quick-pace, this "waxy" adventure will keep you in stitches the entire time!
Next up is another amazing book by a favorite author
Local Girl Swept Away by Ellen Wittlinger
An examination of the power people can wield over others and how one event can thoroughly rock the reality of a friendship. Set in the beautiful wilds of Provincetown, the sea and art are just as much characters in this story as the humans.
Next up is the very first audiobook I've ever listened to
Seth Baumgartner's Love Manifesto by Eric Luper
Hilarious and rough, just like being in love is like. Really fun and a quick read. Enjoyable for all those who've experiences the trials and tribulations aid love and so relatable to those just going through it. A perfect main protagonist, you can't help but fall a little in love with Seth Baumgartner!
Next up
Learning to Swear in America by Katie Kennedy
An amazing debut by Katie Kennedy. Super funny, surprisingly deep--examining the big questions in life: girls, math, and the end of the world!
Next up
Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit by Jaye Robin Brown
Powerful story about faith, love, truth, and trust. A robust examination of the walk with faith that LGBTQIA+ individuals deal with every day, and how to be true to yourself and stand up for the love you believe in.
Finally, the last book up
Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes
this book was beautiful and heartbreaking and inspiring and tremendous. A journey that gives weight to the tragedy of 9/11, and creates a way for everyone, but especially kids who didn't experience it first hand, to connect
Obviously, I read MANY more books than these, and they were all excellent in their own way. But what each of these particular books had in common was that they all impacted me either through humor, heartache, or insightfulness.
Let me know what were some of your top books in 2016, and if you've read any of my picks, what you thought, in the comments!
Happy New Year everyone! Hopefully 2017 will be a fresh start for my blog and reading!
