Top 5 Authors New To Me This Year

Top 5 Authors New To Me This Year and What Books Of Theirs I Will Be Picking Up Next!

 Louise O' Neill

Louise O' Neill is from Clonakilty, in west Cork. After graduating with a BA in English Studies at Trinity College Dublin, she went on to complete a post-grad in Fashion Buying at DIT. Having spent a year in New York working for Kate Lanphear, the senior Style Director of ELLE magazine, she returned home to Ireland to write her first novel.
She went from hanging out on set with A-list celebrities to spending most of her days in pyjamas while she writes, and has never been happier.

Books I Read By Her This Year:

   

Louise O' Neill is definitely the author I enjoyed most in 2015. I received her first book "Only Ever Yours" for review from netgalley.com and the publisher before it was released in the US. I was taken aback by the message and the execution of this story. I don't want to go into too many details but it talks about impossible beauty standards and pressures on women to be what men want but is set in a dystopian future. I know that sounds a bit crazy but she just does a phenomenal job of presenting this in a way that is thought provoking and gut wrenching.

After reading her debut I quickly ordered her 2015 release "Asking For It." From the title alone I think anyone can summarize that this story is another hard hitting look about rape culture and slut shaming. It depicts a girl who is gang raped at a party and the images of the occurrence are publicized on social media and the repercussions of that which includes elements of the trial, portrayal of the female vs. the males in media, and the reactions of the victims families.

This was a tough read but completely enlightening. She doesn't currently have anything on goodreads.com in terms of upcoming releases but whatever she puts out you can bet I will be picking it up and devouring it.

 Caroline Kepnes

Caroline Kepnes is the author of You and Hidden Bodies. She splits her time between Los Angeles, California and Cape Cod, Massachusetts. 


Book I Read By Her This Year:

This is my first book by this author although she has a few additional things published. I first heard about this book while watching some reviews on youtube,com. I picked it up from www.bookoutlet.com on the cheap (best website ever) and immediately devoured it. Told from the perspective of a man named Joe as he stalks a girl he meets when she comes into the bookstore where he works. This is told as if Joe is recounting his story to his audience and goes into detail about the way his twisted and obsessive mind works.

Very difficult to read as it illustrates how he uses social media and other tools to infiltrate every corner of his victims life. Scary as fuck. Seriously. If you ever wondered what people could do with the information they find about you on the internet this will open your eyes. Amazing. Highly anticipating the much buzzed about sequel to "You" which is set to come out in 2016 and is titled "Hidden Bodies."

  Sarah J. Maas

Sarah J. Maas is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Throne of Glass series (Queen of Shadows, Book 4, will be out in September 2015), as well as the A Court of Thorns and Roses series (out 5/5/15).

Sarah lives in Bucks County, PA, and over the years, she has developed an unhealthy appreciation for Disney movies and bad pop music. She adores fairy tales and ballet, drinks too much tea, and watches an ungodly amount of TV. When she's not busy writing, she can be found exploring the historic and beautiful Pennsylvania countryside with her husband and canine companion.

Books I Read By Her This Year:

   

I approached Sarah J. Maas wide range of books by starting with book 1 from both of her active series. I read "Throne of Glass," book 1 in what I believe will be a 6 book series with 4 books and a collection of novellas already published early in the year. Needless to say, I loved it. It is a high action fantasy novel with a lead character who has both a feminine and bad ass side. With a twisted past and the heart of an assassin Celaena has a lot going on in this book. It has some court intrigue as well as a love triangle with two swoon worthy lead males and although I have only read book 1 I will definitely be continuing the series.

After "Throne of Glass," I dove into Sarah's other book series "A Count of Thorns and Roses;" often affectionately referred to as ACOTAR on the internet. This was pitched as a "Beauty and the Beast" retelling and I definitely see elements of that story but it also does an amazing job of being fresh and standing on it's own. It includes fairies, some more court intrigue as well as a very steamy new adult-esque romance.

I hope to kick of the new year by continuing/catching on the Throne of Glass series and being able to pick up book 2 of ACOTAR as soon as it is released. Definitely a lot of S.J. Maas in my 2016.

 Tana French

Tana French grew up in Ireland, Italy, the US and Malawi, and has lived in Dublin since 1990. She trained as a professional actress at Trinity College, Dublin, and has worked in theater, film and voice-over.

www.facebook.com/tanafrench

Book I Read By Her This Year:

I had heard so much buzz about French's Dublin Murder Squad series and I happened across a used copy at my local book store and decided to give it a try. I had been looking for something to fill by Gillian Flynn hole in my reading and thought something else psychological would help. It did and now I have such a huge appreciation for Tana's story telling ability. I have only read book one but I was captivated and continuously kept on my toes throughout the read.

If you like cop themed mystery/psychological thrillers then I would consider picking up this series. I plan to dive into "The Likeness," which is book 2 in the series early in 2016. I almost felt like I needed a break because her writing is so detailed and intense. It is like an extreme episode of SVU that just sticks with you.

 Andy Weir

Book I Read By Him This Year:

The only male to make the list should not be discounted. Weir's "The Martian" was everywhere this year. After seeing a trailer for the hugely popular and positively received movie version starring Matt Damon I decided to pick up with audio book and live the hype.

I was actually pleasantly surprised by how this book made me feel. I don't think a book has ever made me more happy about being alive of the triumph of the human spirit. I know that sounds cheesy but damn if isn't the 100% truth.

I laughed, I cried, a waited holding my breath in anticipation of death or survival and I just loved this. It sometimes comes off a bit too scientifically accurate for a novice but it didn't distract from the story. The audio book is above and beyond the best I have ever listened to and I can't suggest it enough. 

I couldn't find where Weir has anything else coming out in 2016 but because how heavily researched his book was I am sure we can expect something brilliant from him in the coming years and I can not wait.

****All author pictures and bios were obtained from www.goodreads.com****

Thicker Than Water by Brigid Kemmerer E-Arc Review

***I received this book from netgalley.com and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. It was sent to me in E-Arc format and all opinions are my own.***

Title: Thicker Than Water
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Publisher: Kensington Books
Publication Date: December 29, 2015


Goodreads.com Description:

On his own

Thomas Bellweather hasn’t been in town long. Just long enough for his newlywed mother to be murdered, and for his new stepdad’s cop colleagues to decide Thomas is the primary suspect.

Not that there’s any evidence. But before Thomas got to Garretts Mill there had just been one other murder in twenty years. 

The only person who believes him is Charlotte Rooker, little sister to three cops and, with her soft hands and sweet curves, straight-up dangerous to Thomas. Her best friend was the other murder vic. And she’d like a couple answers.

Answers that could get them both killed, and reveal a truth Thomas would die to keep hidden…

Review:

This book was such a pleasant surprise. I read the description on netgalley.com and saw that Jennifer L. Armentrout blurbed it and I was immediately drawn to it. I figure if it was anything like J.L.'s books, which are fun campy sci-fi/paranormal/new adult romances then I would be entertained throughout.

That is exactly what happened. This is part romance, part murder mystery, and has a bit of a paranormal twist. I loved every over the top minute of this.

I actually "started" this back at the beginning of December and got maybe 10% into it and set it down for about 20 days. Picked it up yesterday and read the entire thing from start to finish.

Our main character, Tom, is so swoon-worthy that girls still find him attractive even after he is accused of murdering his own mother.

Only two people believe he is innocent, the cute small town girl, and his new step-dad. Around every turn he is faced with cops, rumors, mistrust, and is trying to figure out his past which includes an absent father and a mystery family member which I won't say to much about because it will give away some key plot elements.

I really did enjoy the romance and the interactions, and Charlotte, the love interest and quintessential girl next door, has a snarky best friend who had some great one liners and made scenes light and fun.

Overall, I had a little problem with the pacing as I felt like the ending was a little rushed. For the most part everything was resolved in the last 10% of the book and I felt like that could have been handled a little better but other than that this was addicting and fun.

If you want something light and fun and a book that in my opinion NEEDS a sequel then consider picking this up. It comes out today and it has some pretty good reviews on goodreads.com so I know lots of people agree that the entertainment factor is definitely there!

 My Star Rating:

4 out of 5

Read This If You Enjoyed:

    

Crystal Cadets Vol 1 by Anne Toole Review

***I received this graphic novel from netgalley.com and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.***

Title: Crystal Cadets Vol 1

Author: Anne Toole

Illustrator: Katie O' Neill and Paulina Ganucheau

Publisher: Lion Forge/Roar Comics

Publication Date: January 5, 2016

Description:

Tantalizing and lively - Booklist Cadets Go! Join this team of darkness-fighting, world-saving, power-packed teen girls from all over the world on their first adventure! Zoe has always felt out of place; her foster parents are great and all, but she's long felt like something was missing. That is, of course, until she discovers a mysterious gem left to her by her birth mother and her whole universe gets flipped around! When the crystal grants Zoe mysterious powers of light she becomes the Diamond Cadet, and she's not the only one; suddenly she's meeting new friends who shoot flames and glowing green arrows. It's all fun at first, but when The Darkness possesses Zoe's foster parents her only choice is to join this wild group of action-hero girls, traveling the globe to defeat The Darkness and find a cure!"

Review:

I say the cover of this while browsing netgalley.com and I was on vacation so I thought a light graphic novel would be a great car read. I was right. This was so fun! We follow a group of girls all with special gifts that are passed down from generation to generation by the stone that each family has. Our main character is the Diamond of the group. These spunky girls are setting out to defeat the Darkness and find all the other stone bearing girls.

This is definitely a middle grade graphic novel but I love the style and love that these female driven graphics exist helping younger girls embrace comics and relate to the main characters. This is fast paced an surprisingly kick ass for a middle grade story. 

I am really excited to follow this series if/when it continues. The art style alone is pretty spectacular and worth giving this a read. The colors are vibrant, the characters and scenes are whimsically drawn and there is a twist around every turn. If you know a middle grade girl or boy who likes magical fantasy stories than definitely check this out.

My Star Rating:

4 out of 5

Read If You Enjoyed:

   

5 Best Graphic Novels I read In 2015

5 Best Graphic Novels I read In 2015

Paperback, 128 pages

Published April 8th 2014 by Image Comics

Description:

Who are the Rat Queens? 

A pack of booze-guzzling, death-dealing battle maidens-for-hire, and they're in the business of killing all god's creatures for profit. 

It's also a darkly comedic sass-and-sorcery series starring Hannah the Rockabilly Elven Mage, Violet the Hipster Dwarven Fighter, Dee the Atheist Human Cleric and Betty the Hippy Smidgen Thief. This modern spin on an old school genre is a violent monster-killing epic that is like Buffy meets Tank Girl in a Lord of the Rings world on crack! 

Why It Made The List:

What is not to love about these bad ass chicks! Seriously. All have their own powers and their group is really ruled by the fact that they are all different in their powers but also in their backgrounds and they are able to come together and use their differences to help protect the village they live in.

Each girl has her own personality and I think it was written in a way that you were not only introduced to each character but you also get a little bit about them and as the series continues in to Vol 2 (which I also read this year) you get to know the girls even better. 

They might be magic wielding bad asses but they are also dealing with every day problems like love, friendship, and family.

I would definitely suggest this for the young girl in your life who might enjoy comics, strong female characters, LGBTQ+ themes, and fun entertaining stories.

Hardcover, 240 pages

Published June 17th 2013 by Jonathan Cape

Description:

The job of the skin is to keep things in.

On the buttoned-down island of Here, all is well. By which we mean: orderly, neat, contained and, moreover, beardless.

Or at least it is until one famous day, when Dave, bald but for a single hair, finds himself assailed by a terrifying, unstoppable... monster*!

Where did it come from? How should the islanders deal with it? And what, most importantly, are they going to do with Dave?

The first book from a new leading light of UK comics, The Gigantic Beard That Was Evil is an off-beat fable worthy of Roald Dahl. It is about life, death and the meaning of beards.

(*We mean a gigantic beard, basically.)

Why It Made The List:

If you haven't checked out my list of the 5 Most Unique books I have read this year either scroll down or click this link: http://readjezireread.blogspot.com/2015/12/5-most-uniquely-written-books-i-read-in.html

It made both list for the same reasons. It was uniquely written, entertaining, and full of moral lessons.

I will also say that the simplistic black and white illustrations made this even more wonderful. Check this out. 

Paperback, 160 pages

Published June 17th 2015 by DC Comics

Description:

Welcome to Gotham Academy, the most prestigious school in Gotham City. Only the best and brightest students may enter its halls, study in its classrooms, explore its secret passages, summon its terrifying spirits...

Okay, so Gotham Academy isn't like other schools. But Olive Silverlock isn't like other students. After a mysterious incident over summer break, she's back at school with a bad case of amnesia, an even worse attitude...and an unexplained fear of bats.

Olive's supposed to show new student Maps Mizoguchi the ropes. Problem: Maps is the kid sister of Kyle, Olive's ex. Then there's the ghost haunting the campus...and the secret society conducting bizarre rituals. 

Can Olive and Maps ace the biggest challenge of their lives? Or are they about to get schooled?

Why It Made The List:

I haven't really been into graphic novels for long so this year was a big experiment trying to find out what styles I enjoyed most.

This was suggested to me as a new release that might help me get into the DC universe in an easy and fun way. 

That is exactly what this did. I loved it. Although it might be aimed at a younger audience I loved the characters, the art is vibrant, and the story is informative but also entertaining as it weaves together pieces of the Batman story you might know from the comics or even just from the movies.

Definitely suggest if you are looking at a light way to get into the Batman world and want something that is easy to relate to in the DC universe. 

Paperback, 272 pages

Published May 12th 2015 by HarperTeen

Description:

The graphic novel debut from rising star Noelle Stevenson, based on her beloved and critically acclaimed web comic, which Slate awarded its Cartoonist Studio Prize, calling it "a deadpan epic."

Nemeses! Dragons! Science! Symbolism! All these and more await in this brilliantly subversive, sharply irreverent epic from Noelle Stevenson. Featuring an exclusive epilogue not seen in the web comic, along with bonus conceptual sketches and revised pages throughout, this gorgeous full-color graphic novel is perfect for the legions of fans of the web comic and is sure to win Noelle many new ones.

Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter with a knack for villainy. Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain with a vendetta. As sidekick and supervillain, Nimona and Lord Blackheart are about to wreak some serious havoc. Their mission: prove to the kingdom that Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and his buddies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren't the heroes everyone thinks they are.

But as small acts of mischief escalate into a vicious battle, Lord Blackheart realizes that Nimona's powers are as murky and mysterious as her past. And her unpredictable wild side might be more dangerous than he is willing to admit.

Why It Made The List:

I know anyone who read this in 2015 will add this to their lists of favorites. It was not only widely reviewed and talked about but it was also nominated for a National Book Award as well as being recognized for many other rewards and receiving many other nominations.

I don't think I can describe the plot any better than the description above but I will say the ending literally broke my heart. It was amazing. 

The art style is also spectacular. It is whimsical and light and just great. I really enjoyed this one. It is a bit longer but it is also a single graphic novel. 

The relationships in this are also something to be admired. Rivalries and friendships, shape shifting and magic, and a young girl who seems strong but is struggling with a past she can't escape from all add to the overall magic of this story. 

It is a must read.

Paperback, 120 pages

Published December 1st 2015 by Marvel

Description:

From the moment Kamala put on her costume, she's been challenged. But nothing has prepared her for this: the last days of the Marvel Universe. Lucky she's got the help of Carol "Captain Marvel" Danvers! Between teaming up with her personal hero to rescue her brother and trying to keep her city from falling into an all-out frenzy, Kamala has barely had time to come to terms with the face that the world is literally collapsing around her. But the truth will catch up to her, and soon. When the world is about to end, do you still keep fighting? Kamala knows the answer. Let's do this, Jersey City.

Collecting: Ms. Marvel (2014) #16-19, written by G. Willow Wilson and illustrated by Adrian Alphona, plus material fromAmazing Spider-Man (2014) #7-8.

Why It Made The List:

I have been following this series since Volume 1 and am continuously impressed with each new issue that comes out. 

The art is simple but wonderful. The characters are diverse and have strong morals and are honestly excellent role models for teens. They stick to their convictions, love their families, and value their family friendships. 

I don't want to say too much about this volume but I will say that if you like cool female characters who remain true to themselves and have to go through some personal growth and development on their way to becoming the person they were meant to be then this is the story for you.

I will also say that their are some tastefully mentioned religious elements that I think are done so well. 

Honorable Mention:

LOVED THIS!

Oddly Normal Vol 1 & 2 By Otis Frampton

     

Author: Otis Frampton

Illustrator:Otis Frampton

Publisher: Image Comics

Publication Dates: Vol 1: March 2015, Vol 2: Nov 3, 2015

Vol 1 Review:

I had heard good things about this series and after Vol 2 became available to request for review I decided that if I was approved I would get Vol 1 and give this middle grade series a chance.

Well obviously that happened and here I am after reading the first two volumes giving my thoughts and opinions.

To begin, I liked our main character Oddly. She was precocious and spunky and your typical awkward middle school girl. Except she isn't that typical. She has green hair and happens to be half witch. 

Her mother moved to the human realm to report on humans but ended up falling for a human and moved there permanently. 

The land where all the magical creatures live is called Fignation because it is a figment of your imagination which I thought was really cool.

The first volume just gave us a peak into Oddly not being well liked in the mortal realm.

After no one shows up for her birthday party and her parents can't figure out why she wishes they would disappear and to her surprise they do! Along with their house. 

Oddly then gets transported to Fignation while her wacky Aunt tries to figure out how a half witch like her had the powers to make her family disappear.

She starts middle school there and it is just as bad as it was proving it is just a tough age.

Oddly starts to make friends and enemies very quickly.

Overall, very easy to relate to and fun to read. Would definitely recommend for a middle grade audience.

Star Rating:

3.5 out of 5

Description:

"A charming and relatable fish-out-of-water tale." -Hope Larson, A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel In Volume 2, Oddly Normal's adventure in Fignation continues with new friends, new mysteries and new revelations about her missing parents. Meet Oddly Normal, a ten-year-old girl with pointed ears and green hair - a half-witch who will be the first to tell you that having a mother from a magical land called Fignation, also known as the Wicked Witch of the West and a father from Earth doesn't make it easy to make friends at school! On her tenth birthday, she blows out the candles on her birthday cake and makes a disastrous wish. Now, Oddly must travel to Fignation to uncover the mystery of her parents' disappearance. Join Oddly as she navigates a strange new school, teenage angst, monstrous bullies, and Evil itself on an unforgettable fantasy adventure through the vibrant world of Fignation in Oddly Normal. Collecting Oddly Normal #6-10.

Vol 2 Review:

I received Vol 2 from netgalley.com and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I don't want to expand too much on Vol 2 in case you haven't read Vol 1 but if you enjoyed the first volume this picks up right where it left off and does some excellent world building.

I didn't mention this when discussing volume one but the art is very fantastical and very imaginative and the creatures of Fignation are unique. It would be easy to just have vampires and werewolves but this expands on that is such a cool way.

The bus is actually a big bug that takes you around and there are typical creatures but a lot of really fun and inventive ones too.

Overall, I liked the direction this is heading and hope it continues. Oddly is very much your typical pre-teen and I think kids will love getting to know her. I suggest this to any middle grade student who likes fantastical things.

Star Rating:

3.5 out of 5

4 Children's Book Reviews

4 Recent Children's Book Reviews

I received all of the following books in exchange for an honest review from netgalley.com and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Title: Too Many Carrots
Author: Katy Hudson
Publisher: Capstone
Publication Date: Feb 1, 2016

Description:

Rabbit loves carrots. Maybe a little too much. In fact, his carrots are crowding him out of his cozy burrow. When his friends offer to help — that’s just asking for trouble. TOO much trouble! This charming and lovingly illustrated picture book shows how friendships get us over the rough spots in life, even if the going gets a little bumpy!
For ages 3-5. 
*Beautiful picture book showcasing the value of friendship over material items *Adorable animal characters with tons of appeal including a rabbit, tortoise, bird, squirrel, and beaver *Perfect for Easter and Spring promotions

Review:

This was such a fun children's book. It is suggested for kids between the ages of 3-5 and I think that is perfect. This would be a perfect precursor for spring and maybe even the perfect inclusion in an Easter basket.

That age is when children really start to meet friends outside of their family and this is an excellent way to talk to them about the importance of friendships.

The illustrations are awesome and it has a great flow and it will definitely win over the hearts of children in the 3-5 age range. Definitely a great new release.


My Star Rating:

5 out of 5




Title: Squirrel Me Timbers
Author: Louise Pigott
Publisher: Capstone
Publication Date: April 1, 2016

Description:

Ahoy mateys! A young squirrel has always dreamed of sailing the seas as a pirate. So when he finds a treasure map, he can’t believe his luck! X marks the spot of ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND NUTS! Set sail for adventure with vibrant illustrations and imaginative rhyming text to discover how exciting a pirate’s life can be!
For ages 3-6. 
*A spirited picture book full of adventure, mishaps, narrow escapes and a humorous plot twist *Pirates and squirrels are popular and on trend *Rhyming text is fun for read aloud, encouraging participation and engagement *Story teaches children the importance of not giving up hope.

Review:

I loved this selection. Children's books have really been great this year and seem to be headed in an awesome direction in 2016! I love the squirrels and the pirates and all the mishaps and adventures that took place.

It was fun and I could see this being read in a kindergarten classroom and kids participating and enjoying the rhyming rhythm of  the text. So awesome.

Overall, this is a story of a lot of obstacles trying to keep you from completing your goals but keeping hope and faith and completing them despite the difficulties. What a strong image to send young children. I loved it.

The illustrations we also a ton of fun and I think little boys especially will gravitate toward this book.

My Star Rating:

4 out of 5



Title: Why Horses Are...
Author: Tana Thompson
Publisher: Carpenter's Son Publishing
Publication Date: Oct 13, 2015

Description:

It’s not easy to give up something you love, but if you do, for the benefit of a complete stranger, it just might change your life as well. The child in this story has a painful choice to make, and in the process, learns how helping someone else can be more important than keeping the thing you love. In sharing, she receives the gift of joy—and witnesses miracles and magic in others. The story speaks to horse lovers of all ages. Why Horses Are is the second book in the award-winning “Love Unleashed” series. The first book, Why Dogs Are, won the 2014 Silver Medal from Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards (Category: Spirituality), as well as being designated a Finalist in Spirituality for the 2014 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. “Love Unleashed” is a project of Kendall Neff Publishing, which donates 100% of net proceeds from the sale of these books to charities that reflect the focus of each book. The series aims to raise awareness of the roles animals play in our lives that enhance and improve our physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. Proceeds from sales of Why Horses Are will benefit charities that support rescue horses and horse-therapy programs. One such program is the Marianna Greene Henry Special Equestrians (MGHSE), a non-profit program of the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind. MGHSE’s program is a Premier Accredited Center of PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship).

Review:

This was a children's book about giving up something you love for the benefit of others. It was very spiritual and emotional and I think it spread a great message to kids about miracles and faith and if you have a child in your life or you yourself have a great love of horses then I think you would enjoy this.

The illustrations aren't my favorite but I think it had a great message which often times in what you are looking for in children's books. Great lessons about people and morals to help guide them as they grow up. This definitely has that but I couldn't relate to the horse aspect of it. Overall, a pretty decent children's story.

My Star Rating:

3 out of 5


Title: Peanut's Mistake
Author: Karen Kilpatrick
Publisher: Nina Charles Publishing
Publication Date: Oct 6, 2015

Description:

Go, go, go! Peanut’s not slow! But Peanut breaks the rules by running in the house. What will happen when Carmin discovers his big mess? Join Carmin and Peanut in this heartwarming story about learning from mistakes. Part of the national award-winning Pumpkinheads series. Includes learning fun with “The Pumpkinheads Answer.”

Review:

I love Peanut. As a huge dog person I complete relate to dogs needed to grow and learn discipline and I think this is an excellent illustration for children to learn about rule breaking and pet ownership.

Absolutely adorable illustrations and the writing was fantastic. I couldn't suggest this more for young kids whose parents are teaching them about rule breaking, responsibility, or pet ownership.

Such a great read.

My Star Rating:

4 out of 5

5 Favorite Classics/Modern Classics I Read In 2015

Author: Agatha Christie
Title: And Then There Were None
Original Publication Date: November 6, 1939

Buy Here: http://www.amazon.com/And-Then-There-Were-None/dp/0062073486

Description:

First, there were ten - a curious assortment of strangers summoned as weekend guests to a private island off the coast of Devon. Their host, an eccentric millionaire unknown to all of them, is nowhere to be found. All that the guests have in common is a wicked past they're unwilling to reveal - and a secret that will seal their fate. For each has been marked for murder. One by one they fall prey. Before the weekend is out, there will be none. And only the dead are above suspicion.

Reason It Made The List:

I had never read Agatha C. before this and saw the www.audible.com sale included this title several months back. I think I ended up getting it for something like $2-$3 and thought I would give it a try.

My husband also loves audio books as he drives a lot for work so it was nice to "read" this together. We were both pretty enthralled by the mystery and although he claims he knew who the killer was I still have a hard time believing him because I had no idea!

Since then I have purchased a few more Agatha Christie books and am looking forward to getting into another great mystery. 

This was one of my favorites because it got me out of my comfort zone and opened me up to a great new genre. 



Author: Truman Capote
Title: Breakfast at Tiffany's
Original Publication Date: 1958

Buy Here: http://www.amazon.com/Breakfast-at-Tiffanys-Three-Stories/dp/0679745653

Description:

In this seductive, wistful masterpiece, Truman Capote created a woman whose name has entered the American idiom and whose style is a part of the literary landscape. Holly Golightly knows that nothing bad can ever happen to you at Tiffany's; her poignancy, wit, and naïveté continue to charm.

This volume also includes three of Capote's best-known stories, “House of Flowers,” “A Diamond Guitar,” and “A Christmas Memory,” which the Saturday Review called “one of the most moving stories in our language.” It is a tale of two innocents—a small boy and the old woman who is his best friend—whose sweetness contains a hard, sharp kernel of truth.

Reason It Made The List:

Ever since I was a young girl I have watched the film adaptation of this book over and over again. With each passing year and each new viewing you see subtle changes in the way you view the two main characters. I think the film did a great job of making the flaws in these characters a little more difficult to identify. You have to pay attention to some key actions and behaviors to really see that this isn't just a love story, but a love story between two very damaged and broken people.

The movie could have never been the way it was without the beautiful writing of Capote. Absolutely stunning characterization and depth. I read Caopte's "In Cold Blood" several years ago and plan to revisit it sometime in the near future because the way he writes is just unlike anyone else.

If you like romance with a twist you will enjoy this classic.

**This is another I read on audio book and was narrated by Michael C Hall. Definitely an excellent way to read this story.



Author: George Orwell
Title: Animal Farm:
Original Publication Date: August 17, 1945

Buy It Here: http://www.amazon.com/Animal-Farm-George-Orwell/dp/812911612X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1450276028&sr=8-2&keywords=animal+farm

Description:

Tired of their servitude to man, a group of farm animals revolt and establish their own society, only to be betrayed into worse servitude by their leaders, the pigs, whose slogan becomes: "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." Published in 1945, this powerful satire of the Russian Revolution under Stalin remains as vivid and relevant today as it was on its first publication.

Reason It Made The List:


http://readjezireread.blogspot.com/2015/12/5-most-uniquely-written-books-i-read-in.html

See previous blog post about it being:

A) Unique
B) Historical
C) Thought provoking 

and you will have an idea why this continues to appear on my lists this year.

It has definitely inspired me to dive a little deeper into Orwell and I hope I will be exploring more of his work in the upcoming year.




Author: Margaret Atwood

Title: The Handmaid's Tale

Original Publication Date: 1985

Buy It Here: http://www.amazon.com/Handmaids-Tale-Margaret-Atwood/dp/038549081X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450276824&sr=8-1&keywords=the+handmaid%27s+tale

Description:

Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. She may leave the home of the Commander and his wife once a day to walk to food markets whose signs are now pictures instead of words because women are no longer allowed to read. She must lie on her back once a month and pray that the Commander makes her pregnant, because in an age of declining births, Offred and the other Handmaids are valued only if their ovaries are viable. Offred can remember the years before, when she lived and made love with her husband, Luke; when she played with and protected her daughter; when she had a job, money of her own, and access to knowledge. But all of that is gone now...

Reason It Made The List:

I loved this. It seems like a running theme for this post that most books on this list I read via audible.com and were read by someone famous. This version I listened to and it was read by Claire Danes. She did a phenomenal job.

I had been meaning to pick this up for a long time. Margaret Atwood is brilliant and since reading this I have picked up a few more of her stories and loved them. 

This is the predecessor to all modern dystopian and I am thrilled the genre took off the way it did or we wouldn't have things like "The Hunger Games." It was detailed, exciting, and wonderfully written and everything I have read from Atwood since has triggered the same excitement and emotional response as this first go into her writing. If you haven't read this or anything Atwood then you should seriously consider it.

 

Author:Robert Louis Stevenson
Title: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Original Publication Date: January 5, 1886

Buy It Here: (Now part of public domain; read it free on Kindle)

http://www.amazon.com/The-Strange-Case-Jekyll-Hyde-ebook/dp/B0083ZR7BY

Description:

In this harrowing tale of good and evil, the mild-mannered Dr. Jekyll develops a potion that unleashes his secret, inner persona—the loathsome, twisted Mr. Hyde.

Reason It Made The List:

I was surprised at how much I loved this book; again I listened to the audio book. It was wonderful. Full of dark gothic descriptions. Classy gentlemen experimenting in a brand of science that seems to evoke a deeper look into the human spirit.

This isn't just a story about a man and a monster. It is about the duality of all men and the ability to recognize and tame all sides of yourself. None of us are inherently good or evil but good people can do evil things because we all have the ability to choose.

This is short and concise but also thoughtful and provokes the reader to look a little deeper into themselves. Definitely worth the read and despite the time it was publisher it is not full of difficult language but instead has a great flow and reads with ease. 

Summary:


Overall I worked hard to make sure I didn't stick to my usual genres this year. I explored out of my comfort zone and genuinely enjoyed myself and I plan to continue this trend in years to come.