Now, I carry whatever I'm reading, the hard copy or my Kindle, with me wherever I go. Ten minutes to kill before picking up my daughter and nephews at school? I squeeze in a chapter. Find myself aimlessly searching for something to watch on TV, or staring vacuously at my computer screen? I shut the TV off or close my screen and read.
It is hands down the best resolution I've ever made.
For this year, rather than rehash how I've increased my book tally, I've decided to list the best of 2015 adventures. For all my 2015 reviews, click here.
My Top 5
I've provided my initial write-up of the book after I read it. In red are additional comments of mine as I write this.
5. The Pearl that Broke Its Shell Nadia Hashimi
At first the book was a bit slow, but as it picked up, I got more into the story and the characters. It was interesting to learn about the custom of bacha posh--the practice of passing a young daughter off as a son--and to think that puberty is the cut-off line for when a girl is seen as useful to her family. I liked the parallel narrative of Rahima and Shekiba, but felt the ending for both was rushed. I have not issue with open-ended conclusions, but how the author got there was abrupt. The book lends itself to great discussions of gender identity and freedom in one's own skin. 4.5/5 In looking at my ratings, I was initially surprised that this book scored as high as it did. But then, I reread my review and thought back on the book and remembered that this book was pretty solid. This was a good lesson for me because without my ratings and reviews, The Pearl may have slipped through the cracks.
4. Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a College Town by Jon Krakauer
As I read this book, I kept adding to my list of people who should read it. At first I was thinking parents of young women about to enter college, then I was thinking the young women themselves and now I realize everyone is a stake holder in rape culture, from the those who may be victimized to those who might be perpetrators, from law enforcement to educators, from coaches to athletes and every possible combination in between. I was not surprised by the treatment victims received, even when perpetrators confessed to the crime. While so much of the book enraged me, there were important facts about how victims of sexual assaults behave after the fact and about the probability of rapists to rape again that should one ever find him/herself in the presence of a rape victim--either as a friend or a jury member--they'll have a better understanding of the larger issue and hopefully more compassion than judgement. While the book focuses on one town, rape culture is an issue nationwide and an important topic for everyone to educate themselves about. 5/5 I have not stopped recommending this book to anyone who will listen. Really. Read it.
3. The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
I do not think I've read a more compelling nonfiction book. Rowing is not something that particularly appeals to me, though I now have a greater understanding and appreciation for the sport having read this book. Yet, the author was able to make me care about rowing because I cared about the men in the boat. Also interesting was the history behind the 1936 Olympics and the extensive propaganda carried out to keep the world from discovering Germany's true intentions. I loved it. 5/5 I bought this for my dad for Christmas. I'm really hoping he likes it as much as I did. I think he'll appreciate the work ethic and dedication of these young men as my dad has an insane work ethic as well.
2. All the Light we Cannot See by Antony Doerr
This was my favorite read of 2015 so far. Doerr brings each character in the book to life with very little effort. I was rooting for Marie-Laure and Werner throughout the entire novel. The relationships in the novel, father-daughter, sister-brother, uncle-niece, and everything in between were authentic and sincere. I loved how Doerr showed us who each of these characters was through his/her relationships with others. The structure of the novel was great too in that each chapter was extremely short, and left me wanting to know more about that character. However, to get to the next step, I had to read another, equally compelling, piece of another character's plot line. Lastly, I loved that there were so many perspectives of the war introduced--the occupied, the German soldier, the opportunistic jeweler, the innocent children of both Germany and France, the rebels, the weak and selfish, the brave. I loved it. 5/5 I love the conversations I've been able to have since starting this challenge two years ago. From colleagues to family to strangers, you're never at a loss for something to talk about when you read. Case in point, I struck up a conversation with a woman in BJs about this book after I finished it. She was hesitant to get it. Her daughter recommended it, but she wasn't sure. After we talked, she said she was excited to read it. Mission accomplished.
1. The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah
I did not expect to like this book as much as I did. I have read other books by Kristin Hannah, and while I liked them, one might categorize them as "chick lit"--which is well and good for a fun, quick read. But when you're reading a book about WWII, chick lit isn't going to have the gravitas one would expect. I'm glad I got over myself and read this despite my preconceived notion of what it would be like. Though the book was a little slow in the beginning, it wound up being a wonderful read. I loved Isabelle's fierce spirit, Vianne's reluctant courage and the way the sisters come to understand their father through "their" war. There are some predictable moments, but many poignant ones as well. Overall, the book offers flawed (as in personality, not writing) but admirable characters as well as numerous lessons on how little time we have to tell those we love how much we do and how important it is to do something that matters. 5/5 I'm pretty sure this will be on the required reading list for my Heroine's Journey class next year. The more I think about the book and remember reading it, the more excited I am to share it with more people.
Honorable Mention:
Written in my Own Heart's Blood by Diana Gabaldon
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| My husband and I dressed as Jamie and Claire from the Outlander series on Halloween. |
OK, so this Honorable Mention gives me a chance to talk about my new book obsession. But, isn't that something that deserves to be noted? I mean, this series got me talking about something more than Harry Potter, and I think my mom is glad that I've moved on from dressing as a teenage boy wizard for Halloween...
But really, it was gripping, well-written, and a nice ending for characters I came to really care about. However, I have heard a rumor she is currently working on the ninth book.
Looking for a new book obsession? The Outlander series is it.
