I’m pretty sure the only 2016 goal I have managed to stay on track of so far this year has been my goal to read one book each month…done and done! I know with travel and trips and vacations galore for so many of us this summer, it’s nice to recap and read what others think when you’re looking for a new read. Here’s a little look and see about my first six books for 2016:
January: All The Light We Cannot See. If you’re into historical fiction and/or anything that has to do with World War II, you will enjoy this tremendously… it’s about a blind girl in Paris and a young German boy, on opposing sides of the war, and their struggle to survive during this horrific time in our history. It was AMAZING and I would highly recommend to everyone!
February: The Nightingale. Though the previous read above won the Pulitzer Prize, I actually enjoyed this story a bit more. Again it’s set in France during the beginning of World War II, but follows the story of two sisters who go to great lengths to protect their family and their way of life, while showcasing the important role women played during this era. SOOOOOOO good.
March: The Good Girl. I’m all about the suspenseful novel that keeps you on your toes, and this one didn’t disappoint. It is very similar to the stories by Gillian Flynn [Dark Places, Gone Girl, Sharp Objects] but definitely had it’s own “flair” for keeping me hooked into the storyline. I wouldn’t say this is necessarily a “girly/beach read” but definitely enjoyed this and would read this author again.
April: The Nest. Out o’ f all the books I’ve read thus far in 2016, I’d have to say this has been my least favorite. It wasn’t bad, but I got bored with the story and I think it was drawn out a bit longer than it needed to be. I know some other friends loved it, but it was mediocre for me.
May: Luckiest Girl Alive. Another suspenseful fiction book that I couldn’t put down… definitely a page turner and one that I read in less than a week because I enjoyed it so much. It paints the picture of a life that anyone would dream of, but the main character has a major secret that’s followed her for years. Absolutely loved this one!
June: Me Before You. No, I haven’t seen the movie, and I’m not sure I will anytime soon. I had a feeling how this story would end, and it definitely had me guessing, but in the end, I was right about the main plot and what would happen… it wasn’t shocking, it was a semi-typical love story, but still a good read nonetheless.
There you go! I won’t be quitting my day job anytime soon to become a book editior [obviously], but I hope this helps shed some light/opinions on what I thought about my first reads of the year. Hoping I can keep this up through the next six months!
I started the nightingale a few months ago and totally lost interest. It wasn't moving fast enough for me, so I got bored and put it down. I still want to finish it, especially since everyone seems to love it, maybe on vaca next week!
definitely give it another go!!!!!
I just finished luckiest girl alive! Such a good easy read!
Thanks for sharing!! I loved Nightingale & really like Me Before You but it was definitely sad. I am glad you shared that about The Nest – I saw people reading it and debated picking it up!
Yay! I love book posts! I just read The Butterfly Garden, which I think you would enjoy if you liked The Good Girl and Luckiest Girl Alive.
I agree 100% on your review of The Nest, a good story it just dragged a bit.
I would recommend reading the sequel to Me Before You, called "After You." I liked revisiting the Louisa character and seeing how she re-built her life and searched for happiness after Will.
The Nightingale and All the Light were such good stories! WWII historical fiction is my fav genre. I would recommend Secrets of a Charmed Life.
Adding these books to my list…THANK YOU LIZ
Random question, but when do you read?! Before bed? I haven't read a book in like 3 years but am now trying to find one of your recommendations through the library for a weekend getaway!
hahaha… yes! I normally go into my room about 9pm and read for an hour before heading to bed… the only way I can relax and get it done
I commend you for even reading "the luckiest girl alive" I thought it was so poorly written I couldn't even finish the book I ended up donating it to the good will that's how much I thought it was a terrible novel! đ Kristin Hannah has become my new favorite author, her last book the Nightingale was one of the best books I've read and that was last summer! Have yet to read anything to top it's place!
I absolutely love reading but with busy schedules, I hardly find the time! I also made it my mission this year to read more – and not doing so badly! I loved Me Before You and cannot wait for the movie but I didn't enjoy the next one – After You! I'm almost finished The Good Girl and really enjoying it too. Definitely going to try Luckiest Girl Alive next. You should read Carnal Innocence?
x
Just catching up, but I read the Nightingale and All the Light too and they were both SO GOOD. All the Light may be right up there on the list of best books I've ever read. I loved it so much! I'm reading The Book Thief now…have you read that one? I'm only 2 chapters in, but it's wonderful. Adding the rest of these to my list!
Thanks for sharing these! I listened to The Good Girl on audio read by Johnny Heller…loved it! đ