In the first two quarters of 2016 I read a total of 13 books. This whole year is definitely a low-reading year, which I blame entirely on my adorable children and the fact that we moved this year. But at least I got a few books in! Here are the books I read:
- Carry On by Rainbow Rowell (2.75 stars) - In concept, this book was brazen, imaginative, and gutsy. In execution, however, this book was really, really bloody boring.
- The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins (3.5 stars) - A gripping and disturbing mystery that I really should not have read.
- The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen (4 stars) - A slower political fantasy peppered with some pretty spectacular moments of excitement.
- The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty (4.5 stars) - Charming, fun, witty, a little gritty, and everything else Moriarty is known for. I was especially touched by the devastatingly accurate portrayal of PPD.
- Scarlet by Marissa Meyer (4 stars) - Not my favorite in the series, but still a fun read. (How do I not have reviews posted for this series yet?)
- Cress by Marissa Meyer (5 stars) - Definitely my favorite in the series. I could not put this book down. Full review to come.
- Winter by Marissa Meyer (4 stars) - I thought the revolutionary aspect of the story was way oversimplified, but I enjoyed the cast and had a fun time reading.
- The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski (4 stars) - An emotionally intelligent YA revolutionary novel, though I missed Kestrel's mind from the earlier books.
- Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff (4 stars) - Exhilirating and original, with a LOT of violence and an unfortunate level of crass.
- The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen (3.25 stars) - I give this series major props for originality, but wish it spent more time answering my questions than giving me new ones. I'll definitely be reading book 3 when it comes out, though.
- Maybe In Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid (4.25 stars) - Short, funny, and thought-provoking. This book raises a lot of questions in a mostly light and conversational way. This would be a good book club choice.
- Ready Player One by Ernest Cline (DNF) - This book has so many positive reviews, but I just couldn't do it. Nothing I did could get me into this story. Apologies to the fans.
- The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (4.5 stars) - This book was not a happy story and yet I left it feeling hopeful. Believing in beauty and truth and love. Believing that good can come from strange back doors. And believing that even if life is one giant game of Screw You, there's a way to play that game joyfully.
And here are some graphs:
It is becoming abundantly apparent that I am quite liberal with my 4-star rating. What can I say, I read a lot of good books. :)
How were your first two quarters?
Looks like you read some great books this year so far. I don't think I've read that many 4 star books this year. But we all know I'm a rather stingy star giver.
ReplyDeleteI respect your star stinginess. I sometimes think maybe I'm too liberal with my stars. Oh well. :)
DeleteI'm so glad you got around to finishing the Lunar Chronicles they are amazing.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Me too. That series was a lot of fun.
Delete