Top Ten Books Read in 2015

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. There is a new subject each week and this week's topic is "Top Ten New to Me Authors I Read in 2015".

I always wish this topic would be used at the end of the year as we still have a few weeks of 2015 left and I may read some amazing books before the end of the year.

Top ten books for adults:

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

If I had to pick just one book that is my favorite read of the year, The Nightingale would be it. It is such an emotional story. I think it is Kristin Hannah's best book.

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

This book made my list last week for top ten new to me authors. I loved the historical detail and the writing style and I think the book is still timely.

The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat by Edward Kelsey Moore

I knew when I read this that it would make my top ten list for 2015. The funny thing is that even though I'd heard of it before it was published, I hadn't planned on reading it till I was looking for newer books for my book group to discuss. I am so glad we read it! I think readers who loved The Help would really like this too.

Flame Tree Road by Shona Patel

I thought this prequel to Teatime for the Firefly is even better than the first book. I loved the setting and Biren, especially as a kid who just wanted to help people. He is quite a character.

When the Moon is Low by Nadia Hashimi

Although it's not as good as The Pearl That Broke Its Shell, I really liked this novel about the plight of refugees and the prejudice and hardship they face.

The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy E. Reichert

This novel is a foodie's delight and also perfect for fans of movies like You've Got Mail. I loved the food descriptions and the fun cast of characters.

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

Who would have thought a book about a grumpy man would make me laugh so much? I really enjoyed this novel and seeing how Ove's life was changed because of some caring neighbors with boundary issues. The sarcastic sense of humor really appealed to me too.

The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

This is a fun novel inspired by the real life relationship of Kate Middleton and Prince William. It also reminded me of The Prince and Me. 

Still Alice by Lisa Genova

This was such an emotional and powerful story. The author does a good job of putting you in the shoes of someone with early onset Alzheimer's Disease and also showing how it affects loved ones.

A Heart Revealed by Josi S. Kilpack

This novel touched a personal chord with me as it deals with alopecia. It stood out to me because it is more than a Regency romance. The novel really allows the characters to grow and develop from who they are at the beginning which makes the happy ending so much more satisfying.



Top ten books for teens:

Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine

Having read a couple of her Morganville Vampire novels, I wasn't sure what to expect of this fantasy novel about a world where printed books are illegal but I was blown away by it. There are high stakes and losses and interesting characters including one that reminded me of Severus Snape. I can't wait for the next book!

Winter by Marissa Meyer

The final book in the Lunar Chronicles brought the series to a satisfying end. I loved these novels and was so happy that Winter didn't disappoint. I remember how hesitant I was to pick up Cinder when it was first published because I didn't care for the cover and wasn't sure that I'd like reading about a science fiction version of Cinderella with a cyborg but boy was I wrong!

The Storyspinner by Becky Wallace 

I was so pleased with this debut fantasy novel. It reminded me in a good way of Falling Kingdoms and even The Girl of Fire and Thorns trilogy. I loved the world building and the action and the complicated characters. I can't wait to get my hands on book two!

The Immortal Heights by Sherry Thomas 

This is the final book in a top notch YA fantasy series that I highly recommend (unless you don't like romance at all because that is part of the storyline). I think it is great when the last book in a trilogy is just as good as the first. 

All the Rage by Courtney Summers 

All the Rage was definitely an emotional and thought provoking book. Romy was date raped but when she went to the authorities, the town pretty much turned on her because the rapist was a popular jock and the son of the town sheriff. Romy is regularly bullied but no one does anything to stop it. The book makes for pretty grim reading but it is important and there is a ray of hope in the end.

The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord 

I loved Emery Lord's debut, Open Road Summer, and I thought this was fantastic too. Paige is grieving the loss of her boyfriend the year before but she has decided to tackle the new school year with a list of things to do to show everyone that she is just fine and moving forward with her life. Her list includes going on a date, trying something new and overcoming something she fears. I really enjoyed seeing Paige make new friends and try new things.

What We Saw by Aaron Hartzler 

This novel is inspired by the Steubenville rape case and other similar stories. I thought the author did a good job of writing the book in a thoughtful way that makes the reader question things and it never once felt like an "after-school special"

The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski 

The Winner's Crime is an excellent follow up to the first book in the series, The Winner's Curse. I love the politics and the intrigue and action and this one ended with a shocking cliffhanger. 

Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson 

Although I prefer the Girl of Fire and Thorns trilogy, I really liked this first book in her new series in an alternate Old West during the Gold Rush. Lost of historical detail and the Oregon trail added to the appeal for me and the fantasy element is light so it's a good choice for those who are hesitant about fantasy.

Dumplin' by Julie Murphy

There was a lot of hype about this one before it was published and thankfully it lives up to it. I liked Willowdean and her sassy and unapologetic attitude.