I tried something this past year that I have never done before. I wrote down every book I read. (At least I hope I got them all written down.) What a privilege to live in a country where we can read what we want and have books so easily accessible. I don’t take that for granted.

I also believe reading can be a luxury, a guilty pleasure, and a necessity at times.

Here is my list for 2016. I took my notes from my reading journal and put them in this post. They aren’t thorough reviews (or even complete sentences), just my thoughts upon finishing each book.

Enjoy!!

 

This novel by Greg Iles is good, fast-paced, dark, violent, and long at 865 pages. Iles is an intelligent and good writer. It was a worthwhile read.

 

 

I enjoy reading work by Jennifer Weiner. I liked this novel. It was mostly believable with good lessons to learn from reading it.

 

 

 

I love JoJo Moyes! I loved this book. I laughed, I cried. I wish I could write like her. Wow.

 

 

 

Reading James Herriot is so enjoyable. This reminded me when I was little and wanted to be a vet.

 

 

 

Once again, James Herriot was wonderful in his writings. I especially loved the last story.

 

 

 

 

I found this book a little disappointing and somewhat unbelievable. I did like the character, Alan Grant, the inspector.

 

 

This short novel by Rob Buyea was a sweet, endearing book that my son read first. The story is told through each character’s experience.

 

Willa Cather is a marvelous writer. This was very good. I loved it. It was heartfelt, descriptive, and hopeful.

 

Written by Genevieve Morgan, this is a great book! Reads kind of like a text book (but, not a boring one). Opened my mind – especially reading about the gap year.

 

Sweet, real at times, liked the male character better than the female. It had a happy ending: no death, no tears (maybe a teary eye).

 

 

 

 

This book, written by Arianna Huffington, was good, inspiring, and gave me permission to relax and enjoy life a bit. Felt a little wordy and repetitive at times.

 

 

This was on summer “best reads” lists. It was good, easy to read. A few times it felt characters weren’t “true” to character with words or actions. I enjoyed this book, though.

 

 

 

Such a talented writer. How can anyone not love Jack Reacher? Short novels. I listened to this audiobook and enjoyed it very much – fun to listen to.

 

 

Wish I hadn’t read it. It was an Oprah pick. Cynthia Bond is a talented writer who uses lots of similes, metaphors, description, and symbolism. It was too dark, violent, and unrealistic (at times) for me.

 

 

 

I loved this novel by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore. It was well written: lots of metaphors, similes, and descriptive writing and also lots of twists and turns.

 

Published in Germany and then translated – Great book. Thoughtful, sweet, hopeful, characters with deep and intense emotions.

 

 

 

A whole book about what the author “likes.” “My practice of sustained elation.” I really enjoyed it!

 

 

 

YA book – good writer – I enjoyed her insights. Little jumpy at times. It was easy to put down and pick back up again. Good.

 

 

 

 

 

Very glad I read this book. It’s about not overparenting – how parents should support, not coach. Let kids make mistakes and learn from them.

 

 

 

 

 

Another YA book. It was entertaining, somewhat of a page turner. At times inconsistent, far-fetched, and unrealistic, but still a really fun read. It’s a romantic thriller.

 

 

 

Very interesting and though provoking. Learned we shouldn’t limit ourselves. Also, we don’t have to listen to the constant chatter in our heads.

 

 

 

 

“The Jubliee Express” – Maureen Johnson. Book is made up of 3 Christmas Romances. Loved her voice. Recommended by one of my daughters.

 

 

 

 

Very good. He (Nicholas Sparks) always gets at least one tear from me  Reminded me of my marriage.

 

 

 

 

An adult coloring book – Delightful, well done. Trying to decide if I should keep it or gift it.

 

 

 

 

By Michael Brandman. Quick, short paragraphs. I liked that. Pulled me in some, but somewhat unrealistic and lacking detail.

 

 

 

Good book. Same author as Water for Elephants. I love her character Angus.

 

 

 

 

By Rebecca Skloot. Thought-provoking, well researched. Well done, but I didn’t like reading about cancer.

 

 

 

60 sensational treats you can pull off in a snap. Love the cover. Mainly got it to give to my mom.

 

 

 

 

By Jojo Moyes, Loved it, of course. Sequel to Me Before You.

 

 

 

 

By Karen Salmansohn. “365 days of inspiration, gratitude, and joy.” Fun, cheery, book.

 

 

 

By Christopher Hart. Fun, instructional book on drawing characters.

 

 

 

 

By Ellen Hopkins. YA book (not sure how). Graphic, violent, teens turning to prostitution to survive or try to survive. 5 main characters. Pulls the reader in. Written in verse.

 

 

 

By Lee Child. Consistently good writing. Strong Character. Violence. Suspense. Listened to this on audiobook. Took a week.

 

 

 

 

Mainly bought it to read the introduction by Lee Child explaining how he became a writer. Fun to read his first novel.

 

 

 

Gorgeous book! Loved all the photos of houses across the U.S. Liked the “hints for a happier home.”