Daniel and I have been on a mission to read more in 2015. I've always been a little bit of a bookworm, but definitely have my moments where I'm more prone to binge watch TV (House of Cards, anyone?) than pick up a book.
Since I'm such a goal and list oriented person, I found it was helpful to 1) set a goal of number of books to read in the year and 2) to make a list of the books I want to read so I always know what to read next. I get borderline obsessive about meeting goals, so my plan is really forcing me to make more time for reading.
This year, I found a fun reading challenge from the blogger behind Modern Mrs. Darcy. Here are my picks for her 2015 challenge (some of which I have read, some which are still in my queue!):
A book you've been meaning to read: The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
This novel has been on my Kindle for about a year--after I finish my current book (March, see below) it will be one of the next books I read in 2015. A romantic story of a genetics professor on a scientific search for the perfect partner.
A book published this year: Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee
The recently recovered sequel to one of my all-time favorite books, To Kill a Mockingbird. The intrigue surrounding the book has me even more captivated--did Harper Lee even want this published?--but ultimately I have decided that I need to read it out my deepest respect and admiration for her writing.
A book in a genre you don't typically read: Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Science fiction is not usually my go-to genre, but I've heard incredible things about this post-apocalyptic novel and am really looking forward to getting my hands on it.
A book from your childhood: Flipped by Wendelin van Draanen
I was a HUGE fan of the Sammy Keyes series in 5th and 6th grade (launching my serious love affair with all things mystery), so at the time this sweet, romantic story from the same author was never on my radar. I had people to spy on and write about in my composition notebook!
A book your mom loves: Outlander by Diana Galbadon
My mom raves about this series and I'm excited to finally dig in this year. There is also a BBC miniseries based on the books. It involves time travel, romance, action and men in kilts--all the ingredients for a great story.
A book that was originally written in a different language: Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Tolstoy makes a couple appearances on my to-read list for 2015, but this is the one I'm most excited about reading.
A book "everyone" has read but you: The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
One of those classics that I somehow never read. Daniel loves this book, so I'm excited to finally read it this year.
A book you chose because of the cover: Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
My mom lent me this book, but it was sitting on my bedside table for a while without me picking it up. One evening, I turned off my bedside light to go to sleep and rolled over--to my shock, this book was GLOWING IN THE DARK. So of course I turned the light back on and started reading it immediately. This one is a fun, captivating a ride.
A book by a favorite author: March by Geraldine Brooks
Just started this one--Geraldine Brooks is hands down one of my favorite authors. Her gift of prose, combined with her complete dedication to thorough historical research, make her writing deeply compelling. This one is written from the perspective of the father in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, following his journey as a chaplain through the American Civil War.
A book recommended by someone with great taste: Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
Set in Tudor England, this book comes highly recommended by my sister Heather, who is one of the most well-read people I know.
A book you should have read in high school: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
I was inspired to pick this book up when Ms. Angelou was scheduled to speak at one of our events last year--sadly due to illness she wasn't able to make it, and has since passed away. I love her gift of poetic observation.
A book that's currently on the bestseller list: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Though I'll admit it has taken me months to get through this book, it is an intriguing and beautifuly written story. I love historical fiction that has an element of action/thriller/mystery (a la People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks, one of my favorite books of all time.)
And here are a few others on my list for 2015...
Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber
The Apprentice: My Life in the Kitchen by Jacques Pepin
The Alchemist by Paul Coelho
The Engagements by J. Courtney Sullivan
Scary Close by Donald Miller
The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
Happy reading!
