Book Review 2016
For all you ladies out there knocking out 20+ books a year, I am so envious! I read 12 books in 2016 and that was a BIG year for me. I have found it is much easier to knock out a great fiction book compared to these deeper self help books I feel I need to absorb. I’m a little late to the game reviewing my tops for 2016 but since I’ve had the graphic sitting in my drafts since late December it seemed too sad to wasted it!
12
Because I’m all about saving the best for last, let’s start with my least favorite read. Nantucket Nights
did not wow me like other Elin books have. Maybe it’s the fact that being the mom of sons I was a little creeped out by the story line but this one was just meh.
did not wow me like other Elin books have. Maybe it’s the fact that being the mom of sons I was a little creeped out by the story line but this one was just meh. 11
The Choice
was just a typical love story. It was an easy read and I liked the characters but there was no urgency to finish this book. I really felt like the ending was some what predictable. Not my favorite from Sparks but The Notebook is hard to beat!
was just a typical love story. It was an easy read and I liked the characters but there was no urgency to finish this book. I really felt like the ending was some what predictable. Not my favorite from Sparks but The Notebook is hard to beat! 10
This book, Chasing Sunsets, was a freebie I downloaded from Amazon and I was pleasantly surprised. It was an easy read, somewhat predictable but I definitely was able to relate a little.
9
I loved reading Bare Bones
! If you do not listen to the Bobby Bones show you will not have any interest at all in this book but if you do it was a great read. I love to read stories of someone making something of themselves even when they were not provided the best start in life. Plus I love the Pimpin Joy series they do on the radio and the book gives some insight on how that came about.
! If you do not listen to the Bobby Bones show you will not have any interest at all in this book but if you do it was a great read. I love to read stories of someone making something of themselves even when they were not provided the best start in life. Plus I love the Pimpin Joy series they do on the radio and the book gives some insight on how that came about.8
So I was really excited about reading The Royal We
because “everyone” I knew was reading it and not being able to put it down. Well, I was sucked in but at some point the book just started feeling really, really long and I kind of got bored. It took me forever to finally finish and I was glad I did because I was happy with the ending but it was not the easiest to read for me.
because “everyone” I knew was reading it and not being able to put it down. Well, I was sucked in but at some point the book just started feeling really, really long and I kind of got bored. It took me forever to finally finish and I was glad I did because I was happy with the ending but it was not the easiest to read for me. 7
After You, well, let’s just say it was a book that sucked me in and I did love reading it but found myself a little mad about how things ended in Me Before You more than I was when I read that book. I did love this book but definitely not as much as number 1.
6
Can not even tell you why I would have downloaded this book other than it was on special for $2.99 one day and was a top seller but I am glad (I think) that I did. Pretty Girls
is a one time read but I could not put it down. It is demented and twisted but it sucked me in; like reading at stop lights sucked in. I could not put it down until I was done and I think it only took me 24 hours tops.
is a one time read but I could not put it down. It is demented and twisted but it sucked me in; like reading at stop lights sucked in. I could not put it down until I was done and I think it only took me 24 hours tops. 5
If you want an inspiring read that will really make you want to go out and change the world, Daring Greatly
is it. There is so much inspiration and goodness in this book but, y’all, it took me probably six months or so to finally finish it. I loved it but I had to highlight and take notes and really soak it up.
is it. There is so much inspiration and goodness in this book but, y’all, it took me probably six months or so to finally finish it. I loved it but I had to highlight and take notes and really soak it up. 4
Keep It Shut
, oh how I needed this book! One of my favorite pieces of advice was Karen sharing “don’t say something permanently painful just because you are temporarily ticked off”. Whew, so many of her words had me nodding my head in shame for sure. I shared a few more of the quotes from the book in a Thirsty Thursday review.
, oh how I needed this book! One of my favorite pieces of advice was Karen sharing “don’t say something permanently painful just because you are temporarily ticked off”. Whew, so many of her words had me nodding my head in shame for sure. I shared a few more of the quotes from the book in a Thirsty Thursday review. 3
Lysa never, ever disappoints and I found so much goodness in this book, Uninvited
. For me, there have been so many instances in life when I have projected past hurt and rejection on a current circumstance and this book helped me see some things more clearly. Lysa just has a way of making me feel less ashamed of my brokenness.
. For me, there have been so many instances in life when I have projected past hurt and rejection on a current circumstance and this book helped me see some things more clearly. Lysa just has a way of making me feel less ashamed of my brokenness. 2
I wasn’t sure how I would feel about the book, Still Alice
, because Alzheimers is definitely a disease that seems to strip all dignity. This book is so beautifully written and really gives some insight into what a person might be going through as well as what her family may endure. Yes, lots and lots of tears but I think this was one of my to reads of all time.
, because Alzheimers is definitely a disease that seems to strip all dignity. This book is so beautifully written and really gives some insight into what a person might be going through as well as what her family may endure. Yes, lots and lots of tears but I think this was one of my to reads of all time. 1
Tears obviously get the highest marks from me in 2016! Grab the tissues and set aside enough time to read this one all the way through! Me Before You was one of the most emotional books I’ve read in a long time. I have not even been able to bring myself to watch the movie because I feel I need to be completely alone to ugly cry that much. Definitely my number one for 2016!
Now, it’s 2017 and I feel like I’m already off to a great start! It always helps to begin the first week on vacation right? I’ve read three books and it’s only January 19th! Hoping to make book reviews more of a monthly occurrence around here.
Would love to hear what you are reading!
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I have a few of these books added to my list to read this year!!
Thank you for sharing!!
I read me before you and loved it but hated the ending. I just got after you and am looking forward to reading it. I'm reading it ends with us right now and so far so good ! I'm adding some of these to my book list for this year !
Me Before You was definitely one of my favorites! Thanks for sharing your list!
I read Pretty Girls and loved it too! I'm always on the lookout for a good read!
I'm reading It Ends With Us right now too….totally sucked in! I'm weird..and I could totally "get" the ending of Me Before You and didn't hate it….like I said until After You and then I was so mad at him. 🙂
What awesome reads. Nantucket nights was my least favourite of all the Elin books too. I didn't enjoy the plot at all
Thanks for all the reviews. I read four of them and agree with your thoughts. I am presently reading "The Marriage Lie" and listening to "The Kennedy Women" and I am enjoying both of them.
I still have Daring Greatly on my TBR. I bought it a few months ago and still haven't gotten to it but I've read some of Brene Brown's stuff online and am sure it is a fantastic book. I must read it soon.
https://runwright.net/2017/01/19/one-weeks-worth/
I haven't read any of these! I will add your faves to my to-be-read list!
Have you seen Me Before You the movie? It's just as good. And this is coming from someone who has loved that book from BEFORE it was the it book to read. After You wasn't as good, I agree, but I like the nice bow of closure it provided me for each of the characters.
You MUST see the movie! It was the first movie in a long time that I liked over the book! So so good!
Thanks for sharing this! I love book reviews! I have had Daring Greatly on my to-read list for awhile and I need to read it SOON! I read Me Before You and the 2nd book and loved the first one the most… the movie was good, too! Yes, I was a little mad at how it ended, though!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Wow, 12 books?! That is really great! I barely have time to read 5 or 6 per year. I read Me Before You last year as well and it was excellent. I made the mistake of taking it on our beach trip, so I was laying out on the beach sobbing like a baby. Haha. I will definitely bring something lighter this year!
I may have to download Pretty Girls. I have been home sick for 2 days and I need a good book. There is one waiting for me at the library but I can not bring myself to get dressed and go get it! LOL
You did good girl. If it weren't for book club, I'd never get a book finished. We are currently reading Hillbilly Elegy. We'll see how it goes. One of my girlfriends hates it already. LOL I have a stack of books to get through this year.
Me Before You was such a great book. I haven't seen the movie yet either. Thanks for sharing your reviews! I have a few new ones to add to my reading list!
Jill
Doused In Pink
Love this post – I'm not sure I could remember all the books enough to review them. And I think I read 5. 🙂
Too bad we don't live closer we could have a movie night Jill!
Lol….I have never done a book club. I am pretty committed most of the time when I start a book and I'll finish it regardless but sometimes it might take me years haha
I hope you are feeling better!!
Huge for me really…..I've gotten better at taking a book along for those big breaks at baseball games and those times I'm sitting and waiting for a kid to finish dance or some other lesson. Of course some of these literally meant me shirking every bit of responsibility over a weekend and reading non-stop!
Daring Greatly is full of wisdom but don't rush reading it….I seriously highlighted like crazy and then went back and took notes. 🙂
It's on my list Laura! I finally got a new dvr for Christmas so maybe I'll actually do it. 🙂
Totally agree with the closure and you guys have convinced me I NEED to watch the movie!!!
Yea! I hope to share more this year Dara.
Yes! Dive in but be sure to take your time…so much goodness to soak up!
Thanks for the recommendations Katie!
Right Sarita?!! I was like…um..no…I would have lost my mind. 🙂
Seriously….only someone else who has read it can possibly understand how it could be so good..when it's so demented. Have a super weekend Kellyann!
I so need to rent the movie Tanya! Maybe it will be another blah weekend and I'll have time. 🙂
Totally marked down your monthly book linkup this morning! Going to make it a goal to have at least one book each month to share.
The only one I've read off your list is The Royal We – and I liked it, but agree it was a little too long. Thanks so much for all the great recommends – I'm super impressed that you read 12 books!