Best books of 2016 (and a few from 2015)
In the past years, I have only included books in the year ending in my best books of the year list. However, this year, I was not as impressed with the offerings. As I reflected on the year, many of the best books that I read are books published in 2015 that I did not read until 2016. Therefore, this year I am making an exception. I am posting my six favorites from 2016, and my six favorite 2015 books that I read in 2016. I hope you will forgive the change, and I hope they will publish better titles in 2017. I am especially wishing for better choices for guys.
Best books Published in 2016
The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
Natasha and her family are facing deportation gack to Jamaica. Natasha is spending her last day in the US desperately searching for some official who is wiling to stop this disaster, so she can stay in the country she has called home for the past 10 years. On the same day, Daniel is heading to a Yale interview for a future his parents want more than he does when he spies the radiant Natasha. Instantly smitten, Daniel devises a way to spend the day with the girl he is sure could be his true love. It doesn't matter that they come from different cultures and like different subjects; Daniel knows they could be perfect for each other. However, wiith Natasha's uncertain future, what chance does true love have? I really didn't think Yoon could top Everything, Everything, but she did. Watching Natasha and Daniel fall in love will charm and delight you, and Yoon's prose is pure poetry. Interspersed in the novel are windows into the lives of the side characters in the story, whose actions affect the fate of the young lovers, and each of these is a perfect star in the universe of this story. This is a book that will make your heart grow three times bigger. Highly recommended!
Natasha and her family are facing deportation gack to Jamaica. Natasha is spending her last day in the US desperately searching for some official who is wiling to stop this disaster, so she can stay in the country she has called home for the past 10 years. On the same day, Daniel is heading to a Yale interview for a future his parents want more than he does when he spies the radiant Natasha. Instantly smitten, Daniel devises a way to spend the day with the girl he is sure could be his true love. It doesn't matter that they come from different cultures and like different subjects; Daniel knows they could be perfect for each other. However, wiith Natasha's uncertain future, what chance does true love have? I really didn't think Yoon could top Everything, Everything, but she did. Watching Natasha and Daniel fall in love will charm and delight you, and Yoon's prose is pure poetry. Interspersed in the novel are windows into the lives of the side characters in the story, whose actions affect the fate of the young lovers, and each of these is a perfect star in the universe of this story. This is a book that will make your heart grow three times bigger. Highly recommended!
Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
Lina has moved to Florence, Italy, but although she is in one of the most romantic cities in the world, she just wants to go home. She stays because it was her mother's dying wish that she get to know her dad, a man who lives in Florence who she has never even spoken to. When Lina is given her mother's journal from the time she lived in Florence, she discovers a world of secret romances that will lead her to finally discover who was her mother's true love, who was Lina's father, and why her mom left the city she cherished. To help her, Lina gets the help of Ren, an enigmatic Italian/American boy who lives near her. With Ren's help, she not only will discover the secrets of her mom's past, but also the secret to her own destiny. People come to Italy for love and gelato, and if they are lucky, they discover much more. I read this book based off of a student recommendation, and I am so glad that I did. It is one of the best romances that I have read in ages. Lina's journey to discover the truth about her past leads her on all kinds of romantic romps with the charming Ren. I was enraptured by the mystery, and Lina's own attempts at her own romance and adventures. This book is as sweet and perfect as gelato, and now I am desperate to return to Florence to experience the views, romance and gelato all over again. HIghly recommended.
Lina has moved to Florence, Italy, but although she is in one of the most romantic cities in the world, she just wants to go home. She stays because it was her mother's dying wish that she get to know her dad, a man who lives in Florence who she has never even spoken to. When Lina is given her mother's journal from the time she lived in Florence, she discovers a world of secret romances that will lead her to finally discover who was her mother's true love, who was Lina's father, and why her mom left the city she cherished. To help her, Lina gets the help of Ren, an enigmatic Italian/American boy who lives near her. With Ren's help, she not only will discover the secrets of her mom's past, but also the secret to her own destiny. People come to Italy for love and gelato, and if they are lucky, they discover much more. I read this book based off of a student recommendation, and I am so glad that I did. It is one of the best romances that I have read in ages. Lina's journey to discover the truth about her past leads her on all kinds of romantic romps with the charming Ren. I was enraptured by the mystery, and Lina's own attempts at her own romance and adventures. This book is as sweet and perfect as gelato, and now I am desperate to return to Florence to experience the views, romance and gelato all over again. HIghly recommended.
The Girl I Used to Be by April Henry
When Ariel Benson was three years old, her mother was murdered, her father disappeared, and the killer dropped her off at a local Walmart. Everyone believed her dad was responsible, but after fourteen years, his remains are discovered. Ariel, who now goes by the name Olivia, is compelled to move back homem and try to figure out who murdered her parents. Whoever did it is still out there, and she will have to move fast to figure out who is the murderer before he or she comes for her to finish the job. April Henry is the master of fast-paced mysteries, and this is her best work yet. You won't be able to set this book down as you struggle with Olivia to uncover the secrets of her past. Highly recommended!
When Ariel Benson was three years old, her mother was murdered, her father disappeared, and the killer dropped her off at a local Walmart. Everyone believed her dad was responsible, but after fourteen years, his remains are discovered. Ariel, who now goes by the name Olivia, is compelled to move back homem and try to figure out who murdered her parents. Whoever did it is still out there, and she will have to move fast to figure out who is the murderer before he or she comes for her to finish the job. April Henry is the master of fast-paced mysteries, and this is her best work yet. You won't be able to set this book down as you struggle with Olivia to uncover the secrets of her past. Highly recommended!
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
Lily Bloom's father has recently died, and she is so . . . glad. For years, she watched him abuse her mother, and she still feels guilty for not doing more to stop the violence. After his death, she vows never to be stuck in the same type of relationship. When just dreaming about starting her own florist shop, Lily meets Ryle, an enigmatic and passionate neurosurgeon who claims not to do relationships. The more times they run into each other, the more confident Lily is that she has found a man she can trust until one mistake makes her question everything she thought was true about herself and their relationship. This honest tale about how easy it is to get stuck in a cycle of abuse will leave an impression on you that will not let go. With each Colleen Hoover book, I think, "How can she top this?" Yet, each book gets more poignant and more memorable with characters that grab your heart and don't let go. This book is exceptional. Highly recommended.
Lily Bloom's father has recently died, and she is so . . . glad. For years, she watched him abuse her mother, and she still feels guilty for not doing more to stop the violence. After his death, she vows never to be stuck in the same type of relationship. When just dreaming about starting her own florist shop, Lily meets Ryle, an enigmatic and passionate neurosurgeon who claims not to do relationships. The more times they run into each other, the more confident Lily is that she has found a man she can trust until one mistake makes her question everything she thought was true about herself and their relationship. This honest tale about how easy it is to get stuck in a cycle of abuse will leave an impression on you that will not let go. With each Colleen Hoover book, I think, "How can she top this?" Yet, each book gets more poignant and more memorable with characters that grab your heart and don't let go. This book is exceptional. Highly recommended.
The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner
High school can be on the nine rings of hell, especially when your dad is a snake-wielding pentecostal preacher whose misdeeds haved landed him in prison. Since Dill's testimony helped send his father to jail, life outside school isn't any better. The things that make Dill's life tolerable are the music he secretly creates and his best friends, Lydia and Travis. Although this trio has different interests, they are true friends that fight to protect and push each other. With his graduation looming, Dill is terrified of the future. He is afrarid of being stuck in his small town, he is afraid of sharing his music, and he is afraid of losing Lydia, who has secretly liked for years. During this pivotal year, Dill will find out just how strong he is as life move's forward in all of its great and terribleness. This moving story of the power of friendship to heal and transform you will leave your heart overflowing. Zentner's writing is lyrical, and his characters are honest and unique people you wish you could hang out with in the "real world." This is a stunningly beautiful debut novel. Highly recommended!
High school can be on the nine rings of hell, especially when your dad is a snake-wielding pentecostal preacher whose misdeeds haved landed him in prison. Since Dill's testimony helped send his father to jail, life outside school isn't any better. The things that make Dill's life tolerable are the music he secretly creates and his best friends, Lydia and Travis. Although this trio has different interests, they are true friends that fight to protect and push each other. With his graduation looming, Dill is terrified of the future. He is afrarid of being stuck in his small town, he is afraid of sharing his music, and he is afraid of losing Lydia, who has secretly liked for years. During this pivotal year, Dill will find out just how strong he is as life move's forward in all of its great and terribleness. This moving story of the power of friendship to heal and transform you will leave your heart overflowing. Zentner's writing is lyrical, and his characters are honest and unique people you wish you could hang out with in the "real world." This is a stunningly beautiful debut novel. Highly recommended!
Highly Illogical Behavior by John Corey Whaley
Webster's dictionary defines agoraphobia as an "abnormal fear of being helpless in an embarrassing or unescapable situation that is characterized especially by the avoidance of open or public places." Solomon's agoraphobia is so severe that he hasn't stepped outside his house in three years, and he is mostly fine about this. However, Liz, a girl from his previous school, is not. Liz dreams of being a psychologist. She thinks that she can "cure" him and that writing about her success will win her a desperately-need college scholarship. As Liz and her charming boyfriend Clark befriend Solomon, their friendship starts to transform Solomon, but when Solomon is not the only one transformed by their relationship, everything may backfire for all of them. There is an honesty to the characters and relationships in the book that will draw you in and make you cheer for all three main characters. Solomon is self-depricating, Liz is passionate, and Clark is charming. Just like us, they make mistakes, and it is the lies, insecruities, and fears they all hold on to that threaten their happiness. What elevates this novel is that is more about human nature than a single mental health condition. Like Solomon, the reader will be transformed whether they want to or not! Highly recommended!
Webster's dictionary defines agoraphobia as an "abnormal fear of being helpless in an embarrassing or unescapable situation that is characterized especially by the avoidance of open or public places." Solomon's agoraphobia is so severe that he hasn't stepped outside his house in three years, and he is mostly fine about this. However, Liz, a girl from his previous school, is not. Liz dreams of being a psychologist. She thinks that she can "cure" him and that writing about her success will win her a desperately-need college scholarship. As Liz and her charming boyfriend Clark befriend Solomon, their friendship starts to transform Solomon, but when Solomon is not the only one transformed by their relationship, everything may backfire for all of them. There is an honesty to the characters and relationships in the book that will draw you in and make you cheer for all three main characters. Solomon is self-depricating, Liz is passionate, and Clark is charming. Just like us, they make mistakes, and it is the lies, insecruities, and fears they all hold on to that threaten their happiness. What elevates this novel is that is more about human nature than a single mental health condition. Like Solomon, the reader will be transformed whether they want to or not! Highly recommended!
Best books that i read in 2016 that were published in 2015
Lumberjanes created by Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis & Noelle Stevenson
Jo, April, Mal, Molly and Ripley are roommates at a summer wilderness camp, but this camp is not the usual summer camp. The camp director is refreshingly unorthodox, and the creatures in the woods are monstrous and deadly. However, with great teamwork and amazing friends, anything is possible. This summer is going to be unforgettable! This is one the wittiest and best drawn North American comics series since Scott Pilgrim. Each of the girls are quirky and adorable, and their friendships are so fierce and strong that you can't stop cheering for them. If every book had this much heart, I would fall asleep with a smile every night. Highly recommended!
Jo, April, Mal, Molly and Ripley are roommates at a summer wilderness camp, but this camp is not the usual summer camp. The camp director is refreshingly unorthodox, and the creatures in the woods are monstrous and deadly. However, with great teamwork and amazing friends, anything is possible. This summer is going to be unforgettable! This is one the wittiest and best drawn North American comics series since Scott Pilgrim. Each of the girls are quirky and adorable, and their friendships are so fierce and strong that you can't stop cheering for them. If every book had this much heart, I would fall asleep with a smile every night. Highly recommended!
I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Change Two Lives by Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda with Liz Welch
When Caitlin was in 7th grade, she was a assigned a pen pal. She chose to write to someone from Zimbabwe because that country sounded exotic and fascinating. As a top student, Martin was one of the lucky boys to receive letters from America, and he received Caitlin's letter. Little did they realize how this one letter would dramatically change the direction of both of their lives. While Caitlin comes from a wealthy, suburban home, Martin comes from an impoverished family who struggled to pay for his schooling, clothing, and food. While other students lost touch with their pen pals, Caitlin and Martin continued to write to each other year after year. As Martin's home life gets so desperate that he can't even afford school, he reluctantly shares his struggles with Caitlin in hopes of getting enough money, less than $50.00, that would let him attend school. When Caitlin becomes aware of her friend's struggles, she vows to help. Both Caitlin, Martin, their families and friends lives are transformed by this amazing friendship. I am not a huge fan of nonfiction, but I read this book in one setting. I was entranced as I watched Caitlin and Martin become friends, even though their worlds could not be more different. Things we take for granted like having a picture of yourself, owning your own pair of shoes, and having the right to a free education were luxuries in Martin's world. I also loved watching Caitlin's family adopt Martin and one of his friends to help them get the education and support that they needed. This book demonstrates how one small act of kindness can change the world forever. Caitlin giving up some of her babysitting money allows Martin to go to school and helps feed his family. I could go on and on about how much I learned from this story and loved this story, but instead, I will just encourage you to read it yourself. Prepare to be transformed!
All American Boys by Jason Reynolds & Brendan Kiely
There are some books that open your eyes to a world of an injustice that you never noticed, that change your perspective forever. This is such a book. In alternating voices, Rashad and Quinn share a tale on how they were changed by racism. While buying chips at a convenience store, a police officer accuses Rashad of stealing and beats him into unconsciousness for "resisting arrest." Quinn, a white teen, saw the beating and doesn't know what to do. He can't believe Paul, the police officer who has been his mentor for years, could do something so hateful, but he can't believe Rashad deserved the beating he received. Each will have to decide what to do with the latest example of police brutality and how far they are willing to go to stop more deaths from police brutality from occurring. This topic has been in the news and on all of our minds, and Reynolds and Kiely do a brilliant job of making the reader face the racism still inherent in our society. I could not put the book down, and I highly recommend it.
There are some books that open your eyes to a world of an injustice that you never noticed, that change your perspective forever. This is such a book. In alternating voices, Rashad and Quinn share a tale on how they were changed by racism. While buying chips at a convenience store, a police officer accuses Rashad of stealing and beats him into unconsciousness for "resisting arrest." Quinn, a white teen, saw the beating and doesn't know what to do. He can't believe Paul, the police officer who has been his mentor for years, could do something so hateful, but he can't believe Rashad deserved the beating he received. Each will have to decide what to do with the latest example of police brutality and how far they are willing to go to stop more deaths from police brutality from occurring. This topic has been in the news and on all of our minds, and Reynolds and Kiely do a brilliant job of making the reader face the racism still inherent in our society. I could not put the book down, and I highly recommend it.
Zeroboxer by Fonda Lee
At age 17, Carl "the Raptor" Luca has only lost one fight, and as he continues to win, he has to prove he the smarts and strength to defeat more experienced and successful opponents. Carl's match-ups are even more exciting that a traditional MMA bout. Set in the future, Carl is a zeroboxer, where opponents use MMA style moves and flying in a zero gravity cube where they fight. Fights are held on the moon, Mars, and other colonized planets, and the sport is just gaining popularity on earth, mostly due to Carl's success. Carl is one of the first earthborns to be successful in this athletic and dangerous sport. As his fame grows, Carl learns some dark secrets about the sport, and what he does with this information could change life in this universe for good. With action-packed fight scenes, plot twists, and well-developed characters, this action-packed mystery should be a huge hit for fans of boxing, MMA, and action. It was fast-paced and fantastic. Highly recommended!
At age 17, Carl "the Raptor" Luca has only lost one fight, and as he continues to win, he has to prove he the smarts and strength to defeat more experienced and successful opponents. Carl's match-ups are even more exciting that a traditional MMA bout. Set in the future, Carl is a zeroboxer, where opponents use MMA style moves and flying in a zero gravity cube where they fight. Fights are held on the moon, Mars, and other colonized planets, and the sport is just gaining popularity on earth, mostly due to Carl's success. Carl is one of the first earthborns to be successful in this athletic and dangerous sport. As his fame grows, Carl learns some dark secrets about the sport, and what he does with this information could change life in this universe for good. With action-packed fight scenes, plot twists, and well-developed characters, this action-packed mystery should be a huge hit for fans of boxing, MMA, and action. It was fast-paced and fantastic. Highly recommended!
Infinite in Between by Carolyn Mackler
This novel chronicles the four years of high schoo for five teens who are stuck in the same freshman orientation group. Although none of them are friends at first, it is fascinating to watch how they each face similar issues of trying to find acceptance as they deal with changing friendships, tenuous romances, and drama at home. By the end of the four years, it is amazing how they each impact each other's lives. You can't help but cheer for them to all graduate and grow as individuals. Mackler once again has created a story that is brilliant because it so honestly portrays the lives of real teens. Neither to soap operish nor too gritty, this honest examination of the lives of these teens is made memorable because she captures perfectly the idea that all of them have the same dreams of acceptance, love, and achievement. By being brave and getting some help from your friends, anything is possible. I read this book in one setting because I got so sucked into their stories. Highly recommended!
This novel chronicles the four years of high schoo for five teens who are stuck in the same freshman orientation group. Although none of them are friends at first, it is fascinating to watch how they each face similar issues of trying to find acceptance as they deal with changing friendships, tenuous romances, and drama at home. By the end of the four years, it is amazing how they each impact each other's lives. You can't help but cheer for them to all graduate and grow as individuals. Mackler once again has created a story that is brilliant because it so honestly portrays the lives of real teens. Neither to soap operish nor too gritty, this honest examination of the lives of these teens is made memorable because she captures perfectly the idea that all of them have the same dreams of acceptance, love, and achievement. By being brave and getting some help from your friends, anything is possible. I read this book in one setting because I got so sucked into their stories. Highly recommended!
Six of Crows & Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo
This is the story of one of the greatest heists of all time. Kaz Brekker, a young criminal mastermind, knows anything can happen for the right price. When he is challenged to get into an impenetreble fortress for an outrageous amount of money, Kaz knows the job will be dangerous and difficult. However, with the right team, he knows he can accoomplish the impossible. His team is made up of an unlikely group of misfits: a deadly spy, an unlikely sharpshooter, an angry convict, a powerful magician, and an inexperienced runaway. If they can figure out how to work together, their mission will not only make them rich beyond their wildest dream, but also, it will save their world. If not, their futures and future of humanity is bleak. Although I did not love Badrugo's first series, I fell in love with this one because I loved the characters she created in this world. Each of them are struggling to overcome their tragic history, and ironically, it is only through their criminal work that each of them finds redemption and hope. Of course, my favorites are the mercilessly cunning Kaz and the deadly spy Inej. The sequel, Crooked Kingdom, mastefully completes the tale. A brilliantly woven story, I highly recommend this series.
This is the story of one of the greatest heists of all time. Kaz Brekker, a young criminal mastermind, knows anything can happen for the right price. When he is challenged to get into an impenetreble fortress for an outrageous amount of money, Kaz knows the job will be dangerous and difficult. However, with the right team, he knows he can accoomplish the impossible. His team is made up of an unlikely group of misfits: a deadly spy, an unlikely sharpshooter, an angry convict, a powerful magician, and an inexperienced runaway. If they can figure out how to work together, their mission will not only make them rich beyond their wildest dream, but also, it will save their world. If not, their futures and future of humanity is bleak. Although I did not love Badrugo's first series, I fell in love with this one because I loved the characters she created in this world. Each of them are struggling to overcome their tragic history, and ironically, it is only through their criminal work that each of them finds redemption and hope. Of course, my favorites are the mercilessly cunning Kaz and the deadly spy Inej. The sequel, Crooked Kingdom, mastefully completes the tale. A brilliantly woven story, I highly recommend this series.
I Am Princess X by Cherie Priest
Once upon a time, there were two little girls who were best friends, Libby and May. Together the girls created a new and powerful princess, Princess X, who wore red Chucks, had blue hair, and carried a katana sword. Libby drew the pictures, and May wrote the stories. Their adventures unlimited until the rainy night Libby and her mother were killed when their car drove off a bridge. Three years later, May still can't believe her friend and Princess X is dead. When she happens upon a bumper sticker featuring Princess X, she starts to look for other clues that the princess and her best friend have survived. She starts to see Princess X across the city and even finds a Princess X web comic. The more she finds, the more certain she is that Libby is alive. No monster, real or imagined, will stop her from saving her friend. This creative and suspenseful story will delight mystery friends, and any girl with love this tale of the power of female friendship. Having the web comic was interspersed in the novel brought Princess X's struggles to life in such a powerful way. This book is amazing as Princess X. Highly recommended!
Once upon a time, there were two little girls who were best friends, Libby and May. Together the girls created a new and powerful princess, Princess X, who wore red Chucks, had blue hair, and carried a katana sword. Libby drew the pictures, and May wrote the stories. Their adventures unlimited until the rainy night Libby and her mother were killed when their car drove off a bridge. Three years later, May still can't believe her friend and Princess X is dead. When she happens upon a bumper sticker featuring Princess X, she starts to look for other clues that the princess and her best friend have survived. She starts to see Princess X across the city and even finds a Princess X web comic. The more she finds, the more certain she is that Libby is alive. No monster, real or imagined, will stop her from saving her friend. This creative and suspenseful story will delight mystery friends, and any girl with love this tale of the power of female friendship. Having the web comic was interspersed in the novel brought Princess X's struggles to life in such a powerful way. This book is amazing as Princess X. Highly recommended!