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Books

Books I Loved in 2015

January 4, 2016January 4, 2016 Crystal // Dreams, etc. 22 comments
Books I Loved in 2015

Happy Monday!

On Friday I looked ahead to 2016, but today I’d like to look back at 2015 and talk about my favorite books from the year. I’ve reviewed all but the last on this list, so if you read my blog all year, you’ve probably heard of some of these. These are my favorite of the books that I read in 2015. Some of them were released last year, but not all of them were, so I split this post up into two sections, starting with those that came out in 2015. The books are listed in the order that I read them.

Looking for book recommendations? Check out this list of my faves of the books I read in 2015! // dreams-etc.com

RELEASED IN 2015

1 // A COLD LEGACY by Megan Shepherd is the final book in the Madman’s Daughter trilogy, and is about Juliet, who discovers that her scientist father was forced to flee England because of the experiments he was performing.

This is a creepy series and it has instances that are a little disturbing, but I loved the series and thought that each book flowed nicely to the next. This was my most anticipated release of 2015 and it did not disappoint.

2 // FIRST THERE WAS FOREVER by Juliana Romano follows Lima, as her best friend starts to pull away from her and the new friendships she forms, one of which could cause problems when Hailey starts to reach out to Lima again.

This was on my TBR for 2015 so I was excited when the publisher sent me copy to read and review. When I read this, I didn’t think it would end up on my list of fave books of the year–even though I enjoyed it–but this story stayed on my mind throughout the year. There’s a lot that happens in this book and I think you could take away different from things from it. I saw this as a story about best friends and what happens when that friendship starts to disintegrate. I’ve had that experience in my life and it’s something that I haven’t seen in fiction. I’m sure it’s out there, but I was happy to see it in this book. It felt very real to me. (You can also read my Q&A with Romano.)

3 // FINDING JAKE by Bryan Reardon is another that I received for review (and I even featured a Q&A with Reardon). This novel is about a stay-at-home-dad who experiences one of his worst nightmares when there are reports of a shooting at his children’s school. After all of the parents have received word about the fate of their children, Simon is still waiting and he discovers that his son Jake is missing and is thought to have been responsible for the shooting.

This was also on my TBR for 2015 so I was excited to have a chance to read the book and ask the author a few questions! A school shooting is a topic that I tend to stay away from in fiction, but the synopsis of this one really caught my attention. I knew it would be a hard read, but I also thought it would be one worth reading, and it was. I loved that this was told from the point-of-view of a dad who stays home with his children and I appreciated that there was a question of whether Jake was or was not involved in the shooting. The writing was beautiful and this book has really lingered in my mind. My mom read this once I was done and it must have lingered with her too, because she brought it up in conversation the other day.

4 // THE WONDER OF ALL THINGS by Jason Mott is about a young girl who can heal people, but when she heals, it comes at the cost of her own health. When her ability is discovered, people flock to her town to have her heal their loved ones, and friends in her small town question why her family didn’t talk about her ability in time to save some of their family members.

I also received a copy of this for review and I’m so glad I had the chance to read it. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. This book really grabbed my emotions and I found that I had strong opinions about what was taking place. I read it in a day and later, while on a road trip with a friend, I talked about the book and it created a really fascinating discussion. I highly recommend this one, especially if you’re part of a book club. It will create a great discussion! (I even have some discussion questions in my review.)

OTHER FAVES

5 // THE GIRL YOU LEFT BEHIND by Jojo Moyes alternates between a small town in France during WWI and present day in the U.S. In France, a German soldier becomes enamored with a portrait of a hotel owner painted by her husband before he left for war. In the U.S., a young widow holds onto the apartment her husband left behind and a portrait that he bought for her while vacationing in Europe.

I listened to this one on audiobook and wasn’t too sure what I thought of it at the start, but by the end I really enjoyed it. It’s also a book that has stuck with me throughout the year and I’ve thought about it quite a bit since I read it… which was in January. I liked the main characters. I had trouble relating to them, but I really cared about them and was invested in what happened to them. I love stories about lost and stolen art and I’ve read stories about art stolen during WWII, so having the focus be on WWI was different and a unique perspective.

6 // IN THE SHADOW OF THE BLACKBIRDS by Cat Winters takes place in 1918, at a chaotic time for the U.S. Young men were shipped off to war, the flu epidemic was sweeping the nation, and people were reaching out to spirit photographers as a way to connect with loved ones who had passed. Mary Shelley Black never believed in ghosts, but when strange things start to happen and it appears as though her only love who died in war is reaching out to her, she must rethink what she believes to be true.

I was intrigued to read this book not only because of the premise, but because Winters included actual photography from that time period (including examples of the supposed spirit photography) in the book. I love novels that incorporate things like that into the text. I listened to an interview with Winters in which she discussed how much research went into this book and all of it paid off. She brought this time period to life so vividly that I felt the paranoia of the flu and the war and all that was taking place. It took me awhile to get through this book because of all that there was to take in, but even so I read most of it one sitting.

7 // SNOW WHITE MUST DIE by Nele Neuhaus takes place in Germany and is about a small town that was rocked years earlier when two young women disappeared. One of their classmates was accused of murder and sent to prison. The novel starts when he’s released and returns to the town, which immediately puts everyone on edge. When a young girl who bears a striking resemblance to one of the victims goes missing, it appears as though history is repeating itself.

I had to include this book not only because I thought it was one of the best mysteries that I read in 2015, but because it’s also the book that literally followed me throughout the year. I bought it in January or February, started reading it in March, kept picking it up throughout the year and finally finished it in December. Every time I picked it up I’d have to set it down for a review book or a book club read, but I’m so glad I had the chance to finish it because it was really good. I didn’t know what was going to happen or who was involved, so I was turning pages (whenever I was reading it) until the end. I will definitely read more by Neuhaus and hope to pick up another book by her in the next month or two. Also, the cover is stunning (and is what drew me to the book in the first place).

And that’s it! My favorite reads from 2015. I didn’t expect to have so many books that I received for review in my list of favorites, but it’s cool to see that so many of them really stood out to me.

WHAT WERE YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS FROM 2015?

[Tweet “Looking for a book to read? Check out these faves from 2015! #amreading”]

About Crystal

About Crystal

Hi! I'm Crystal, a millennial learning how to live slowly and sustainably, while still seeking adventure and following my dreams, etc.

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22 comments

  1. Sarah says:
    January 4, 2016 at 2:17 pm

    Awesome list! I have not check out any of these books yet. My new years resolution is taking more time to read this year! šŸ™‚ Thanks for the list!

    Reply
  2. Alanna @ Alanna & Company says:
    January 4, 2016 at 2:44 pm

    I’ve only heard of one of these books on your list. I’ll have to check out the others.

    Reply
  3. Leslie says:
    January 4, 2016 at 2:55 pm

    I love reading. It’s a shame I didn’t realize that until last year. I’m going to check into these, I love finding new books.

    Reply
  4. laci says:
    January 4, 2016 at 2:55 pm

    Yay !! I live when people share book list cause I’m always looking definitely will check these out šŸ™‚

    Reply
  5. Trish says:
    January 4, 2016 at 3:25 pm

    I love to read and really enjoyed this list! I am going to add The Girl You Left Behind to my Goodreads “want to read” list. It sounds like one I would really enjoy!

    Reply
  6. Aishwarya S says:
    January 4, 2016 at 4:12 pm

    I’m adding a few of these to my list for sure! Always love reading about books! šŸ™‚

    Reply
  7. Gina says:
    January 4, 2016 at 4:30 pm

    Thanks for this list! I haven’t read any of the books on it, I’ll have to check them out.

    Reply
  8. Angela Tolsma says:
    January 4, 2016 at 4:42 pm

    I haven’t heard of any of these! Snow Must Die sounds most interesting!

    Reply
  9. Caroline says:
    January 4, 2016 at 4:44 pm

    I love this wrap up and all of these novels sound beautiful

    Reply
  10. Lisa says:
    January 4, 2016 at 5:57 pm

    At the Water’s Edge was my favorite book from 2015 and probably ever!

    Reply
  11. Cole says:
    January 4, 2016 at 6:47 pm

    I enjoyed quite a few books but never got around to reading much fiction. I did read The Shining, finally, but other than that mostly just non-fiction. I really enjoyed Jeff Goins book The Art of Work!

    Reply
  12. Sara Strand says:
    January 4, 2016 at 7:49 pm

    Have you read The Returned by Jason Mott? I actually thought that was better than his newest one. Lots of these I haven’t read, so I’m adding them to my list!

    Reply
  13. Ariel @ Keys to My Life says:
    January 4, 2016 at 8:22 pm

    I haven’t heard of any of these. I’ll have to check them out!

    Reply
  14. Sheryl says:
    January 4, 2016 at 10:31 pm

    I love discovering new books to read. My hope is in 2016 that I will be able to read more. Thanks for the suggestions.

    Reply
  15. Taylor DuVall says:
    January 5, 2016 at 2:37 am

    I love, love, love getting a sneak peak into other people’s personal libraries. I’m definitely adding some of these to my list. You’ve done a great job listing and explaining them.

    Reply
  16. Mckenna says:
    January 5, 2016 at 4:25 am

    It’s nice to see a booklist that isn’t just the typical best sellers; looks like I’ve got some books to add to my list for 2016 šŸ™‚

    Reply
  17. Jenny says:
    January 5, 2016 at 4:42 am

    Adding lots of these to my ever growing list!
    Thanks for the suggestions.

    xoxo, Jenny

    Reply
  18. Susannah says:
    January 5, 2016 at 4:47 am

    Some of these books sound really good! I’m definitely going to have to see if some are at the library!

    Reply
  19. Angie Scheie says:
    January 5, 2016 at 8:12 am

    I haven’t read any of these, but am always looking for new book club picks. Pinning!

    Reply
  20. Keating says:
    January 5, 2016 at 4:47 pm

    Thanks for this list!! I need some new ones to read this year! šŸ™‚

    Reply
  21. Hil says:
    January 6, 2016 at 3:08 pm

    Snow White Must Die sounds super dark. I may want to check that one out if it is not too scary.

    Reply
  22. Donnica says:
    January 7, 2016 at 3:26 am

    These all sound so good. I’m trying to make more time to read this year, so I joined a book club. I may have to add a few of your suggestions on my list.

    Reply

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hi!

I'm Crystal, the storyteller behind Dreams, etc. I'm all about learning how to live slowly & sustainably, while also seeking adventure as we follow our dreams, etc.

If only we always remembered to be in touch with o If only we always remembered to be in touch with our loved ones regularly; to tell them that we love them.

This thought has been on my mind the last few weeks as I’ve been in touch with one of my best friends almost daily. They’ve been navigating a scary situation.

But that’s what everyone says, isn’t it? Reach out to those you love. Tell them you love them. Don’t let a lot of time pass.

We all know that. We think about it sometimes. We hear about it when others are in crisis. We’re thankful that we aren’t the ones in crisis and we can remember this lesson through someone else.

But eventually we get caught up in life. Our daily ā€œI love you’sā€ are reserved for those we live with and sometimes we forget to text someone back… or it takes a few days to do so.

This week as I wondered why we don’t remember this more often I realized it’s probably a good thing. It’s a good thing that we can live life without worrying that tragedy is right around the corner. That would be an exhausting way to live.

It’s also good that we can get little reminders, sometimes not from our own life. So from someone who spent one week numb, another week weepy, and this week sad, remember to send your friends a text. Tell them you love them.
I took these in early January when the snow still I took these in early January when the snow still felt a bit magical, but right now I’m just ready to walk barefoot in grass.

When I was younger I used to imagine what it would be like if we got so much snow that it would be piled high above our doors. I wondered if we’d be able to create tunnels in the snow to move around in.

And this year might just be the year we find out. I’m kidding, of course, but at this point I feel like we’ve been buried in snow. We’re even on track to beat some snow records I think (the amount of snow and the number of consecutive days with snow on the ground.

So. What’s the weather like where you are?
February was here and gone in the blink of an eye February was here and gone in the blink of an eye but contained moments I’ll carry with me forever.
When it’s almost halfway through February and yo When it’s almost halfway through February and you still haven’t posted January’s recap. January was filled with lots of family time. šŸ’™
Hello, friends! šŸ‘‹šŸ¼ Swipe through for a few g Hello, friends! šŸ‘‹šŸ¼ Swipe through for a few glimpses from January. As 2022 came to an end I had this feeling that I was preparing to hibernate and I guess, in a way, I have. I’ve been slowly easing into the new year, focused on getting back into a few routines after Iceland and the holidays. And it’s been a great month. I can’t believe it’s almost over. What have your favorite moments of January been?
2022. Looking back on this year it was the year of 2022. Looking back on this year it was the year of so many dreams experiences. Whales. Cape Cod/Nantucket. Iceland. I saw musicals that have I’ve been dreaming of with Moulin Rouge, Wicked, and Six. 

It wasn’t without its stresses and rough moments but I’m grateful for the good that can be found, even when it’s hard.
Let’s journey back to November for the second we Let’s journey back to November for the second weekly dam walk of the month. My dad joined me for this one and we made it somewhat fast because it was a chilly day. ā€œThe water looks cold,ā€ I said when we back to the car.

Between Iceland and the below zero, windy, and snowy weather we had last week (which came with requests from my parents not to go) it’s been a few weeks since I’ve been to the dam and I miss it!
Years ago I celebrated Christmas and New Years in Years ago I celebrated Christmas and New Years in Vienna and it still lives in my memory today as such a special time. I know December in Reykjavik will be the same—and not just because I came home with a little over $100 worth of ornaments of all 13 Yule Lads AND their mom AND the Christmas cat. (There was a little bit of miscommunication between my mom and me on that shopping trip. šŸ˜‚)

It might have been cold (and when that wind hits you don’t want to be outside or by the harbour…I speak from windswept, breath-stolen experience and will forever be grateful for the library we eventually found respite in) and we only saw the sun a few hours each day, but seeing this already charming city decked out in Christmas lights with a skating rink and the prettiest tree secured it’s place in my heart.

Reykjavik, I hope to see you again one day. Soon. Probably not in December, but I’m glad I got to see you in December once.
Last year my niece and I visited New York at Chris Last year my niece and I visited New York at Christmastime and it was fun to see the city decked out in lights. I can also now say that I’ve seen the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and skating rink and the Saks Christmas lights, but I’ve also seen the crowds they draw.

It was completely different in Reykjavik this year. You actually had a chance to skate on the ice rink if you wanted (and I never did the conversation, but I think it’s cheaper) and you could actually walk up to the Christmas tree. Two very different Christmas in the city experiences.
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