Goodreads Choice Awards Book Club discussion

I'm curious as to what everyone's favorite books are so far this year? With the new year right around the corner, I thought I'd post my Top 10 Favorite Books of 2015 and I hope you all will do the same! :)


1. by Emily St. John Mandel I'm not actually done with this one quite yet, but I know it's going to be an absolute favorite for me this year. So beautifully written! Most likely, it'll be a 5 star rating on this one.

2. by Renee Ahdieh 5 stars

3. by Mary E. Pearson 5 stars

4. by Marissa Meyer 5 stars

5. by Jasper Fforde 5 stars

6. by Aisha Saeed 4.5 stars

7. by Rob Harrell 4.5 stars

8. by Thomas Hardy 4 stars

9. by Nicola Yoon 4 stars

10. by Jonathan Stroud 4 stars

Great idea, Alycia! You and I have Station Eleven in common on our lists :) Here are my top ten for 2015:

1. by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - 5 stars

2. by Karen Joy Fowler - 5 stars

3. by N.K. Jemisin - 5 stars

4. by A.S. Byatt - 5 stars

5. by Leigh Bardugo - 4.5 stars

6. by Rainbow Rowell - 4.25 stars

7. by Scott Hawkins - 4.25 stars

8. by Emily St. John Mandel - 4.25 stars

9. by David Mitchell - 4.25 stars

10. by Haruki Murakami - 4 stars

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 The Luminaries

The Lightbringer series by Brent Weeks was amazing

The Wayward Pines trilogy was epic

Also loved;
Nimona, Rebel Queen, The Enchanted, and Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea

I've found I had a lot more 4 star reads this year and was not as generous with the 5th star.

This is difficult, even with my ratings. I tried to be more generous with my 5 star ratings this year. I'm typically stingy with my 5 stars. However, this year I tried to make a point to consider the book's genre and target audience when rating it, as well as my personal enjoyment. So, some of my 5 star books are better than others, I think. With that in mind, I think my top 10 are:

The Nightingale
Winter
Finders Keepers
Seed
Necessary Lies
Dust
One Plus One
Yellow Crocus
Night Broken
Because of Winn-Dixie

Kristie is more generous, I'm more grinch-y. LOL!

ally ¯\(ツ)/¯ wrote: "Kristie is more generous, I'm more grinch-y. LOL!"

lol! I was grinchy last year! I'm trying to be more generous because most of my books were 3-4 stars, especially 4. Books weren't making the leap to 5 stars. I need to spread out more even with my 2 stars...* gulp*

Oh, I love this thread. This will be a great guideline for future reads :)

My Top 10 this year (not necessarily in that order):

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Those are all 5 star ratings for me. I have a few more with 5 stars, but not many. I mostly give 3-4 stars with rather few books in the 1-2 star category.

All 4.5 & 5 star reads for me. I'd forgotten how many great books I'd read this year!

1. The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender

2. Fireflies in December

3. Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids

4. The Girl on the Train

5. The Martian

6. The Death Cure

7. The Kiss of Deception

8. The Night Circus

9. The Invention of Wings

10. Edenbrooke

Jaleenajo wrote: "Great idea, Alycia! You and I have Station Eleven in common on our lists :) Here are my top ten for 2015:


Yay! Station Eleven is just SO good! I see you have The Library at Mount Char on your list as well which is one that I've been curious about...I'll have to read it!

thewanderingjew wrote: "1
2
3
4
5[bo..."

I've had Malala on my tbr for forever. I own the audiobook and need to listen to it!

ally ¯\(ツ)/¯ wrote: "The Lightbringer series by Brent Weeks was amazing

The Wayward Pines trilogy was epic
..."

Same for me, Ally. I didn't have as much luck with 5 star books this year, but I still enjoyed several. :) Nimona was fantastic! Is Noelle Stevenson going to do a sequel?

Kristie wrote: "This is difficult, even with my ratings. I tried to be more generous with my 5 star ratings this year. I'm typically stingy with my 5 stars. However, this year I tried to make a point to consider t..."

Because of Winn-Dixie is one of my absolute favorite books. It's just so sweet! I still haven't been able to read Winter. I'm getting a signed copy for Christmas so I have to wait until then. But, it's worth the wait! :)

Janina wrote: "Oh, I love this thread. This will be a great guideline for future reads :)

My Top 10 this year (not necessarily in that order):

1.

2. [bookcover:The Thrilling..."

I see the Enchanted is making a lot of people's lists. Another one I've been meaning to read! Maybe next year... :)

Liz wrote: "All 4.5 & 5 star reads for me. I'd forgotten how many great books I'd read this year!

1. [book:The Strange and Beautiful Sor..."

Love, love, LOVE Kiss of Deception, The Night Circus and The Invention of Wings. They're so different from each other, but all so good. :) Did you read Heart of Betrayal yet? I liked it even better than Kiss of Deception!

Revival by Stephen King

A Burnable Book by Bruce Holsinger

The Woman Who Would Be King: Hatshepsut's Rise to Power in Ancient Egypt by Kara Cooney

The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro

The Age of Wonder: How the Romantic Generation Discovered the Beauty and Terror of Science by Richard Holmes

What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions by Randall Munroe

The Three-Body Problem by The Three-Body Problem

The Bishop’s Wife by Mette Ivie Harrison

The Martian by Andy Weir

The Montauk Monster by Hunter Shea

Here are mine - kind of in order, but they were all great!
1. Blaze by Richard Bachman/Stephen King
2. The Martian by Andy Weir
3. The Godfather by Mario Puzo
4. Centennial by James A. Michener
5. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
6. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
7. Run by Blake Crouch
8. Finders Keepers by Stephen King
9. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
10. A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole

Ok, try as I might, I am unable to rank these in order. Heck, I was barely able to narrow it down to just 10. I finally decided that I would have to leave out graphic novels to get the list down to 10.

This seems to have been quite the Scifi year for me. I share The Martian with many of you on my list.

Captain's Fury by Jim Butcher
The Martian by Andy Weir
The Warrior's Apprentice by Lois McMaster BujoldEdge of Eternity by Ken Follett
Lock In by John Scalzi
Golden Son by Pierce Brown
Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop
A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn
Moxyland by Lauren Beukes
Runner by Patrick Lee
Caliban's War by James S.A. Corey

ally ¯\(ツ)/¯ wrote: "The Lightbringer series by Brent Weeks was amazing

The Wayward Pines trilogy was epic
..."

I love Brent Weeks. I used an Audible credit for right when it came out, but I have not yet gotten to it. His books tend to give a book hangover. I need to wallow a bit before I can really get into something else immediately after.

Valerie wrote: "Ok, try as I might, I am unable to rank these in order. Heck, I was barely able to narrow it down to just 10. I finally decided that I would have to leave out graphic novels to get the list down to..."

I love Warrior's Apprentice!

Pfft, December is not finished yet ..... I may find a Top 10 read in the last couple of weeks! Still lots of books to read :)

Alycia wrote: "Kristie wrote: "This is difficult, even with my ratings. I tried to be more generous with my 5 star ratings this year. I'm typically stingy with my 5 stars. However, this year I tried to make a poi..."

I agree. I thought it was really sweet. :)

That's awesome that you're getting a signed book for Christmas! (I want that!! lol) Definitely worth waiting for!

@ Matthew - Between Shades of Grey has been on my monthly reading list half of the year this year and somehow I haven't gotten to it. It looks so good. Glad you loved it

@ Valerie - I also loved Runner. I recommended it to a bunch of people. I felt like it deserved more love than it got. lol

@ Lynn - I thought of that too. Then I thought, if I find an amazing book, I'll swap one out.

Lynn wrote: "Pfft, December is not finished yet ..... I may find a Top 10 read in the last couple of weeks! Still lots of books to read :)"

True story. I am currently listening to Uprooted on audio and it definitely has 5 star potential for me.

Kirsten *I love Warrior's Apprentice! ..."

I need to get back to the series. I've only made it as far as The Vor Game, according to the author's suggested read order. I just love the entire world.

Kristie wrote: "@ Matthew - Between Shades of Grey has been on my monthly reading list half of the year this year and somehow I haven't gotten to it. It looks so good. Glad you loved it "

It was a quick read - probably only 3 to 4 hours of solid reading time. So, I hope you can fit it in soon! Its a hard story to read, but an important one!

@Kristie - the other day my SO came home all excited to suggest a book to me. It was Runner, and he was crushed that I'd already read it (listened to the audio book). He kept saying, "Why didn't you tell me???" Umm, maybe because he ignores my suggestions most of the time.

Valerie wrote: "@Kristie - the other day my SO came home all excited to suggest a book to me. It was Runner, and he was crushed that I'd already read it (listened to the audio book). He kept saying, "Why didn't yo..."

lol! That's always the way. ;)

Matthew wrote: "Kristie wrote: "@ Matthew - Between Shades of Grey has been on my monthly reading list half of the year this year and somehow I haven't gotten to it. It looks so good. Glad you loved it "

It was a..."

I own it, which is part of the problem, I think. Hopefully soon.

@ Valerie - I just picked up Uprooted from the library. I'm not sure I'm going to have a chance to read it before I have to return it, but it is definitely on my choice awards challenge list to read this year. Glad you are loving it!

Kristie wrote: "@ Matthew - Between Shades of Grey has been on my monthly reading list half of the year this year and somehow I haven't gotten to it. It looks so good. Glad you loved it "

Yeah, it's something I want to read too but keep putting off. Maybe we should do a buddy read?

Kristie wrote: "@ Valerie - I just picked up Uprooted from the library. I'm not sure I'm going to have a chance to read it before I have to return it, but it is definitely on my choice awards challenge list to rea..."

I was just finishing His Majesty's Dragon when my library hold for this one came in. I didn't even connect that they were the same author. I really enjoyed HMD, as well. I will definitely pick up the next book of that series.

Lynn wrote: "Kristie wrote: "@ Matthew - Between Shades of Grey has been on my monthly reading list half of the year this year and somehow I haven't gotten to it. It looks so good. Glad you loved it "

Yeah, it..."

We can do that. Maybe in a couple of months? December I'm usually wrapping up challenges and January I'll be catching up on books for review, but some time after that would be good.

Valerie wrote: "Kristie wrote: "@ Valerie - I just picked up Uprooted from the library. I'm not sure I'm going to have a chance to read it before I have to return it, but it is definitely on my choice awards chall..."

I didn't realize they were the same author. I've had HMD recommended to me a few times. Just added it to my TBR.

Alycia wrote: "Nimona was fantastic! Is Noelle Stevenson going to do a sequel? "

If she does, I will buy it! I picked up by her to try as well :)

Valerie wrote: "His books tend to give a book hangover. I need to wallow a bit before I can really get into something else immediately after.
"

I totally agree. I'm going to have a really difficult time waiting for book 4 (in FALL next year). It's like Hogwarts for adults and might actually surpass my love for GoT.

Kirsten *Dogs Welcome - People Tolerated" wrote: "Revival by Stephen King

A Burnable Book by Bruce Holsinger

[bookcove..."

Great list! :)

Matthew wrote: "Here are mine - kind of in order, but they were all great!
1. Blaze by Richard Bachman/Stephen King
2. [bookcover:The Martian|180..."

I tried reading Shadow of the Wind and couldn't get into it. I think I need to give it another try cause everyone seems to love that book!

Valerie wrote: "Ok, try as I might, I am unable to rank these in order. Heck, I was barely able to narrow it down to just 10. I finally decided that I would have to leave out graphic novels to get the list down to..."

You have several on your list that I've been meaning to get to forever! I love sci-fi, but seem to be trending toward fantasy this year. lol

Valerie wrote: "ally ¯\(ツ)/¯ wrote: "The Lightbringer series by Brent Weeks was amazing

The Wayward Pi..."

My interest is definitely piqued for this series now. :)

Lynn wrote: "Pfft, December is not finished yet ..... I may find a Top 10 read in the last couple of weeks! Still lots of books to read :)"

he he you're right! But still fun to see what everyone has enjoyed thus far this year. :)

ally ¯\(ツ)/¯ wrote: "Alycia wrote: "Nimona was fantastic! Is Noelle Stevenson going to do a sequel? "

If she does, I will buy it! I picked up by h..."

I read the first bind-up of Lumberjanes this year too. :)

Alycia wrote: "I tried reading Shadow of the Wind and couldn't get into it. I think I need to give it another try cause everyone seems to love that book! "

I understand - in my review I wrote: I saw some complaints that this book is slow. I can understand that - it is not a light book and it is not a quick read. But, the payoff from getting immersed in the thick narrative is totally worth the extra time in the end.

It was a good reading year, so let me try...in no particular order:
The Nightingale
The Martian
The Pearl that Broke Its Shell
A Man Called Ove
New York
Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End
Moloka'i
Under the Dome
As the Crow Flies
Of Mice and Men

Alycia wrote: "Jaleenajo wrote: "Great idea, Alycia! You and I have Station Eleven in common on our lists :) Here are my top ten for 2015:


Yay! Station Eleven is just SO good! I see you have The..."

The Library at Mount Char was such a fun read--super creative and different if you're in the mood for a fantasy/horror type book!

Alycia wrote: "Janina wrote: "Oh, I love this thread. This will be a great guideline for future reads :)

My Top 10 this year (not necessarily in that order):

1.

2. [bookcove..."

The Enchanted was on my top ten list last year, glad to see it getting lots of love in other peoples' top tens this year!

I also read The night circus and Ava Lavender this year and loved them both. And, The Martian is simply brilliant (the book so much more than the movie) .. but I read that one for the first time in the end of 2014.

It is very difficult to limit favorites .. :)

Jaleenajo wrote: "The Enchanted was on my top ten list last year, glad to see it getting lots of love in other peoples' top tens this year! "

I could not get into it, but I see a lot of people raving about it. I guess I should give it a 2nd chance...it happened before, put a book aside and give it a 5* later.

[I have gone over my list 3 times and cannot cut it down to 10 books. So here's my "best" 13: (in no particular order)
[bookcover:The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History|17910054]











READ THIS BOOK!

OK, it's 14 books, but all were special reads to me. Several times, I read the last page and told my husband, "that is one of the best books I've ever read." Looking forward to 2016.

My favorites for 2015 not in any particular order :

A Land More Kind Than Home
A Slant of Light
A Little Life
The Homecoming of Samuel Lake
Circling the Sun
Language Arts
So We Read On: How The Great Gatsby Came to Be and Why It Endures
The Tsar of Love and Techno: Stories
Fallen Land