These books are in no particular order, if anything it's chronologically how I read them.
1. The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson
I enjoyed this book because it was my first time in which I read about PTSD and its affects on a family.
2. Pushing the Limits series by Katie McGarry
Katie McGarry has become my favorite author. All of her books are extremely well written and involve characters that go beyond many stereotypes. I loved the first book so much that it made me carry on with the series, and I fell in love with the characters more each time I read them. I have read 3/4 of the books in the series so far. The themes of her books have some pretty tough topics laced in them just as a forewarning.
3. What I Thought Was True by Huntley Fitzpatrick
I loved this book so much because it was realistic. The characters had (and acknowledged) their flaws. I also liked that it was a family book. So many times in contemporary novels the parents barely exist or never even appear. It was nice to see a book involving families, even through their issues.The one negative I had to it was it was extremely drawn out and did not need to be as long as it was.
4. This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales
I wanted to be a DJ after reading this book so badly. Again, the protagonist's problems were realistic and therefore made it more enjoyable to read because it was relatable. It's hard to feel accepted especially when you're a loner. I really, really enjoyed this book because it was unique and the situations weren't handled in cliche ways.
5. Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis
One of the most inspiring books that I have read. I have a little bit of wander love and I'm fascinated by travel. This autobiography tells the story of a high school graduate who goes the unconventional route of "after high school" and moves to Uganda and ends up adopting 13 little girls. She is the ultimate role model, even though the people back in the United States may have doubted her, she had faith in God that everything would work out accordingly.
6. Dead Girls Don't Lie by Jennifer Shaw Wolf
Jaycee and Rachel used to be best friends, but slowly over time Rachel shut Jaycee out. When Rachel goes missing and is found dead, gangs are to blame. However, Jaycee finds a slew of clues that make her believe much worse was going on and makes her doubt who she can trust. This was a truly thrilling book that had me on my feet the entire time.
7. Don't Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout
This again was a thriller book about best friends, one died and the other has seemingly lost her memory. As she slowly starts to gain her memories back she realizes how mean of a person she was in the past. She's trying to change her ways all the while wanting to try to save the missing girl; however, not remembering could be the only reason her best friend is still out there. I enjoyed this book so, so, SO much. I had no idea whatsoever that the murderer was who it was. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries and thrillers, more so than Dead Girls Don't Lie.
8. Where She Went by Gayle Forman
This is the second book in the If I Stay duology and I think I liked it better than the first. It was intriguing, heartbreaking, but most of all it showed a coming of age. I don't want to say too much because I don't want to spoil the first book.
9. Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard
I loved this book so much because I love traveling and dream of the day where I can pick up and just go wherever I want. I'm a rule follower but this book showed me what can happen if you just go with your intuition every once and a while. This book is filled with adventure, romance, and self-discovery.
10. Stolen by Lucy Christopher
This is one of the most psychological books I have read despite it being in a very easy to read format, it's also fiction. It's intriguing because it's written in a letter from the victim to her captor, so you pretty much know the ending yet it's still very eery. As the story continues, Gemma, the girl who was kidnapped, starts to develop feelings toward her captor and the reader can see just how much he has brainwashed her into thinking a certain way. This is a very strange book but it's great none the less. If anything it's creepy because you read as she justifies for what her captor did because he always tried to make her feel as if he needed her.
11. Looking for Alaska by John Green
Another self-discovery story about a boy going to seek a "Great Perhaps", and then getting tangled into a one sided romance with Alaska. Alaska is a complicated character, she wants to escape life while trying to make the most memories she can. This book is incredible because of it's honesty and it really makes the reader evaluate and reflect upon life.
12. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
I've heard some of her other books are better but I have only read this one and if this isn't her best that I cannot wait to read "her best". I did see the movie before the book so I knew what was coming but nonetheless I still really enjoyed this book and getting into all of the characters minds.
13. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Although it took me awhile to get into it, this story was absolutely stunning. I felt like I developed a relationship with some of the characters and understood their goals and ambitions. I strongly recommend this book.
14. Crash and Burn by Michael Hassan
I don't read many books from a male protagonist's standpoint, however this book blew me out of the water. Despite it's sheer size, 532 pages, it is an extremely easy read. The story is told in an odd way especially for being a school hostage situation. Crash is deemed a hero for saving thousands of students from David Burnett's ("Burn") wrath. The media is pressing Crash to spill what Burn whispered to Crash as the siege ended. Although it's long, it's a different take on a serious situation.
Well that took a while! I hope you guys checked out the links if you were interested for more information on one of the books. I've had a great reading year and I hope I can keep it up in 2015. Leave me your book recommendations in the comments below so I can check them out.
Until next time,
Taylor xx
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