books Archives - Page 2 of 102 - Better Than Dreams

What a year! I read 61 books this year, which is the most I’ve read in one year since 2009. I can hardly believe I managed to read so many books, what with taking on extra work and moving into my flat, but somehow I did and I am really pleased with myself.

I didn’t do terribly well with most of my reading challenges but I finally, after years of trying, completed the British Books Challenge! I’ll be posting again in the next few days about all the challenges I want to have a go at in 2016.In the list below, books marked with an * were sent by the publisher for my consideration, this did not alter my opinion of any of these books.

Now, without any further ado…

My Top Ten Books Read in 2015 (in the order I read them)

1. Artemis Fowl: The Opal Deception, by Eoin Colfer

This year I finally finished the Artemis Fowl series and, first book aside (and not qualifying, as it was a reread), this one is my favourite. Opal Koboi is a wonderful villain and this book is a rollercoaster of magical and technological delight. You can see me talk about all the Artemis Fowl books in the video above.

2. Elizabeth is Missing, by Emma Healey

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I’m going to describe how good this book is via a quote from my sister, who almost never reads novels: “I think it’s one of the best fictional books I’ve read. Made me teary at the end”.

3. Remix, by Non Pratt*

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Friendship ups and downs at a music festival. I’m really pleased with how my review of this one came out, so rather than repeat myself, I’ll tell you to go read it here.

4. I’ll Give You The Sun, by Jandy Nelson*

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I also read (and loved) The Sky is Everywhere this year but I think I’ll Give You The Sun had more impact on me – I keep mulling over parts of it in my head. It’s about twins who were once very close and how devastating events changed their relationship and the way they see the world.

5. Have a Little Faith, by Candy Harper (and the sequel, Keep the Faith)

This is so good! Funny, easy to read, addictive – as soon as I’d finished the first I had to grab the second, and I can’t wait to read the third book, Leap of Faith, which actually comes out today! You can watch me talk about why I think Faith is the perfect comedy heroine in the video above.

6. Wolf by Wolf, by Ryan Graudin

I read this book for my book club and also received a copy in my first Illumicrate box (watch the unboxing video above). It’s a gripping blend of alternate history, fantasy and sci-fi, featuring a shapeshifting girl on a mission to kill Hitler.

7. Lair of Dreams, by Libba Bray*

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This is the sequel to The Diviners, which featured on last year’s list. I loved returning to the glittering yet horrific world of this series, and the focus on different characters in this book – it made it more interesting. I’m looking forward to seeing what other intriguing – and gifted – individuals we get to meet in the next book.

8. Counting Stars, by Keris Stainton*

This is what I would categorise as New Adult – a story about a group of young people living in their first houseshare – and it’s fabulous. Definitely my favourite of Keris’ books. I spoke about Counting Stars and Lair of Dreams in my September Wrap-Up/British Books Challenge Vlog, above. Also, it’s got most of my name in it.

9. Cookoo Song, by Frances Hardinge*

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This was just gorgeous. It’s a beautifully-written, emotionally-involving, glorious, frightening, and marvellous adventure. I am definitely in love with changeling stories now and must find more. When I’m not devouring Frances Hardinge’s other books, that is. Seriously, believe the hype, Frances Hardinge is as good as everyone says she is.

10. Suite Scarlett, by Maureen Johnson

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I have a full-length review coming (I’ve written most of it), but to summarise, Suite Scarlett was a delight. Funny and charming, it follows the trouble Scarlett gets into when the newest guest in her parents’ struggling hotel takes it upon herself to meddle in her life. I am really looking forward to reading the sequel!

That was HARD to write! I’m not sure it really is my definitive top ten – but it’s as close as I can manage, having read so many great books this year. I hope you enjoyed reading it! Are any of these books on your list? Let me know!

This week’s Top Ten Tuesday is actually a freebie, which means that you get to make up your own topic or choose one of the past topics that you missed or want to redo.

When I scrolled through the list of past topics my eyes quickly lighted upon this one, which I felt I had to do for the title alone. I mean, abduction by aliens? I’m pretty sure that’s an unnatural disaster if ever there was one…

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Top Ten Books I’d Quickly Save If My House Was Going To Be Abducted By Aliens
(or any other unnatural disaster)

1. My signed hardback copy of The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks, by E. Lockhart. Because getting to meet E Lockhart after having loved her books for years, in a room full of people who also loved her books (and this after years of feeling like one of about three people in the UK who’d even read her books) was so cool and I’d want to have this book to remember it by.

2. My signed copy of Kiss and Make-Up, by Sarra Manning, which contains my favourite bits of the Diary of a Crush trilogy. I met Sarra and had it signed back in 2010, at a Chicklish event at Dulwich Library. I was unbelievably excited because a) it was the first YA book event I’d been to b) I got to meet some bloggers for the first time c) as well as Sarra Manning, who had been my hero when I was 14, I got to meet Keris Stainton, Luisa Plaja, and Simmone Howell. It still remains the only multi-author event I’ve ever been to where I’d read at least one book by every author!

3. My copy of Burning Your Boats, by Angela Carter

4. My copy of The Curious Room, by Angela Carter

5. My copy of The Magic Toyshop, by Angela Carter

6. My copy of Angela Carter’s Book of Fairy Tales…because they’re all fancy hardbacks and the first two are definitely out of print and the bottom two might be.

7. My hardback copy of The Diviners, by Libba Bray, because it’s a way nicer cover than on the paperbacks and I want to get it signed one day.

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8. My childhood copy of The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett, because I read it so many times it’s all battered and worn-in and a new copy would never be the same.

9. My childhood copy of Matilda, by Roald Dahl, for the same reason.

10. My first edition, second printing, of The Asylum for Wayward Victorian Girls, by Emilie Autumn, because even if I don’t decide to keep it I could sell it on eBay for monies. Ditto for all of my digipak CDs.

What books would you save? Have you met any authors and had any books signed? If you did Top Ten Tuesday this week, which topic did you choose?

Top Ten Tuesday was created and is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

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