I love reading. At any given moment I’m probably halfway through a handful of books — always too excited to finish my current book before diving into another. Random fact? A few years ago I dated a guy for no more than a month. He was brash and had a crude sense of humor, but was also an avid bookworm and carried his Kindle wherever he went. Intrigued, I decided to buy a Kindle for myself.
I like to think I’ve been addicted to reading ever since.
I had that Kindle for several years…until one day when Monja ate it. Now I’m on Kindle #2 and always on the hunt for new books to devour. I’m currently reading The Happiness Project (loving it!) and Wild and just finished Gone Girl (so addicting!). Now, here are 12 books I’m looking forward to reading (and have heard incredible things about!) for 2015. In case you’re a math whiz or something, that’s one book a month…do-able, yes? I’d love to hear your thoughts if you’ve read any of these! 🙂
- Not That Kind of Girl by Lena Dunham
- The History of Love by Nicole Krauss
- The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron
- The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak
- The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brené Brown
- This I Know: Notes on Unraveling the Heart by Susannah Conway
- Invisible Monsters by Chuck Palahniuk
- Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened by Allie Brosh
- Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling
- A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron
- Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer
The History of Love is one of my all time favourites! It has this amazing quote “once upon a time there was a boy who loved a girl and her laughter was a question he wanted to spend his whole life answering” ahh it’s so cute. I highly recommend it.
Okay I’ve definitely heard that quote before, but had no idea it was from that book! Ahh so beautiful! Can’t wait to read that one. 🙂
Ahh I think I read that somewhere and wrote it down! That might’ve been the reason I decided to add that book to this list, I forget! But anyways, I was so struck by the beauty of that quote when I read it — thanks for reminding me of it, Ursula!
Loved Mindy’s book. So hilarious! She’s the greatest and so is her show. That’s the only one on your list I’ve read! But I’ve got Lena Dunham’s on my Kindle for when I finish the 14 different books I’m reading (slight exaggeration, but I am working on at least three, one in Romanian!).
Judging by cover alone (it’s archaic to not – I mean, someone designed it that way for a reason), I can tell I would enjoy The History of Love, so I’ll add that to my list probably.
I tried to read The Artist’s Way but didn’t end up focusing enough to do so. And I haven’t read that Jonathan Safran Foer but I’ve read another of his and I liked that!
Looks like you’ve got a good list!
Is it bad that I have little to no idea who Mindy Kaling is? I know she’s famous and has been on TV shows (my Google search just brought up The Office and Mindy Project!), but never really knew anything about her aside that she is apparently hilarious haha. But anyways, I’ve heard her book is awesome and I can’t wait to read it!
I should buy Lena’s book! I was looking on Amazon yesterday and saw that it was only like $3…then I noticed that a TON of kindle books are only $2-3. WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS? I can’t decide if this is holiday pricing (meaning I should stock up right meow) or if this is new, amazing pricing haha. Anyways, I digress. *grin*
Which other book of J S Foer did you read?
Welllll you should add the Mindy Project to your queue of shows to watch.. It’s pretty darn excellent! And then you’ll be able to just hear her reading it to you when you read the book, which can only add to the experience.
MAYBE CYBER MONDAY?!! Except it’s Tuesday so I don’t know! I will have to check this out…….. 😀
I read Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. Although I’m in Eastern Europe currently so maybe I should add Everything is Illuminated to my list, too! To-read lists literally could go on forever…….
Ohh that’s a great idea! I think I’ll watch a few episodes (or all of them, ha!) because reading it in her voice sounds like an awesome plan!
I’ve heard Extremely Loud is a great book! I almost added that one to this list. I’ve also heard his other book, Eating Animals, is great. So many books to read! 🙂
I loved Mindy’s book, Hyperbole and a Half and the Gifts of Imperfection. I actually listen to the Gifts for Imperfections pretty frequently in my Audible account because it is such a good reminder/felt really relevant to me. I was kind of disappointed by Lena Dunham’s book but every time I tell someone that, they’ve loved it! So maybe it’s just me. Great list! 🙂
I’m really excited for all of those books you mentioned! An audio version of Brene’s book sounds like a great idea — I remember after reading Daring Greatly I felt like I needed to read it every day to be reminded of her words!
I noticed Lena’s book has the worst reviews on Amazon out of all these picks (3.5 stars), so you might not be alone in feeling disappointed!
I literally cried laughing reading Mindy’s book! Its just as funny as she is on TV
haha I can’t wait to read it then!
I haven’t read any of these but I’d love to read Mindy’s book, Lena Dunham’s book, and the Book Thief. Also on my list are If I Stay, Paper Towns, An Abundance of Katherines, and The Happiness Project. Can I recommend one for ya? If you’re looking for a laugh, be sure to read Tina Fey’s Bossypants (if you haven’t already).
What a great list though, thanks for sharing!
~ Samantha
Ohh I need to check out those books you suggested! I just added Bossypants to my goodreads list — great suggestion! And I’m currently reading The Happiness Project — I am loving it! The author has a really personable and fun style of writing.
You’re in for a treat. 🙂 I loved The Book Thief, The History of Love (Krauss’ best, IMHO), Everything is Illuminated (a bit hared to get into at first), and Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? I tried for 52 this year, but it looks like I’m not going to make it!
52!! That’s incredible, whether you made it or not! What are some of your favorites from the year?
I really enjoyed John Williams’ Stoner, which came highly recommended!, Peter Mendelsund’s What We See When We Read, Joan Didion’s Play It As It Lays, Jonathan Ames’ I Love You More Than You Know, and if you’re into graphic novels, Brian K. Vaughan’s Saga is GREAT.
WOO! Just added them to my goodreads list. Thank you for the suggestions! I honestly haven’t finished an entire graphic novel (I’ve been reading Watchmen for ages!), but would love to dive into that world more, so Saga sounds great!
I think i’ll copy some of these books and add them to my list as well. I haven’t read any of them although I’m an obsessive reader hahaha.
xx Cecil // http://www.wednesday19th.blogspot.com
Yay! What are some of your favorite recent books, Cecil?
I’ve read so many Chuck Palahniuk books that I can’t remember if I’ve read IM or not, but I haven’t met one of his books that I didn’t like. Mindy Kaling’s book is quite amazing. So you’re a dog person. Have you read The Art of Racing in the Rain? If not I highly recommend it. Just grab your tissues.
haha! I say the same thing about Chuck Palahniuk whenever I see his books. I always have to read the back cover to see if I’ve read it or not, but I love his books regardless! When I went to Portland, I saw that he was doing a book signing a few days after I left…wahh!
And omg THANK YOU! I was trying to search for The Art of Racing in the Rain, but forgot what it was called and ended up with A Dog’s Purpose instead (also has amazing reviews though!). Just added it to my goodreads list…can’t wait to read it! 🙂
Ah yes! I’m so glad I was able to remind you of it. (PS Goodreads is boss.)
Great list, I enjoyed the film The Book Thief a lot! Also I loved the book Wild, such heart wrenching story, excited to see the film.
http://www.recalcitrantgirl.com
Ohh I need to see both of those movies! I am about halfway through Wild…it’s taken me so long to finish it for some reason. I think I feel like the story is repetitive? Have you read Tiny Beautiful Things, also by Cheryl Strayed? It’s incredible. Definitely one of my best reads of the year. 🙂
ohhh i love this post – i can always use some book inspiration! And what a great list 🙂 the history of love is one of my all time favourites, the gift of imperfection had such an influence on me, and is everyone hanging out but me is absolutely hilarious! i should make a list for 2015 as well – lena dunham’s book will definitely be on it!
xo, cheyenne
Ahh I’m so excited to read those books! Several other commenters mentioned the same books you did…they must be awesome! 🙂
Nice! I gotta read Gone Girl – I keep hearing so many good things about it!
I just got a subscription to Kindle Unlimited so hopefully 2015 will be a much more productive reading year for me. 🙂
Ohhh I was thinking of getting the subscription! Sounds like a great idea! And Gone Girl is awesome…so addicting! The ending was pretty meh though. haha.
Ohh I’m so excited to check out these books! I am a sucker for a good book list. I feel like you have awesome taste when it comes to good reads! I hope to read Wild sometime soon. I can’t wait to hear what you think about it!
Those are some fantastic books! Mindy is my spirit animal. I’m looking forward to reading the 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared, and Consider the Fork and How To Build a Girl.
I think I’m going to tackle 12 books next year, too. We got this.
Can I judge a book by its title? Because all those books you named sound SO interesting! I’ll have to add them to my goodreads account! 🙂
These books look SO GOOD!! I absolutely loved The Book Thief. I was bawling. You will love it!
Yay! I’m excited to hear that! It has crazy awesome reviews, so I’m excited to plow through it. 🙂
Yes to the Book Thief. I actually hated it the first time I read it and ended up giving up a few chapters in. Then for some reason I decided to try again and was blown away. Just don’t watch the film.
Good to know! Thanks Amy! I’m excited to read it. 🙂
I just ordered the Kindle Edition of The Artist’s Way, in addition to having a used paperback of it! I can’t wait to tackle the course in 2015! Glad I won’t be the only one 🙂
Woohoo!! That’s awesome, Em!
I love reading and I could just read all day long if it was possible. I haven’t read any of those books above, but I want to read ‘Not that kind of girl’ and ‘The artist’s way.’ My plan is to read those during holidays 🙂
Woohoo! Let me know what you think of ’em. 🙂
Aaahh… books. I just love ’em! =) Great reading list you got there! I was really intrigued by A dog’s purpose on your list, just sounds like a great read! Personally I haven’t really made up my mind about next year, I really want to try to read a book a week, but I’m really bad at staying true to my lists, often I just choose the book that seems most interesting at that particular point.
With that said, I have a LOT of unread books here at home so I think I will try to start by checking them off first! I have some e-books as well, even though I prefer a “real” book, it’s just so much easier since I’m traveling by bus a lot. I think it’s a really great complement.
I’m excited to read that one! I also noticed that it has wonderful reviews! Wooohoo! And I totally know what you mean about e-books. I love the feel (and smell?) of real books, but e-readers are soo handy!
The Book Thief is my all time favorite! Definitely check out I Am the Messenger by the same author!
I’m looking forward to reading Girl Boss and the Lena Dunham book!
Theresa
http://www.underhonesttrees.com
Awesome! I’m looking forward to checking out that author! You’ll like Girlboss — it was a really easy and encouraging read!
The Book Thief was beautiful, enchanting and sad, a beautiful book. I have a feeling you’ll really enjoy it
That sounds like all of my favorite things! 🙂
I LOVED The Book Thief and watched the movie soon after. Mindy Kaling’s book was pretty good too…but I actually didn’t like Lena Dunham’s, maybe because it was so hyped up and I was expecting something spectacular. Haven’t read the others but I’m curious to find out how they are!!
Excited for the book thief!! I’ve heard similar things about Lena Dunham’s book, so we’ll see how it actually is!
Thank you for sharing them. I have to read Not that kind of girl.
http://www.malondarose.com
Ah! Several of these are on my list, too. I’m also super excited about ‘Yes, Please!’ by Amy Poehler. That’s next on my reading list. I amazed myself and read more than double my original goal of books for this year, so I’m super excited to carry that energy into next year! 🙂
I want to read that one, too! I love Amy Poehler. 😀 And wow, that’s so awesome!!
Hyperbole and a Half is so cute! I actually bought it last year because there’s a whole chapter (are they called chapters) on depression & what it’s like to suffer from depression. I suffered for YEARS and I have an awesome sense of humor.. I laughed so hard reading it, I had to buy it. Great book!
That is so awesome to hear. 🙂 Glad you liked it and found some meaning in it!
I’m glad to know I’m not the only person who reads multiple books at once. So many people I know find that habit very strange. I have to say I finally just got finished with Mindy Kaling’s book and I loved it! I replaced one funny lady with another as I added Yes Please by Amy Poehler to my 2015 list!
Mindy followed by Amy? You sure know how to pick ’em, Kati!! 🙂
Reading Not That Kind Of Girl now, and read Everything Is Illuminated earlier this year, I think you’ll love both!
WOO! Excited to check ’em out! 🙂
I usually give myself a challenge of 6 books a year, what with school being busy half the year! I’d soo love to be able to do 12!
Great list, my grandparents gave me The Book Thief yeaars ago and at that age I wasn’t feeling it, but I really think I might try to read it again now!
I totally know what you mean. When I was in school, reading felt like such a chore because I had no time! Good on you for trying to fit in 6 books! 🙂
I set a goal of 5 or 6 books each year but read more than that, haha!. This year, I completed some Dan Brown books and some Sidney Sheldon’s and they were amazing. I am looking forward to read more mystery books + Gone Girl and Not That Kind Of Girl is on my to-read list 🙂
Awesome! I’ve been loving mystery books lately too! So addicting.
The Gifts of Imperfection is on my short-term list (which means it will definitely be read by next May and The Book Thief on my long-term list (more like the next 3 years). And I have been wanting to read 1984 🙂
I love the idea of a short and long-term list! That is kind of genius. 🙂
There are too many books for my lifetime to read! haha and the Book Thief was life changing, just amazing! Hope you enjoy it!
GAH I totally agree! How am I going to read them all!? And that’s awesome to hear about the Book Thief! I’m even more excited to read it!
I’ve been trying to pick my reading habit back up. I love the ease of electronic readers. I got a Nook several years ago as a gift but I’m thinking about buying Kindle soon. The Kindle is easier for borrowing from the library. Mindy’s book is on my to-read list too!
OooOoo as in, literally borrowing e-books from the library? I had no idea that was possible, but that is so cool if it is!
Yeah girl! You should be able to see if offer it from their website, usually called ecollection. The San Diego library offers it.
Wild is probably my favorite book I’ve read in the last year!!! I’ve been wanting to read The Happiness Project, is it a good one?!
TOTALLY a good one! I’m reading it right now and really like the author’s writing style and candid honesty. The book also makes me happy, so that’s nice. 🙂
Awesome!! I’ll move it up on my list 🙂
I loooooove book lists. A few of these are on my list for next year also! I’ve decided to read some Agatha Christie at a friend’s recommendation.
I remember Agatha Christie was assigned for school once, but I don’t think I ever finished the book! I’d love to read another mystery novel though! 🙂
The Book Thief is one of my favorite books from my high school curriculum! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s
Ahh I’m excited to check it out! 🙂
The Book Thief is a game-chanter. It’s so beautiful and sad. As is Everything is Illuminated. Both have a WWII Holocaust theme and a charming writing style.
Heads up on the Happiness Project — the sequel is somehow not as charming.
Ohh excited for those two even more now! And I had no idea The Happiness Project had a sequel! But in that case…maybe I won’t read it. 😉
It might be for you! If you give the titles a skim, you’ll get the idea. She also has a third one out now that I’ll probably wind up reading: http://www.gretchenrubin.com/books/before-after/before-after/
Cool!! I’m excited to check ’em out 🙂 I like her writing style.
I’ve read Everything is Illuminated. To be honest, I don’t really remember much about it, but I remember enjoying it when I read it. It’s been awhile. I have The History of Love and plan to read that soon. The author visited my university so I went to her book signing and walked away with signed copies of all of the books that she had out by then. My mom has read them, but I haven’t.
I have SO many books (and movies) like that, where I remember reading/watching them, but can’t remember much about them. I find that so interesting, since we were once so invested in their stories. And how neat that the author visited your university! I’ve heard that’s a great book.
Mindy’s book and The Book Thief are two of my very favorites! You’ll love them. After you read The Book Thief, you HAVE to watch the movie. Also excellent.
YAY! Your comment just got me all kinds of excited. 🙂
Hi Mel:
That’s a great list of books to read 😀
In 2015 I want to start reading again; I have 5 pending books that I really want to finish. Also I want to buy some about ‘business’ or ‘marketing’ for my blog/brand ♥!
Love that, Cori! I love reading business books at times, too — so many fun ideas they generate!
I want to read books about dogs. I love reading them. But I can’t deal with the sad parts about reading books about dogs. It’s so emotional!
I just finished State of Wonder by Patchett and Where’d You Go Bernadette by Semple. Both fun, entertaining, thought provoking reads. Well worth it!
Ahh I bet they’re emotional! I haven’t heard of those books, but I’ll have to check ’em out! Love a good thought provoking read 🙂
What a wonderful collection of books! You’re going to have a great reading year! 🙂
Thank you! I think so too 🙂
I’m embarrassed to say I’ve only read two of these books (The Book Thief and Hyperbole and a Half), but I highly recommend both of them! And I’ve heard amazing things about The History of Love and Americanah, so I think it’s safe to say you’ve rounded up a good list here. 🙂
Well I haven’t read any of them, so you’re outdoing me already 😉 Glad you liked both of those though! Can’t wait to check them out. 🙂
A million thumbs up for Mindy Kaling’s book. A fun read for sure.
JUST finished it like two days ago. She’s so relatable!
Book Thief is a brilliant book, I’ve read it this year, one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. I just started Wild. I’m glad you reminded me about Americanah, I wanted to read it as well. There are so many books and so little time…
I’ll have to read Book Thief soon! I’ve heard amazing things about it!
This post totally inspired me to think of 12 books I would want to read in 2015.
http://insidesai.blogspot.co.uk/
Awesome! Happy reading in 2015! 🙂
Thank you, you too!
LOVE this list! How did you make the picture for this blog post? :]
Lena Dunham’s definitely on the list for me 🙂 Oh dear, my reading list is way too long, where do I begin? ???
haha same here!!
I’ve read and loved The Gifts of Imperfection and This I Know. Americanah is on my list for this year too. =)
Awesome! I’ve heard amazing things about Americanah.