New Year's Resolutions To Read More Books Results In My Best Picks

My main New Years Resolution of 2016 was to read more books. In 2015, I had only read 5 books. While I did read comics, newspapers, and magazine articles, I was still disappointed that I had only managed to squeeze in 5 books. So, for 2016, I decided to ramp up my book reading. I also kept a #bookdiary, listing the books I read, and what I thought of them. In 2016, I read 16 books. Much better than 2015, but still far behind what I had hoped. Anyway, here are the books I read and loved the most in 2016, and would definitely recommend to anyone interested:

1)  Ready Player One, by Ernest Cline - this book is fantastic. I highly recommend it, especially for anyone who recalls hen Atari came out, came of age in the 80's, and is into gaming. But really, anyone can get into it and love it. The book is very deceptive, as it sucks you into the world slowly, until you realize you are totally hooked. When the book ended, all I could do is be sad that there were no more pages to read. The rights were picked up by Steven Spielberg, and I can't wait to see the movie when it comes out - though I doubt it will be as good as the book.


             
2) The Southern Reach Trilogy book 1 is Annhilation, book 2 is Authority and book 3 is Acceptance, by Jeff VanderMeer. This is a really great series, which is a bit sci-fi , a bit post-apocalyptic, and a bit mystery. Through all 3 books, you never really can figure out what has happened. No matter how many times I thought I had figured out what was going on, the next chapter would blow my theories to hell. For people that like their endings all neatly wrapped up, with all questions answered, this is not the book for you. For everyone else, enjoy. This book series has also been picked up by Hollywood and will be made into a movie. I believe Natalie Portman is signed to play the lead.



3)  Composed, by Roseanne Cash. This is Cash's autobiography, and it certainly told me so many things about her that I never knew. Well written, interesting, and reminds us that just because someone is famous, it doesn't mean we know who they are.



4)  Everything You Ever Wanted, by Jillian Lauren. Another autobiography - I believe this is Lauren's 2nd one. Her 1st autobiography focused on her life in the harem of a Saudi prince, her drug addiction, and more. She has been a frequent story teller on the MOTH radio series. She is currently married to Weezer guitarist, Scott Shriner.  Everything You Ever Wanted is the story of their quest to have children, and their experience in adopting a child with special needs. It is so powerful and moving. I highly recommend it.



So, there you have my best picks from my 2016 reading list. What have you guys read? Any recommendations?

http://www.jeffvandermeer.com/
http://www.ernestcline.com/
http://www.rosannecash.com/
http://www.jillianlauren.com/