Reading in 2015

So today let's talk books. Rather, let's talk about reading.

I don't read as much as I should, or as much as I want to. Which is interesting, because I love reading. People don't usually think that when they talk to me but I do. I love being transported somewhere or reading the ideas of someone else. Fiction is like getting to be inside someone else's imagination, but I love non-fiction as well. So next year, I want to read more. I have a few books that I read religiously every year, like the Harry Potter series and Jane Eyre, but there are so many other books I want to read as well, so I decided to make a list, by basic genre of 2 or 3 books/series that I want to try next year. Some of these are books that haven't been released yet and some of these have been out for awhile but I haven't gotten to try yet. But all of them look exciting to me.

Books I Want to Read in 2015

Young Adult Fiction--

This is probably the genre I read the most. It's fiction so you get transported but at the same time it's not as bracing and aggressive as adult fiction can be sometimes. There's usually less sex and language in YA fiction so it's more comfortable for me to read. 

1) Winter by Marissa Meyer

I love Love LOVE The Lunar Chronicle Series by Marissa Meyer. You know how I said yesterday that I love every reincarnation of Cinderella that I've ever read? Well, the first book in this series is called "Cinder" and it's one of my very favorites. The fourth book in the series "Winter" comes out in November and I am really looking forward to it. but WAIT, there's more! Coming out in January 2015 is a prequel of types called "Fairest". It's about Levana, the evil queen. So January I'll get a little taste and then I can reread the entire series in preparation for Winter! 

2) The Selection Series by Kiera Cass

I actually wanted to read this series in 2014, but I didn't. Instead, I'm going to read the whole thing next year. This in another series where the fourth book is coming out in 2015 (called "The Heir") I've picked it up a couple times at the book store and read a page here and there and it seems like a good read, as well as a story that can quickly suck you in. So I'm hopeful that it will live up to my expectations. 

Memoirs--

I'm not sure if this is the right thing to call this category, but oh well. I've been waiting to read these, and this year I'm going to.

1) Bossypants by Tina Fey

Tina Fey.  I don't think I need to elaborate further. 

2) Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me and Other Concerns by Mindy Kaling

Again, Mindy Kaling.  I think she's hilarious and has a fun way of expressing her world view. 

3) Let's Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson

I really like funny women okay! This is Jenny Lawson's first book and I love reading her blog so I can't wait to read this (even if I am a couple years behind) 

4) Food: A Love Story by Jim Gaffigan

Okay, I guess I just generally love funny people.  Jim Gaffigan is one of my favorite comedians. I love that he can make me laugh deep in my belly without being crude or overt amounts of profanity. Also, I love food, so I'm expecting a lot of love for this book. 

Chiclit--

Ah, the Chiclit. That fine piece of literature that is written for women (usually by women). Usually a pretty easy read, usually about girl power in some sort of way. 

1) 45 Pounds (More or Less) by K.A. Barson

I guess this is technically also young adult fiction, but  I don't care.  As someone who has dealt with wight issues, I am interested how this book talks about being comfortable in your own skin to the audience of teenage girls. 

2) Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

I am so SO looking forward to reading this book. It seems very "Shop Around the Corner"-esque, and I love that.  It's about a guy that works as "internet security" for a News station and how he falls in love with a reporter there through reading her emails.  It seems like a fun read. 

LDS Books--

I love all church books, but I only give myself a few every year because I also do a lot of scripture and other curriculum study.  Here's three that I'm hoping to get to and if I do then I can add more to my list! 

1) It is Better to Look Up! Life Experiences of the Pulpit

General Conference is one of my favorite things.  I always get something out of it, even if it's just one thing. I really want to read (and own!) this compilation of stories from different general conference talks. Personal experiences from others always teach me more than anything else.

2) Women and the Priesthood by Sheri Dew

I got this book for my birthday in 2014 and I haven't made the time to sit down and read it.  I've heard Sheri Dew speak a few times and I have always thought of her as bright and intelligent. I've also always thought of myself as equal with priesthood holders in the gospel, although I know that there are those that don't.  So I look forward to reading her perspective on this. 

3) Covenant Hearts: Why Marriage Matters and How to Make it Last by Bruce C. Hafen

We are in a really good place in our marriage right now. Really happy. Do you know what I attribute that to? A combination of a lot of different things, but a big one is not resting on our laurels.  Continuously trying to learn how to to make our relationship better.  I look forward to adding this book to the list of other books that have taught us about having a healthy relationship.

Ambitious Reads--

These are the big ones. Really, I'll be lucky if I get one of these finished.  but I always have a couple on my list to challenge myself. 

1)Jesus the Christ by James E. Talmage

This has been on my list for 8 years. I have read the first 40 pages and then I put it down because my head hurts.  Maybe I'll find a way to break it up. so I can take breaks while reading.  

2) The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

I'm always hearing about this book but I actually don't know what it's about. I'm interested enough to look at it though. 

3) C.S. Lewis by Till We Have Faces

I really like C.S. Lewis as a rule.  The Chronicles of Narnia are one of those series that I read every year.  I got a copy of this book as a gift a couple years ago and never read it. Maybe this year I can crack it open.

4) The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling

When I went to visit my sister in March 2014 there were two books that she kept saying "YOU HAVE TO READ THIS" (As she does. ;)) One was "The Fault in Our Stars" and the other was "The Casual Vacancy".  So I read TFIOS and I cried and cried. Then I read it again and cried and cried some more. So I trust Susan's suggestions. So this book makes the list. 

So here are a few books that I'm hoping to get to read this week. I know it's a lot but I figure if I have a large list to try and complete then I'll definitely at least read more than I have been. That's a good way to keep a goal right? Anyway, what books are you planning to read soon? Do you have any I should add to my list? Tell me about them! I want to know!