Top 5 Books of 2015

I had a hard time finding what I wanted to share for Amy's 'Five on Friday' link party today, but I really wanted to take part in a little online activity, as it is nasty outside, so time in the house will be generous.
I was busy entering another book into GoodReads, and was curious to see how many books I added to the read list in 2015.  I wasn't all that impressed, and would like to read more this year, and that is as close as I will come to a resolution.  But, I easily picked out 5 of my favourites and had my topic for today's post.
Starting with number 5:

5). Let The Elephants Run - David Usher  
     A book about understanding the creative process, how and why it works.  I found this book encouraging and it helped me to slow down on looking too far ahead with an idea, and then squashing that idea before it ever had a chance to become reality. It taught me that inspiration can come from anything and if you let it, will run in the most unexpected of directions.  I did some of the exercises, and got a kick out of them.  Overall, it was just a fun book that ended up changing my life in the subtle ways I view myself in relation to the world. So thank-you Mr. Usher!

4). Around The World in Eighty Days - Jules Verne
     A classic, but one I hadn't read, and was glad I took the time to.  It was an easy read, fast paced and quite short.  Maybe I should read more like this to lengthen my list for this year.  Like the main character, Phileas Fogg, does with everyone he meets, this book left an impression on me, and although I haven't, it would be worth looking into the whys of that.  I enjoyed it, would recommend it, and will eventually read it again.  Maybe that is my problem, perhaps I shouldn't reread books, because I don't add them to my list twice.

3). The Stone Diaries - Carol Shields
     A novel that takes you from birth to death of an ordinary woman.  That was all I needed to hear for me to pick this one up.  I related to this book.  The simple observation of one's own life.  I do it all the time, and was eager to read about someone else's experience with it.  The fact that it is fiction is irrelevant.  It is the perception that matters here.

2). Drowning Ruth - Christina Schwarz
     This book mislead me,   I was confident with where I thought it was going, and then a little blip here and there would have me second guessing my ideas.  I read this book in a short amount of time due to the author's talent with this.  I just needed to know what the heck had actually happened.  I've never read a mystery that intrigued me the way this one did.  I wouldn't even categorize this one as a mystery, although I suppose it  is.  It just doesn't read like you would expect a book of that genre to.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants something out of the ordinary.

1). The Glass Castle - Jeannette Walls
     I could go on and on about this book.  This author's memoir has helped me to shift my own perception of what it means to be a family.  As a matter of fact, it is still working it's magic.  Weeks after finishing it, I am still considering it.  How we can be completely connected and at the same time live entirely separate lives from our families, is something I have always struggled to balance.  This memoir has helped me to move forward in my understanding of how to not let the negative overpower my memories and current experiences with my family, but even more than that, to turn what I thought was negative into a deep and powerful understanding.  That's a life-changer. And that is why I read.  

Comments

  1. I don't do as much reading as I would like, but I have taken a note of your five they certainly seem like my kind of books. Take care.

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  2. Some great sounding books thank you. I haven't read Round the world in eighty days either but feel I should now give it a go. Have a good weekend. Barbara

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  3. Looks like you read an interesting variety of books.

    I also have a goal of reading more this year. So far I finished one smallish book and I'm on to my second. I do A LOT of reading, it is just not always in book form.

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  4. I read the glass castle s couple of years ago and it stayed with me for many months. It's incredible how families behave and how children either follow the model or break the mould. A fascinating recount of her memoirs. Lived this book. Thanks for the reminder.

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  5. I haven't read any of those but I do love to read reviews about what other people read and especially their favourites. I don't think I am going to live long enough to read everything I want to read. Funnily enough I chose to list five books this week but mine are my favourites from childhood. xx

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  6. There are some books I've read several times because they are so beautiful in writing style, characterisation and storyline. Many books I read don't meet that standard but when one does it is such a thrill.

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  7. They sound like five very good reads! Glad that you enjoyed them, the one about the ladies life from birth onwards sounds fascinating. Thank you for joining Five On Friday, happy weekend! xx

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  8. I'm always looking for more good books to read so I enjoyed your reviews.

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  9. The only one of your five I have read is The Glass Castle, it has stayed with me for years. Thank you for the other suggestions.
    Meredith

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  10. What a great book list! I enjoyed getting your perspective on each one!

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  11. You've made me want to read 'Drowning Ruth'...

    Thank you!

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  12. I'm not familiar with most of your list but they do sound fascinating!

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  13. Thanks so much for stopping by!!
    Have a great weekend!!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

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  14. In your list there are some books I've already read, some of them more than once, but some are news to me, thank you for your suggestion, my dearest Andrea !
    Have a blessed Sunday and a wonderful new week ahead
    with gratitude and much love
    Dany

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  15. Hello, these books all sound interesting. I will add them to my list. Happy Monday, enjoy your new week!

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  16. Hi Andrea, thanks for sharing these. I haven't read any of them, even though I think we have a copy of Jules Verne on the shelf. I should dig it out! Thanks for visiting my five xx

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