I have always been a reader. In primary school, my nose was always in a book and the library could not add books quick enough for me.
Now I am in my twenties, that love has not lessened. This year I enjoyed many books and I am excited to share some of these with you.
A Song of Ice and Fire
Otherwise known as the books behind top television series ‘Game of Thrones’. George R. R. Martin created the world of Westeros and the many intricate details within it.
There is one (big) problem; he has yet to release book six and the ever divergent TV series has fully caught up. Get a move on George!
The Hunger Games
I was late to this party. I watched the first three films in one sitting last year and could not wait 12 months for the final installment, so I binge-read the books while working in rural Australia.
The film’s ending played out identically to the books, which was a disappointment for me.
It is not often that a film sticks so closely to the book and the one time it is, I am not happy. Clearly, there is no pleasing me.
Gone Girl
Again, I watched the film and was curious about the book. It goes into great detail about the lives of Nick and Amy Dunne and captured the story in a way two hours of film cannot.
Gillian Flynn writes in a fashion you hope no one ever thinks like. I got to the stage where I was worried how Flynn was able to create these thoughts to begin with…
How Not to Travel the World: Adventures of a Disaster-Prone Backpacker
I can happily say I started and finished this book in the same day. Written by Lauren Juliff, it documents the trip no one thought she would stick out.
Spoiler alert: She does stick it out and does so brilliantly, but not without many bumps along the way.
Lauren also shares how her anxiety impacts travelling and relationships with those closest to her. It is superb to see how far Lauren has come since she first strapped on her oversized backpack.
American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History
This is another book I read after watching the film. Chris Kyle talks through his life from childhood to each deployment as a U.S. Navy SEAL, ending with how he dealt with becoming a civilian.
It was an easy read but a fascinating one. I recommend reading it, but also catch the film.
Let This be Our Secret
I read this book in preparation for the mini-series, ‘The Secret’ coming to our screens this year.
The book documents the build up and aftermath of the murders of Lesley Howell and Trevor Buchannan, which was thought to be a double suicide for almost 20 years.
Deric Henderson speaks with those close to the families involved to paint a picture of the double murder.
Rose West: The Making of a Monster
True crime is one of my favourite genres, so when I visited Belfast Books, John made sure I left with this book.
It details each murder the Wests commit, but the book explains the impact both Fred and Rose’s childhood had on their relationships.
It is well worth a read, but prepare to be horrified.
Escape from Camp 14: One man’s remarkable odyssey from North Korea to freedom in the West
Escape from Camp 14 gives an insight into the happenings within the notorious North Korean camp.
Shin Dong- hyuk was born in Camp 14 and is the only known escapee.
Escape from Camp 14 is difficult to read in places because of the subject matter. Shin was in many situations that in the outside world most people do not think other humans can do. It is a book everyone should read.
I hope that 2016 will be a year full of books. If you have any recommendations based on these reads, please let me know. What books have you enjoyed in 2015?
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