Favorite Five books of 2016!

My favorite thing in the world is to find a great book that you just can’t put down. I am undoubtedly an introvert and I’ve come to find that I am most at peace when I’m wrapped up in a blanket and a captivating story. To me it’s the best way to relax and unwind, leaving my world behind and venturing into another.

Looking back at my shelf I realized that I really didn’t read that many books this year. I was far short of my 30-book goal, but more importantly I realize that I didn’t take enough “me” time in 2016. This year I definitely want to read more and have that quiet time with a cup of decaf tea and a new book right before bed. (I sleep so much better when I fall asleep reading!)

So of all the books I read this year these five titles really stuck out to me as my favorites. I hope you find at least one that you want to read this year because I can’t recommend them enough! I have full reviews for most of them that you can check out if you just click the bolded blue links and the last two will have longer reviews coming soon. I'm also linking a few similar books that I want to read this year!

1. The Likeness by Tana French-

If you’ve followed my blog for a while then you’ve heard me rave about this series and if my Goodreads dates are correct I read three of them in 2016. While they’re all really great psychological thriller mysteries, the second book in the series has been my favorite by far. All page-turners and I would definitely recommend reading them in order.

2017 similar read: This year I want to finish the remaining books and read The Trespasser, which was just released in October.

2. At the Water’s Edge by Sara Gruen-

If you’ve read Sara Gruen’s other books like Water for Elephants you’ll know she’s a great story teller. At first I really hated the main character, but as the story went on I really fell in love with it. It’s a quick read, so grab some tea and popcorn and dive in.

2017 similar read: Read Water for Elephants if you haven't, already! I have so this year I want to add The Nightingale to my shelf. I've heard nothing, but great things about this WWII novel.

3. Villa America by Liza Klaussmann-

This is one of the longer books I read this year, but I really enjoyed it. If you’re interested in historical fiction that takes place in the 1920’s then I definitely recommend this book. There are appearances from Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald, the Hemingways and it takes place in the French Riviera, so what’s not to love!

2017 similar read: Aside from some non-ficiton pieces I can't wait to find, I want to read Fitzgerald's Tender is the Night, which he apparently wrote about the Murphy's and Villa America.

4. How to be Parisian by Anne Berest-

I’d heard so much about this book and after a trip to France this summer I just had to pick it up. I read it in two sittings and loved every minute of it. I was quoting it for weeks to my great delight and the great annoyance of my BF.

2017 similar read: I can't wait until Coco Chanel: The Illustrated World of a Fashion Icon gets to my mailbox!

5. The Spy by Paulo Coelho-

I quite literally just finished this book right before the New Year and I’m so excited to include it on this list. It’s again another historical fiction, but with very strong ties to what really happened. If you love stories about independent women then you need to pick up this very short book about Mata Hari and her unfair demise.

2017 similar read: Cleopatra: A Life has been on my bookshelf for a while and I think this year is the perfect time to tackle it.