Top 10 books of 2015

Kenison Garratt
Editor-in-Chief and A&E Editor

      The New Year has begun, and 2016 is sure to bring a whole lot of excitement. Yet 2015 was a still great year, especially for literature. Here is a list of the top ten books of 2015. 

---

10. I Was Here by Gayle Forman
      This novel follows Cody’s journey following the death of her close friend Meg. When her best friend commits suicide, Cody goes to Meg’s college to pack up her belongings. It is here that Cody discovers many things about Meg which she had never known before. This is definitely an emotional story. It is a quick read, but it will touch readers. For an entertaining novel, give this one a try.
​
9. P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han
      Jenny Han picks up with Lara Jean being really confused about her feelings. She thinks she is in love, but when someone from her past turns up, she develops feelings for him. The story follows her inner conflict as she tries to decide with whom her affection should truly reside.
      ​Everyone needs to read a good romance once in a while. But if you would prefer a light-hearted read, word of advice, move on from this one. Han does an excellent job at plucking at the heartstrings of her reader. This is an emotional novel; it is full of ups and downs, which many book lovers find soul-cleansing. The book is still entertaining even though it can get pretty deep sometimes, and most readers agree it is far better than the first.
​
8. Humans of New York by Brandon Stanton
      This book is a compilation of stories and photographs of the residents of New York City. It touches readers while it remains humorous and uplifting. Stanton succeeded in showing off the unique and diverse community, which makes up The City that Never Sleeps in a creative and moving way.

7. Golden Son (Red Rising: Book 2) by Pierce Brown.
      This sequel continues the story of the rebellious Darrow, who works to guide his people to freedom against the controlling societal leaders.
If you enjoyed the Hunger Games, Ender’s Game, or Game of Thrones, you will likely be interested in this sci-fi series. This selection is full of suspense and, unfortunately for some, a whole lot of chapters. The ebook is 464 pages, but it is still worth giving a try. Pierce Brown is becoming increasingly popular in the literary world, and with relatable characters that everyone seems to really connect with, it is not hard to see why.

6. A Work in Progress by Connor Franta
      Written by an incredibly successful and popular Youtuber, this memoir explores the difficult journey he has had on his way to becoming the Internet sensation he is today. He looks into the obstacles he faced growing up, addressing his insecurities with his identity, sexuality, and body image.
      Many top Youtubers published books in 2015, but Franta’s was one of the best received. Readers loved how real and relatable it was, and fans enjoyed being able to see Franta in a different light. He writes incredibly positively and passionately about life. This book will leave surely leave you feeling inspired.

5. Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee
      This To Kill a Mockingbird sequel picks up with twenty-six year old Jean Louise Finch, also known as Scout, heading home to visit her father. This novel offers a different voice and perspective on the events which took place in the previous novel.
      This novel goes more in depth about what was discussed in the first novel. It offers more about the characters when it reveals truths about those from Scout’s childhood. The increased elaboration of the past may be painful for some readers, but the book offers a more realistic view on life and details on the lessons everyone must come to learn.

4. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
      Set in France during World War II, this novel follows two sisters enshrouded by danger. One’s home is captured by German forces, and she is forced to live with the enemy while her husband fights on the front lines. The other joins the Resistance and risks her life to save all the lives she can.
      This book is incredibly powerful. It is one which demonstrates the strength humans possess and just how courageous they can be in times of adversity. The depth of this book is extraordinary. There is so much more in this book than meets the eye.   

3. Trigger Warning: Short Fictions and Disturbances by Neil Gaiman
      This book is a collection of short stories and poems. They range from fairy tales to ghost stories, touching on every sort of unsettling topic in between. Gaiman’s goal here is to look into the truth of human nature and touch upon what exists behind everyday reality.
      This selection is captivating. It is a book you will not be able to put down once you have picked it up. While it may push its reader out of their comfort zone, it also allows the reader to escape into new worlds with fantastical premises and complex characters. It is a unique and unusual work, but it is also entertaining. This #1 New York Times bestselling author has does it once again.

2. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
      This thriller easily gains the attention of its reader. The main character, Rachel, rides the same train every morning and is content with her simple, predictable routine. But her usual day-to-day life changes when she sees something surprising before the train leaves the stop. After going to the police to tell them of what she has seen, she becomes involved in what comes next, much to her dismay.
      For bookworms who prefer a more psychological read, they will definitely enjoy this. This is a captivating novel full of suspense. It is a darker read, but for those who enjoy mysteries, they will definitely want to check out this book. Readers will be fascinated from the exposition to the climax in this exciting selection.
​
1. All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
      This New York Times bestseller follows Theodore Finch and Violet Markey, who meet in a bell tower and decide to look for the beauty in the natural world. Finch, who always was coming up with ways to take his own life, and Violet, who wants to get out of their small, Indiana town following her sister’s death, both begin to find out who they are after this unexpected encounter. While they learn more about themselves, and each other, changes begin to occur in both of them, not all of which are positive.
      This love story is more of an emotionally involving read. Niven writes beautifully about these two teenagers. She perfectly captures the struggles adolescents face in gaining their independence and discovering themselves. Niven even touches on depression and mental illness, a topic not every author wants to detail on, and, if they do, it is not a subject everyone correctly portrays. But this writer does an excellent job in this heart-wrenching story.
 

      ​These ten novels are all brilliant. It will definitely be interesting to see what novels come in 2016. Hopefully, there will be some as good as these.