To Read in 2016

I’ve seen quite a lot of posts and videos on this subject and was very interested in everyone’s lists, so I thought I’d have a go myself.

I reached my goal of 20 books in 2015, and want to increase that in 2016 to 30. I’ve read three so far so I’m doing alright, but these are some books, some that I’ve had on my bookshelf for too long, some that have been on my Goodreads to-read list forever, others that have been very popular with Booktubers and bloggers in 2015; that I am determined to get through this year.

Testament of Youth by Vera Brittain

I began reading this autobiography whilst in my second year at university, when I took a History module all about Britain in the First World War, and I, of course, chose to write about women’s roles for my essay (Gender, Women’s and Feminist Histories are my jam). It’s prettty long, so I only got a hundred or so pages in before having to move on, but I have finally got around to picking it up again and I am determined to finish it this time. It is super inspirational, Vera Brittain was an amazing woman and had such a talent for writing I don’t think it’ll be difficult for me to get through it.

Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks

Sticking with the WW1 theme, whilst I was studying it it happened to be 2014, the 100 year anniversary of the breakout of war. Lots of books were on offer, so obviously I stocked up, having fallen in love with the writing of and about that era. I also want to get through ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ as well, but ‘Birdsong’ is the big one.

How to be Both by Ali Smith

Something totally different now, this is one of the books I got for Christmas, because I’ve heard so much about it since it winning the Baileys prize for Women’s Fiction.

American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis

My friend did slightly put me off embarking on this one when she said she had to put it down because she was going to be sick… but I’m determined to read it this year.

Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson

This has very recently been added to my to-read list on Goodreads just after seeing it spoken about by a couple of Youtubers. The tag line ‘a funny book about horrible things’ and the fact that it’s about mental health has me intrigued, and that’s all I really know about it. Other than that the cover is a taxidermy raccoon. Which is obviously a huuge attraction.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

I believe this is just a book everyone should read? That’s what people say, isn’t it? I had to get some 19th century classics on the list, there’s always more to be read; especially ones by Victorian women.

I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

This is part of my plan to read more autobiography, especially by inspirational women, and I don’t think you can get more inspirational than Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala. I cannot wait to read her story.

The Drowning of Arthur Braxton by Caroline Smailes

I am very, very excited about Luke Cutforth (LukeIsNotSexy) making this into a film. I pledged £10 towards it, I’m that proud of the guy. So I figured I should read the book first and get even more excited about the whole project!

I should probably stop writing this now and get on with the actual reading… even though my list is growing longer and longer, any recommendations would be gratefully received!