lightreads

69 books read in 2015, which is both sadly few, and typical. I'm kind of surprised I managed even that many, as I have cut my commute time significantly, and that was my major reading opportunity. It was a noticeably good reading year, though. I am trying to be better about choosing things I'll enjoy, rather than being a stubborn completist or insisting on giving a dud author another chance. And since October 1, I have been reading only women authors, and will continue to do so for another nine months. Thus far it has been more invigorating and interesting than my wildest expectations.

Anyway, notable books of the year:

Science fiction
The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey
Read early in the year, and honestly, nothing quite compared.
Review here

Fantasy
The Goblin Emperor by Catherine Addison
N.B. Currently $4.99 on Kindle.
The kindest novel I've read in a while.
Review here

Most trope subversive
Earth Logic by Laurie J. Marks
I don't generally think about self-inserting, but I would visit this world. I would absolutely get married there.
Review here

Best childhood favorite rediscovered
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
Twisty puzzle game with a sharp eye for people.
Review here

M/M romance
The Boy with the Painful Tattoo by Josh Lanyon
Third in a series of mysteries, but the point is the wonderfully difficult, cranky, ungraceful protagonist.
Review here

Most fun
The Royal We by Jessica Morgan and Heather Cox
The Fug Girls do royal romance. I'm into it.
review here

Debut
Sorcerer to the Crown by Zen Cho
Frothy but clever historical fantasy.
Review here

Single author collection
Get in Trouble by Kelly Link
She just keeps being that good.
Review here

Themed multi-author collection
Sisters of the Revolution ed. Ann and Jeff Van der Mere
Okay, it's the only one I read this year, but it's a goodie.
Review here

Transformative work
Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
I want to reread this, actually, and I almost never reread.
Review here

The one I'm still thinking about
The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell
Hm.
Review here

Young adult
Cuckoo Song by Francis Hardinge
This book messed with me, and I thanked it.
Review here

Younger than young adult
Castle Hangnail by Ursula Vernon
Delightful!
Review here

Urban fantasy
Sunshine by Robin McKinley
Only a decade late, but yes. Also, made me bake for a month straight.
Review here

Nonfiction
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Painful, necessary.
Review here