Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Reads of 2016 (Thus Far)

Hello!  It’s Tuesday and time for another Top Ten Tuesday post!

  What is TTT? TTT is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish.  Check out their blog for more info and to see upcoming themes.

This week’s theme was…

June 21: Top Ten Favorite 2016 Releases So Far This Year

Since I haven’t read a ton of 2016 releases YET, I decided to tweak it to be my favorite reads of 2016 (thus far)

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Amazon // Goodreads

Genre: Romance • Contemporary

Loved everything about this book!  Now I need to see the movie… I’m just nervous it is going to be dull in comparison to the book.  Input anyone?

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The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Amazon // Goodreads

Genre: Fiction > Inspirational

This was such a beautiful parable about life.  I was completely enthralled with the story, but also learned a lot of life lessons along the way.

You can read my review here → 5 Things The Alchemist Taught Me About Life

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The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

Amazon // Goodreads

Genre: Historical Fiction • Mystery

This book was insanely good.  It was a  historical fiction, gothic novel, and a mystery all rolled into one!  It was brilliant actually.

You can read my review here → Book Review: The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

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The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge

Amazon // Goodreads

Genre: YA > Mystery • Fantasy

I thoroughly enjoyed this book!  It was very dark and eerie and I really enjoyed all the symbolism woven throughout the story.  Hardinge is a very creative author.

You can read my review here → Book Review: The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge

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A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

Amazon // Goodreads

Genre: Fantasy

I low expectations going into this book.  I hadn’t read much in the realm of fantasy and was worried that I would be compairing it to Harry Potter the entire time.  I didn’t.  Schwab is an AMAZING writer.  Her talent blows me away.

You can read my review here → Book Review: A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

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Dollbaby by Laura Lane McNeal

 Amazon // Goodreads

Genre: Historical Fiction

This book!  I loved it so so much.  It still holds the title of my favorite read of 2016 so far.

You can read my review here → Book Review: Dollbaby by Laura Lane McNeal

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Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

Amazon // Goodreads

Genre: Historical Fiction

I found the history behind this book fascinating!  I had never heard of orphan trains before this book.  I love discovering new things about history through literature.

You can read my review here → Book Review: Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

You can read about when I got the chance to meet the author here → Orphan Train Meet the Author Event – Christina Baker Kline

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The Girl Who Wrote in Silk by Kelli Estes

Amazon // Goodreads

Genre: Historical Fiction

Another great book where I learned more about the history they don’t teach in school. This time, it was The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.  I thought this book was very well done.

You can read my review here → Book Review: The Girl Who Wrote in Silk by Kelli Estes

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The Gilded Hour by Sara Donati

Amazon // Goodreads

Genre: Historical Fiction

I had been waiting for this book for 6 years!!! This is a spin off of my favorite historical fiction series of all times, the Into the Wilderness series.  This book did not disappoint!  A whole new cast of characters to love with a few familiar faces!  This book also gave me a new perspective on woman’s issues and rights.

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The Orchard: A Memoir by Theresa Weir

Amazon // Goodreads

Genre: Nonfiction > Memoir

This book was a very pleasant surprise.  I actually picked it up not knowing it was a memoir.  It definitely does NOT read like a memoir, but rather like a beautiful piece of fiction. This book also had a personal connection that I was NOT expecting.

You can read my review here → Book Review: The Orchard by Theresa Weir

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Which books were your favorite reads of 2016 thus far?  Feel free to link to your own TTT post!