10 Best Books I Read in 2016

I realize that there's only 9 covers but I can't figure out this whole collage thing;)

I set out a goal to read 50 new books this year and I read about 80! I'm not sure what happened but something changed halfway through the year and I became more intentional in my reading and started to fly though books. 

I'm realizing quickly that I might not be able to keep up other goals in my life but reading is one that I think will always be a top priority. :) It's just so much fun and while I have the time to do it, I'm trying to punch out as many books as possible.

Here are my 10 favorite reads this year...

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness-This completely blew my expectations by how much this book moved me. I was in a puddle of tears at the end. The illustrations were absolutely amazing as well.

The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown-Inspiring and incredibly well written. It's a true underdog champion story. I hear the audio is amazing as well.

How Not to Die by Michael Greger-I'm a little biased because the principles he talks about in his books are ones that I've been striving to live for the last 2 years and they have been total game changers so of course I loved this. He reads every nutritional study out there and so it's very scientifically packed but still an enjoyable and insightful book to read. 

The One-in-a-Million Boy by Monica Wood-This book stayed with me a while after I read it which is usually a good sign. It's kind of an unusual story with flawed characters but I think that's why I liked it. 

Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life in Discovery by Russell Freedman-This would proved to be one of many young adult nonfiction books that I would fall in love this year. I learned so much about Eleanor and have a new admiration for her. Now I'm curious to read everything about her. 

Bomb: The Race to Build-and Steal-the World's Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin-Probably my all time favorite this year. A nonfiction read like a thriller. I love how Sheinkin come bring unknown history or different aspects of history stories to life. Not only is the history in this story is incredible but the stories interwoven are fascinating. 

These is My Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine by Nancy E. Turner-This is a book that everyone had read but me but I've only heard good things about it and wow, they were right! I really had a hard time putting this one down. And Jack Elliot is right up there with Gilbert Blythe as one of my favorite male characters. 

Rebecca by Daphne Du Murier-I especially loved reading this gothic type novel in October for a seasonal read. This one I did on audio which is the way I would recommend it to people. It totally sucked me in in the best eerie way possible. 

The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley-I read this way back last January but I still remember the emotions it left me at the end of the book. This is a fantastic middle grade novel that would be great for discussion. 

The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen-Alright, another one back from January but I had to mention this one because it's one that I've recommended to my sister recently and she loved it too so I thought others should know as well. Klassen is my go-to author when I'm sick because her stories are one that has a bit of mystery and romance into an easy engaged read. This is my favorite of her books so far. It has a similar feel to Edenbrooke.

Any favorite books you've read this year?