Books I Want to Read in 2016

Back when I had a long commute, I used to read so much. Like, so, so much—it was definitely one of the few benefits of being on the train for 30-40 minutes and at the station for sometimes longer. (That and being able to catch up on sleep, find almost any magazine you could think of, and always having a last minute place to buy someone a bottle of wine/cupcakes/gift you forgot.)

At the time, I had a list going of books I wanted to read next and as soon as someone recommended something that sounded even remotely interesting I’d add it to the list. Nowadays I can’t really make it through a book a week anymore, but it doesn’t mean I’m still not keeping track of what I do want to get through.

Here’s what I’m looking at for the start of 2016:

All the Light WeCannot See by Anthony Doerr

I’m about a quarter of the way through this one now and liking it. Although reading this at the same time as we listen to Serial is not the best for avoiding any dreams involving war.

The Curious Incidentof the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon

I’m way embarrassed to say that I haven’t read this one yet. But I got this book and Room from my brother and Kelly, so I’m finally gonna cross it off. Another one I got for Christmas: I am Malala, which I’m super looking forward to read too. Obviously my family knows me pretty well.  

My Antonia by Willa Cather

Did you have to read this in high school? We did and after randomly watching a documentary about the drought in Nebraska a few weeks ago, I wanted to try this one again, especially since I don’t remember that much from the first time around.

My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante

I’ve heard so many good things about this series. Plus, I’ll take an author writing about friendship in Italy any day.

All the Stars in the Heavens by Adriana Trigiani

Speaking of Italy, Adriana Trigiani is one of my favorite Italian-American writers—can anyone recommend any others?—and I can’t wait to read her new one. She writes about Italian-Americans as I knew them growing up and not the mafia-guido-stereotypes that are plastered everywhere else. (If you haven’t read any of them yet, Lucia, Lucia is my favorite, followed by Very Valentine)

The Storied Life of AJ Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin 

A book about a bookstore? Yes, please.

All Joy and No Fun by Jennifer Senior 

I’ve read exactly one parenting book since having a baby—Bringing up Bebe, which I actually really liked—but there’s something about this one that intrigues me too.

Slouching TowardsBethlehem by Joan Didion 

This book was actually on my list from the old commuting days that I never actually got around to reading.

I’m thinking I’ll start with these and then halfway through the year see how it’s going and pick a few new ones to add to the list.

Some of my favorites from last year    

• The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins 
• Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert 
• Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling 
• The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
• The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant 

Anyone have any other recommendations? What do you want to read this year?

photo credit: Books via photopin (license)