Favorite Read of 2015 (the halfway mark)

We are joining with the big The Broke and the Bookish crew and their Top Ten Tuesday this week. This week's topic? Top Ten Books of the Year So Far. You know what this means? That's right, the year is half over already.

We didn't want to spill the beans too much on our Favorite End of the Year Reads, so Paige and I each picked five of our favorites.

 

JoLee's Top Five:

 

Crimson Bound by Rosamund Hodge: Remember last year when no one could stop talking about Hodge's debut, Cruel Beauty? Well, I think Crimson Bound is even better. (featured here)

The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown: The only non-fiction book on this list. It's about the rowing team that won the Olympics in 1936. I loved it. And I loved that the audiobook is read by the late Edward Herrmann.

Extraordinary Means by Robyn Schneider: Extraordinary Means is extraordinarily beautiful. I am not really a highlighter, but I found myself marking many passages. (feature upcoming)

Bone Gap by Laura Ruby: Definitely my favorite surprise of the year. Magical Realism at it finest and lovely lyrical writing. (featured here)

The Forgotten Sisters by Shannon Hale: The third and final addition to the Princess Academy series is an absolute delight. It's no secret that I basically love all things Shannon Hale, but this one is extra special. (featured here)

Paige's Top Five:

 

On the Fence by Kasie West: Every Kasie West novel is a treat. I just wish my library would finally get her next book, The Fill-In Boyfriend, processed already. (featured here)

Shadow Scale by Rachel Hartman: I wrested this pick away from JoLee, who would have chosen it for her top five too. (featured here)

The Eye of Zoltar by Jasper Fforde: Jasper Fforde is so weird in the best possible ways. (featured here)

The Perilous Sea by Sherry Thomas: Missing Harry Potter? Try the Elemental Trilogy. JoLee and I are both so excited for the conclusion of this series, The Immortal Heights, out in October. (featured here)

The Last Time We Say Goodbye by Cynthia Hand:  This very honest book about loss and guilt and the process of healing is a truly great read. (featured here)