There are a lot of books out there that just aren't well known, so I've compiled a list of my favorite contemporary books of 2015 that don't come to everyone's mind right away. Of course, a few might be more popular than others - but overall, they need to be read more often!
Joyride by Anna Banks
Goodreads rating: 3.67
A popular guy and a shy girl with a secret become unlikely accomplices for midnight pranking, and are soon in over their heads—with the law and with each other—in this sparkling standalone from NYT-bestselling author Anna Banks.
Joyride by Anna Banks
Goodreads rating: 3.67
A popular guy and a shy girl with a secret become unlikely accomplices for midnight pranking, and are soon in over their heads—with the law and with each other—in this sparkling standalone from NYT-bestselling author Anna Banks.
I adored this book! It was really nice having the main character be hispanic, while touching on the topic of immigration well. It is one of the sweetest contemporary novels I’ve read in awhile!
Like It Never Happened by Emily Adrian
Goodreads rating: 3.49
When Rebecca Rivers lands the lead in her school’s production of The Crucible, she gets to change roles in real life, too. She casts off her old reputation, grows close with her four rowdy cast-mates, and kisses the extremely handsome Charlie Lamb onstage
Goodreads rating: 3.49
When Rebecca Rivers lands the lead in her school’s production of The Crucible, she gets to change roles in real life, too. She casts off her old reputation, grows close with her four rowdy cast-mates, and kisses the extremely handsome Charlie Lamb onstage
“We, the five essential members of the Thespian Troupe Of Bickford Park Alternative School of the city of Portland, solemnly swear to never kiss, grope, fondle, lick, caress, court, woo, seduce, or otherwise date each other.”
I have yet to read this book, but from what I’ve gotten from other people, you either love it or you hate it. Apparently there is a lot of filler in the novel, but the characters are lovable.
The Wrong Side of Right by Jenn Marie Thorne
Goodreads rating: 4.01
Kate Quinn’s mom died last year, leaving Kate parentless and reeling. So when the unexpected shows up in her living room, Kate must confront another reality she never thought possible—or thought of at all. Kate does have a father. He’s a powerful politician. And he’s running for U.S. President.
Goodreads rating: 4.01
Kate Quinn’s mom died last year, leaving Kate parentless and reeling. So when the unexpected shows up in her living room, Kate must confront another reality she never thought possible—or thought of at all. Kate does have a father. He’s a powerful politician. And he’s running for U.S. President.
“I saw that the senator had come back, his hand hesitating inches from the microphone, but what could he do? I was talking, he couldn’t stop me. His hand dropped.
I swallowed.
‘There’s no shame in being born. I don’t have to apologize for that.’”
I swallowed.
‘There’s no shame in being born. I don’t have to apologize for that.’”
This book was gorgeous and outstanding. The story is absolutely wonderful and absolutely charming. I had no complaints and honestly would suggest everyone to read it.
Everything That Makes You by Moriah McStay
Goodreads rating: 3.81
Hasn’t everyone wondered what if? In this daring debut novel, Moriah McStay gives us the rare opportunity to see what might have happened if things were different. Maybe luck determines our paths. But maybe it’s who we are that determines our luck.
Goodreads rating: 3.81
Hasn’t everyone wondered what if? In this daring debut novel, Moriah McStay gives us the rare opportunity to see what might have happened if things were different. Maybe luck determines our paths. But maybe it’s who we are that determines our luck.
Basically, this book has an interesting concept, touching on what if that one thing didn’t happen? It made the book truly unique as it switched between points of view of Fiona and Fi - the same girl, but the only difference being one Fiona had an accident that ruined her life while Fi didn’t. Though it’s not one of the best books I have listed, it’s definitely worth a read!
The Distance Between Lost and Found by Kathryn Holmes
Goodreads rating: 3.73
Ever since the night of the incident with Luke Willis, the preacher’s son, sophomore Hallelujah Calhoun has been silent. When the rumors swirled around school, she was silent. When her parents grounded her, she was silent. When her friends abandoned her … silent.
Goodreads rating: 3.73
Ever since the night of the incident with Luke Willis, the preacher’s son, sophomore Hallelujah Calhoun has been silent. When the rumors swirled around school, she was silent. When her parents grounded her, she was silent. When her friends abandoned her … silent.
“She feels hope well up. She isn’t sure what to do with it. Hope is scary. Expecting the worst is easier.”
I haven’t read this book as well, but I’ve heard wonderful reviews about it and hope to read it soon. It’s not your typical romance contemporary novel, but more of a mix of mystery of coming of age. It touches on a lot of important themes with very sensitive subject matter.
A Sense of the Infinite by Hilary T. Smith
Goodreads rating: 3.89
It’s senior year of high school, and Annabeth is ready—ready for everything she and her best friend, Noe, have been planning and dreaming. But there are some things Annabeth isn’t prepared for, like the constant presence of Noe’s new boyfriend. Like how her relationship with her mom is wearing and fraying. But most especially, she isn’t prepared to lose Noe.
Goodreads rating: 3.89
It’s senior year of high school, and Annabeth is ready—ready for everything she and her best friend, Noe, have been planning and dreaming. But there are some things Annabeth isn’t prepared for, like the constant presence of Noe’s new boyfriend. Like how her relationship with her mom is wearing and fraying. But most especially, she isn’t prepared to lose Noe.
Though I haven’t specifically read this book, I know that Hilary T. Smith’s writing is beautiful and raw, thus including this book in the selection. It’s a great coming of age story, written in a very unique voice that Hilary T. Smith takes to all her books. From what I’ve heard, Smith packs a lot of heavy issues as Annabeth grows older, but is able to remain very realistic.
Kissing in America by Margo Rabb
Goodreads rating: 3.62
In the two years since her father died, sixteen-year-old Eva has found comfort in reading romance novels—118 of them, to be exact—to dull the pain of her loss that’s still so present. Her romantic fantasies become a reality when she meets Will, who seems to truly understand Eva’s grief.
Goodreads rating: 3.62
In the two years since her father died, sixteen-year-old Eva has found comfort in reading romance novels—118 of them, to be exact—to dull the pain of her loss that’s still so present. Her romantic fantasies become a reality when she meets Will, who seems to truly understand Eva’s grief.
I have to admit that this book is not one of my favorites, but it’s worth the read. It was absolutely hilarious and beautifully written. It’s more about friendship, family and grief rather than romance, but personally I felt Eva’s infatuation with Will was a tad annoying, but otherwise it was a great read.
Making Pretty by Corey Ann Haydu
Goodreads rating: 3.82
Montana and her sister, Arizona, are named after the mountainous states their mother left them for. But Montana is a New York City girl through and through, and as the city heats up, she’s stepping into the most intense summer of her life.
Goodreads rating: 3.82
Montana and her sister, Arizona, are named after the mountainous states their mother left them for. But Montana is a New York City girl through and through, and as the city heats up, she’s stepping into the most intense summer of her life.
Having heard many positive things about this novel, I decided to put it on the list, but I haven’t read it. From what I’ve heard, it has a very relatable main character with a cute romance, with the only complaint being that people wished the story was more fleshed out.
Finding Paris by Joy Preble
Goodreads rating: 3.74
Joy Preble’s stirring new novel explores the lengths to which sisters go to protect each other, and the winding road that brings two strangers into each other’s lives.
Goodreads rating: 3.74
Joy Preble’s stirring new novel explores the lengths to which sisters go to protect each other, and the winding road that brings two strangers into each other’s lives.
I started this book awhile back, but haven’t had the chance to finish it. Yet, from reading it, it was a very fast-paced novel, and I’m not sure why I even put it down in the first place. It’s a story that truly breaks your heart, but a story that you should read. The writing is beautiful and fluid and extremely easy to get caught up in.
No Parking at the End of Times by Bryan Bliss
Goodreads rating: 3.34
Abigail’s parents have made mistake after mistake, and now they’ve lost everything. She’s left to decide: Does she still believe in them? Or is it time to believe in herself?
Goodreads rating: 3.34
Abigail’s parents have made mistake after mistake, and now they’ve lost everything. She’s left to decide: Does she still believe in them? Or is it time to believe in herself?
If you want a book that makes you think, but not too much, this is the right book for you. It’s a very well written book that touches on poverty, making me realize that I take a lot of things for granted. It is a fast and fun read, but the characters aren’t the most likeable at times, as I did feel as if they could be a tad annoying.
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