Can you ever have too many books? We think not. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of books that were released in 2015 that you should definitely pick up in 2016 if you haven’t already. The books with an *? Those come recommended by our Editorial Manager!

1. Winter (The Lunar Chronicles #4) by Marissa Meyer

YA: dystopian, fairy tale retelling

The fourth and final installment of The Lunar Chronicles, this is one series you won’t want to miss. Haven’t read the series? Start with Cinder. You can’t go wrong with futuristic dystopian fairy tale retellings.

2. Lines in the Sand: An American Soldier’s Personal Journey in Iraq by F. Scott Service

Nonfiction: memoir

This collection of journal entries from an Iraq war veteran just might break your heart. Follow this brave soldier on a journey that begins with the realization that he is morally opposed to the violent war he is days away from joining.

3. Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson

Nonfiction: memoir

Furiously Happy is the second book by Jenny Lawson—or as you might know her, The Bloggess. A long-time spokesperson for mental illness, Jenny Lawson tackles her battle with it in her latest memoir.

4. *The Stephen Hawking Death Row Fan Club by R.C. Goodwin

Fiction: short stories

Picked as Kirkus’s top 10 debut fiction books this year, The Stephen Hawking Death Row Fan Club is a collection of short stories you don’t want to miss. The Stephen Hawking Death Row Fan Club earns the distinction of being one of the books our Editorial Manager is giving as a gift this year. (Because it’s that good.)

5. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

Nonfiction: self-help

Big Magic is from Eat, Pray, Love author, Elizabeth Gilbert. Aimed at creative people, Gilbert offers insight into how to find inspiration and how to be as creative as you want to be.

6. Death of a Messenger (Koa Kane Hawaiian Mystery #1) by Robert McCaw

Fiction: mystery

This unique mystery/detective tale set in Hawaii will thrill readers. In a gruesome murder investigation that mimics ancient ritual sacrifice, Detective Koa Kane confronts grave robbers, activists, thieves, stargazers as well as his own native heritage.

7. Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl by Carrie Brownstein

Nonfiction: memoir

A seriously cool woman who has been a punk rock icon and a comedic actor reveals her struggle against traditional gender attitudes in the music industry and pop culture. A great read for anyone with a little punk rock in their soul.

8. Live More, Work Better: A Practical Guide to a Balanced Life by Gayle Hilgendorff

Nonfiction: self help

This book stands out in a saturated genre by being especially practical. A reformed workaholic tells the secrets to letting it go in favor of balance.

9. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Fiction: historical

Set in nazi-occupied France during World War II, The Nightingale follows the lives of two sisters as they each try to survive the war. If you’re looking for a heart-wrenching story that focuses on the role bravery of women played during WWII, this is your book.

10. *The Purple Teddy Bear by Janie Tesch-Cassady

Children’s

A Christmas story for your kids, The Purple Teddy Bear sends the message of learning to love yourself. And if you buy from the author, you can even get your own purple teddy bear. The Purple Teddy Bear also earns the distinction of being one of the books our Editorial Manager is giving as a gift this year.

11. The Sandman: Overture by Neil Gaiman

Fiction: graphic novel, fantasy

New comic from Neil Gaiman? Yes, please! If you’re a fan of The Sandman, you’ll want to catch The Sandman: Overture, the origin story.

12. *The Traveling Girl by Jacqueline Yeung

Children’s

Follow one girl’s adventures as she attempts to find her way back home. With beautiful illustrations from the author herself, you won’t want to miss this children’s book. The Traveling Girl is the final book to earn the distinction of being one of the books our Editorial Manager is giving as a gift this year.

13. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

YA: fantasy, romance

If you’ve read Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell, you’ll know who Simon Snow, the main character of Carry On. If you love Rainbow Rowell and Harry Potter (yes, Harry Potter!), you won’t want to miss this book.

14. The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1) by Rick Riordan

YA/middle grade: fantasy, mythology

If you’re a fan of the Percy Jackson or Heroes of Olympus series, don’t miss out on Rick Riordan’s new series, where Magnus Chase learns about his true family.

15. I Was Here by Gayle Forman

YA: fiction, contemporary, romance

Gayle Forman is a master of writing heart-wrenching novels about teens, and I Was Here promises to be another with the main character struggling with the suicide of her best friend.

Which books are on your 2016 reading list?

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