I absolutely loved The Martian. After reading countless five star reviews I knew that I had to give the book a shot even if it wasn't my preferred genre, and what I was left with was one of the most compelling novels I've read in a long time.

I don't often read non-fiction, but out of all the major wars that the United States has fought in, I felt like I knew the least about the Revolutionary War. So I figured 1776 would be a good book to pick up. For a history book, 1776 was quite entertaining. David McCullough who both wrote and narrates the audio book does an incredible job of painting a picture not only of the war but society during that time. The first half of the book which talks primarily on British side of the war is fascinating. The British saw America as an inconvenience and a war that would take weeks not years. 

I've never read a book about super heroes. In a lot of ways I missed the entire comic book world and am only a fan from a distance. I enjoy the lore, the enthusiasm of the fans, and even enjoy when they bring those comic book characters to life in movies. But something about the book Steelheart from Brandon Sanderson drew me in. Not sure if it was the high praise many have given Sanderson on his recent novels, or the amazing cover for the book, but one thing is for sure I'm so glad I read Steelheart.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane is the second Neil Gaiman book I've read. The first was American Gods which I got around a quarter of the way through and gave up. I loved the concept of the book but just couldn't get into it. I wasn't ready to give up on Neil Gaiman as so many of my friends and fellow readers seem to love his writing and had great things to say about this novel. 

In mid-2013 I first saw the trailer for the movie Twelve Years a Slave and knew right away I wanted to see it. I've got to be honest I'd never heard of Solomon Northup nor his story. What I appreciated most about reading Twelve Years a Slave was it was the most honest telling of that time period I've ever read. The descriptions that Solomon had on being a slave, his masters, and his fellow slaves made you feel like you were back in the mid-1800's in the South.

I had The Last Policeman by Ben H Winters on my wish list since it was released a couple of years back. It combines a genre I love (apocalyptic) and an interesting idea. If you knew the world was going to end what would you do? So I finally took the plunge and recently read The Last Policeman and enjoyed it.