This End Of Year Survey was created by Jamie, aka the Perpetual Page Turner. If you would like to find out more on this, click here.
Number Of Books You Read: 56
Number of Re-Reads: 4 (The Bone Season, Paper Towns, Mockingjay & Deadlands)
Genre You Read The Most From: YA / YA Contemporary
1. Best Book You Read In 2015?
2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver was sort of a big disappointment for me as I have heard so much hype around Lauren Oliver's Delirium series.
This book was nothing special for me, I disliked most of the characters and found the plot and ending to be very predictable. Overall it left me feeling unsatisfied.
3. Most surprising (in a good way or bad way) book you read?
One by Sarah Crossan would have to be the most surprising book I've read this year....in a good way of course!
I have never read a novel told completely in verse / poetry and would never have thought it would be something I would enjoy. But this book was just perfection. From the beautiful writing to the achingly raw human emotion conveyed in the novel, One is a novel I will never forget.
4. Book You “Pushed” The Most People To Read (And They Did)?
5. Best series you started in 2015? Best Sequel of 2015? Best Series Ender of 2015?
The best series I started in 2015 would have to be The Geek Girl series by Holly Smale. Such a hilarious, entertaining series filled with vivid characters and realistic relationships. Harriet Manners is the kind of character I would love to jump out of the page and be my best friend. I can't recommend this novel enough.Overall a witty, fun, gripping and memorable contemporary novel that will have you laughing out loud! 
One of the best sequels I read this year is Love Bomb by Jenny Mc Lachlan. This is the second book in the Ladybirds series and was just as fun. thrilling and cute as Flirty Dancing while also taking a more serious turn. I enjoyed how Jenny McLachlan handled writing the storyline of this novel and felt that the topic of Betty's mothers death was written so well and with such care. Although the books can be read separately, it is classed as the second book in the series on Goodreads so I'm counting it as a sequel! 6. Favorite new author you discovered in 2015?
In 2015, I discovered so many amazing authors for the first time that it feels cruel to pick just one, so here is my top 3 .
Louise O' Neill - I first read Louise O'Neills debut novel Only Ever Yours back in January of 2015 and my life was forever changed. Only Ever Yours was one of the best novels I had ever read and I loved the blend of feminism in a dystopian world that the reader could also relate back to how women are treated in today's society. I then went on to meet Louise 3 times in 2015 and was so happy to chat to her about her novels, books and just anything at all. Louise is one of the nicest authors I have had the pleasure to meet. (Also check out her twitter for her great tweets @oneilllo) Check out my review of Asking For It by Louise O'Neill here!
Holly Smale - Holly Smale's Geek Girl series is now one of my all time favourite contemporary series EVER! Each novel is just as engaging and entertaining as the last and Hollys writing style really hooks the reader and draws them into Harriets hectic life. To see my review of the Geek Girl series, click here!
Holly Bourne- Okay, okay, I know I only read one of Holly's novels in 2015 but honestly, I think one novel was enough for me to know that she is one of my new favourite authors. Am I Normal Yet? was one of the most emotionally charged, brutally honest novels about recovering from mental health problems I have ever read. The characters were all so vivid and real, that when the book was over I was sad to not be able to continue reading about them. I am very much anticipating the release of the sequel, How Hard Can Love Be in 2016!
Louise O' Neill - I first read Louise O'Neills debut novel Only Ever Yours back in January of 2015 and my life was forever changed. Only Ever Yours was one of the best novels I had ever read and I loved the blend of feminism in a dystopian world that the reader could also relate back to how women are treated in today's society. I then went on to meet Louise 3 times in 2015 and was so happy to chat to her about her novels, books and just anything at all. Louise is one of the nicest authors I have had the pleasure to meet. (Also check out her twitter for her great tweets @oneilllo) Check out my review of Asking For It by Louise O'Neill here!
Holly Smale - Holly Smale's Geek Girl series is now one of my all time favourite contemporary series EVER! Each novel is just as engaging and entertaining as the last and Hollys writing style really hooks the reader and draws them into Harriets hectic life. To see my review of the Geek Girl series, click here!
Holly Bourne- Okay, okay, I know I only read one of Holly's novels in 2015 but honestly, I think one novel was enough for me to know that she is one of my new favourite authors. Am I Normal Yet? was one of the most emotionally charged, brutally honest novels about recovering from mental health problems I have ever read. The characters were all so vivid and real, that when the book was over I was sad to not be able to continue reading about them. I am very much anticipating the release of the sequel, How Hard Can Love Be in 2016!
7. Best book from a genre you don’t typically read/was out of your comfort zone?
In 2015, I mostly read YA fiction exclusively. The only novels I can think of that vary from this are the autobiographical novels of Jacqueline Wilson's childhood. Jacky Daydream, which deals with Jacqueline Wilson from a young child to a teen, and My Secret Diary, which is diary extracts from Jacqueline's life as a teenager. I enjoyed these very much as I adore Jacqueline Wilson and loved seeing all of the photos of her as a child and learning about what family life and growing was like for her.
8. Most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book of the year?
I read so many fantastic books that very rarely left my hands. Two of them were Asking For It by Louise O'Neill and The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau Banks by E. Lockhart.
9. Book You Read In 2015 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year?
Fish Out Of Water by Natalie Whipple. A perfect contemporary featuring realistic characters, a fun and captivating plot and goldfish!
10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2015?
The Door That Led To Where by Sally Gardner. Although I disliked this book, the cover is undeniably gorgeous, especially when you take off the dust jacket to reveal the London map design underneath!
11. Most memorable character of 2015?
Toria from All Of The Above by James Dawson. I fell in love with Toria as soon as I started reading the novel. Her way of thinking and her loyalty to her friends made me love her. Her relationships and friendships in the novel only highlighted to me how amazing of a character she was. Probably one of my favourite protagonists of 2015.
12. Most beautifully written book read in 2015?
I'll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson. With Jandy's signature poetic writing style, she returned with this novel featuring a dual POV of the twins Noah and Jude and their unforgettable and enthralling story.
13. Most Thought-Provoking/ Life-Changing Book of 2015?
Only Ever Yours & Asking For It by Louise O'Neill. Both novels changed how I see the world and highlighted some beliefs I already had. Both novels deal with hard hitting issues and both novels should be read by everyone.
14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2015 to finally read?
Only Ever Yours by Louise O'Neill, which I received a copy of in 2014 but did not read until January 2015!
15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2015?
This Book Is Gay or All Of The Above both by James Dawson.
16.Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2015?
Shortest book I read in 2015: Two Pints by Roddy Doyle (99 pages)
Longest book I read in 2015: The School For Good & Evil by Soman Chainani (488 pages)
17. Book That Shocked You The Most
One by Sarah Crossan....... I don't want to spoil anything but please just go read it, it is amazing, although you may need a box of tissues and a hug after finishing.
18. OTP OF THE YEAR (you will go down with this ship!)
Toria & Polly from All Of The Above by James Dawson !!!! I shipped them from their first scene together in the novel, they're just so perfect together.
19. Favorite Non-Romantic Relationship Of The Year
The Spinster Club from Am I Normal Yet?, aka Evie, Lottie and Amber. These group of characters were some of my absolute favourite of the year and I think I tweeted many times about how sad I was that I could not climb into the novel and join they're amazing friendship and be apart of The Spinster Club!
20. Favorite Book You Read in 2015 From An Author You’ve Read Previously
I adore both of these authors novels and loved both of their novels I read in 2015. James and Jandy have not a written a novel I have not liked so far!
21. Best Book You Read In 2015 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else/Peer Pressure:
22. Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2015?
23. Best 2015 debut you read?
Crow Moon by Anna McKerrow - Great world building, vivid setting, entertaining plot and fun characters.
24. Best Worldbuilding/Most Vivid Setting You Read This Year?
Most vivid setting would have to be the revolutionary Paris setting featured in A Little In Love by Susan Fletcher
25. Book That Put A Smile On Your Face/Was The Most FUN To Read?
26. Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2015?
Am I Normal Yet? by Holly Bourne.
This book gave me all the feels, I fell in love with the characters, felt involved in their friendships and was there every step of the way with Evie. This novel made me feel all the emotions and did make me cry at one point while I was on the train which was extremely inconvenient...Overall a fantastic novel!
27. Hidden Gem Of The Year?
Monster by CJ Skuse - An all girls boarding school, a monster on the moors and a snowstorm that traps everyone inside the school....with an action packed plot and amazing host of characters this book was definitely one that deserved more praise in 2015.
Only We Know by Simon Packham - A girl with a mysterious past moves to a new school begins to receive threatening messages from someone who knows her secret...A highly entertaining and enjoyable novel that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. Packham raises many issues that teenagers can relate to in a fresh and compelling way.
28. Book That Crushed Your Soul?
One by Sarah Crossan and Only Ever Yours by Louise O'Neill...... One made me cry on an aeroplane and Only Ever Yours was running though my mind for a good six months after reading it. Both of these books reduced me to a blubbering mess....GO READ THEM!
29. Most Unique Book You Read In 2015?
I think I'll have to go with I'll Give You The Sun and One. Both books were very different but both were unique. I'll Give You The Sun was unique as it featured art and a dual POV set years apart.
I found One unique as the novel was told through prose / poetry entirely, which is something I had not read before, and it also featured a pair of conjoined twins as the main protagonists which is also something I have never read about or seen represented in a YA novel.
I found One unique as the novel was told through prose / poetry entirely, which is something I had not read before, and it also featured a pair of conjoined twins as the main protagonists which is also something I have never read about or seen represented in a YA novel.
30. Book That Made You The Most Mad (doesn’t necessarily mean you didn’t like it)?
The novel that made me the most mad was probably Asking For It. I loved this novel but the way in which the main protagonist is treated by everyone else in her town made me so angry. The victim blaming and the way her father stopped talking to her...ugh it all made me so mad!
1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2015?
Lucy's blog, Queen Of Contemporary, is amazing, I absolutely love her posts and her twitter (@lucythereader). Her blog posts are so well written, and her photos are amazing. Check out her blog and you won't regret it!
2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2015?
My favorite review I wrote in 2015 would have to be on This Book Is Gay by James Dawson or Geek Girl by Holly Smale
3. Best discussion/non-review post you had on your blog?
My favourite discussion post in 2015 was YA Tropes I Am Sick of Reading!
There may be a sequel to this post in the future....
4. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?
Dept Con 1 was one of the most amazing weekends of my life and I loved meeting so many bloggers and book lovers there, not to mention meeting authors and getting to chat to them about their novels.
Another highlight was meeting Louise O'Neill, well I met her 3 times in 2015, and chatting to her. She is so lovely and one of my all time favourite authors.
Holding the Book Bloggers Secret Santa was something I was hesitant to do as I have never held an event before, but my work paid off as I thoroughly enjoyed it and loved interacting with everyone through the Twitter hashtag #bookbloggerSS
5. Best moment of bookish/blogging life in 2015?
A few of the highlights have been:
- Holding the Book Bloggers Secret Santa which I loved!
- Reaching 1k Twitter followers (@shannonbookworm)
6. Most challenging thing about blogging or your reading life this year?
The most challenging thing I have found this year was balance. In 2016 I hope to find more of a balance between college, work, social life and blogging. I feel that because of how much work was expected of my this year in college, I sort of put the blog on the back burner which is something I won't do again!
Blogging resolutions post to come!
7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?
My most popular post by highest comments: YA Tropes I'm Sick Of Reading
My most popular post by views: Announcement: Bloggers Secret Santa!
8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?
The post I wish received a little more love would probably have to be my interview with Anna McKerrow ( Here ) . I loved chatting to Anna and really enjoyed Crow Moon. This was my first time ever interviewing an author on my blog and I just hoped the post had gotten a little more love.
9. Best bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?
My best bookish discovery of 2015 was possibly Twitter..... I know, I know, I have been on Twitter for a couple years, but in 2015 I finally started to really enjoy Twitter and started seeing it as a tool to connect book bloggers and authors together. Honestly, I have found out more about blogging and book releases through Twitter this year, than anywhere else!
If you would like to follow me my Twitter is @Shannonbookworm
10. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?
I set myself a Goodreads goal of reading 65 books, but I did not reach this target as I was very much overwhelmed by my second year of college.
1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2015 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2016?
A book I didn't get to in 2015 but am definitely going to read in 2016 is Weightless by Sarah Bannan! I got to meet Sarah twice in 2015 and have still not yet read Weightless despite countless recommendations to read it..I even own 2 copies! I will definitely read Weightless in 2016.
2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2016 (non-debut)?
I have SO many anticipated releases of 2016, blog post on that to come, but a few of them are Needlework by Deirdre Sullivan, Mind Your Head by Juno Dawson and Red Witch by Anna McKerrow.
3. 2016 Debut You Are Most Anticipating?
This debut, Save Me, Kurt Cobain by Jenny Manzer sounds like an all round terrific novel. The novel surrounds a young girl, Nico, who glimpses Kurt Cobain on a ferry and finds out that not only is he alive but he may be her biological father. With such glittering early reviews, March 8th 2016 can not come fast enough!
4. Series Ending/A Sequel You Are Most Anticipating in 2016?
One of my most anticipated novels of 2016 is without a doubt How Hard Can Love Be? by Holly Bourne. This is the sequel to Am I Normal Yet? and is told from Amber's point of view. Honestly can not wait to delve back into Holly Bourne's amazing writing and read about Amber again!
5. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging Life In 2016?
One thing I know I slacked on in 2015 was blogging regularly. I am in my second year of college and this year has been tough with a lot of work so I have found it hard to balance blogging and college work.
In 2016 I hope to blog more and schedule more posts. I hope to have a new post up at least once a week in 2016.
6. A 2016 Release You’ve Already Read & Recommend To Everyone
Unfortunately, I have not read any 2016 releases as of yet but I have read the first 50 pages of Hour Of The Bees by Lindsay Eagar, set for release March 2016, and really enjoyed it!
So that is my 2015 End Of Year Survey! Thank you to Jamie, the Perpetual Page Turner, for creating this. Please leave a comment below on your thoughts on my picks and if you've done this survey too please leave a link below, I would love to see your post!
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