Given two-thirds of the year are almost gone I've begun to think about favourite books, and beauty products for the year. With that logic in mind, I decided to round up my five top reads of 2015 so far. Side note: These are in no particular order because I can't rank things. That just makes life more difficult. Anyway, here's my top five...

All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven-I won't be surprised if this book ends up in my favourite reads video for the year because it was fantastic. It tells the story of Violet and Finch, two teens whose paths cross at school one day when Violet talks Finch down from the ledge he is contemplating jumping from. Both these characters have troubling backstories but it is through working together on a class project that their friendship develops and they both save one another to an extent. It's a bit of a heavy read but it explores the topics of mental illness, depression and feeling like an outsider so, so well. 

Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen-Believe it or not until this year I'd read nothing by Sarah Dessen. Despite her books often being bought out during SSR in English, my curiosity was never piqued. Sydney lives in the shadow of her brother Peyton whose past mistakes haunt her family. She moves to a new school and falls in with a new crowd who she really gels with. It's a little bit sad but I really did enjoy this book. If you have any recommendations of other Sarah Dessen titles I should look for let me know.

The Book of Joan by Melissa Rivers-Side note: I just read online that Fashion Police is returning to tv again soon and it will not be the same. Anyway, this collection of essays by Joan's daughter Melissa provides a heap of insights into the treasured comedian. There's stories which will make you laugh and even some which might make you a bit teary. Joan's speech to Melissa's graduating class was one of my favourite anecdotes but if you love a good memoir/life-essay then you'll like this.

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell-One of my cousins recommended this book and Fangirl to me, both by Rowell but this one has to be my favourite. It's about two teenagers, both outsiders who meet one day on the bus and bond over mixtapes and comic books. It's a cute story but it does have elements of darkness to it. I really loved this book even though parts really had me feeling all of the feels.

This Star Won't Go Out by Esther and Lori Earl-This book follows Esther Earl as she documents her life as an average teenage girl living through not so average circumstances. Esther has cancer and she keeps a diary about her experiences as well as sharing encounters with Harry Potter fans online and the Nerdfighter community. In fact, she befriends John Green. Perhaps this is where he got the inspiration for Hazel Grace Lancaster? Hmm.. Throughout her parents and siblings contribute their thoughts and musings as well. I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did but it was so well put together and really inspirational. It did make me feel all the feels too, like many all of the other books on this list.

-What books have you read and liked so far in 2015?

When Joan Rivers passed away I remember feeling so gutted. She was always one of my favourite comedians and I had always admired her work and how she made the red carpet circuit during awards season so much more fun and lively. She was the host of Fashion Police, one of my Saturday night rituals for a very long time. I loved her dark, honest humour and her ability to say what we at one point or another were all thinking. She was a legend. After her passing, her daughter Melissa Rivers was approached to write a book and the result was released last month to coincide with Mother's Day in the US. I was lucky enough to be sent a copy for review so I thought I'd share my thoughts on it...

The Book of Joan* is a collection of memories and anecdotes about Joan, as told by the woman who knew her best. It's broken up into mini-essays on everything from Joan's frugalness with money to her speech at Melissa's graduation. That speech is included in full actually and is really freakin' good. I also enjoyed the story about how Joan would hide money everywhere and how she never dressed down for anything. Grandson's football game? Joan would just turn up in full hair and makeup. Fabulous. I would've liked to have seen more anecdotes about Fashion Police but this book does offer up so many behind-the-scenes insights into the comic legend that it more than makes up for it.

This book as expected was hilarious. I had moments where I'd put the book down to find someone to share particular snippets with or to text someone about it. Melissa is such a gifted writer and while the book is candid, it never feels melancholic. If you're a fan of Joan Rivers or just wanting an entertaining, uplifting memoir to read, you're bound to like this one. 

-Have you read The Book of Joan? What did you think of it?