From books that are being turned into movies to long awaited releases by renowned authors, this list contains some reading material for the new year.

1. "Go Set a Watchman" - Harper Lee

This novel is the much-anticipated sequel to Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird." The book follows Scout, now much older, and continues to tackle the issue of racism in the south.

2. "Wonder" - Raquel J. Palacio

Although this is a book for middle school aged children, the messages found within it are inspiring for all ages. The main character, a middle schooler, has a severe deformity and must face ridicule at the hands of his peers. It was listed as a #1 best seller for New York Time's Children's Middle Grade section.

3. "Becoming Beyoncé: The Untold Story" - J. Randy Taraborrelli

Learn more about the Queen herself in the first biography of Beyoncé Knowles. Important note: it is an unauthorized biography, and therefore may or may not contain falsehoods of many sorts. However, the ludicrous-ness of tantalizing journalism sells books for a reason.

4. "Dark Places" - Gillian Flynn

Gillian Flynn is the same author to the 2012 book (and 2014 film) "Gone Girl." This book promises to be just as suspenseful and surprising as Flynn's other novel.

5. "The Lost City of Z" - David Grann

"The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon" is a non-fictional account of a British explorer, Percy Fawcett. This book made the list because the movie will be released this year, starring Charlie Hunnam and Robert Pattinson. The only thing more exciting than fiction is non-fiction.

6. "East of Eden" - John Steinbeck

Published in 1952, "East of Eden" was Steinbeck's "magnum opus." It was inspired by the Biblical story of Cain and Abel and is rumored to be in production, possibly starring Jennifer Lawrence.

7. "The 5th Wave" - Rick Yancey

The movie adaptation to this science fiction novel comes out in just a few weeks. The first of a young adult trilogy, it follows the events of the world after four waves of an alien invasion. It has been compared to "The Hunger Games" trilogy if the enemy had been aliens.

8. "The Girl on the Train" - Paula Hawkins

This psychological thriller was a #1 New York Times Bestseller and has been compared to Gillian Flynn's "Gone Girl." It is also on it's way to becoming a motion picture, starring Rebecca Ferguson and Emily Blunt.

9. "Unbroken" - Laura Hillenbrand

Hillenbrand, also the author of "Seabiscuit," tells the story of war hero and Olympian Louis Zamperini. While the 2014 movie was inspirational and moving, it left out the later years of Zamperini's life and his struggle with PTSD, alcoholism, and forgiveness. (As my mom says, the book is always better than the movie)!

10. "Paddle Your Own Canoe" - Nick Offerman

In remembrance of the wonderful show that was "Parks and Rec," I offer Nick Offerman's, or Ron Swanson's, novel, "Paddle Your Own Canoe". Although the book is written from Offerman's perspective, you might find yourself believing that you are indeed reading from the perspective of Ron Swanson himself.

11. "Till We Have Faces" - C.S. Lewis

"Till We Have Faces" by C.S. Lewis is the best book that I have read in the year 2015. It is the retelling of the Greek myth of Psyche and Cupid told from the perspective of Psyche's step-sister. This is the second magnum opus on this list and is written as an accusation against the gods. I would recommend that everyone read it at least once in their life.

“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” - Stephen King

Take a little magic with you into 2016. Happy reading!!