I thought that my reading year was fairly average and to an extent it was but there were some bookish rays of sunshine through the gloom and I managed to narrow down my list of 143 books that I read in 2017 down to 17 of my favourites. My favourites this year are very mixed as they include a combination of so many genres such as classics, non-fiction, literary fiction, historical fiction, YA/childrens and more.
The Smile Stealers by Richard Barnett ★★★★★I was lucky enough to receive this book from the amazing people over at Thames and Hudson late last year and they have quickly become one of my favourite publishers as I've gone on to buy more books from them since receiving a few gorgeous books last month. The Smile Stealers is one of the most beautifully published and designed non-fiction books I've ever seen and it was such a wonderful, informative and interesting non-fiction reads of the year that I would recommend to everyone (unless you're terrified of the dentist, then perhaps not...).
Triumph & Disaster by Stefan Zweig ★★★★I don't really know how to categorise this book but I guess it could be described as dramatised non-fiction as this book contains five historical events but told by Stefan Zweig in a more personal, fictionalised way, if that makes sense. I adore the cover, it's beautifully published by Pushkin Press (another of my favourite publishers) and it was such an interesting, enjoyable and moving read that I was surprised by how much I loved.
The Daylight Gate by Jeanette Winterson ★★★This book doesn't have the four or five stars of the previous books but I still loved it and especially Jeanette Winterson's writing and the topics of the book as well as the historical elements. Also anything related to witches is always going to be a hit for me!
The Good People by Hannah Kent ★★★★2017 was the year I discovered my love of historical fiction (not period dramas or the plethora of Tudor era fiction which I'm not interested in) but more unique, quirky or darker historical fiction and this ticks most of those boxes as it involves such an atmospheric Irish village and it's superstitious inhabitants. It's definitely an emotional and dark book that I'd definitely recommend it.
War & Peace by Leo Tolstoy ★★★★Now, I know that War and Peace is always on lists of books you should read before you die or classic masterpieces but I think most people have no idea what it's about besides the implications of the title but I found it SO much more enjoyable that I thought I would! From the title and my preconceived ideas of the book, I thought it would be a dusty, dry but profound book about human nature, epic battles and a baffling array of characters and it is to some extent but it is mainly a journey alongside so many wonderful, flawed and naive characters. It's a pleasure growing up with the characters, seeing their progress (or lack of in the case of Natasha) and their lives in the wide ranging scope of 19th century battle worn Russia. I know it's one of the most intimidating and demanding books out there but from someone who has never really tried or connected with classics, it is well worth the read and you will be surprised at how much your enjoying the reading process! Don't think of it as an intimidating, profound classic (as it isn't), just think of it was an epic novel, which it is.
United States of Absurdity by Dave Anthony ★★★★★This was an e-arc from Netgalley and I adored every page! I'm not a big fan of non-fiction on the whole but one area of non-fiction that I absolutely love and cannot get enough of is quirky, unusual non-fiction and all of the non-fiction in this post fits into those categories. It is one of those books that as you're reading it, you have to tell people about what you've just read as it was shocking, funny or interesting.
My Cat Yugoslavia by Pajtim Statovci ★★★★I was kindly sent this beautiful book from Pushkin Press (three of their books have made it into this post) and even though it's a very unusual book with elements of magical realism, literary fiction and heavy topics such as immigration, assault, LGBT topics and conflict. It was an interesting, absorbing and emotionally draining book with lighter elements and devastatingly real characters. I'd definitely recommend it, particularly as the cover is just so gorgeous!
The Apothecary's Shop by Roberto Tireboschi ★★★ (3.5)This book ticked so many boxes for me and my reading preferences such as an atmospheric historical setting, unusual characters and an interesting mystery. I liked the writing style even though it was a little slow at the beginning, I loved the range of characters and the incredibly atmospheric setting of medieval Venice. The author was a little too explicit and descriptive at times which I didn't think was necessary but I did throughly enjoy this book and I'd recommend it, unless you're a squeamish or don't want to read about raw, intimate descriptions of body parts...
Quackery by Lydia Kang ★★★★Now onto my final quirky non-fiction favourite of 2017 and it's one I'd recommend to everyone! I loved the layout of the book and it was such an interesting, shocking and informative read all about the medical mistakes, blunders or strange thinking that has occurred over the centuries. One of my favourite topics within history is medical history so this book did have a fair amount of information that I already knew but there was so much that I didn't as well. I think it would be a read non-fiction read for those interested in the topic and those who don't read that much as you can easily dip in and out of it. I think I'd going to buy it for my grandad as I know he'd find it interesting too!
The Last Namsara by Kristen Ciccarelli ★★★★★This is the only YA book on my favourites list (I think, maybe a couple of others could kind of be categorised as YA or new adult) and it was wonderfully enjoyable. As well as my buzzword of 'witches', 'dragons' is also one of my buzzwords so I already knew I was going to like this book. It was so entertaining, absorbing and it had so many elements that I love in a YA fantasy read - it was also one of the quickest reads of the year despite it being a little on the longer side as I couldn't put it down.
The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury ★★★★★I believe that this is a classic American childrens book but I'm not sure; whatever it is categorised as, I loved it! It is a wonderful, interesting and fairly unique halloween story that I read in March...because that makes sense. I love the cover, it's a super quick read and it introduced me to Ray Bradbury who is now one of my favourite authors as his writing is just so exquisite!
Bird Box by Josh Malerman ★★★★Horror isn't a genre that I usually go for but I heard so many amazing things about this book so I had to read it! I loved this book for it's unusual plot, interesting mystery and the suspenseful, horror elements. It definitely had me a little scared if I'm honest and I'll be on the look out for more of his books in the future.
The Disappearances by Emily Bain Murphy ★★★★How gorgeous is this cover! I've wanted to read this book since it was released and I finally did at the end of the year. It's such a unique, interesting mystery with a lovely cast of characters and a very sweet teenage romance that thankfully isn't the main story but I'm glad it was there. I liked the writing style, the mystery around the disappearances and the magical realism elements! The only thing I didn't like was the tiny font!
The Nutcracker by Shobhna Patel ★★★★When taking about beautiful books, I had to mention The Nutcracker as it doesn't just contain a lovely Christmas story but it is beautifully published by Thames and Hudson; however this best thing as to be the amazing, intricate papercut pages.
Hogfather by Terry Pratchett ★★★★Speaking of festive reads, one of the best is definitely Hogfather by Terry Pratchett which is the fourth book in the death series which is part of Terry Pratchett's huge Discworld series - you have to read the other books in the death series before this one! It is definitely my favourite Terry Pratchett book so far as it's festive, whimsical, wonderful and darkly comic. Terry Pratchett is one of my favourite authors so I can't wait to read more of his books in 2018.
American War by Omar El Akkad ★★★★★Oh, this book! It was one of the best books of the year as it not only has a fantastic, heart wrenching story that is filled with emotion but it's also a very real look at events that are happening all over the world. I loved his writing, the characters and story will stay with me for a while and I think it's a very important but interesting book that everyone needs to read.
The Plague Charmer by Karen Maitland ★★★★I discovered another favourite author this year, Karen Maitland. I received this book via BookBridgr and even though it's a little longer than the books I typically read at 562 pages, it's darkly entertaining from the very beginning to the very end. I loved the Game Of Thrones type world (albeit a microcosm of it) as well as the vivid characters, requited love, mystery and dark themes. I have already bought more of her books to read throughout 2018.
I couldn't just choose seventeen books for my top favourites, I had to pick some of my honourable mentions to include as I don't want to leave any of my favourites out of this post even if they didn't quite make the final cut!
Honorary Mentions:
The Dollmaker of Krakow by R.M Romero
Lost Boy by Christina Henry
The BFG by Roald Dahl
Our Dark Duet by V.E Schwab
Gilded Cage by Vic James
The Upstairs Room by Kate Murray-Browne
A Mighty Dawn by Theodore Brun
Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer
Norse Myths by Kevin Crossley-Holland
City Of Bones by Cassandra Clare
While writing this post, I realised that I actually read quite a lot of fantastic books in 2017 even though it doesn't seem that way just looking through my GoodReads. I discovered some fantastic books this year, whether they are standalone books or as part of a series as well as some of my new favourite authors including: Vic James, V.E Schwab, Karen Maitland, Theodore Brun, Jeff Vandermeer and Josh Malerman among others. You'll see my favourite audiobooks (via BookBeat) very soon.
Don't forget to follow me on GoodReads to see what I'm reading, reviews and my ratings!
What were your favourite books of 2017? Have you read any of my favourites?
Quackery sounds so interesting I might just have to buy it! Xx
ReplyDeleteI definitely want to try and get back into reading this year! You got through quite a few books!
ReplyDeleteThe Hogfather is great isn't it! I love your new style of photos!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the lovely roundup
ReplyDeleteBookmarking this! I want to read 52 books this year x
ReplyDeleteI am surprised you could find a favourite given how many books that you read, but impressive x
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that I'm not a big reader. I get tired easily when I read. I didn't pick up a book for several years after finishing uni. But, I've been making a concerted effort the past couple of years to change this. I find posts like this so helpful. Not being a big reader, I often don't know where to look for my next book. But I've added so many titles to my to-read list from this post - thank you! Xx
ReplyDeleteTania | When Tania Talks
these are on my list for 2018
ReplyDeleteI'm always looking for new book recommendations to add to my never-ending list. Thank you for sharing x
ReplyDeleteSophie / www.stambroiseblog.com
I cannot wait to binge read all your recommendations after I finish college! It is gonna be so so good! :)
ReplyDeleteErin || MakeErinOver
I have ordered the smile Stealers after reading your review x
ReplyDeleteWow, that’s a lot of books! There’s some really interesting sounding ones in there. I’ve just got around 10 books for chridtmas but I’ll be looking some of these up when I’m done. I really want to read lots more in 2018 x
ReplyDeletelove this post, keeping it as a reference when I need a new book.
ReplyDeleteHogfather by Terry Pratchett is absolutely brilliant! Loved it!
ReplyDeleteI will definitely pin this for later as my birthday is coming up & I've been looking for a few new books to treat myself too.
ReplyDeleteRoxie | thebeautifulbluebird.com
Wow you read soo many books this year, you've completely put me to shame! They all sound great xo
ReplyDeleteChar | www.charslittleblog.co.uk
So many fab recommendations! I'm definitely going to check some out!
ReplyDeleteChantelle x
The Girl In The Tartan Scarf
One of my aims this year is to read more books as i find it so relaxing and you've listed some great ones here x
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your recommendations! I want to read more books this year so will have a look into some of these x
ReplyDeleteLove all you're suggestions! Will defo have to pick up a few of these for a read
ReplyDeleteYou really did read some great books in 2017 and so many of them too! I really want to read much more in 2018 as I kind of lost my mojo in 2017! xx
ReplyDeletewww.imjustagirl16.co.uk