Best + Worst Books Of The Year So Far: January - April

Friday, April 26, 2019
Since getting back into reading in 2017, after over ten years of barely reading anything other than peer reviewed journal articles, my own university essays and psychology text books, I've discovered a love of reading. From 2017 onwards, especially this year, I've drastically reduced screen time and used that time for reading instead as I find reading to be calming, entertaining and it helps massively with my anxiety as well as giving me such a nice sense of achievement when finishing a book, particularly if it's a huge book or a classic.

2019 has been a good reading year so far and the first quarter of the year has produced a mixed bag of books but on the whole I've enjoyed almost everything and I have found five books that have become some of my favourite books from the past few years within 2019 already. Here's a summary of my top five books of the year as well as honourable mentions and the most disappointing books I've read this year.

Best Books:
The Lies of Lock Lamora by Scott Lynch ★★★★★
Working Stiff by Judy Melinek ★★★★★
Luck In The Shadows by Lynn Flewelling ★★★★
The Priory Of The Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon ★★★★
*The Secret Barrister ★★★★

Honourable Mentions 
The Visitors Book by Sophie Hannah ★★★
Medical London by Richard Barnett ★★★★
The Royal Art of Poison by Eleanor Herman ★★★ (3.75)
Half A King by Joe Abercrombie ★★★ (3.5)
Affinity by Sarah Waters ★★★ (3.5)

Disappointing:
*From The Wreck by Jane Rawson ★★★
Waiting On A Bright Moon by Jy Yang ★★
They Mostly Come Out At Night by Benedict Patrick ★★★
*Pale Wolves by Thomas Hulse (DNF)
Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Cordova ★★★

In terms of the most books I loved in one month, that month has to be January 2019 which contained three of my favourite books of the year so far. April has turned out to be most best reading month ever based on the number of books I've been able to read; however it has also included quite a few disappointing reads as well as one DNF. You'll see my April reading wrap-up post very soon so stay tuned!

I'm currently reading my 51st and 52nd books of the year so I'll probably publish one of these posts every quarter. Do you want to be friends on GoodReads? Have you read any of these books? 

*Gifted

24 comments

  1. I haven't read any of these. You've read so many books already this year! xx

    Beautylymin

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  2. I've not actually read a single one of these books. Thankfully I've read mostly good books this year x

    Jenny
    http://www.jennyinneverland.com

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  3. So useful to hear what didn't make the cut x

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  4. Thanks for the recommendations - I'm just coming to the end of my book so this will really help!
    Em x

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  5. It's a bit of a shame that the best ones were in January! But thanks for the recommendations x

    Sophie

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  6. Thank you for sharing these, I am going to have to make sure that I check these out!

    Danielle xx
    https://www.fashionbeautyblog.co.uk/

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  7. I find Sophie Hannah books a bit hit and miss... I either really like them or they bore me x

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  8. I need to start the pile of books I have sitting now that I have finished my essays!

    Erin || MakeErinOver

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  9. I've never read these books personally but they sound good. 🌸💜

    With love, Alisha Valerie x | www.alishavalerie.com

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  10. I really need to make more time in my day for reading - I'm lucky if I get through one book a month these days :(

    Jasmine xx

    Jasmine Talks Beauty

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  11. I was searching on Amazon for ages last night looking for a new book. I finally went for Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger. I'll add your favourites to my wish list too.

    Roxie | thebeautifulbluebird.com

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  12. I'm really enjoying using Good Reads this year! I'm on book 26 at the moment xx

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  13. I always love your book recommendations! You have some of the best! I'm definitely going to check out the ones you loved!

    Love, Amie ❤
    The Curvaceous Vegan

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  14. I have just bought the new Harlan Coban, they never disappoint!

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  15. Wow you have read so much! I am way behind on my Goodreads challenge x

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  16. Ahh you've read so many already! I've actually not read any of the ones you've mentioned yet x

    Tiffany x www.foodandotherloves.co.uk

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  17. Oh wow you're doing so well with reading this year!! Totally putting me to shame, I need to pick up my books more.
    Chantelle x
    The Girl In The Tartan Scarf

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  18. I will have to take notes of your best ones and have a look of these! x

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  19. I'm really starting to get into reading again and now loving it, it's so relaxing x

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  20. Some great books here I’ve not heard of I can look into reading.

    https://littlemissmelanie.com/

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  21. Thanks for sharing. Makes it easier to have some books to push down the TBR.

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  22. I'm looking for a new read to take on holiday so thank you for the recommendations! x

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  23. Great books here,see your an avid reader like me x

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