8 Best Books of 2018
I know we’re not quite halfway through December and there’s still
plenty of reading time left. Still, I thought I’d share my best of the
year list today.
I haven’t divided my selections into
audiobooks and print or into genres. And what’s more, I have only 8
titles on my 2018 list. Although I read plenty of books I liked and many
I’d recommend, when I went through my reviews, these are the books that
really jumped out and made me say, "Oh, yeah—that was a great book."
So here, in alphabetical order, are my top 8 reads of the year. The links lead to my reviews/thoughts.
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah (St. Martin’s Press): a novel set in Alaska in the 1970s. I liked the difficult themes (PTSD, domestic violence) and the tribute to the stark and beautiful Alaskan landscape.
- Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson (Nancy Paulsen Books): a novel about a group of special-needs sixth graders, set in New York. Through the voices of the children we learn how many of the larger contemporary social issues affect even the most innocent.
- The House of Impossible Beauties by Joseph Cassara (Ecco): a novel set in New York at the start of the AIDS epidemic (based on true events). A heartbreaking story of the Latino ball scene and the boys and men who were rejected by their families and society, left resource-less with few options for survival.
- How Long ’Til Black Future Month? by N. K. Jemisin (Orbit): a collection of short stories; speculative fiction. The powerful and fully realized pieces in this book explore feminism, fertility, being different, motherhood, and other themes universal to Jemisin’s work.
I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara (Harper Books): investigative journalism; true crime. An engaging yet graphic account of the search for the Golden State Killer; includes details on the crimes, victims, and suspects.
- Look Alive Out There by Sloan Crosley (Macmillan): a collection of personal essays. Through sharp observations and a dose of humor, Crosley explores adulting in contemporary New York.
- Only Killers and Thieves by Paul Howarth (Harper Books): a novel set in the Australian outback in the late 19th century. A coming-of-age story of two very different brothers finding their place in a harsh world in the aftermath of a family tragedy.
- Whiskey When We’re Dry by John Larison (Viking): a novel set in Rocky Mountains in the 1880s. The story of survival, choices, and consequences as a young woman searches for her brother, an outlaw with a bounty on his head. A fresh look at the lawless American west.
12 comments:
Lots of good stuff there! I don't think Jacqueline Woodson ever makes a wrong note; not surprised she is on your list!
My wish list groans this time of year. You have several on here I want to read. I haven't even started to think of my best of 2018 yet because I think I have another book or two in me.
interesting choices ...
Definitely want to get that Paul Howarth book for next year as I may join the Australian reading challenge again.
I had avoided Kristin Hannah books as I thought they were romance! The premise of this one sounds great.
Love the post and I will be looking into some of those books.
sherry @ fundinmental
I love this time of year! A couple of these books are new to me and have been added to my list.
Whiskey When We're dry sounds great, I think that would be super interesting. Look Alive Out There sounds interesting too. Gonna make note of both of these since they're on your Best Of list!
Great list! I agree on The Great Alone and Look Alive Out There - guess I have some catching up to do on the others! I especially want to read the Jacqueline Woodson one.
Glad you had a good reading year! Thanks for sharing your favorites!
Sue
I really liked I'll Be Gone in the Dark and the Crosley essays! Neither made my best of the year list, but they were both solid 4 stars for me!
But, I have to disagree on The Great Alone - haha!
Several of these I've not read and may need to take a closer look at, especially Only Killers and Thieves. It's one I've looked at several times, but kept passing on. I liked The Great Alone, except for the last 50 pages and then it got too neat and tidy for me. Fun list!
Love seeing your list. I have Kristin Hannah's book on hold at my library. Hopefully it'll become available soon. I'm off now to look up Harbor Me!
This is a great list, I put The Great Alone on my most compelling books of 2018. Happy Holidays!
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