So, after sharing ten books that I’m looking forward to reading next year, I figured I should share ten books I read and loved this year. Eight of these are books I read for the first time this year, the other two are books I re-read for the first time in several years. I have also tried to avoid talking about the same books I have already talked about on this blog. Because where’s the fun in just talking about the same things over and over?

The only significance to this order is that this is how someone at some point in history decided this was the order in which our letters should be arranged. Which is to say: these are in no particular order.

Aurora Rising

Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

I had never come across these authors before this year. Now I am obsessed. This is their newest book, and the first in a trilogy. Fortunately, the second book is due to come out in May.

Big Little Lies

Liane Moriarty

I was not expecting to enjoy this book so much. Still, I was curious as to what all the fuss was about, so I picked it up and read it. And I must admit, I am very glad I did. This was cleverly written, and I did not see the twist at the end coming.

Carry On

Rainbow Rowell

Another author I didn’t discover until this year. This book, and it’s sequel, Wayward Son, are so much fun. I love the way Rowell takes the classic “Chosen One” story and explores aspects of it that may not be twisted.

I also appreciate her flat out acceptance that Simon Snow is “an orphaned boy soldier” and that means trauma. She’s not heavy handed with it, but she acknowledges it and explores it.

Dracula

Bram Stoker

This is one of the two books I read before this year. In fact, I gave it an honourable mention in My Favourite Books. Which, if you’re only familiar with how Dracula has been adapted or portrayed in various pop culture contexts, may have confused you. Stoker’s book, however, is absolutely brilliant. And Mina Harker is probably one of my favourite fictional women. She’s incredible.

Fangirl

Rainbow Rowell

Those of you who are familiar with Rainbow Rowell will know that technically this book comes before the Simon Snow books. In fact, the seeds of the Simon Snow books were sown in Fangirl - the books Cath is obsessed with being The Simon Snow Series. This, however, is not a “Chosen One” story, but a coming of age story. One I relate to, being obsessed with books and shows myself.

Howl’s Moving Castle

Diana Wynne Jones

This one is just sheer fun. I love the movie and I love the book. They are different things, but both so good. Also, I relate to Sophie. If I woke up one day to find I’d suddenly become old, I too would be like “yep, this makes sense, better get on with it”.

The Hate U Give

Angie Thomas

This book lent me such great insight into the culture of police brutality and black shootings in the USA. It also got me thinking about the racism and brutality directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (ATSI) here in Australia. Definitely a book to read.

The Illuminae Files

Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Believe it or not, I picked these books up because of nail polish. Yes, you read that right. Nail polish. I was given a beautiful set of nail polishes for my birthday this year, and one of my favourites was inspired by this trilogy. The cover of Obsidio, more precisely. And I have absolutely no regrets. These books are clever, witty and incredibly interesting.

To Kill a Mockingbird

Harper Lee

A brilliant, brilliant classic. The older I get, the more I appreciate it, and the depths of what Lee is saying with it. What a wonderful exploration of empathy, compassion, justice and growing up.

Written in History: Letters that Changed the World

Simon Sebag Montefiore

I love history, and I love getting into other peoples shoes and seeing the world from their perspective, so a book that allows me to read the letters written by people throughout history was perfect for me. I mean, I’m a little sad that I can’t read the letters in their original languages, but hey - I’ve only got this one lifetime. I can’t learn everything I want to learn. Sadly.

Over to you

What books did you read and love this year?