This year one of my goals was to read at least 15 books throughout the course of the year. This goal encouraged me to pick up books that I wouldn’t normally gravitate towards and introduced me to a whole new world of stories. Although I didn’t reach my ultimate objective, I was able to make it to 14 books. Oh well, I’ll get ’em next time.
In this blog I’ll briefly discuss my favorite and least favorite books from the past year and hopefully provide reading inspiration to anyone who’s looking for it!
My Top Three Books:
- Coming in first place, we have The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. Chances are, you’ve probably seen this book on many reading lists this year. In short, this book follows a set of twins who face lifelong struggles with their community, self identities, and racial identities. Eventually, the twins separate and build unique lives far apart from one another. The novel follows them as they navigate struggles and build families of their own. I don’t want to give too much away, but I couldn’t put this book down.
2. Coming in hot in second place is Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. Eleanor is a socially awkward adult who has a tendency to speak her mind at all times, even when it isn’t appropriate. She tends to steer clear of other people and lives a very independent and sheltered life. Eventually, while witnessing an older man get into an accident, she crosses paths with one of her coworkers and finds herself having to break out of her usual independent state. This was another novel I couldn’t put down. It’s funny, sad, heartwarming, and so many more things at once.
3. I was planning on posting my top 3 books, but I couldn’t pick just one to take this place, so my last recommendation will be a two for one deal (in no particular order).
Let’s start with Dark Places by Gillian Flynn. In short, this book is a murder mystery. The main character witnessed most of her family being murdered at the young age of 7. She famously testified that her 15 -year old brother was the culprit, but 25 years later she’s not so sure she was right. This novel follows Libby as she revisits the case and reconnects with those who were involved in it. I’m not the biggest fan of dark or gory media, but this book kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
Next up is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. I’m always hesitant to read books that are considered “classics” because I fear they’ll be difficult to digest, but this one was simple and moving. The book is written from the perspective of Francie Nolan, a young girl who lives in the slums of Williamsburg in the early 1900s. She mostly writes about her mundane day-to-day life events and her family dynamic. This book can be slow at times, but it’s worth powering through.
Books I Wouldn’t Read Again:
I read two books by Fredrick Backman this year, and although I finished both of them, I found his writing style to be very irritating. His novels Anxious People and A Man Called Ove are highly regarded and convey meaningful messages, but something about the choppy and very literal sentences left me wishing I could finish the books just to get them over with. I managed to get through the entirety of the books without giving up, but I would never read them again.
Hopefully this list brings you some reading inspiration, and if you’ve already read these books, let me know what you thought of them in the comments, or reach out to me on Instagram @nicolesfoodbowls!
