Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week they post a different topic that one of their bloggers answers, and they invite others to join in, by posting their answers as a comment of by creating their own blog post.
It’s been a whole month since I joined in with Top Ten Tuesday, but I’m glad to get back into the swing of things with this week’s topic. I’ve read some great books this year, and this is a brilliant opportunity to reflect on them (and maybe get others to read them too!)
The Power by Naomi Alderman
Might just be my favourite book I’ve read this year. It’s a tough one. I’ve read a lot of brilliant women writer’s this year. For me The Power didn’t just hit the nail on the head, it hammered it into the ground, and considering what’s been happening in the media recently it rung uncomfortably true.
The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry
I wasn’t expecting to love this book as much as I did, but it was a compelling read. I loved the characters that challenged Victorian convention, the interplay between science and faith, the mystery and superstition surrounding the serpent.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Another great novel the took me by surprise. Eleanor is such a compelling character. I was routing for her the entire way through and related to her in so many ways.
H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald
Grief is the thing with feathers… Helen Macdonald’s account of grief is told through her relationship with her goshawk, Mabel. Mabel is glorious – her personality and the bond she shares with Helen shines through.
The Girls by Emma Cline
Dark, beautifully written, sinister.
Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh
Eileen is a brilliant character, one difficult to like but who has the less savoury qualities we try to bury in ourselves. You can’t help but be fascinated and repelled by her.
A Darker Shade of Magic by V E Schwab
I don’t always have an easy relationship with fantasy, but A Darker Shade of Magic did not disappoint. Fierce characters, vivid world-building and a gripping plot. The three Londons were distinct and vibrant. I’ve already started on A Conjuring of Shadows.
Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson
What a brilliant, heartfelt book. Honest and funny, I’ve never wanted to be friend’s with a writer more.
Stet: An Editor’s Life by Diana Athill
Such an interesting and engaging woman. Learning about Athill’s career in publishing was never boring. And she’s turning 100 on 21st December!
Simon Vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
I just really enjoyed reading this book. Every time I look at it I think ‘yeah, that was a good read’ and that doesn’t happen as often as I’d like. I can’t wait to see the film!
Somehow it’s been 6 months since my boyfriend and I last did a TTT post. 🙈 So you’re totally fine with one month! Haha.
I listened to the audiobook of Furiously Happy and laughed myself to tears multiple times. I need to read more by her! I’m so glad you loved Simon vs. It’s one of my favorite books! I hope the movie does it justice.
Here’s my list of favorite books this year: http://buecher-monster.de/2017/12/12/top-10-tuesday-top-ten-favorite-books-of-2017/ 😊
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I feel like time seems to sneak off when you’re not looking! It so easy to miss loads once you’ve missed one!
I can imagine the audiobook is brilliant, it’s the sort of book that would sound great aloud! Simon vs. was really great! Me too, I’m looking forward to it!
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I haven’t read any of these, but I’ve heard really good things about FURIOUSLY HAPPY. I need to read it sometime soon.
Happy TTT!
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
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Furiously Happy is honestly fantastic. I can’t recommend it more!
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Simon was on my list as well, it`s such a cute story. I have heard so many amazing things about “The Power”, it`s definitely going at the top of my TBR.
Carmen`s Reading Corner
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I think it’s hard not to like Simon Vs. – it’s just such a great YA book. The Power blew me away, such an interesting take on gender politics!
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Simon Vs. is also on my list! I am dying to finish V.E. Schwab’s books and all of the series I’ve started and haven’t finished! Her writing style is of my favorites. I love the cover for Essex of the Serpent and I am SO excited about both that one and The Power by Naomi Alderman. The premise of that one sounds so inventive and interesting. I love the fact that the narrator is a male reporter, even though the author is a woman! It makes it even more original and fun!
Here’s my TTT: https://bookslikewolves.wixsite.com/blog/single-post/2017/12/12/Blogmas-Day-12-Top-17-Books-of-2017
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It’s a great book! I’m coming to V E Schwab a little late to the game, but it’s so nice to know that I won’t have to wait for the next book in the series! I’d definitely read more of her work! The Essex Serpent and The Power are fantastic. There are some great female characters in them!
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Great list Nicole! The Essex Serpent also made my TTT, and was one of my most-anticipated reads. I had hoped to get to The Power this year, but that didn’t happen. I’ll have to make it a priority in 2018 since it is so incredibly relevant at the moment!
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Why thank you! The Essex Serpent took me a little by surprise. I definitely wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I did! And The Power is sadly and eerily relevant!
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I’m currently rereading ADSOM. I love that series so much. A few of your other books are on my TBR list.
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It’s great isn’t it? I finished A Gathering of Shadows this week and had to go straight out and buy A Conjuring of Light! Can’t wait to get to it!
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Lovely photos! I read and enjoyed Eleanor Oliphant this year too, and I love the Shades of Magic series as well as Jenny Lawson’s books!
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Yay, I’m glad you enjoyed it too. It’s definitely a great feel-good book!
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I love your list! There are so many on this list that I’ve been wanting to read, and it moves them up my list when I see them on “Best of” lists. Simon Vs. was one of my favorites! I think Becky Albertalli is just an amazing person, and if you don’t follow her on Instagram, you should 🙂
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Why thank you- it’s definitely been a great reading year! Yes, it such’s a great book! I follow her on Twitter but I haven’t been on her Instagram – I’ll have to take a peek! 🙂
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