TOP TEN TUESDAY – 12th December 2017

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!

What are your favourite books of 2017?