My Year in Books {2017}

My Year in Books {2017}

• Dec 29, 2017

Although I've been slacking off as a blogger lately, I've been eagerly anticipating the month of December because recap posts are my favorite (to read and to write!). Whether it's personal reflections or newfound obsessions, I love looking back at the past year. For the next few days, I'm highlighting what I loved in 2017. Today, it's books! (2016 Favorites)

ADULT FICTION

1. The Jane Austen Project by Kathleen A. Flynn - I can never resist Jane Austen-related books, and this one didn't disappoint! The time travel element actually worked, and the setting came to life. So well researched!

2. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah - Just as great as everyone said! It was a little slow in the beginning, but I was so emotionally invested in this story about sisters during WWII. The audiobook narrator was wonderful, too.

3. On Second Thought by Kristin Higgins (+ backlist) - I read all of Higgins' backlist this year (minus one), but this was definitely my favorite! I love her sense of humor, well-developed characters and perfectly paced stories.

4. The Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson - An engaging heroine, quirky secondary characters, a bit of mystery, and a clear-eyed look at the South made this a new all-time favorite and kickstarted a Joshilyn Jackson reading binge.

5. Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil by Melina Marchetta - Adult mystery is a new genre for Marchetta, but she delivers everything I've come to expect: a tightly plotted story, nuanced characters, lots of emotion and spectacular writing.

6. Close Enough to Touch by Colleen Oakley - No sophomore slump here! A memorable story with quirky characters, an unlikely romance, and a needed reminder that everyone longs to feel connected to the people around them.

7. The Alice Network by Kate Quinn - Two strong heroines made me fall in love with the dual timelines, the gripping search for a missing person and the slow reveal of the truth. I've recommended this to so many people already!

8. Along the Infinite Sea by Beatriz Williams (+ backlist) - I read all of Williams' books in about a month and a half and absolutely loved them all! But I think this one might be my favorite because it's the one I can't stop thinking about.

HONORABLE MENTIONS: The Mothers by Brit Bennet, The Winter Bride by Anne Gracie, Standard Deviation by Katherine Heiny and A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn

YOUNG ADULT FICTION

1. The Memory Book by Lara Avery - A surprise favorite! I loved these characters and the way this story was told, even if the end did leave me sobbing in bed in the middle of the night. One of the most memorable books I read!
  
2. Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han - The perfect conclusion to one of my favorite YA series! I love these characters so much, and I'm so thankful for the extra time with them (and the hopefulness at the end).

3. Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff - Not my typical read, but the hype convinced me to try it - and I'm so glad! The audiobook was fantastic, and I can't wait to see what happens in this series. The stakes are so high!

4. The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord - Lord depicted the heroine's faith journey in an authentic and relatable way + created another fabulous friend group. It was deep without being heavy, and I thought it was Lord's best yet.

5. A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas - An epic ending to a favorite series! I loved exploring more of the Courts, spending time with the Inner Circle and seeing how everything was resolved in the end. EMOTIONS.

6. Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas - I should have known that I could trust SJM! I wasn't as excited for this story beforehand, but now I can't imagine the series without it. I loved the new characters and world so much!

7. No Limits by Ellie Marney - Marney's writing hooks me every time! I couldn't get enough of the high-stakes plot, the intense emotions and the swoony romance. The perfect blend of depth, drama and damn good storytelling. 

8. The Song Rising by Samantha Shannon - After a slow (and confusing!) start to the series, I ended up completely captivated by Paige. I loved how this book expanded the scope of the world and raised the stakes for everyone.

HONORABLE MENTIONS: Far from the Tree by Robin Benway, What to Say Next by Julie Buxbaum, Blood for Blood by Ryan Graudin and Corruption by Jessica Shirvington

NON-FICTION

1. Glitter and Glue by Kelly Corrigan - This lovely memoir explores the bond between mothers and daughters. I really enjoyed Corrigan's writing - it's witty and warm and kept me reading until I'd finished the book in one sitting!

2. The Magic of Motherhood by Ashlee Gadd - A collection of essays about motherhood that was just what I needed when I picked it up. It was relatable and encouraging - celebrating the highs and commiserating over the lows.

3. Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequiest - The heart of this book was a reminder of the beauty of life around the table. The pairing of short essays with related recipes was the perfect format, and I highlighted so many quotes!

4. Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson - This was an eye-opening and heartbreaking book about the U.S. justice system. I learned so much while reading, and I can honestly say it was the most thought-provoking read of 2017.

HONORABLE MENTIONS: Lab Girl by Hope Jahren and She Reads Truth by Raechael Myers & Amanda Williams

What was your favorite book of 2017?

Are any of these on your list? Or on your TBR pile?