Top Ten Favorite Reads of 2018: It's Been an Interesting Year

I looked over my list of read books for 2018 and I have to say, I was underwhelmed. All I kept seeing were the ghosts of books I should have read, and didn't get to for one reason or another. Or all the books I started, and didn't finish. Of course, I should be happy and thrilled I read more this year, and I certainly am; I just think my reading choices weren't always the best. I did read more graphic novels, and I'm grateful for diving into that genre. I hope to read more of them in 2019. Non-fiction took a hit for me this year; I just didn't get to read all that much--another goal for 2019. SciFi/Fantasy--where are you?! Just a few made my reading list this year, darn it. I read a lot of novels that were darker than my usual taste. I didn't read much at all of what made the bestseller lists, even though I have quite a few on my shelves at home. 

I guess my reading list reflects the mood I was in for most of the year: avoiding politics, news, and dealing with the increasingly frail health of family members. I thought I was reading to escape and relax, but it looks like I was reading books that reflected my less than sunny state of mind. Three book groups also added to my reading choices: one with a monthly theme, one that's a free for all (my favorite!), and one where we've been reading from library book club kits. I'm glad they all pushed me to read outside my comfort zone. I have to say this year's reading list was not at all what I expected when I began in January of 2018. I'm setting my Goodreads Challenge for 2019 at 100 books again. It's a good goal for me; keeps me on my toes but is doable if I read a few books every week. I have no idea what 2019 will bring for me, but I certainly hope it is a bright, happy year, and that my reading reflects a happier state of mind!

Without further ado, here's my list of Top Ten Reads for 2018:

10.  Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh

It came late in the year, but Eileen was so unusual it made my Top 10. Bizarre, at times down right gross, you'll be as sucked into the story as I was--step out of your comfort zone and read it!

9.  Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

A huge novel about the trials of a Korean family living in Japan. A study in culture, politics, and family traditions. 

8.  Not a Sound by Heather Gudenkauf

I've read a lot of Heather's novels, and this was her best. A deaf woman finds a dead body and can't rest until she discovers the who, what, and why. 

7.  Still Life by Louise Penny

I finally read Louise Penny, and I love her writing! Want a start to a great mystery series? Pick this up!

6.  Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

Probably the biggest buzzed about book this year; a YA novel that will wrap you up and introduce you to an amazing world full of magic, myth, and loyalty. 

5.  The Masterpiece by Fiona Davis

I've read all of Fiona's novels, and I'm a big fan. A beautiful cover, a compelling story about an art school tucked away in the Grand Central Terminal, and the fight to save the terminal from destruction. Dual storylines will keep you engaged!

4.  The Broken Girls by Simone St. James

Ah, Simone St. James. She never lets me down, and this was by far my favorite of her novels. A woman reporter is still obsessed with her sister's murder years later; a group of girls living at the school 50 years before experience the terror of a spirit that walks the halls.  A dual storyline, all based around a girl's school that holds a haunting secret. 

3.  The Library Book by Susan Orlean

I read some non-fiction this year, just not a lot. I adored this book and Susan Orlean's love of libraries shines through. If you know nothing about libraries, pick it up--you'll be amazed!

2.  The Dry by Jane Harper

Oh, this almost made my #1 spot. Jane Harper is an Australian author who writes a crime novel that will leave you parched, emotionally drained, and amazed at her gift of writing. She's one to watch! 

And my number one favorite read of 2018:

1.  The Hunger by Alma Katsu

This. novel. Holy moses! It takes the story of the Donner Party Tragedy and turns it into a novel of terror that will leave you unsettled, locking your doors, and Googling everything you can find about the Donner Party. Sooooo good. 

You can read all the reviews of my top ten by clicking on the titles.  The top three were tough, but The Hunger won out in the end. A reimagining of the Donner Expedition that was like nothing I expected; creepy as heck, and flat out nail-biting.

Here's to a great reading year!  What are your top reads of 2018?  Share with me! I'd love to know what everyone is reading.  

Happy New Year everyone!

The Bookalicious Babe

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Top Ten Favorite Reads of 2018: It's Been an Interesting Year