As we gear up for 2019 (or wind down 2018 depending on what type of year you’ve had), it’s time for me to clear my head and get these last few posts out.
Today is about books and tomorrow will be about everything I’ve learned (or had re-enforced) this past year.
Even with the chaos that is life, I’m finishing up my 93rd book of 2018. Somehow, I’ve managed to keep pace with my voracious appetite of reading even though I have less time to do it. I guess the axiom holds true that you’ll always make time for the things you love.
While I’ve done my best to keep up with book reviews after each one, it appears I’ll be starting 2019 by playing catch up with a few.
After having time to look through my list, I’ve determined these were the ones that stuck out the most. Keep in mind this list is purely based on my taste and I make no guarantee you’ll love them the same way as I did… if at all.
Even with books I’ve read this year I couldn’t stand (again, personal taste), I did try to point out an audience who might enjoy it.
One last point, these books aren’t necessarily new releases. Just books I’ve finally come around to reading.
Book of the Year
Indian Horse
Hands down, this is the one book that stands out from all the others. Beautifully written, haunting and the memory of it has stuck with me since I put it down. In fact, I haven’t been able to get it out of my head.
It will shame you as a Canadian while making you feel empathetic towards those doing the shaming.
Others
Alan Gratz did an amazing job at showing the plight of refugees among three different timelines and brilliantly sewing them together at the end. Since it was written for a younger audience, it’s highly accessible and if you can handle the multiple viewpoints, a triple journey of tension.
This book is a memoir of the pulp fiction writers of the early twentieth century and a reminder of how lazy today’s writer has become. Forget all the “writing advice” books out there – just read this one.
The Cross and the Lynching Tree
Are you a white Christian and think you understand Jesus and the Cross? James Cone wants to speak to you.
Right from the opening chapter, this book pulls you in and keeps the intrigue going until the very end. I was expecting a wild disappointment as revelations came about, but Ness manages to keep you hooked and excited for the next crumb leaving no room for anything but satisfaction.
I really wish this book had been released during my teenage years. It embodies everything I enjoyed, studied and would’ve wanted to read. Magic and mysticism merged together amidst a young adult backdrop.
Poetry mixed with fiction and layered with meaning that is accessible for anyone. I read half and listened to the other half on audio book, but would recommend either. The words themselves will speak to you.
The 39 Clues (Series)
A divided family, a treasure hunt and the threading of some of the best young adult authors makes this series a lot of fun. How far would you go for the most valuable treasure known to humanity?
Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard
I initially read this to have an understanding of what my students are reading/would enjoy, but ended up loving the series as much (if not more) than they did. Norse mythology that doesn’t take itself too seriously – it was just fun.
I was late to the party on this book, but very glad I finally read it. It’s a narrative driven book about running and why I should stop telling people “I don’t run unless I’m being chased.” It has given me the confidence to get on my feet again while assuring me my instincts about being barefoot all the time weren’t unfounded.
A Very Large Expanse of Sea
I’ll be posting the review to this soon, but hands-down the best YA book on what it’s like to be a teenage Muslim girl in contemporary USA. It’s straight-forward and punches you in the gut with how real it feels. Aside from Indian Horse, one of the few books this year I ignored other commitments just to finish.
That’s my culled list for this year! Looking forward to another year of massive reading with an intention of hitting 100 books.