I nibbled my way through some really great books last year. I mean, really great. I’d like to share the best books I read in case anyone is looking for recommendations. Put down that Vikings box-set and READ!
Without further ado, I’ll count down my top five (totally subjective, as always) from last year’s Read pile.
5. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
A wonderfully inspiring read set during the French Occupation in World War II. I loved the little details of what must have been a terrible life within an occupied country.
4. The curious incident of the dog in the night-time by Mark Haddon
I love the understanding of new perspectives that comes with reading. The main character is 15-year-old Christopher, who can’t stand to be touched, is a maths genius and perceives the world in a very logical way. This book shows what he is thinking when his behavior is not quite what we expect.
3. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Prof Don Tillman writes a list of the variables needed for the perfect wife. Then he begins crossing women off it. A tale to keep you believing that love is in the ‘every day’ and that everyone has their soul mate. It just can’t always be boiled down to a science.
2. Blackout by Connie Willis
A fantastic science fiction/historical set in World War Two. The author manages to give you a lot of detail without it seeming too dry. I enjoy books where I learn as well as being entertained.
1. Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
This book poses the question: What if you could live your life again and again, until you get it right? Ursula is born in the 1910’s in Britain and dies immediately. I am so inspired by all the tiny details the author manages to tell us about each and every character in this book. The multi-layered plot has kept me thinking about this story long after I marked the eBook Finished.
This is all of the books I read last year in case you are wondering about the pool I chose these from. I’ve just noticed that three of the five could be classed as World War II historical fiction. That is purely coincidental. I don’t intentionally try to read that sub-genre, in fact it is quite the opposite, considering there is such a glut of historical set in that time period.
Join me on Goodreads or comment below if you want to discuss books.
What are your top picks? Any that you had great hopes for but were sadly disappointed?
I loved the Nightingale! I’ll have to check out some of the others you’ve suggested. Dawn
Do, and let me know what you think. ☺
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These all sound interesting. I particularly like the sounds of Life After Life.
Those books look like they would be good reads
Loved The Nightingale!
Me too. Meaning to read The Great Alone by the same author too.
Thanks. I enjoyed them.
Sooo good!
I have all your recommendations on my TBR. I think my top two reads of 2017 were The Shape of Us by Lisa Ireland and The Empress by SJ Kincaid
Thankyou! Just had a wee peek and they look great. The Empress looks like its #2 in a series?
Did you read A God in Ruins? Curious to know your views on the Life After Life sequel.