2017 Wrap Up: Top 5 Books of 2017
I took a break from this yesterday, partially due to spending time with family and partially due to feeling kind of under the weather. I have big plans on New Year’s Eve and can’t get sick! *wink* The good news is that it gave me a chance to really think about my list for today of My Top 5 Books of 2017.
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In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan
I generally don’t read a lot of non-fiction, but my year of introspection, and my new addiction to gardening, made me want to seek out more stories about where my food comes from. I’ve always admired Michael Pollan, and I LOVED this audiobook. I was fascinated by the discussion of nutrition science, and food footprints, and I can definitely say that this was one of the books that made me think the hardest. Because of this, I’ve purchased locally sourced seeds and am starting a garden in 2018!
A Million Junes by Emily Henry
I picked this book up on a whim, when it was recommended to me by the library. I then spent the next 3 days devouring this audio book in between work and chores, falling deeper and deeper in love with this romance. The story itself is gorgeous, but Henry’s ability to make you really take a look at yourself and your relationships with others was what really impressed me. I won’t lie, this book made me tear up. I’m not even upset about it.
The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
Oh, Percy you adorable boy. Oh Monty, you lovable pain in the ass. Hahaha. I loved every minute of this book. I waited much longer to read it than I should have, but the instant that I finally started you couldn’t have torn me away for anything. I fell head over heels for these characters, their antics, and the deep love that flows through every page of this book. Getting caught up in Monty’s whirlwind of a tour was probably the best weekend that I spent this year. I cannot wait for the next book!
We Are the Ants by Shawn David Hutchinson
Ugh, this book. I’m telling you right now that you definitely should be prepared with some tissues and some chocolate if you decide to read this for the first time. I was hit so hard by everything within these pages. Threads of true love, loss, and the whole idea of trying to figure out where you fit into the world pepper the pages. I cried, I smiled, I had to look deep into myself to understand why this book affected me so much. Trust me when I say this book is on my favorites shelf for life. I’ll be re-reading it again soon.
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
It’s fair to say that this book made me fall in love with fairy tales all over again. If you’ve been following me for any length of time, you know that I’m a fan of the darker, grittier fairy tale stories. The ones that pit strong characters against impossible odds and allow them to grow into the people they were truly meant to be. That’s why Arden’s beautiful story caught my attention and kept me wrapped up in its spell. I have the next book in this series sitting, and I can’t wait to read it!
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So there you have it!
I was actually pretty stingy with my 5 star reviews this year, which made it much easier to find my favorites. How about you, bookish friends? Find any favorite new stories this year?
