Well, I surprised myself by having the best reading year of my life. I read 102 books in 2018. My retirement from working had a lot to do with that extra time in which to read, and I hope to continue to enjoy as many good books in 2019.
I am often told that my book reviews are appreciated, so I thought I would do a re-cap of the books that stood out for me in the past year. I have some real favorites and runners up, and also some books that I did not enjoy. In this post I will talk about my favorites. I gave all of these books a five star rating on Goodreads. If books are your thing, settle in with me for my list. In the interest of time and space, I have only made a brief synopsis, but do click the link for a more complete review.
Favorites of 2018
Heft by Liz Moore
Arthur Opp weighs 550 pounds and hasn't left his house in 10 years. The connections he makes with his housekeeper and a high school boy 20 miles away change everything.
The Observations by Jane Harris
Bessie Buckley is a character you will remember a long while after the book has ended. Set in 19th century Scotland, Bessie lies her way into working as a maid for an employer who has an agenda far more bizarre than she bargained for.
Gillespie and I by Jane Harris
Set in turn of the century Glasgow, this is the story of a young woman who insinuates herself into the household of an artist she admires. Nothing is as you think it is.
Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman
Love it or hate it, this book was a winner for me. Such a page turner. Newlyweds on their honeymoon discover a buried treasure while diving. Should they keep it? Who does it belong to? Who can they trust? Each other? Read the book and find out! Great psychological thriller.
News of the World by Paulette Jiles
After the Civil War, a traveling "newsreader" agrees to return a 10 year old white girl who had been captured by the Kiowa back to her people. And she doesn't want to go. Great story of family, honor, and trust.
The Widow's War by Sally Gunning
Lyddie is widowed in 1760's New England and due to insanely unfair property laws of the time, all her property and possessions go to her overbearing son in law (her nearest male relative). Will she be turned out of her home? Will she become an unwelcome member of her horrid son in law's household? Does she have any recourse? This historical novel was a real eye opener as to how unfairly women were treated at the time.
The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton
Loved this book and the PBS Masterpiece series based on it. Nella is a new bride in 17th century Amsterdam. Her husband gives her a wedding gift that is a large elaborate doll house which is a replica of her new home. Price is no object, he tells her, and she contacts a miniaturist to furnish the house. It soon becomes clear that the miniaturist eerily knows a lot more than they should about their household, its people, and the objects within it. Unsolicited items begin to appear and the household's secrets are revealed.
Peace Like a River by Leif Enger
Reuben suspects that his daddy is touched by God. When Reuben, his dad and little sister set of on a heroic quest into the Badlands to find Reuben's brother who has been accused of murder, we find out just how connected to God daddy is. A truly magical story of family loyalty and love.
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
This is an incredible love story told from the points of view of three different people. The author is a master at getting the reader to see things from the eyes of the three characters as they each have a turn to narrate. So well done. My sympathies flip flopped with every chapter.
In my next post I will list nine more books that I loved in 2018: my Honorable Mentions.
36 responses to “Books of 2018: My Favorites”
I have missed some of those and they sound interesting. Thank you! Always a good thing to have a review. You had a prolific year of quilting and reading. Retirement is a good thing except it means I am getting older too!
Mary
I have missed some of those and they sound interesting. Thank you! Always a good thing to have a review. You had a prolific year of quilting and reading. Retirement is a good thing except it means I am getting older too!
Mary
I have missed some of those and they sound interesting. Thank you! Always a good thing to have a review. You had a prolific year of quilting and reading. Retirement is a good thing except it means I am getting older too!
Mary
I always enjoy your book reviews and have read a few of the books that you recommended. I am currently listening to the Gustov Sonata (audio book) while I am in the kitchen prepping meals and am enjoying it. I read mostly mysteries, but based on your reviews I have started reading other types of stories and that’s a good thing!
I always enjoy your book reviews and have read a few of the books that you recommended. I am currently listening to the Gustov Sonata (audio book) while I am in the kitchen prepping meals and am enjoying it. I read mostly mysteries, but based on your reviews I have started reading other types of stories and that’s a good thing!
I always enjoy your book reviews and have read a few of the books that you recommended. I am currently listening to the Gustov Sonata (audio book) while I am in the kitchen prepping meals and am enjoying it. I read mostly mysteries, but based on your reviews I have started reading other types of stories and that’s a good thing!
THanks so much for sharing more of your book recommendations. I’m always excited to see what other people like and have added several of these to my goodreads list!
THanks so much for sharing more of your book recommendations. I’m always excited to see what other people like and have added several of these to my goodreads list!
THanks so much for sharing more of your book recommendations. I’m always excited to see what other people like and have added several of these to my goodreads list!
Looks like we have enjoyed some of the same books! I absolutely loved News of the World, and have also adored the Sally Gunning books, all of which I found wonderful. The Miniaturist was so original and engrossing, too…plus, I loved An American Marriage. Here’s to more reading in 2019!
Looks like we have enjoyed some of the same books! I absolutely loved News of the World, and have also adored the Sally Gunning books, all of which I found wonderful. The Miniaturist was so original and engrossing, too…plus, I loved An American Marriage. Here’s to more reading in 2019!
Looks like we have enjoyed some of the same books! I absolutely loved News of the World, and have also adored the Sally Gunning books, all of which I found wonderful. The Miniaturist was so original and engrossing, too…plus, I loved An American Marriage. Here’s to more reading in 2019!
More interesting books to read – thank you!
In the current mary Englebreit wall calendar, there is a free framable art print of her drawing titled “The World Belongs to those who READ”. I rdered the calendar and was surprised to discover the print, too.
Hugs!
More interesting books to read – thank you!
In the current mary Englebreit wall calendar, there is a free framable art print of her drawing titled “The World Belongs to those who READ”. I rdered the calendar and was surprised to discover the print, too.
Hugs!
More interesting books to read – thank you!
In the current mary Englebreit wall calendar, there is a free framable art print of her drawing titled “The World Belongs to those who READ”. I rdered the calendar and was surprised to discover the print, too.
Hugs!
I have to thank you…after you mentioned reading the Poldark series, I went back and gave it another shot. I’d gotten bogged down at the 5th book. I’m now reading book 11 and am so glad I decided to try again!
I have to thank you…after you mentioned reading the Poldark series, I went back and gave it another shot. I’d gotten bogged down at the 5th book. I’m now reading book 11 and am so glad I decided to try again!
I have to thank you…after you mentioned reading the Poldark series, I went back and gave it another shot. I’d gotten bogged down at the 5th book. I’m now reading book 11 and am so glad I decided to try again!
I actually have three of the books right now because there were in my library.
‘Something in the Water’ was so not my book. I read the frist the few pages, looked at the last few nad put it aside. It’s really boring IMO.
‘The Miniaturist’ was better but also I didn’t read the whole book this Amsterdam world was just not me. And I hate it when the first Chapter in the book is from the timeline the last event. I just don’t like this narrative style.
I still have to read ‘An Ammerican Marriage’.
Another book I read in the last week (and this one from start to finish) was ‘Night Moves’ by Jonathan Kellerman.
I actually have three of the books right now because there were in my library.
‘Something in the Water’ was so not my book. I read the frist the few pages, looked at the last few nad put it aside. It’s really boring IMO.
‘The Miniaturist’ was better but also I didn’t read the whole book this Amsterdam world was just not me. And I hate it when the first Chapter in the book is from the timeline the last event. I just don’t like this narrative style.
I still have to read ‘An Ammerican Marriage’.
Another book I read in the last week (and this one from start to finish) was ‘Night Moves’ by Jonathan Kellerman.
I actually have three of the books right now because there were in my library.
‘Something in the Water’ was so not my book. I read the frist the few pages, looked at the last few nad put it aside. It’s really boring IMO.
‘The Miniaturist’ was better but also I didn’t read the whole book this Amsterdam world was just not me. And I hate it when the first Chapter in the book is from the timeline the last event. I just don’t like this narrative style.
I still have to read ‘An Ammerican Marriage’.
Another book I read in the last week (and this one from start to finish) was ‘Night Moves’ by Jonathan Kellerman.
I started “Something in the Water” and gave up on it before I was halfway through the book. After your comments on it, I may reconsider and pick it up again. Thanks for your reviews.
I started “Something in the Water” and gave up on it before I was halfway through the book. After your comments on it, I may reconsider and pick it up again. Thanks for your reviews.
I started “Something in the Water” and gave up on it before I was halfway through the book. After your comments on it, I may reconsider and pick it up again. Thanks for your reviews.
Perfect timing, I finished The Gown this morning and was needing a book recommendation. My 2018 goal was to read 24 books, I read 64, which I thought was pretty good until I saw your total, 102! Amazing! Educated was my favorite read of the year, Heft was my second favorite. I’ve recommended both to everyone I know who reads. I think I’ll start News of the World, sounds like a nice change of pace.
Perfect timing, I finished The Gown this morning and was needing a book recommendation. My 2018 goal was to read 24 books, I read 64, which I thought was pretty good until I saw your total, 102! Amazing! Educated was my favorite read of the year, Heft was my second favorite. I’ve recommended both to everyone I know who reads. I think I’ll start News of the World, sounds like a nice change of pace.
Perfect timing, I finished The Gown this morning and was needing a book recommendation. My 2018 goal was to read 24 books, I read 64, which I thought was pretty good until I saw your total, 102! Amazing! Educated was my favorite read of the year, Heft was my second favorite. I’ve recommended both to everyone I know who reads. I think I’ll start News of the World, sounds like a nice change of pace.
I just love these book reviews that you periodically do. Reading is high on my 2019 list of priorities! I read some great books last year, but not as many as I had hoped. Iām going to give some of your recommendations a try this year! Many thanks! Happy 2019!
I just love these book reviews that you periodically do. Reading is high on my 2019 list of priorities! I read some great books last year, but not as many as I had hoped. Iām going to give some of your recommendations a try this year! Many thanks! Happy 2019!
I just love these book reviews that you periodically do. Reading is high on my 2019 list of priorities! I read some great books last year, but not as many as I had hoped. Iām going to give some of your recommendations a try this year! Many thanks! Happy 2019!
I always enjoy your reviews and have read several of your recommendations. It’s good to know there are still book readers in the world!
I always enjoy your reviews and have read several of your recommendations. It’s good to know there are still book readers in the world!
I always enjoy your reviews and have read several of your recommendations. It’s good to know there are still book readers in the world!
Always love your book reviews as they don’t disappoint! Wish I was a more prolific reader though, seems I love audio books a lot more than hard copies as I can do two things at once. Am looking forward to your audio recommendations š
Always love your book reviews as they don’t disappoint! Wish I was a more prolific reader though, seems I love audio books a lot more than hard copies as I can do two things at once. Am looking forward to your audio recommendations š
Always love your book reviews as they don’t disappoint! Wish I was a more prolific reader though, seems I love audio books a lot more than hard copies as I can do two things at once. Am looking forward to your audio recommendations š