I read many amazing books in 2017, so it was hard to pick just a handful of them for this list. I tried to capture my varied interests and the most memorable stories.
The all-stars
My Not So Perfect Life, Sophie Kinsella
This book is calorie-free comfort food. It has workplace drama, glamping (glamorous camping) and, of course, a love story.
The Kind Worth Killing, Peter Swanson
If you read this book and hate it, please don't judge me. I was obsessed with its unique twist on a murder plot, and I audibly gasped several times while reading.
Wild, Cheryl Strayed
I owned this book for years before finally diving in. Why did I wait so long?! It is an important tale of self-transformation told in perfectly beautiful prose.
The Road to Jonestown: Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple, Jeff Guinn
Shoutout to my fellow religion nerds! This book includes so much interesting information about one of the most famous religious movements of all time. It's also easy to read, which is rare for faith-related nonfiction.
All the Light We Cannot See, Anthony Doerr
I'm a hipster in the sense that I turn against or avoid books and TV shows when they become a mainstream obsession. I don't trust things that appeal to that many people at once. This problematic attitude means that I sometimes skip award-winning work like this novel, which is INCREDIBLE. Shame on me for almost missing it.
A Man Called Ove, Fredrick Backman
Ugh, this one gutted me. It's such a meaningful reflection on community support and comically fussy people.
Amazing audiobooks
Lincoln in the Bardo, George Saunders
So many celebrity voices come together for this flawless audio production. I'm so glad I consumed this one through my ears rather than my eyes.
Forensics: What Bugs, Burns, Prints, DNA and More Tell Us about Crime, Val McDermid
This book is a super dorky exploration of crime-scene investigation. I bought it during a one-day sale and fell in love almost immediately.
Weird one that I just wanted to mention
Uncommon Type, Tom Hanks
My mom doesn't think much of Tom Hanks, which is her worst opinion. I'm happy to report that this collection of short stories is a worthy addition to this beautiful man's impressive body of work.
The all-stars
My Not So Perfect Life, Sophie Kinsella
This book is calorie-free comfort food. It has workplace drama, glamping (glamorous camping) and, of course, a love story.
The Kind Worth Killing, Peter Swanson
If you read this book and hate it, please don't judge me. I was obsessed with its unique twist on a murder plot, and I audibly gasped several times while reading.
Wild, Cheryl Strayed
I owned this book for years before finally diving in. Why did I wait so long?! It is an important tale of self-transformation told in perfectly beautiful prose.
The Road to Jonestown: Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple, Jeff Guinn
Shoutout to my fellow religion nerds! This book includes so much interesting information about one of the most famous religious movements of all time. It's also easy to read, which is rare for faith-related nonfiction.
All the Light We Cannot See, Anthony Doerr
I'm a hipster in the sense that I turn against or avoid books and TV shows when they become a mainstream obsession. I don't trust things that appeal to that many people at once. This problematic attitude means that I sometimes skip award-winning work like this novel, which is INCREDIBLE. Shame on me for almost missing it.
A Man Called Ove, Fredrick Backman
Ugh, this one gutted me. It's such a meaningful reflection on community support and comically fussy people.
Amazing audiobooks
Lincoln in the Bardo, George Saunders
So many celebrity voices come together for this flawless audio production. I'm so glad I consumed this one through my ears rather than my eyes.
Forensics: What Bugs, Burns, Prints, DNA and More Tell Us about Crime, Val McDermid
This book is a super dorky exploration of crime-scene investigation. I bought it during a one-day sale and fell in love almost immediately.
Weird one that I just wanted to mention
Uncommon Type, Tom Hanks
My mom doesn't think much of Tom Hanks, which is her worst opinion. I'm happy to report that this collection of short stories is a worthy addition to this beautiful man's impressive body of work.