My Good Reads of 2017 (& 2018 to Reads)

Photo by Michał Grosicki on Unsplash — Photo by Michał Grosicki on Unsplash

I love reading. Even as a kid and teenager, I was always digging to a great book. I always have at least one book in my queue at all times and actually have to read before bed or it takes me forever to fall asleep. Similar to my love of music, my taste in books ranges from young adult to thought-provoking, murder mystery to trashy sex novel. I really do not discriminate.

This year, I read some really great titles and thought I would share some of my favorites that really stood out, as well as share some others I am looking forward to reading in 2018.

Thought Provoking/Controversial

Small Great Things: This book grabbed my attention during the first chapter. The topic is racism and at times, it was so disturbing I wanted to turn away but that feeling alone is why we need to read this book, it's why we need to bring to light that things like this, and people like this, exist. Jodi Picoult is one of my favorite authors and she always has my full attention throughout each of her novels and this one was no different.

The Hate U Give: So technically I just finished this, reading it in 2018, but it is so relevant and important in this political environment, I had to share. This is another book centered around race, focused on the #blacklivesmatter movement. I have not grown up in a bubble and have been exposed to many cultures but even with that, I could not have imagined the environment as it was painted in this book. Starr and her family had me rooting for them (and families like them) the entire time. Definitely an eye-opening account that is a must-read in my opinion.

Chasing Slow: Chasing Slow is more of a thought-provoking for me personally. This book talks about the author's life and how she has slowed down and taken a step back from the life of being busy and filling her time with things that don't really matter in the end. I really enjoyed her perspective and how she shared what has worked (and has not worked) for her.

Fun, Easy Reads

The Hating Game: I think I read this in a weekend while relaxing by the pool. Quick, light, and a fun read.

I Like You Just Fine When You Are Not Around: A funny account of a therapist whose life is quickly falling apart despite every good intention.

Roomies: A light, romance novel that is definitely swoon-worthy.

Books That Are Just SO GOOD

Without Merit: Let me just say that I unequivocally love everything written by Colleen Hoover and this was no different. I am bummed I have read everything she's published and am sitting on the edge of my seat for her next release.

The Kind Worth Killing: I'll just leave this quote from the beginning of the book right here, I think it says more than I ever could.

“Truthfully, I don’t think murder is necessarily as bad as people make it out to be. Everyone dies. What difference does it make if a few bad apples get pushed along a little sooner than God intended? And your wife, for example, seems like the kind worth killing.”

— The Kind Worth Killing

Who We Were Before: A married couple, that is struggling with the loss of their son, is in Paris for one last attempt to save their marriage. This book brought me to tears but I loved the emotion and rawness of the characters.

On Writing: As most of you know, I started really focusing on my writing in 2017. On Writing not only included great advice from Stephen King himself but also was a memoir of his life. I was so intrigued by his upbringing and life experiences and how he became the writer he is today. I think this book would have been interesting even if I wasn't interested in the writing advice he provided.

Books for 2018:

I have been looking through some lists of potential great reads and have a few leftovers from past years on my list. Here are a few!

This list from Huffington Post is on my list to read through and pick the ones that sound interesting.

I would LOVE any recommendations you have and would love to follow you on GoodReads if you have an account. You can find me here!