This is my final post of 2017, and that means it is time to get all geeky with statistics as I analyze my reading over the past twelve months. While that probably does not interest anyone but me, my list of the top books I read in 2017 may be helpful for those of you who always have a to-read list.
Fun fact: My fourth blog post ever, almost five years ago, was a Top Ten Books of 2012. Since then, I have published 33 rounds of book reviews, choosing the best from the 375 I’ve read from 2013-2017.
“Best books” is a highly subjective phrase, and lists touting the best are everywhere this time of year. Last year I had not even read any of the New York Times’ 10 Best Books; this year I’ve read two on the list. I really liked one of them even though it didn’t make my top ten (The Power), and the other was one of my least favorite books of the year, not even warranting a review at two out of five stars (Exit West).
I choose based on the books I’ve read this year, but those books aren’t necessarily published in 2017. Here is my Year in Books, courtesy of GoodReads:
I set a conservative goal for myself this year, originally challenging myself to read 55 books. I hit that goal with a few months to go, so I increased it to 60. I ended up reading 50 books and listening to 18 for a grand total of 68 books.
As always, I rate every book from one to five stars, and my average is consistently 3 to 3.3 stars. I am a tough rater, so a rating of three stars is a good book that I would recommend. I’m picky about giving four stars, and downright stingy giving out five stars. This year, my ratings fell like this:
0 one-star books
5 two-star books
48 three-star books
11 four-star book
4 five-star books
Here are my top ten books of 2017, in no particular order. The titles link to my full review.
Heavy but worth it
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara – Beautifully written, heartbreaking, raw, redeeming and hopeful. It’s an investment to read this novel, but I think it’s worth it.
All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood – Wonderfully written with deeply flawed and deeply human characters, this story of love in unlikely places made me feel all the emotions at the same time.
Historical Fiction
Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark T. Sullivan – Fascinating narrative based on the life of Pino Lella, Italian teenager turned Nazi driver turned spy. While technically fiction because the author imagined much of the dialogue, all the people and events are real.
America’s First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie – Told from the point of view of Thomas Jefferson’s oldest daughter Martha, this novel is a southern family saga rooted in truth, touched by scandal, and unfolding during the American Revolution and our first half-century as a nation.
Great Book Club Material
I Liked My Life by Abby Fabiaschi – Why did Maddy commit suicide when she seemed to have a life she loved? Told from the alternating points of view of Maddy, her daughter, and her husband, this pleasant surprise of a novel explores one woman’s exploration of her place in the world.
This is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel – What I imagine to be a realistic look at what a family goes through when a young child is transgender, this novel is less about sexual identity and more about what it means to be a person. Fantastic, current and thoughtful.
Beartown: A Novel by Fredrick Backman – Nuanced, complex characters and brief scenes create a fast-paced novel about a wooded, wintery small town that lives and breathes hockey. An act of violence force Beartown’s residents to examine how they define themselves in public and private moments.
Memoir
Born A Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah – I don’t even watch Trevor Noah, but his memoir is fabulous. Noah is a compelling storyteller, and his essays had me laughing, crying, and shaking my head in wonder and disbelief.
Young Adult
What to Say Next by Julie Buxbaum – The unlikely friendship between Kit and David is at the core of this lovely read. Buxbaum creates real teenagers dealing with real problems, and crafted a novel that made me literally sigh contently when I finished.
Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin – Despite the premise of fifteen-year-old Liz going to Elsewhere after she dies, this novel was one of the most feel-good books I read this year. It’s a charming story about living the life you have instead of dwelling on the life you don’t have.
*****
As always, you can find my comprehensive list of book reviews on the top menu, or by clicking on the graphic below, which is also always on my sidebar.
May your 2018 be filled with great books!
How am I so far behind in reading your posts! But I love this list. I am always trying to find new things to read and like hearing from people I trust. I am reading America’s First Daughter right now! About halfway through. Jefferson is kind of a jerk and as a UVa girl, that’s hard to swallow, but overall a great book. 🙂
You are not the first UVA girl to tell me that, Allison! It is tough to reconcile what many of our founding fathers accomplished with the fact that they were slave holders, and not always particularly stellar individuals. But I agree, the novel was great!
I’m a little later here but you know I LOVE your book lists! I tried to read “A Little Life” but ugh, it was too much. I may try again later… Right now I’m reading The Secret History by Donna Tartt and so far, I love it!
I couldn’t agree more with your picks of “All the Ugly and Wonderful Things” and Trevor Noah’s bio – loved them both and they were highlights for me as well.
Keep these picks coming!
A Little Life isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but at least you gave it a go. The Secret History…that’s an older one, right? I’ll check it out. I’m listening to The Poisonwood Bible now – it’s one of those that everyone read years ago, and I never did.
A Little Life…be still my heart. Might be one of my faves of all time. I want to check out All the Ugly and Wondeful Things. Trevor Noah is also on my list. This was one of Bill Gates’s picks. You’re an inspiration! My goal is 14 books!
With working full time and a preschooler at home…I think 14 books is fabulous!
Happy new year! Love these lists! Also reminded me of what’s on my Kindle that I’d forgotten was there. Several are books you recommended like What to Say Next! I don’t use Goodreads as much as I should and now I can’t remember what were my favorite books I read this year. I did just re-read The Alienist since it’s going to be a show on TNT. I’d forgotten almost everything!
Hmmm – I just looked up The Alienist, and I’ve seen the promos for the show. I’ll have to read the book! Happy new year to you too, Liz.
I keep hearing about Beartown. I’m iffy, but so many people tell me it is good. Maybe I’ll plunge in and read it soon. Thanks for the list! I’m always on the lookout for a good book.
Beartown was really good, Cheryl – and I know nothing about ice hockey. Let me know what you think if you read it!
Dana, you so make me want to read more, more, more. I read, when I am permitted by little miss, during her evening rocking marathons. I’ve been working through some MG/YA books for research for my own MG fantasy book that I’ve been working on this fall. But I wish I just read more, you know, just because and more purposefully, less in between here and there. Maybe a 2018 goal? At least I know where to go for good reading advice!
Thanks Hillary! I enjoy YA, and I’ve read some really good YA fantasy. How exciting that you are working on a book! If you ever need a beta reader, let me know.:)
Thanks, Dana. America’s First Daughter is officially on my Book Club’s list for 2018 – although I’m a little worried that it might bash Mr. Jefferson. (Being a UVA grad, I’m quite fond of Mr. Jefferson.) We shall see. I’m impressed you read 68! I’m going to try to do a better job with listening to books this year, as I struggle to make enough time to sit down and read. Thanks for the inspiration!
Julia, it’s not a Jefferson-bashing book, so I think you’ll find it enjoyable! I listened to double the books I did in 2016, since I get 20 minutes in during dog walking every day, and I listen every time I’m alone in the car. And sometimes while I fold laundry…
I usually have to be told something twice except for when it comes to your book reviews – I believe you the first time. LOL! That said, this is the second time I’m hearing about Trevor Noah’s memoir. Did you read it or listen to it? I’m about halfway through Beneath the Scarlet Sky. I’m reading and listening to that one and I’m also listening to America’s First Daughter. Wow to your 68 book challenge! I’ve challenged myself to one “reading” book a month and as many audio’s as I can get in. I only read read when I get in bed, so one book a month is reasonable.
I listened to Trevor’s book – he narrates, and I would definitely listen. I listened to the other two you mentioned as well. If I only read in bed, I’d get even less than one book a month in! I frequently read when I’m eating breakfast or lunch, and I’m a car reader when I’m a passenger.
Lots of good recommendations here – Scarlet Sky is on my (huge) to read list. I’ll get there. I had a lofty goal of 100 books for the year and managed half. I love keeping track of things on Goodreads. (Are we connected over there?)
Looking forward to checking out your titles.
Happy new year!
We are not connected – I’ll go find you! 50 books is certainly not shabby, Lisa. Hope you find a few more to add to your list!
I’m reading All the Ugly and Wonderful Things right now. It is SO good!
I’ve never been good at keeping up on Goodreads but you’re very cool graphic makes me want to this year.
Ha – I geek out over all the stats and graphics, Nina.
–I’ve heard A LOT about “A Little Life.” I will need to read it over the summer.
Also, I shall read, This is How it Always Is!
Thank you, Dana.
I love these posts. x
I love that you love them!
Yeahhhhh my fav post always!!
Dana, I’m impressed! Sixty-eight books in 365 days is extremely commendable. I end up going down rabbit trails and reading samples of tons of books on Kindle and not fully investing in as many as I should. I promise to do better in 2018!
You’re hooked on samples, huh?;) May you find many books worth reading in 2018, Alison!
Thanks to you, I just put three of those books on hold at my library. I will tell you what I think!!
Happy New Year!
Happy new year, and happy reading!
I’m SO excited to have all these to look forward to. I’m still on Persimmon Tree (and loving it). You’ll have to let me know what you think. So glad you linked up and Happy Happy New Year, friend. I WILL see you in 2018.
I will definitely let you know about Persimmon Tree – it’s on my list.
Believe it or not, I’ve gotten stingy about my 5stars😝. America’s First Daughter is still on my list! And I Liked My Life sounds intriguing!
Ha – you’re getting as tough on stars as I am!
I slowed up a bit at the end of the year reading wise and made it to 40 books. But in the last week or so, I have been reading non-stop and can’t get enough of reading in all honesty now. The cold weather and the lack of new TV shows might be a big contributing factor. But still appreciate you sharing your favorites as I will gladly add a few more to my list now for 2018. I have to set my goal still and not sure if I want to stick to my 40 or up it though. Still, thanks again and wishing you a very, Happy 2018 now!! 🙂
Happy new year to you too Janine! I get more reading done when there aren’t any tv shows on too – and the cold weather just makes me want to curl up with a book!