Since I can remember I have been an avid reader. I have fond memories of reading with my grandma and swapping book recommendations. We would talk on the phone and go back on forth on “have you read this one or that one yet”. I would take her to Target and look through the book aisle as she named off all the books she had read, pretty much all of them. It was a special bond we had. Since she has passed away I miss our talks and her book commentary + recommendations.
Now, I get my recommendations from fellow book-loving friends, podcasts {yes there are podcasts about reading and books!}, and one of my favorite places – “best of” lists. As 2018 ends, the “Best of Lists” are starting to make their appearance. I am not an official book reviewer, but I have seen my fair share of books this year. So, below, are my top eight books this year. I will finish out the year reading about 45 books of varied genres. I hope you find one that you like on the list!
My Top Eight Books of 2018
1) If You Only Knew By Jamie Ivey
This was a great autobiography by a Christian woman and her journey of learning that she is enough. It is a glimpse of her life, mistakes and God’s grace. I found this to be a wonderful graduation gift for some of the young adult women in my life.
2) Anne of Green Gables By Lucy M. Montgomery
As I have gotten older, I have discovered some of the great literary classics I missed as a child. This is the wonderful story of a spirited little girl as she is adopted and making her own way in her new family and life. Anne reminded me so much of my oldest daughter with her spunk and excitement for life. I can’t wait to read this to my oldest one day.
3) Love and Gelato By Jenna Evans Welch
I read all genres. This young adult book captured my heart and brought me right to Italy. I have traveled in Europe, and Italy is on my bucket list. I enjoyed witnessing the story unfold as a teenage girl discovers more about herself, grief, her family and Italy. I could truly picture the vineyards as they were described in this book.
4) The Paper Magician By Charlie N Holmberg
This young adult book was a surprise find to me. It is a story about a young adult finding her calling as a magician, but with paper. I am not always into Science Fiction and Fantasy, but this book hooked me. It is set in London, so another plus in my book.
5) Small Great Things By Jodi Piccolt
My love for Jodi Piccolt goes back many years. The thing I enjoy about her books is the amount of research she puts into them. This was no exception. This book confronted race, stereotypes, privilege, and power. This would be a powerful addition to your book club reads for the new year. It is a book that leaves you moved and wanting to discuss it more.
6) Before We Were Yours By Lisa Wingate
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. All year I have heard this book recommended repeatedly. This fall I finally read it. This book is based on true events that occurred for many years to children in the south. This novel is based on stories from the Tennessee Children’s Home and the horrific adoption scandals that came out of there. It jumps back and forth between the past and modern day and I liked that twist.
7) The Stolen Marriage By Dianne Chamberlain
My second Historical Fiction find of the year was brought to me by my book club. It is based on true events from the Polio epidemic and WWI. This also talks about race and class issues as well. It was a slow start, but I wish the book would have gone on longer by the end. I love how the characters were developed.
8) Dear Ijeawele Or A Feminist Manifesto In Fifteen Suggestions By Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
This book is a quick read but made an impact. This was originally a letter written to a friend after her baby was born. Being a woman, a mom to two girls and living in this current society, I took a lot of value from this book. Small simple lessons on raising a young woman.
What is the best book you have read this year? What are you looking forward to reading next year? Share it with us!
Ooooh I cannot wait to add some of these to my reading list for next year! My favorite from this year was Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers. Every book she’s written becomes an instant favorite of mine because of her ability to combine romance with historical fiction!
Great! Thank you for the book recommendation too!