Hey guys! I know it's already quarter into the year of 2018, but here I am with my top picks of books I've read in 2017. I've categorised them roughly by genre so you can go seek them out if any of them catches your eye! Hope this was helpful :)
Top Chick Lit:
The Secret Ways of Perfume
by Cristina Caboni

Since then, I have been on the lookout for more perfume stories. This book is a perfect blend of romance and a little bit of mystery. It may drag on sometimes here and there, but overall I definitely enjoyed the whole premise and would recommend it.
I was attracted to this book for two reasons - the bright cheery cover, and that the plot included gardening. A widow renegotiates life with the help of gardening and the people around her in this story. This is a rather fast and enjoyable read, though sometimes sad.
Top Fantasy:
I gave this five stars. I certainly did not expect to come across such a delightful read. What a gem! An original, fun adventure with richly painted scapes and strong characters with depth. I was very impressed. Would read again just to take a leaf out of her book when I attempt to write my own novel again.
Top Mystery/Thriller:
Journey Under the Midnight Sun
by Keigo Higashino
I'm a big fan of Japanese mystery thrillers/murder (and books set in Japan, or written by Japanese authors. There's a certain air of poeticness which I have grown to love and savour.) This story follows a long, drawn out process of a detective who is persistent in cracking his case. The length of this book adds to the frustration he feels sometimes, in my humble opinion! However, it was so worth it to finally unravel all the mysteries within it once you get through this tome.
Again, I am enthralled by Donna Tartt's writing. Previously, I read The Goldfinch, and absolutely loved it for its intricate writing and expression of friendship.
I prefer The Goldfinch as The Secret History is a little more frustrating and even a little strange and perhaps esoteric (on purpose I feel). However, once you're in deep enough, the drama grips you in a vice like manner. You step into the shoes of Richard, an outsider who makes it into an exclusive in-group of beautiful and smart people. Crazy shit goes down and you navigate new friendships, jealousy and more. I appreciate how the dynamics of a group is explored here, it's what makes the book so delicious as it is. Five stars for great storytelling!
Top Autobiography
Really enjoyed reading this! Jahren made science concepts approachable and easy to understand for the layman. What I liked the most were her personification of different plants, giving them such lively characters and enabling readers to connect with, or at the very least be more interested in plants, which are usually thought of as insentient beings. Because maybe plants do care about others, just that they just do not care about us humans. Below are some of my favourite quotes I collected from the book: "My laboratory is like a church because it is where I figure out what I believe. The machines drone, a gathering hymn as I enter." Highly recommended for anyone with the slightest interest or fondness for plants and all things green. |
Books that disappointed me:
Other books that were fun to read:
The Unseen World
by Liz Moore
Dramatic fiction about a daughter looking for clues on what her scientist dad left her.
The Hating Game
by Sally Thorne
A fun, lighthearted romance to cheer you up!
I don't need to introduce Neil Gaiman to you guys, do I? :)
A fun-filled adventure with a premise of a 'virus' in the form of a .wav file!
The Incarnations
by Susan Barker
Set in Asia! Very creative plot.
The Forest People
Perfect if you have interest in sociology and anthropology. A great insight into the forest people of the BaMbuti Pygmies.
Add these books to your To Read list! If you've read them or would like to share a recommendation, do feel free to leave a comment below! :)
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