My Favourite Books of 2018

Genres: Contemporary, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Non-fiction, Science Fiction, Young Adult

Making a list of my favourite books of the year is one of the things I’ve come to love about December. I get to gush about the best books I’ve read and share them with you, and because I’ve read many fantastic ones this year, I decided not to limit myself with a number. (Who thought that was a good idea anyway?) Each of the books I mention here deserve the attention, so here we go!

Contemporary

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At its core, Beartown is about people. The characters in this book are so incredibly human that I saw and felt everything they did. I laughed, I dreamed, I hurt, and I cried. There is something to be said about a book that gives me a sick feeling in my gut only to warm my heart later on. It’s raw and powerful and you need to get your hands on it. Read my full review here.

I remember reading Little Fires Everywhere and thinking it reminded me a bit of Beartown. It explores and questions issues involved with motherhood, found families, adoption, identity, and ways of living. It’s a complex and multifaceted story with characters you’re bound to be invested in.

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine on the other hand, has become one of my favourite books because of how much humour and heart it had in it. It’s a lighthearted book with dark and serious undertones, and it worked well for me. Here’s my full review.

Fantasy

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I read Spinning Silver very late in the year, but oh I’m so glad I got to it! It’s a book for lovers of fairytales and atmospheric writing, and best read curled up in a blanket in wintertime. This Rumplestiltskin retelling was more than I could ever ask for with characters so distinct I could pick them in a crowd. One of my favourite things about this book was its focus on three women who fought for lives they wanted to live and supported other women for doing so. It’s a modern fairytale and an empowering one!

Circe is the perfect book to pick up if you want to get lost in Greek mythology, herblore, magic, monsters, and adventure. Miller’s writing is a wonderful blend of style that echoes the likes of Juliet Marillier (!) and Robin Hobb (!!). It’s a voice I’ve only dreamt of reading and it’s as beautiful as I thought it would be. Read my full review here.

The Poppy War was one of the most hyped books of 2018 and it deserved every bit of it. Inspired by the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Rape of Nanking, this book isn’t one to be taken lightly. It’s gritty, dark, and full of dangerous magic and it’s one of the best military fantasy I’ve read in… well, ever!

If you haven’t picked up Senlin Ascends by now, why?! The book is set in the Tower of Babel and it’s one of the most unique places I’ve read in fantasy. It’s a mixed bag of genres from steampunk, historical fiction, and whim dark (my favourite!) with characters you can’t trust and ones whose developments will make you feel like a proud mama. Read it! *throws book at you*

Science Fiction

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Dark Matter is exactly the book you need if you’ve ever wondered what your life would be like if you made different choices along the way. It’s an action-packed adventure exploring alternate universes that will keep you at the edge of your seat. I absolutely loved this book and just talking about it makes me want to read it again.

The Shape of Water is a book I enjoyed so much I couldn’t form proper sentences to write a review for it. I mean, that’s usually THE sign that a book is amazing right? I loved how certain sentences in this book were loaded in ways that made me want to pause and reflect on them. The characters also made this book so good. They were imperfect and flawed and I loved reading about their internal conflicts and motivations. It’s emotional, a little weird, but absolutely worth it.

I love The Calculating Stars so much I want to keyboard smash just thinking about it. What. A. Book. It made me rage read, it made me tear up, and it gave me warm fuzzies. I know! All of them in one? YES. An alternate history book that explores what life would be like if Earth was hit with a meteorite that triggers a climate cataclysm making it inhabitable years in the future. It looks into starting a colony in space with a strong female protagonist fighting her way to be an astronaut in the midst of sexism, gender roles, and societal expectations. It’s one heck of an emotional ride and it’s beautiful. Buy it, read it, gift it.

Young Adult

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Radio Silence is emotional, relevant, and intimate in ways that will make you laugh, hurt, and smile in the biggest way. It’s exactly the kind of book I needed to read as a teenager. If you’re a young adult, please don’t pass this up. Even if you’re past that life stage (like me), read it! You can still get so much out of it. Read my full review here.

Everything All at Once is a story about family, friendships, grief, adventures, and living. This is a book I’d give a friend, the same way my friend gave it to me, because everyone needs something like it. Read my full review here.

Darius the Great is Not Okay is a powerful book that deals with many issues teenagers (and adults!) often struggle with. It explores identity, mental health, and family relationships and how they make up who we are. It’s earnest and vulnerable and reminds us it’s okay not to have it all together.

Middle Grade

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Imagine having a house that could travel miles while you’re asleep, only to wake up in a completely different place than the one you spent the night in. Imagine playing hide and seek with your house in the forest, or it growing the exact items you need just when you want them. The House with Chicken Legs is the perfect blend of whimsy and heart for fans of Howl’s Moving Castle. It’s a wonderful story on friendship, found families, and being able to do more with the life we have. Read my full review here.

Front Desk is adorable, heartwarming, and empowering! It tackles immigrant struggles, racism, stereotypes, poverty, and exploitation. Despite all this, Kelly Yang keeps everything age-appropriate and shows that there is good in people, and how we can achieve so much more together than when we’re divided. A must read for everyone!

What I loved most about The Dollmaker of Krakow was how genuine the relationships felt between the characters. The author was able to capture heartfelt moments in the everyday, and gradually, as people’s treatment of others began changing. The book sheds light on the overlooked people of society who are among the kindest and bravest of souls, willing to help and protect mistreated people because it’s the right thing to do. It reminds us that we always have a choice and what we choose matters. Read my full review here!

Special Mentions

The Best Sequels

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What’s amazing about these powerhouses is that their predecessors are already my favourites, yet they’re somehow as good or even better than them!

Illustrated Picks

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Brazen: Rebels Ladies Who Rocked the World is a non-fiction graphic novel that tells the stories of all kinds of women in history and around the world. I loved reading about each woman in this book and how they dared to live the lives they wanted in spite of sexism, racism, gender stereotyping, societal expectations, and other adversities. It’s inspiring and empowering, with some of the best illustrations in the industry. A must buy!

If you’re looking for something light, fluffy, and heartwarming, you will never go wrong with The Prince and the Dressmaker. It has the most precious story of friendship and being true to ourselves, and you will love every bit of it. There’s also Aquicorn Cove with its visually stunning illustrations. The book touches on loss, mourning, the environment, and change in a way that’s gentle and thought provoking. It’s lovely, and the message is easy to follow. I highly recommend it!

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Aaaanndd that’s it! 2018 has been such a great year for my reading and I hope you found something here that spiked your interest. Add them to your list, read them, and tell me how you like them!

What were your favourite books of the year?