Top 9 Reads of 2018

I’m doing a month long photo challenge on Instagram, and the prompt for the 9th was top 9 books this year.

I went on my Goodreads and looked through all of the five star reviews I’ve given so far and there were over 40. I didn’t know how I was going to choose. Normally any of my “top reads” lists is going to be riddled with thrillers, but I decided to make my list a little differently; I chose not to include any thrillers. Instead, I chose my top picks from genres that I don’t read as often. A few of these made my Top Ten Tuesday list this week as well.

1. Young Adult – Sadie by Courtney Summers

I know that Sadie could technically be considered a thriller as well, but since it’s one of my top YA reads of the year, I’m counting it. It also includes that podcast element that I absolutely love, highly recommended. Review coming soon! Purchase Sadie on Amazon

2. Translated – Penance by Kanae Minato

I have read and loved both of Minato’s translated works. Both were Criminally Good Book Club picks and books that I wouldn’t have picked up before joining bookstagram. Purchase Penance on Amazon

3. Short Stories – If You See Me, Don’t Say Hi by Neel Patel

I hardly ever read short stories, and I’m always worried about reviewing them, because what if I love some and hate others? I didn’t have to worry about that with this collection. I loved every single story. See my review here. Purchase If You See Me, Don’t Say Hi on Amazon

4. Fantasy – Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

This year I’ve read the entire Grish trilogy as well of Six of Crows. I plan to read Crooked Kingdom before the end of the year as well. It was hard to pick a favorite out of the four that I’ve read, but I decided to go with Six of Crows. I love all things Grisha, and I was not expecting to be this obsessed. Did I mention I’ve already preordered King of Scars? Purchase Six of Crows on Amazon

5. Chick Lit – Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win by Jo Piazza

Chick lit is a genre I normally steer clear of, but I decided to take a chance on Charlotte Walsh, and I was so glad I did! I listened to this as an audio book and absolutely loved it. I’ve learned that maybe I need to give the genre a chance more often. Review coming soon. Purchase Charlotte Walsh Likes To Win on Amazon

6. Horror – The Stand by Stephen King

I read my first King novel this time last year, and since then I’ve slowly been working my way through more of his works. The Stand has definitely been one of my favorites, and by far the longest. I look forward to continuing my King journey. Purchase The Stand on Amazon

7. Nonfiction – The Girl Who Smiled Beads by Clementine Wamariya

I haven’t read a lot of nonfiction this year, but I was glad that I made time for this one. The genocide that took place in Rwanda is not something I knew too much about. I learned so much from this memoir and I was so inspired by the authors strength and perseverance. Purchase The Girl Who Smiled Beads on Amazon

8. Romance – The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Romance is another genre that I don’t make a habit of reading often. I couldn’t ignore all the rave reviews about Evelyn Hugo. Luckily an IG buddy read gave me the push I needed to finally cross it off my list. I actually ended up listening to the audio and I loved it so much. I’m looking forward to TJR’s new book coming out next year. Purchase The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo on Amazon

9. Contemporary – Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult

Jodi Picoult is one of my all time favorite authors, so I know I’ll love anything she writes. Because of this, I initially thought I should pick a different contemporary read, but this one was definitely my favorite of the year so far. This is another that I listened to on audio and it was fantastic. Jodi gets me every single time with some sort of twist, and Leaving Time did not disappoint. Purchase Leaving Time on Amazon