The 21 Books I’ve Read So Far In 2017

I figured it was time to share what I’ve been reading latelyish.

My peak reading time is now somewhere between 11pm and 4am.  And there are now three TV-less nights a week in this house.  So, there’s that, too.

The Unseen World, Liz Moore – This book.  This effing book. I identified with Ada more than I care to admit, and as such, did not want this to end. Ten big, fat, teary stars.  Read it.

Once Upon A River, Bonnie Jo Campbell – One for my book group, this was one I started last year, but took into 2017 with me.  Beautiful, emotive writing.  Almost too much.

Did You Ever Have A Family, Bill Clegg – If you like small town gossip books, like I do, read this.  Not the book I expected when I started it, but I loved it.  Didn’t like the main characters as much as the rest of the chorus, but it all worked.

Shadow and Bone, Leigh Bardugo – I picked this up because I’m interested in reading Six of Crows, but I wanted to start at the beginning.  I didn’t read YA when I was one, but I seem to be making up for it now.  Easier to follow then some others.  Really escapist and well-written.

Born A Crime, Trevor Noah – Ten stars for the audio version.  So good.  Want another book on his career.

The Wangs Vs The World, Jade Chang – I appreciated what was there, I just wanted more.

All The Missing Girls, Megan Miranda – 5 stars, and I finished this at 4 AM.  And I cried at the end.  Impatiently waiting for Megan Miranda’s next book.

My Sister’s Bones, Nuala Ellwood – This book got me out of an anxiety-induced reading slump.  Part 1 was 10 stars.  And it’s better than the books it is being compared to.  I finished this book in two days.  Which doesn’t happen often any more.

Illuminae, Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff  – Well, this was another one finished in two days.  The ending made me want to read the second instalment, which I haven’t finished.

Red Queen, Victoria Aveyard.  I marked this to begin my A to Z challenge, because I’d received it in a bookish Secret Santa.  Still haven’t got to the second book, but the calming colour-scheme used on the covers of all three is calling my name!

The Roanoke Girls, Amy Engel – Right so, one day I read about a book.  The next day I bought the book.  The day after that, I finished the book.  This was that book.  I didn’t know much about it going in, and I called it early.  And it was hard to read.  But I kinda want to start all over again.

The Couple Next Door, Shari Lapena – At first I thought this was an exploitation of post-natal depression. At 50% I became more interested and less pissed off. Then I figured it out, and then there was the ending. Well, shit. At least it was a quick read.

Kill The Father, Sandrone Dazieri – Holy shit. What an actual roller-coaster this book is. And I haven’t been this invested in a quirky fictional duo since The Millennium books. And the writing was so beautiful and funny. The translation so fluid. And Italy. Of course. The actual case I wasn’t so down with, but bring on the next book. And y’all have to read this one.

My Brilliant Friend, Elena Ferrante – Wow.  Had to finish this on a morning everyone else slept in. Didn’t agree with the portrayal of Lenu’s mother.  But the world of this book is beautiful and real.  I’ve lent this one to a local friend, and bought the rest of the series.

The Lauras, Sara Taylor – LOVED THIS.  I believe this was my first 5- star rating on Netgalley, too.  Actually, all the stars.  Took this book on a road-trip, and it was the perfect companion.

My Name Is Lucy Barton, Elizabeth Strout – This was another road-trip read.  Beautiful. Finished in about three hours.  And now I want to read everything Elizabeth Strout has written.

My Grandmother Sends Her Regards and Apologies, Fredrik Backman – While I was emotionally invested in this, I wish I’d liked it more than I actually did.

The Second Sister, Claire Kendal– Once I got into this it was an OK read, with some generally creepy elements and an interesting atmosphere. Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read this.

The Upside of Unrequited, Becky Albertalli – I loved Simon, and might love this a little more. I have a Cassie. She isn’t my twin, but my Lobsister. And I kind of married my own Reid. They are both going to read this. You should, too. And I want another book set in this universe.

The Hate U Give, Angie Thomas – Loved this, didn’t want it to end.  But can we talk about the ending?

Saga, Volume 1, Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples – I probably wouldn’t have found this on my own, but Litsy told me to read it.  And I’m glad I did.  Now reading Volume 2.

Some Notes:

No finished books for the readathon.  Because, life.

I’m up to G on my #LitsyAtoZ

I’ve discovered Netgalley.

I’m @LornaDH on Litsy and my goodreads has been kinda spruced up here.

What are you reading?